Nursery: 102 First Avenue
Five Dock 2406
Phone: 713.9072

29 September 1980

Dear Sir,

I am flattered to know that some of our work here is known in your country.

I have been growing orchids for about the last fifteen years, most of this time as a hobby. Some years ago I became interested in the metabolism of these fascinating plants. As I was a doctor I suppose this was natural. Of later years I have become involved in the hybridisation and mericloning of orchids. Here in Australia we have the ideal climate for growing many different kinds of orchids without a great deal of hassle.

As regards the use of magnesium sulphate. : In the original experiment 1 used twelve seedlings of the same cross and as near as possible all equal is size. They were all grown together in different pots but the same compost; this was a completely neutral mixture. All were given exactly the same treatment. Six seedlings were treated with magnesium sulphate. This was sprinkled on the top of the compost in granular form and watered in.

Plants were given the granules every month. At the end of twelve months there was a very significant difference in the two lots of seedlings. Those treated with magnesium sulphate were about twice as large, with good bulb formation. Eventually they also flowered about a year earlier than the six controls.

We attempted to find the maximum dose. What we did find was that almost unlimited quantities of magnesium sulphate could be given and the lethal dose was never determined. I think that the reason for this is that the magnesium sulphate is very soluble and as watering every day is essential here in the summer the salt was leached out very rapidly. At all events growth was certainly stimulated, and it was particularly evident that the leaves were greener and of greater texture whilst the roots also appeared thicker.
We think, but have not proved scientifically that the magnesium is essential in the manufacture of chlorophyll hence the great difference in the colour of the leaves. This in turn would lead to the accelerated growth of the plant, the greenness of the leaves and as a result in a better plant. There is no effect in the quality of the flowers produced though the plants do mature earlier. We also used magnesium sulphate on mature plants and apart from the increased greenness of the leaves and the production of a more robust plant there was no significant difference.

I hope that I have been able to help you. As you probably know the culture of orchids in Australia is big business especially cymbidiums and we are now concentrating on this aspect. I have recently retired from medicine and am devoting myself in developing our own seedlings and in mericloning the best plants available.

I was in the U .S .A . last year looking for something really good but did not find anything as good as we have available here. In fact I was intrigued to find that all the major nurseries there were advertising the latest imports from Australia. In fact the top three orchids available in the States are freely available here. They rate Cym. Highland Mist 'Dillaburra' as their best orchid but in the Spring Show of the Orchid Society of N.S.W. it did not even rate a mention. We have flasks of seedlings and mericlones available as well as individual seedlings and mericlones. I am enclosing our current catalogue for your information.

Thank you for your letter and interest. If I can help you in any way in the future do not hesitate to let me know.

Please excuse the typing. At the moment it is a matter of hunt and hit, often most inaccurately.

Culture