Beginners Orchid Equipment

[quietmorning]

I've been picking up a few things here and there to plan for my care set up for the orchids when I'm able to start bringing them home.

For the beginner that is primarily going to concentrate on phals and dens for quite a while until my comfort level is quite a bit higher, what would you suggest for care equipment that I should be accumulating before I bring more home?

This is what I have so far:
Listerine
Skewers
Fertilizer (though I need to do research to make sure I have the optimal kind - currently I'm using Miracle Grow Orchid Fertilizer - any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated)
Temp/Humidity gauge - will be buying several more of these

What I' am planning to get:
Light gauge
Lights
Plant shelves
Labels

Any other suggestions? Any suggestions for specific knives for 'surgical' needs when they arise?

Also, I have the option of using purified water (we have a very good water purifier in the house due to the old pipes) or tap. . . the water here tends to be on the hard side. . .any thoughts on what might be preferable? I've thought about losing the tap in favor of the purified, but I don't want to lose the minerals from the tap. . . but I don't have enough info yet on whether this is really a realistic issue.

Thanks!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Physan 20 to phytosanitize pots and mounts.

Phyton 27 in case you have a mean unexpected outbreak.

Research other kinds of anti-fungal or anti-bacterial agents and consider them.

A pair of scissors or cutters you don't mind burning in between cuts.

A good spray bottle when your collection is small. The larger spray canisters when your collection starts getting massive.

Miscellaneous sized bottles, buckets, and containers. You never know what you need them for.

Urea free fertilizers with a make-up of 20-20-20 or close to it.

Sticks and clips to keep things growing upright.

Jeweler's loupe's, the higher the magnification the better.

[Amanda L]

Let's see, don't forget the cinnamon! It's a great natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. When you use it, make sure you don't get it on the roots. Getting it on the roots will prevent them from drawing in water. Cinnamon is a great way to prevent rot from happening when you need to cut.

Also, pots of various sizes. Extra bark or moss, this depends on your preference. I use bark and charcoal. You will need these if you need to re-pot a new orchid. I usually re-pot everything when it gets home.

First Ray's has a great selection of fertilizers and such. I also like CalWest Tropicals to get my supplies from. They are reasonably priced and fast with shipping.

Good Luck on your orchid adventure!!!!

[quietmorning]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Physan 20 to phytosanitize pots and mounts.

Phyton 27 in case you have a mean unexpected outbreak.

Research other kinds of anti-fungal or anti-bacterial agents and consider them.

A pair of scissors or cutters you don't mind burning in between cuts.

A good spray bottle when your collection is small. The larger spray canisters when your collection starts getting massive.

Miscellaneous sized bottles, buckets, and containers. You never know what you need them for.

Urea free fertilizers with a make-up of 20-20-20 or close to it.

Sticks and clips to keep things growing upright.

Jeweler's loupe's, the higher the magnification the better.

You are so awesome!! Thank you!

[quietmorning]

Originally Posted by Amanda L

Let's see, don't forget the cinnamon! It's a great natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. When you use it, make sure you don't get it on the roots. Getting it on the roots will prevent them from drawing in water. Cinnamon is a great way to prevent rot from happening when you need to cut.

Also, pots of various sizes. Extra bark or moss, this depends on your preference. I use bark and charcoal. You will need these if you need to re-pot a new orchid. I usually re-pot everything when it gets home.

First Ray's has a great selection of fertilizers and such. I also like CalWest Tropicals to get my supplies from. They are reasonably priced and fast with shipping.

Good Luck on your orchid adventure!!!!

I COMPLETELY forgot about the cinnamon!! And I've read about it here several times!! Thank you for the reminder!

**laughing** I've been fascinated with and collecting pots like some women go for shoes!! My husband is getting a diamond drill bit for his glass studio and said he can drill the adequate holes I need in a few of the pots for me. (they have all the upper vents that I need, but don't have a hole on the bottom. . .pft)

Thank you for the references, that will be a big help. Feed my German Shepherd premium dog food, I don't want to do anything less with my orchids.

Thanks again!

[dounoharm]

rubbing alcohol and peroxide too! and you can wash your clippers with the physan 20, i keep some in a cannister for clipper wash and some in a spray bottle for plants.....have fun!

[quietmorning]

Originally Posted by dounoharm

rubbing alcohol and peroxide too! and you can wash your clippers with the physan 20, i keep some in a cannister for clipper wash and some in a spray bottle for plants.....have fun!

Check!! LOL. . .I getta go shoppin'!!

Thank you!

[Blueszz]

Tweezers! For instance when you want to pull away a leaf that died back (in the middle of a plant) or for removing moss between the roots.

A fan; when it's very hot/humid your plants like the extra air movement.

Seringes (to measure the amount of fertilizer for instance)

And something that is not for sale: patience :-)

Nicole

[peeweelovesbooks]

storage containers for big and small things. Wire, ties, labels, pens for labels,plastic trays. I second everything that everyone has pointed out.

[sheiman]

I'm glad you asked this, I was going to ask the same thing myself. Great advice everyone!