Since many years I use CHC to prepare my Cattleyas substrate. I add to the bark mixed with a few clay balls around 25 to 30% of CHC. The CHC I use is the one sold by garden centers for mulching. By precaution I let this one soaking three times 24 hours in rain water in order to eliminate possible sodium. All these water extracts have a red color. In this reference (Clik Here) I found many informations about the nature of the water extract constituants. I noticed that the Cattleya roots can be colored by these water extract. My questions are:
Are one or many other products identified detrimental for the orchids roots and especially Paphiopedilum?
When you use CHC to prepare your substrate how do you prepare it?
Many thanks in advance for your comments about this subject.
PS: I remember me that Eric Muehlbauer wrote many years ago that he had never had good results using CHC as substrate but we never know for which reason. The Wellenstein affirmed the opposite.
Are one or many other products identified detrimental for the orchids roots and especially Paphiopedilum?
When you use CHC to prepare your substrate how do you prepare it?
Many thanks in advance for your comments about this subject.
PS: I remember me that Eric Muehlbauer wrote many years ago that he had never had good results using CHC as substrate but we never know for which reason. The Wellenstein affirmed the opposite.
