Clark Riley Baltimore, Maryland, USA http://cyps.us/
_______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
Because of it's ultra-porous structure, Diatomite quickly absorbs
water. If the water contains salts and the diatomite is dry, the matrix
is saturated with that solution, initially at the concentration of
fertilizer you use. When the water evaporates, the salt is left behind
since it is not volatile. The next watering and the concentration of
fertilizer in the interior of the diatomite is doubled. Next watering
-- tripled, etc. I can vouch for the extraordinary growth of the
Phragmipedium besseae alliance in Diatomite and I fertilize with every
watering session. HOWEVER, I always saturate the pebbles with rainwater
first. The interiors are thus filled with pure water and only the
surface has the nutrients. Classic hydroponics. In a typical year in
the past, I would have one or two of my bessea group out of dozens
flower. This year, nearly all of them are flowering. This is a result
of a combination of Diatomite and central air conditioning in the house
for the first time.
