New Member

[10010100102]

Welcome to OB! I was just about to say that I think you'll find folks here are really friendly (and funny), but I guess you've probably already figured that out...

[priz_m]

Originally Posted by 10010100102

Welcome to OB! I was just about to say that I think you'll find folks here are really friendly (and funny), but I guess you've probably already figured that out...

Ditto! nonetheless welcome to the OB Phrogz3!

[Phrogz3]

all the others are in plain aliflor or hydroton (as are most of my chids)[/QUOTE] Are you growing in a greenhouse or a semi hydro situation? Have you used these medias in an outdoor setting? It seem that they would hold heat?

Coolphrog I didn't mean to rip off your name. I have never seen anyone spell it like that other then us phrogz at my house.


Camille it sounds as like you will have a rewarding career. I work in sub-tropical cattle and forage research before this. I have always loved my work. It's rewarding to know that the goal of your work is to better your world rather then harm it or others.

I love STEAK, we are on the way out the door to eat some for my one of my son's B-Day

[cb977]

Not a greenhouse but I did have a room built off my lanai. During the warmer months, all the vandas and a number of the others are out around the pool but most of them stay in the room with the ceiling fans going.

I decided early in my addiction that I wouldn't be very happy having to repot the chids because of bark mix breaking down so I tried the aliflor and the chids love it. I have some stuff in sphag only because it's really what they want but other than that, I use the aliflor as my main medium for everything.

[Phrogz3]

Susanne, I see. I will have to give that a try. Do you recommend a supplier, or buy at shows? You have a pool! Now we do have to be friends :-) hahaha

WOW, holy cow!!! I just figured out how to get to your profile Susanne. I understand why you don't want to re-pot all the time. You have a TON of orchids.

[cb977]

Originally Posted by Phrogz3

Susanne, I see. I will have to give that a try. Do you recommend a supplier, or buy at shows? You have a pool! Now we do have to be friends :-) hahaha

WOW, holy cow!!! I just figured out how to get to your profile Susanne. I understand why you don't want to re-pot all the time. You have a TON of orchids.

The place I used to get my aliflor from, up in Crystal River, has closed down so I've been getting hydroton from Simply Hydroponics which is about a 20 minute ride from my house. I'd hate to pay shipping on the stuff!

[Phrogz3]

Susanne, cool I'll give them I try next time I need to pot up.

[orchids3]

Hi Phrogz,
We have several things in common. First I grew up working with Angus (In Idaho) second I live in Florida (Jacksonville) and third I grow cymbidiums (around 2000). My mix is 1 Part Stalite gravel, 1 Part Medium CHC, A cup of Crushed oyster shell/gal pot, 1/2 cup gypsum / Gal and a Table spoon of Dolomite Lime / gal.
Have experimented a lot with mixes over the last 20 years in Fla and find a mixes used other places just do not work or at least not well for me in Florida. The above mix gives good drainage necessary for our wet conditions and the two time daily cooling mist I give my cymbidiums in summer. The shell,lime and gypsum give the plants the Calcium they really need and buffer the Ph which should be kept between 6.5 and 7 for cymbidium roots to endure (not rot). I use 15-8-11 Suncote 12 month controlled release fertilizer 1 tbl spoon per gal pot with just a pinch of controlled release
Calcium Nitrate applied in January. The plants seem to like Boron. Make a stock solution of 3 tbl spoons Boric Acid with 1 tbl spoon of Magnesium Sulfate in a 1 and 1/2 gal of water. Use 2 tsp of the stock solution in a gallon of water and apply every other month. I put 2 cups in 50 gal and pump in on to my cymbidiums. They are growing well for me. I use saucers under my pots 1 1/2 inch deep and water when the level drops to 1/2 in. Measure the Ph in the saucers (sampling) and add dolomite lime (Top dress) when it gets below 6.5.

[Phrogz3]

Thanx orchids3 for the very through explanation of you cymbidium process. I will print it out and save it for use in the near future .

Jonathan