Malmgren media preparation

[Intruder]

In order to saw European orchids I try this morning to prepare the Malmgren media. Unfortunately I have observed that I can't dissolve 50 or 100 mgr of tricalcium phosphate in one liter of water. Wo has experience with the preparation of this media? your help will be very appreciate.

[newflasker]

Originally Posted by Intruder

In order to saw European orchids I try this morning to prepare the Malmgren media. Unfortunately I have observed that I can't dissolve 50 or 100 mgr of tricalcium phosphate in one liter of water. Wo has experience with the preparation of this media? your help will be very appreciate.

Low pH could dissolve more tricalcium. You may try monocalcium phosphate. It dissolves more in water than tricalcium phosphate. Most of TC/Orchid formula use monocalcium phosphate.

[Pippin]

I have no experience with this medium.

[Intruder]

Originally Posted by newflasker

Low pH could dissolve more tricalcium. You may try monocalcium phosphate. It dissolves more in water than tricalcium phosphate. Most of TC/Orchid formula use monocalcium phosphate.

OK thank you. I have re-tried this morning. For 60 mgr of tricalcium phosphate I have added 10 ml of water and 3 drops of HCl and I obtained a complete solublity after having warmed a little bit the solution.

[Intruder]

Originally Posted by Intruder

OK thank you. I have re-tried this morning. For 60 mgr of tricalcium phosphate I have added 10 ml of water and 3 drops of HCl and I obtained a complete solublity after having warmed a little bit the solution.

New observations: Svante Malmgren recommend the addition of small potatoes cubes in his media. I am surprised because the small cubes of potatoes remain intact after autoclaving the media, I do not obtain a homogeneous solution. The autoclave tape shows that the temperature of 120°C has well been reached. Any comments?

[newflasker]

Originally Posted by Intruder

New observations: Svante Malmgren recommend the addition of small potatoes cubes in his media. I am surprised because the small cubes of potatoes remain intact after autoclaving the media, I do not obtain a homogeneous solution. The autoclave tape shows that the temperature of 120°C has well been reached. Any comments?

You can add potato cubes or potato extract. Potato cubes will not be dissolved in media. During autoclaving potato cubes, potato juice will be dissolved into media. Potato extract helps to build Chlorophyll which absorbs the sunlight and turns the energy from light into usable energy to build leaves. Cheers.