unspoken truths...
today, in my greenhouse, I was working away, and BAM! it hit me that there are probably many orchid (and other plant) newbies that just haven't had the benefit of a farming family and a horticultural degree....and don't know some little things.....like:
never fertilize or spray with insecticide on a DRY plant! water normally first, then do your fert or spraying...that way the plant/media is already wet and will absorb the treatment....I don't think I have ever seen that in any instruction, but it is so important!
whatever you do, DO IT BEFORE NOON! that allows the plant to dry out before it goes to sleep. that keeps the plant strong against bacteria like crown rot.
most spray treatments fert or insecticide will need what is called a SPREADER/STICKER...this is simply a bit of dish soap in the spray (I like that peppermint oil soap) to assist it to hang on long enough to work!
an orchid of most kind aspirates (breaths) from 'stomata' on the UNDERSIDE of the leaves....try to wet that part and your plant will love you!
I know I left out a lot of stuff that most of us take for granted.....but you all can pitch in with little hints of your own at this point! good luck all, and enjoy your plants!
KISS and don't sweat the small stuff...everything is small stuff!
|
Threaded Mode
