Out And About (Tall Tales but Very True)
Why do orchids die apart from climate, toxicity, or disease?
Hi to all the brotherhood of orchid growers. Why do orchids die apart from climate, toxicity, disease? One of the main culprits is you. Do you think that when you turn your sprinkler on, or water your bush house with a hose and nozzle, that all pathogens cannot live in the mix and drown? Their spores get randomly flushed out through the bottom of a well drained pot?
See in these photos below what happens when we do not get it right?
Dry & wet sweaty areas - Mycelium fungal infection kills orchids
Although this is hard to do, the ultimate way is to dip and soak the plant (instead of watering) with a solution of:
Dishwashing Liquid (30mls)
Hospital Grade Disinfectant (30mls)
Strongrow Mineral Orchid Powder (15mls)
You can substitute the Strongrow powder with these ingredients (mix well before adding to the solution):
Fine Ag Lime (3 parts)
Dolomite (1 part)
Blood and Bone (1 part)
Fertiliser of your choice (1 part)
My ingredients:
You can mix all the ingredients in a large bucket (12 – 15L), agitate then dip orchid in this. The orchid will be restored back to normal in a few days when dried out in pot. This is what we do to restore our plants, you are welcome to try it but at your own risk.
Cym. canaliculatum 'Gold Speckle' - this plant was near death two years ago from using too much white oil, the mineral treatment brought it back to life (together with using a quality orchid potting mix).
The Bush Basher signing off for now - keep those orchids smiling at you. If not,....have a chat with me.
Email Mark: strongrow.orchids@gmail.com
