Calcium and Magnesium for your orchids
_cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d It is a mandatory chapter. And it is not an easy task given the infinite number of combinations and possibilities within a winning fertilization strategy.
_cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d already talked about this in a chapterfertilization mo topic "CULTIVATION", but beyond those general aspects, some specific details are gaining importance in the cultivation of orchids. We are talking about calcium and magnesium, elements that today, together with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, have the status of macroelements due to their importance within the metabolism of orchids.
Calcium
_cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d for humans the structure of our bones. In orchids, the function is very similar, jas which are fundamental constituents for the construction of the cell wall.
transported by roots elements from the roots to the aerial parts of the plant), but has the particularity of not being transported by the phloem (vessels that transport elements from the aerial parts to the roots). This means that it cannot be mobilized from the older parts of the plant so that it can be used in the growing parts, so it must be constantly supplied to the plant. This is also why calcium deficiency is first seen in the youngest parts, those that are in the process of growing.
_cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d growth deficiency appears in the plant enough calcium. Cattleyas and other species that grow quickly during the summer are the most affected. The synthmoas are easily confused with black rot, they already appear as blackening of the younger leaves (in growth) from the tips to the base. Adequate calcium supplementation is also helpful in decreasing the incidence of true black rot, caused by the development of pathogenic microorganisms due to excess moisture.
Magnésio
_cc781905-5cde-3194 -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_ Magnesium is a fundamental element for the production of chlorophyll in orchids, a green pigment necessary for metabolic reactions for energy production.
_cc781905-5cde-3194 -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_Different from what happens with calcium, magnesium is transported throughout the plant both through the xylem and phloem vessels, and can therefore be moved to any part of the plant where it is needed. This mechanic explains the appearance and characterization of the symptoms of your deficiency. _cc781905-5cde-3194 -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_As magnesium can be transported from older leaves to younger ones, the symptoms start precisely in the older parts that are sacrificed to ensure the continuity of plant growth.
