This week's post is a bit of a diversion from our usual topics. Don't worry, we'll get to the DIY later in the post.
We've been experimenting with growing orchids hydroponically. For the last several months, we've been growing a phalaenopsis inside the MegaGarden. Although this plant wasn't originally a hydroponic plant, we've had great success after the transplant. Although we haven't talked about it much on the blog, I'd like to take a minute to mention Technaflora nutrients. We've been experimenting with them in the MegaGarden. The orchid has done really well with the Technaflora mixture (vegetative stage mix). I like that the Technaflora stays "in suspension" more than other types of nurtients that we've used. On the whole, I like Technaflora quite a bit.
The orchid in question has grown several new buds, and will be flowering in the near future. It's also grown several new roots. Orchids typically don't grow all that quickly, but this one seems very happy.
We haven't truly "re-potted" it. Rather, it still lives in it's originally wooden block. The block itself is contained within a pot, which floods whenever the MegaGarden cycles. We have had zero problems with mold, which actually surprised us a bit. As always, remember that adequate air circulation is required, to eliminate standing water.
Regarding the pests mentioned last week (thrips and leafcurlers)...
The Neem oil has really cleaned up the problem. Neem oil doesn't smell as bad as it's often accused. We don't mind it at all. In addition to the Neem oil mixture, we also applied some leaf stimulator (from House & Garden) to aid in the repairs. We're pleased with the progress:
We've also started a group of Black Beauty eggplant seeds. They don't have numbers yet, but they will be used in an upcoming experiment in the spring months.
Here's this week's overview photo. It's just the eggplant in the TurboGarden at the moment:
| Plant | Type | Status |
|---|
| #01-#09 | Alexandria Alpine Strawberries | All of the Alexandria Alpine Strawberries were removed on 02/10/2008. They never had the life they deserved, as they were always overshadowed by the eggplant. |
| #12 | Bambino Baby Eggplant | This fellow has grown beyond all expectations. It's taken over the entire TurboGarden. The roots are massive. We've given over the TurboGarden, just to see how much more it can grow. |
| #18 | Black Beauty Eggplant
| This sprouting has been transplanted into a 6" net pot (with hydroton). Although it's still living in the MegaGarden, it's ready to move to an aeroponic system when it's large enough. |
| #19 | Black Beauty Eggplant | Surprisingly, this fellow is still lagging behind it's larger brother. I'm not sure what to do with it. It has yet to sprout secondary leaves, with no good explaination as to the cause. |
| #20-#25 | Alexandria Alpine Strawberries | A young batch of seedlings. I'm not sure their destiny at this point. We're awaiting the new Fort Laramie plants. |
Unnumbered Seedlings
| Black Beauty Eggplant
| We've planted 12 seeds for plants that will be used in an upcoming experiment. Planting date: 02/08/2008. Eggplants take a long time to germinate. They have not yet emerged. |