An Orchid/Exotic Hobbyist that is Greener (or organically grown orchids etc)

[mujacko2002]

Mabuhay!

I would like to seek assistance if anyone knows someone who grows orchids and such organically? Or at least most of the time the person uses more organic ferts/pestis or more into environment friendly measures in keeping his/her collections.

I am asking about this because there's this great website/tv program/internet program that features everything about organic gardening. Then, i posted a question in their FB account if they could feature someone or an organization that is into organic or environment friendly methods but more into exotics such as orchids, ferns etc. They responded back and asked me to give them the contact details of someone i know and they will be the one to get in touch with that person. Just PM me if you want to know what website it is.

I hope you can help me out folks. I thank you in advance for any response.

Godbless

[mujacko2002]

Mabuhay!

Any takers?

[Cym Ladye]

In my opinion, orchids can be grown "green" just like any other plant. Just read the labels on the fertilizer and insecticide "green" products. However, organic fertilizers will probably not give you the high bloom results you will get with other types and some pests may become more prevalent if not attacked more frequently with an organic spray, but you will probably get flowers and growth.

CL

[orchidsamore]

I have grown orchids organically for several years now. You can review some of my results at these web pages.

Vermi-liquid (worm tea) instructions its benefits and how to use it

Organic health canre of orchids, Test results of Essentials growth hormones on orchids

I get faster grown and more flowers organically than with chemicals.

[Cym Ladye]

Jerry,

I think it is all in the way one follows label directions, regular application of the product necessary at the right time, and the quality of the products used. I am glad to hear you have had success growing organically with the worm castings products. I wish I could say the same of the larger Cymbidium and greenhouse multi-genera collections I have visited in person here in Northern Ca. which are on a "gone green" program.

(I was unable to find the link to photos of your plants, only the ads for the products you mentioned.)

CL

[orchidsamore]

What I really like best about these products is that you can not do anything wrong using them

You can not overdose. I have used some 800 times too strong with no damage other than to my bank account. The orchids did fine.

I have gone months between treatments (not advised but show schedule is too busy) and only once a month is the actual recommended usage.

Using Vermi-liquid as a pesticide works well but it is a contact killer. Since most of our problems like thrips, scale, mealy bugs, aphids etc hatch as often as every three days it requires constant treatment if the plant is under attack. Once or twice a month is sufficient for maintenance. It has a bonus not found in poisons in that it will dissolve the eggs as well as kill the live insects.

[Kelo]

Would Vermi-liquid kill gnats in my potting medium? I have a small wormery outside that is just starting to produce liquid.

[Cym Ladye]

It sounds as if your product of choice may be fine for the hobby grower with 10-15 plants and can spend that amount of time in caring for them. I have over 1,000 Cyms. growing outside all year, except for those I move under cover for the early show season. I also have a house to run and a family to care for. I could never go organic with this number of plants and time available.

I use chemical insecticides ONLY WHEN NEEDED, never as a prevent; I use non-organic fertilizers every two weeks at a recommended 125 ppm dosage; and my plants speak for themselves at the shows! Orchids are my hobby, not my life.



CL