I need acclimation tips for the Heatwave

[Dollythehun]

I have the cymbs shoved against the house. They were in the greenhouse, but under an umbrella. Normally, I would set them out during a rainy spring period. But that wasn't possible.

I think I'll set them out in the evening and then keep a close eye on them. Not much choice.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

80+f It's hot for here. I'm worried about sunburn or heatstroke. And they've been 20 degrees cooler...

---------- Post added at 03:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:59 PM ----------



Is ironite similar to actino iron? Pulverized iron, I think.

The temperature I would not worry about at all. How many orchids are you moving outdoors? If not too many, you can probably get a roll of plastic window screen and hang it over your plants, moving it eventually (allowing your normal summer shade when you judge the plants can tolerate it).

Ironite will provide more iron available to the plant than pulverized iron. I can't offer an opinion on actino iron - product I've never heard of.

[Dollythehun]

We used to use it in the nursery. It's probably the same thing. I put them out this morning with pillowcases clothes pinned to the sides. (What the passers by must think). It's supposed to be cloudy today with rain.

[estación seca]

In winter I drape frost cloth from my roof to the ground to protect the banana plant growing by my front door. About a quarter of my house's front is draped, and can be seen from the street.

Nobody's asked about it. Covering tender plants in the ground with frost cloth is common practice here in metro Phoenix on cold winter nights, but a Christo and Jeanne-Claude wrap is not.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Yeah . . . a Christo and Jeanne-Claude wrap . . . Don't go there.

[Dollythehun]

Can't afford it.

[Leafmite]

When I grew the orchids outside, I just tossed a handful of Ironite in the watering can and let is slowly dissolve over time. When it was gone, I added another handful. Very scientific. Now I have these little plastic baskets that I can fill up with a combination of Ironite, slow-release fertilizer and oyster shell (if I get ambitious). What I actually do, though, is sprinkle a little on top now and then. I know it works its way to the bottom but the roots extend into the saucers so I figure they are getting what they need.

I always have Ironite on hand as I grow quite a few plants that need the occasional dressing of it (Cinnamon, citrus, Passiflora, Jasmines, etc.) All of these like a nice slow, steady feed of iron which Ironite does a good job of delivering. I have blood meal and bone meal, too, so whatever my little baby plants need, I give them.

[Dollythehun]

Leafmite, is this similar? If so, don't buy any, I have 50#.

Actino-Iron - Evergreen Growers Supply, LLC

[Leafmite]

Nope. I've never heard of that. It seems more of a microbial thing than a traditional fertilizer. Here is what I use:

Amazon.com : Ironite 1-0-1 Granules 40 lb : Fertilizers : Garden & Outdoor

I just pick up a small bag at the local nursery when I need it.

The fertilizer baskets in which I invested and mean to use:

Amazon.com : 50 Fertilizer Basket S size for Osmocote Orchid Bonsai Flower Plant : Garden & Outdoor

[estación seca]

Ironite is widely used in the alkaline-water, alkaline-soil western US. Iron is poorly taken up by plants at high pH. It is easier to add extra iron in the form of a supplement for plants expecting neutral to acid soils, rather than actually changing our soil and water pH.

Be careful with Ironite; pieces not promptly swept up will leave rust stains on everything.