Well, of course! By allowing that severe of a development of algae, you are allowing it to suffocate the roots.
Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Schnitz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <Orchids@orchidguide.com> Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2007 4:26 PM Subject: [OGD] Algae damage to roots. > Absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, algae can damage roots. I use a > mix, and have done do for a long time (small Perlite and Canadian peat), > that dries uniformly throughout the pot. It has a strong wicking action. > This means that, for my mix, moisture at the top of the pot lasts much > longer than it does for bark, or other airy mixes. In a percentage of the > plants, a black slimy algae forms which is able to hold itself over during > the short time it is dry. The common result of this algae is that the > velamen is eventually killed off, and for some of the roots, this kills > the entire root, and for others, only the portion above the pot is missing > the velamen, and life and growth of the root continues within the mix. I > too am looking for a liquid to spray on the surface roots occasionally to > knock down the algae activity. This mix has way too many good qualities > to ever stop using it. > _______________________________________________ > the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) > orchids@orchidguide.com > http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
