TheLorax
Awardless studette
I've repotted all of my phrags and am now working on repotting all my paphs. While poking around on the Internet for potting mix information, I ran across this-
http://www.rhs.org.uk/learning/publications/orchidreview/orchid0307/roots.pdf
I haven't noticed any healthy root tips that stopped growing or turned black and died when they encountered a piece of charcoal but I did notice this happening with larger pieces of pumice in mixes. I haven't been growing slippers long enough to be able to comment on whether charcoal noticeably inhibits growth over time but I was thinking flushing frequently would have take care of this. What thoughts are out there on charcoal and flushing or on what is quoted above in general.
http://www.rhs.org.uk/learning/publications/orchidreview/orchid0307/roots.pdf
If charcoal is included in the mix, be aware that it will absorb fertilizer salts and water impurities after a time and can inhibit root growth. I have observed healthy root tips encounter a piece of charcoal, stop growing, turn black and die. Not the entire root –just the tip. I don’t think that flushing the pot takes care of this problem completely with aged charcoal. When roots that are in contact with charcoal die, it may be an indication that the mix needs replacing.
I haven't noticed any healthy root tips that stopped growing or turned black and died when they encountered a piece of charcoal but I did notice this happening with larger pieces of pumice in mixes. I haven't been growing slippers long enough to be able to comment on whether charcoal noticeably inhibits growth over time but I was thinking flushing frequently would have take care of this. What thoughts are out there on charcoal and flushing or on what is quoted above in general.