Category: Orchid Doctor

WATER BALANCE (HARD): High in Iron, Calcium and Carbonates

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago In Indiana, the old answer was "Drink it first" to make it suitable for plants, otherwise put in a de-ionizer or use a fertilizer formula that does not contain those minerals, and the iron should b... Read More

WATER BALANCE (HARD): Poor Quality Menace

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Hard water is a slow and dangerous killer, and sneaky, if derived from a well with 470ppm. of soluble minerals; symptoms, effects on mounted plants, pH of water as a contributing problem; the remed... Read More

WATER BALANCE (HARD): Soluble Salts Content

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Less than 125ppm. is excellent for use, more than 800ppm. should not be used. Hort. revs. 1983-291 Read More

WATER BALANCE: Loss by Evaporation

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago There are few plants from 6500 ft. elevation that can be cultivated at sea level because higher temperatures cause a water loss that cannot be compensated for by prodigious watering at the roots. O... Read More

WATER HEATER (HOT): Used for Disinfecting

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Most pests harmful in the pot or mix can be killed at 160 dF, so dipping both pot and mix, with a float-proof cover, in hot water for 10 minutes is simple and effective. OA80-79 Read More

WATER HEATER: Use a Small Coffee-cup Immersion Heater

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Place it on a piece of styrofoam about 6in. square with the element protruding downwards through a slit in the middle; place it in a 40 gallon plastic garbage can so it floats with the heater in th... Read More

WATER SOFTENERS: Arising From the Bathroom Shower Vapor

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Any that forms on plants grown there should be free of chemicals, being close to distilled water, and a promoter of short humidity. A85-332 Read More

WATER SOFTENERS: Resinous Units

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Can be used safely for hard water high in soluble salts, and the end product is similar to distilled water high in initial cost; many industries use them. AH86-96 Read More

WATER SOFTENERS: Simple and Economical Solution

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago Bicarbonate hardness is eliminated by a "weak acid" ion exchange resin, a commercial process marketed as a Duolite C-4338 Tank; for particulars refer to A85-334 Read More

WATER SOFTENERS: Using "common Salt"

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted over 7 years ago The main factor not fully considered in transforming a healthy collection of cymbidiums to a dying one was the fact that common salt was used as a water softener; refer to OR77-37+ -- water from a ... Read More