ANSWER
Sometimes it is difficult to tell live orchid roots from dead ones. Live roots usually have firm substance, dead roots are usually dry. A useful test is to pinch a root between thumb and forefinger and pull away from the plant. If the velamen comes off leaving a thin wiry root behind, the root can be removed. Here is what dead roots look like – http://www.flickr.com/photos/graphicgreg/6852094645/
ANSWER
Yes. Better-Gro® Orchid Bloom Booster® can be used on cymbidiums. The best time to apply bloom booster is in the late summer into early autumn. Alternate with your regular fertilizier and feed plants with bloom booster every 3rd or 4th watering until nights begin to cool in the fall. Those cool nights are what will initiate bud development for flowering in winter-spring.
ANSWER
After the flowers on a Phalenopsis inflorescence have died you can cut the spike above the second node. You can feel a node as an enlarged bump on the spike. Plants will sometimes produce more flowers with this treatment. You may also cut the spike off completely and allow the plant to put all of its energy into growth for flower production next year.
QUESTION
How can I tell a live orchid root from a dead one?
ANSWER
Sometimes it is difficult to tell live orchid roots from dead ones. Live roots usually have firm substance, dead roots are usually dry. A useful test is to pinch a root between thumb and forefinger and pull away from the plant. If the velamen comes off leaving a thin wiry root behind, the root can be removed. Here is what dead roots look like – http://www.flickr.com/photos/graphicgreg/6852094645/
QUESTION
Can your Orchid Bloom Booster be used on cymbidium orchid?
ANSWER
Yes. Better-Gro® Orchid Bloom Booster® can be used on cymbidiums. The best time to apply bloom booster is in the late summer into early autumn. Alternate with your regular fertilizier and feed plants with bloom booster every 3rd or 4th watering until nights begin to cool in the fall. Those cool nights are what will initiate bud development for flowering in winter-spring.
QUESTION
Where should I cut the flower spike on Phalaenopsis?
ANSWER
After the flowers on a Phalenopsis inflorescence have died you can cut the spike above the second node. You can feel a node as an enlarged bump on the spike. Plants will sometimes produce more flowers with this treatment. You may also cut the spike off completely and allow the plant to put all of its energy into growth for flower production next year.