Orchid Care – What The Root Tells Us-Gardening
Orchid Care - What The Root Tells Us
Orchid Care Part 4 Diseases of the RootsOur final part in orchid care part 4 is about the roots of the plant. This is the heart and soul of the plant. If these are not healthy then the whole plant will show the effects.Loss Of RootsOrchid care part 4 now turns our attention to the roots. Roots disease is difficult to diagnose. The roots actually loss their function and do not supply the plant with the nutrients it needs.some of the causes include:over watering, probably the most common. I know I am at fault for this one with one of my phals.The next most common cause is old potting material. You will see this occur with orchids bought from grocery stores or home goods stores. They are usually packed in soil which is not a good medium for orchids.Slugs or snails can cause root disease. This orchid care part 4 says you need to treat with metaldehyde.Sometime excessive salt or minerals in your water can cause this as well. If so you need to use distilled water.Occasionally you will see the whole plant be effected by the infamous "mealy bug".
When this occurs you will note a white cottony mass on the plant or a gray, brown or even black mass underneath the leaves and flower stems.The treatment includes scrubbing the plant with a soft toothbrush dipped in malathion. You should also spray the greenhouse regularly with malathion. Don't forget to take precautions with spraying, no children or animals and use a face mask.We are now at the end of our series of orchid diseases with orchid care part 4.Visit our Orchid Store: http://www.orchid-store.orchids-plus-more.com** This article can be used freely as long as the author and the Orchids-Plus-More.com are identified within the articleThis site http://www.orchids-plus-more.com is devoted to these wonderful orchid plants. Did you know they are the second in popularity only to the poinsettia plants? You will find a good deal of information on how easy orchid care really is. They are wonderful to have around your home or for that special gift. Orchid flowers are beautiful and can last for years. Your plant will be appreciated for years and years.
Orchid Myths -The Truth-Gardening
Orchid Myths -The Truth
Here are some of the popular orchid myths#1 Orchids are CarnivorousThey are not, in fact, they pollinate by luring insects to them but they do not eat the insects. This helps the orchid gardeningOrchid Myths#2 Orchids come from the TropicsSome orchid flowers do come from the tropical climates but they grow in any climate and in any country, even Alaska.#3 Orchids are Expensive.Not anymore. Now with the increased number of orchid gardening and growers, the modern reproductive methods orchids now are reasonably priced.#4 Orchids are Hard to Grow.This orchid myths is now furthest from the truth. They are not anymore difficult than any other plant. They need the basics, water, light, air and fertilizer. And you can have a beautful orchid flowers that last for years.Some Orchid Questions#1 Are all orchids the same?On the contrary o what most florists want you to believe, they come in over 28,000 varieties, they are the largest plant family. There are estimates of 110,000 hybrids today. They grow from thimble size (Mystacidium) to over 20 feet tall (Renanthera storei)#2 What soil do they grow in?Most orchids require no soil. In nature orchids are divided into 4 classes;Epiphytes air plants (majority of orchids) grow on treesLithophytes air plants grow on rock surfacesSaprophytes air plants grown on decaying vegetationTerrestrials ground plants grow in soil#3 Do orchids only last a short time?On the contrary most species can last for years if taken care of. There are some plants which were propagated in the 18th century and continue to live today.#4 How often do they bloom?It varies according to the variety and hybrid but they can bloom from once to 2 - 4 times a year. The blossoms can last for weeks to months which is a real plus.#5 How old is my plant?Orchids can take years to come to maturity and bloom. Typically, the plants are anywhere from 5 to 8 years old.#6 Is conservation of orchids important?According to the American Orchid Society this is a priority. Threats to orchids come primarily from loss of habitat and collecting. The AOS encourages the purchase of only artificially propagated orchids.#7 Should orchids be protected from a draft?
This could be another orchid myths, but the answer is no, orchids prefer moving air but should not be over a heating or air conditioning vent.Visit our Orchid Store: http://www.orchid-store.orchids-plus-more.com** This article can be used freely as long as the author and the Orchids-Plus-More.com are identified within the articleBob Roy has an orchid site with many articlea and information on orchids. His website is quite popular, http://www.orchids-plus-more.com. You will also see a large selection of stunning orchids