I did spray some of the aspiring solution on a couple of things, including some of the powdery mildew...I probably have to go the copper route as it's all over..Putting 2 and 2 togeher from what Sherry said...These plants are right up against the green house windows..
And all this time Jeremy - I thought you coined that phrase. I remember that sale on ebay- I went by the "if it's too good to be true rule" -- lost that one eh?.
Rooting Experiment Results
Well, I filled sixteen cups with wet orchid moss, planted brug cuttings on the 18th. Yesterday, they had nubbins. This morning I pulled on one and it resisted. I pulled it out anyway and it has little roots! As one of you suggested, I am going to plant my seeds in it also. What fun! It's so easy.
Good for you, Gloria! Hope things continue to do well for you. I am hopelessly addicted to the stuff now. I've found that a good way to keep trays of it well moistened without disturbing anything is to use a fine spray from a bottle I keep handy. I put a bit of H2O2 in it and it seems to help keep any damping off problems at bay.. at least for me. I may FINALLY succeed at starting seeds!!
Barb
The sphagnum moss I use is so good at rooting it will root anything and everything in my green house with no heat. Ever since Nadine told me about it I have used nothing else for my hard to root cuttings. Its reusable because bateria can not live in it. I have clerodendrum & brugmansia cuttings in a baggy of sphagnum moss that I just cut this winter. Keep in mind that last week we were in the high 20's for three days. No damage done to the cuttings. The main reason is that the sphagnum moss is desease free. Check out this article that will attest to its anti desease anti root rot properties.
http://www.premierhort.com/website/profweb/aprofweb/premierpress/archives/summer00vol7-2/apress7-2b.html
I can't wait for Barb's moss to get here. I was moving a tall seedling to my house yesterday and as we were putting it into the car it got so broken. Time for cuttings. I think I am going to like this moss!! LOL
For years now I have used finely crushed sphagnum moss to prevent damping off. I have never thought about using it to root cuttings, though I have used it for air layering.
I have several cuttings in moss at the moment and they are coming along just fine.
If any of you guys also start any type of seeds, eg: annuals, perrenials or vegetables. Crush up some of the moss and sprinkle it on top of the seeds if they need covered or sow your seeds on top of the crushed moss. I have never lost a seedling to damping off since I started using this.
I started some seeds today in the moss. I had about 50 4oz. juice cups that I had saved as we emptied them to use for seeds. I started taking the moss and putting in the cups with it dry. I then came up with the idea to get a bowl and put some in a bown with water. I then had another idea and it is what I usually do when I use spghanum peat moss. I took the bag and just ran water down in the plastic bag. Sure made it a lot easier to handle. I use a lot of the spghnum peat moss to pot with by mixing it with sand and MGrow potting soil. I have found if I wet it down it is easier to handle.
Just thought some one could use this information.
As I've said, I really enjoy these two new, to me, rooting options. I look forward to using both the moss options, and I'm really glad I purchased mine before the run on it, I've told a couple of other people about it and they cannot locate it any place...
OK, I just potted up some cuttings in the plain sphagnum. Do I bag it??
RJ - I looked at the el cheapo aspirins and found uncoated right away. Just lucky, I guess.
As to where I hang out... First, see if there are any new D-mails. Then, IF I make it through all the new posts in the TOO many threads that I watch - I look in the 17 forums that I watch. And IF by some miracle I make it through all them, you might just find me about anywhere on here! Don't always post and lurk a lot too.
Good night all, I am getting exhausted! ~ Suzi :)
Hey, rj. So far I haven't gotten into hybridizing my own orchid species, so haven't had the privilege of giving any their cultivar name yet. Also, you didn't exactly lose out on the "too good to be true" eBay deal. Almost all of the 22 or so orchids I got were in good condition (especially 'Shelob Tolkein' which bloomed a few weeks after I received it and reblooms regularly). However, you may have seen the thread in the orchid forum in regard to the eBay company from which I bought my orchids going totally downhill and sending out dead or dying orchids to almost everyone that bought from them. I was lucky to get in on one of their first batches of orchids that were offered at the $0.99 starting price.
Sandy, did you buy orchid moss from the eBay seller? I'm just curious because I haven't done anything yet about buying my own supply of orchid moss. I will be out in the world today (a chore I limit as much as possible, prefering to stay home in my garden as a reclusive crumudgeon), so I will check our local mega-stores for orchid moss.
Jeremy
Jeremy, bjf826 offered to send me some and it is cheaper. I hope you find some when you go out. We had only the kind at our store with the big pieces of mulch. They must not have much call for it here. I have my cuttings in a bubbler right now and they are doing great.
Can I put my hibiscus cuttings in with the brug cuttings in the bubbler?
Blessings,
Sandy ^8^
If I put potting mix or orchid moss into the "red cups" do I need to put a hole in the bottom for drainage? Sure hope to have success with the seeds. Most of my cuttings in plain water have rooted really well.
I know nothing but I sure would and did. But then again maybe you don't. LOL.
Listen Chris, brugs are easy! They really are. That is why everyone loves them so. They are such fast aggressive growers too, almost instant satisfaction. If you have trouble, just try again. Looks like you are a pro already with cuttings.
Well, I've copied and kept the vivid description of "sphagnum moss illness" so that I can give it to my doctor in three weeks when I break out in bumps and then lesions (to be followed by systemic breakdown)
I worked with a whole block of orchid moss without gloves. I have an awful dread.
Gloria, I don't think you have anything to worry about with the orchid moss with respect to illness, but it never hurts to take the appropriate precautions. I have been working with it dry and wet since the middle of January and have not experienced any adverse effects from it.
Kell, you and Sandy should be receiving your packages on Monday, I imagine. They went Priority mail USPS on Friday. (And I'm very sorry for the delay... been going totally bonkers at work and it slipped what's left of my mind!)
Chris, I found that using those "throw-away" containers you get at wally world for $1.97 or so for 4 worked better for seeds than Kell's Kups. I got the ones that are 3"x6" and discarded the lids (mainly because you can't see through them) and used Press 'n Seal until they germinated. For the cuttings, I didn't put drainage holes in the kups.. but that's just me and my way of doing it. I didn't have anything under the cups to catch run-off is why.
Barb
I LUV 'see through' too Barb...
I used the clear plastic see through cups after using all the free ones I had been saving. Bobbie gets meals on wheels and they bring juice in a little 5-6 oz plastic cup. I used them for some seeds like holly hock and used the 12 oz see through for the brug seeds and a few cuttings I had of Morning Glory Tree and Red Porter Weed. I hadn't thought about covering with any thing but did carry them out and placed them on the side walk yesterday for them to get some heat. I will get some press and seal tomorrow.
I save the plastic ice cream and fruit cups from school.. (substitute teaching).. We have had enough rain now (well,,, maybe the one above knows best). My friend up the road in LaGrange, let me know and I will get more of these and bring to the "swap" Elaine
This message was edited Feb 25, 2006 10:13 PM
Elaine someone would probably love to have those cups. I don't know if I will need them but some one will be glad to take them from you. Bring them with you.
I mentioned this in another thread in "Frugal Living" long ago, but I like the taco salad bowls and lids from Taco Bell for germinating seeds. The 2 - 3 inch sloping domed lid makes a perfect mini-greenhouse. I will try the taco salad bowls this year with all the other hints for starting seeds that I've picked up from this thread.
Jeremy
I wouldn't be worried about getting sick from the moss. Not all of the mosses are contaminated with the stuff that will give you an infection (from what I remember). You'd have to have moss w/ the right stuff in it, and you'd have to have it come in contact w/ broken skin. I wouldn't be worrying and I certainly wouldn't lose sleep over it. Besides, sometimes when you start looking too hard for something you start to see it whether it's there or not...I do that, LOL. Just put the papers away, by now you've read them enough to know all the symptoms, I'm sure! :) If you end up having the infection I'm sure you'll catch it right away.
The only reason I posted that info was to let folks know it's possible to have happen. I didn't want to scare anyone. The same infection can come from other things that you deal with in your garden all the time, and none of us has prolly gotten it yet! I just didn't want everyone digging into this moss and handling it all the time w/out knowing they *COULD* get an infection, not *WILL* get an infection. I just love my DGers, that's all. :)
So sphagnum moss is orchid moss ?
I save those salad containers for my saucers under my plants.
THANKS Barb!!!
You be welcome, Kell.
Jeremy, I saw that other thread just yesterday. Those Taco salads (without the refried beans) are tasty indeed... Gonna have to have a couple of "take-out" days this week I believe.
Here is a pic of some of my recycled seed-starting containers...
(sorry it's so dark.. guess the flash didn't go off)
Barb
Tony, Orchid Moss by BetterGro is a blend of mosses. I'm sure there is Sphagnum moss in there.
Barb
Jeremy, that was the one time that little rule didn't work so well for me!!
I am in Kauai right now.."the garden isle" - The orchids here are monster size. I am headed to the botanical gardens today. Going to see if I can load up on some "approved" items to bring back and share!
The bougenvilla are in stunning bloom right now..it had been pretty dry for a while. Now in rainy season though-
Rj
Continuing on moss question.. what about dead trees ??? Can you use decaying wood for starting seeds & rootings.? Elaine
Oh Rj..... you lucky duck. I want something good from Hawaii too. LOL
Barb I got the package and I coud not believe it, you bought out the store for me. THANKS SO MUCH!!
Barb, I got my package today. I think the box weighed more than the stuff. I picked it up and could not believe how light. Dmail me how to send money.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!
Rj you are a lucky duck as kell puts it. I want something too. LOL I bet you are having a wonderful time.
Blessings,
Sandy ^8^
Well, Well,Well, now my secret is outta the bag...LOL..Man, My ears have been burning for a long time...Sheeze...
HELLO....everybody!! Now ya know why I use the Orchid Moss!!..
and along with Daisymae's poop...
I am glad ya'll all finding that this orchid moss is working for you..
I am sorry I haven't been online due to my hubby's rotor cuff shoulder surgery..been busy working and going home to him...but he is doing great now...so I'll be on more...
And my grandson is here visiting me too..My daughter and her family came in Saturday nite from New Mexico and spending a week with me...Yahoo!!!!!!!!
OH KELL!!!! I did get a pic of my grandson on Daisymae's back while she was eating...lol..will post soon as they give me a pic of him..
Nadine
NADINE! I'm so glad you are here.. and sincerely hope all goes well with your hubby's recovery from the surgery!!
Yep.. I was a tattle-tale 'cause I wanted everyone to know what great stuff you told me about. And thank you.. again.
Now.. would you ask your sweet DaisyMae if she'd share her bounty with me provided I bring her her favorite treat at the swap? (I'm not sure yet if I will definitely make it, but hope to.)
Ladies and gents.. this is the heretofore "keeper of the secret" of the moss. Thanks for sharing with us.
Barb
I hope your hubby recovers nicely, Nadine, I understand that surgery is tough, good luck!!!!
bjf826... I can trade some of Daisymae's poop...lol... I won't be able to come to the swap in Florada on account of my hubby's still off work until April 22..he has about 7 more weeks of arm therapy...and he needs help getting a shower and bathroom dept..lol..
I can mail ya the poop cuz it is dried and lightweight...just send me a D-mail and lets talk..lol..
Nadine
Nadine bring him with you. And her also.
Hi Nadine,
I sure would like some daisymae poop. Do I have anything you would like? I loved our visit. Hope to do it again soon.
Blessings,
Sandy ^8^
I can't wait to see the pic Nadine of my sweet Daisymae giving your grandson a ride. I bet you are so busy abut happy wiht your company!!
I sure hope your DH heals fast. Good luck!!
Did you ever think Daisymae was going to provide a cash crop??? LOL !!
Yeah Kell I never thought I would be wanting so bad to make piggypoo tea. LOL Daisymae must be something. Moodene came to visit me last month and I must say she is something else. I loved our visit. She brought me a flower. I could not believe she would cut one of these and put it in watter for me. It was the most magnificent Papillo Amaryllis bloom. It was Great to meet her and I learned alot.
How lucky Sandy. I know she is a doll. Next time get her to bring Daisymae for a personal delivery. LOL. I love amaryllis. That one is a real pretty one too.
Great Idea. We had pigs growing up I would ahve a blast with Daisymae. I am lucky. I could not get over her cutting that bloom for me I think she only has one bulb. It lasted for about a week. She came over to bring me an apple gourd and some gourd seeds I ask for on here. I was estacic to have a real DGer at my house.
Nadine what is her favorite treat? Do you ever need a sitter?