Here are more orchid-growing tips (continued from my last post)...
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Old, clean Osmunda, collected when un-potting Cattleyas and other species, is excellent for this purpose.
A formula highly recommended by a successful grower is three parts of leaf mold (oak and sycamore), one part disintegrated granite, one-half part fibrous peat, and one-half part turf and sand.
One grower's wife has been heard to complain that her husband tears up the front lawn to get potting material for his Cymbidiums.
The use of fertilizer is a controversial matter, but it is probably good for these heavy feeders.
Addition of leaf mold is always recommended.
Cymbidiums need moisture at the roots at all times and correspondingly good drainage.
Since these plants grow enormous bulbs, a large pot is necessary.
The time for repotting is late spring when new growths are just beginning.
Backbulbs may be removed without disturbing the plant and they will start new plants from the dormant eyes.
When potted the backbulbs should be centered in the pot since there is no way of predicting the direction in which the eye will break.
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I'll post more orchid care tips soon!
- Sara
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