Quote:
Originally Posted by NYCorchidman
Tucker- were you able to save cattleyas that had black rots or did you lose them? just curious.
What water do you use?
Doesn't tap water in most places have calcium in it??
|
No, it's not about saving orchids that already have black rot. Calcium helps the plant produce strong cell walls that are resistant to rot and insects. The orchid needs to have a supply of calcium during the growing season. You're absolutely correct that most water supplies have plenty of calcium. That's why fertilizers often don't include those two elements. But if an orchid grower is experiencing more than just an occasional problem with black rot, it may be an indication that the orchid isn't getting enough calcium. It could be that the grower is using RO water, distilled water or rain water. If a grower isn't having a black rot problem then the plant is probably getting plenty of calcium. To increase calcium a grower can use a cal/mag fertilizer or a cal/mag supplement. Many fertilizers designed for orchids include calcium and say so on the label.
Hybrid Mode
