Repotting time for Cynbidiums

[orchids3]

Des,
Have a look at this site - I use the 1 gal Injection molded root maker pot in white plastic container. (Commom food tubs) I put my holes in the white tubs. The white color helps reflect heat which also helps.RootMaker, The Original Root Pruning Container System. Another place where they make pots and containers to grow trees

RootMaker, The Original Root Pruning Container System. Might be hard to get to SA but the ideas are useful. Am using a gravel here which is heat expanded shale -used to make Precast Concrete structures Called "Stalite". I am delighted with the results. It retains 30 percent of its weight in water - is pH neutral and does not have the dust that gives me astma like pearlite. Several commercial growers are useing it in Florida for everything from Cattleyas to Paphs. I understand that some lumber yeards sell it a Expanded shale. At first I mixed a lot of CHC with it but find that is work it works well at less than 25 % CHC and 75% Stalite for cymbidiums. Will reduce CHC even more in the future but cant vouch for its as a sole component of the mix. Its cheap! The one thing that might be considered a drawback is the weight - If you carry a box with very many potted cymbidiums in it you will strain your family jewels - on the other hand the pots will not blow away in a wind storm.

For the person who wanted Cym Flasks - have you looked at http://www.orquideas.com/ ?

[Des]

Harry, thanks for the info . I think I stand more chance of falling pregnant than finding something like Root maker here . I am improvising as well at the moment I plant from flask into 300ml polstryrene coffee cups which are about 120 mm deep. From there on I join std pots together to give a about 50mm of additional depth as the plants grow.The final pot is a 9 liter bucket which I drill holes into about 25 mm up the side which then forms a resevoir at the bottom of the pot, so far I have had good root growth with this . My chance of finding the expanded shale is also remote . I am hoping to be able to grow cymbids without any media and am still experimenting . Chc is becoming popular here so you would think that the price would drop, but things don't work that way here and instead it is becoming more expensive !! We seem to have this culture of greed here !!

[jmateosky]

Des,

What country are the plants from?

I need a phyto and maybe cites not sure

Jim

jmateosky@yahoo.com

[Des]

Originally Posted by jmateosky

Des,

What country are the plants from?

I need a phyto and maybe cites not sure

Jim

jmateosky@yahoo.com

Jim I import from Australia in flask . The problem with me obtaining phyto and cites is that the plants will have to be sent to Pretoria for these and the costs would be prohibitive . I have asked my contact in OZ if he would export to you ,but he is so busy with his local market that he just does not have the time to obtain the permits etc .
While in Oz some years ago I came across a nursery that was doing some exporting to the States If you are interested I will try to find the name again .
What a pity one can't just post some to you without all the paperwork that goes with it , but it is not worth doing time in jail especially here in Africa!!!

[orchids3]

The website I gave you is a company in the USA - California to be exact.

[Bobfharris]

Originally Posted by jmateosky

Des,

What country are the plants from?

I need a phyto and maybe cites not sure

Jim

jmateosky@yahoo.com

No Cites required for flasks shipped internationally. Flasks were specifically exempted from the CITES regs. Phytos frequently are between countries. Most US nurseries charge between $30-$50 per shipment for Phytos..