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The Benefits of Beneficial Organisms in Epiphyllum container pots/soil mix
Different types of Beneficial bacteria for different uses, some control pest and other improve nutrient uptakeThe effects of micro-organisms on Epiphyllum plants can be profound. These organisms, such as bacillus, mycorrhizae and trichoderma all form symbiotic relationships with the plant and are found in soil. Bacillus is used world wide for the control of loopers, fungus gnats, insect pests and opportunistic fungi pathogens. Tricoderma is a fungi that feeds off pathogenic root rot and damping off fungi; it also stimulates the plants root and immune systems, which helps the plant to fight off fungi attacks.Fungus Gnats – Bacillus thuringienses sub-species israelensis (the active ingredient in Gnatrol) is used for the control of fungus gnats. This bacteria produces a parasporal crystal which is toxic to the larvae of fungus gnats.
Mycorrhizae is a beneficial fungi which colonizes the root surface; this helps keep the pathogenic fungi from getting a foot hold on the plant’s root system. Mycorrhizae also helps Epiphyllum plants take up nutrients that are out of reach of the plant’s roots. All of these beneficial organisms feed off plant exudes from the root system and some nutrients in the growing medium/soil mix.
See our soil/fertilizer section under supplies for beneficial bacteria products for Epiphyllums, We will be adding several of these cutting edge 100% organic products in the near future and they can be found there
Above shows Mycorrhizae growing on Epiphyllum roots
How to use beneficals in your growing medium/soil mix
HOW TO USE IN YOUR SOIL MIX-Above describes different types of bacteria to control pests and improve your soil with various bacteria but MYCORRIHIZAE and the types used to improve your soil is the main use for Epiphyllums so to describe how these types will help you grow bigger/healthier plants i will put it in laymans terms these are GOOD bacteria, what they will do is be your EPI plants friend and attach them selfs to the plants roots (your Epi plants roots are the host) they wont feed on the plant instead they do this magical thing-they will attach to the Epi roots and attract many nutrients to the Epi plants roots where they live. The bacteria will then break the nutrients/organic matter down for the plant into micro-scopic sizes it can uptake easily. As long as you keep enough food for them (rich soil) they pass the good stuff onto the roots. Not enough rich soil in the mix they will eat what little rich soil there is and the plant will get very little. You will get bigger and healthier plants using this product but as your bacteria colonys grow they will need fresh soil mix at least once a year that will replenish the organic matter and provide oxygen so the BAD bacterias dont thrive more than the good. When you repot just use a few handfulls of your old soil mix and they will re-multiply on there own. Natures way of making thousands of mini-micro scopic composters right in your Epi container in a word AMAZING!
MYCORRIHIZAE-MYCO stands for FUNGUS and RHIZA is for roots, theres different types of these MYCORRIHIZAE so you will find various types in different products. See this product in the 'soil and fertilizer' section to give you an idea of the names of the many beneficial types of bacteria.Some are for riding your plants of pests and others are for soil improvement. Heres a link to one soil improvement type.
Please note: Even though you are dealing with a biological organism, always wash your hands with an anti-bacterial soap when finished, and when using these products as a foliar spray use a mask. Keep these products away from children and animals.
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