"The most interesting/ useful/ etc. thing I've found out is..."

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by johnblagg

Lets all give RJ a big way to go and thanks for such nice words

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Clear plastic pots.

Never got the aha moment until people mentioned it.

Not only do I get to see the roots on my plants, but they get to do what they would do in the wild...

Photosynthesize.

I'll add the whole cinnamon, neem oil, and Listerine thing too.


Here're a couple other home remedies.

1. Antibacterial liquid dishwashing detergent.

2. Tea tree oil based liquid soaps.

Surprisingly enough, these 2 products performed better than either Physan 20 or Phyton 27 combined.

[Pilot]

Bottom heat... its not just for humans ) It also happens to spur healthy root growth in a newly potted plant, especially those in s/h.

Bottom heat has saved many of my plants, specifically a rootless violacea hybrid that is now thriving with loads of new roots.

[Jennyfleur]

Originally Posted by Pilot

Bottom heat... its not just for humans ) It also happens to spur healthy root growth in a newly potted plant, especially those in s/h.

Bottom heat has saved many of my plants, specifically a rootless violacea hybrid that is now thriving with loads of new roots.

'Bottom heat' - I'm assuming this is providing heat from below?? Sounds interesting but how do you do it? (e.g. heat mat, lighting, radiator?!? )

The reason I ask is my current rescue project phal (one not so careful owner now one sympathetic owner!) is practically rootless and, with winter comming up here, I'm worried the little pot it's in won't dry out quick enough.

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by Jennyfleur

'Bottom heat' - I'm assuming this is providing heat from below?? Sounds interesting but how do you do it? (e.g. heat mat, lighting, radiator?!? )

The reason I ask is my current rescue project phal (one not so careful owner now one sympathetic owner!) is practically rootless and, with winter comming up here, I'm worried the little pot it's in won't dry out quick enough.

Yes, you heat from below using a heating mat-- specifically a seed germination mat. Mine are made by hydrofarm. It is advertised to raise the temp 10-20 above the ambient room temp. Works like a charm-- especially for warm-growing plants.

[silken]

I meant to add that cinnamon was very helpful. Also just read about the vodka. Is that 3cc to a gallon of water? I also read in a post that coconut water helps stimulate growth and I am sure it is responsible for 7 new growths on an almost dead cattleya. They are still very small but green and alive! I found that amazing!

Glad you are part of the community RJSquirrel!!

[Jennyfleur]

Thanks, I thought it'd be a mat, but you never know on here

(also just seen how I spelt 'coming' with two 'm's, I really am due for a winter rest!)

[Swamper]

Things I've learned
1.LECA for anything else I have that's not a vanda
2.Formula 409 cleaner and alcohol...409 really? yup
3. A LOT of people love phals...really? yup
4. I've been fortunate to meet lots of nice people in my life but never so many in one place...political views asside
5. Sometimes you just gotta bite your tounge.

[cb977]

Originally Posted by Swamper

2.Formula 409 cleaner and alcohol...409 really? yup
.

Told ya!

[Eyebabe]

Wow...I have so been beaten to the punch!
s/h
cinnamon
seedling mats
yep yep all that stuff!

BUT the MOST important thing I think I have learned on OB is from Maria: Buying orchids is a guiltless act!




...and @ RJ /hug