Oyster Shell Calcium

[orchidlady]

If you are using a balanced fertilizer and plants are healthy, I wouldn't worry about calcium deficiency and needing to add supplemental calcium. There are some Paphs that grow on calcareous substrates (often limestone rocks/cliffs) that many growers feel that there is benefit to using crushed oyster shell or other calcium supplement. The species include most of the Parvisepalum (except delenatii) and Brachypetalum species as well as some others. I know growers who supplement their Paphs as a general rule, and others that don't and both have healthy, blooming plants. I personally use some oyster shell on my Parvis and Brachys and they seem to be doing fine.

Susan

[gillianreynolds]

calcium carbonate from oyster shells and just pure carbonate calcium ( I have seen on bottles of calcium) are the same or different. I am a little confused. I have always assumed that if the calcium is from oyster shells the lable says so. But now I am not sure. if the bottle says carbonate does that mean its from oyster shells.

[orchidlady]

calcium carbonate from oyster shells and just pure carbonate calcium ( I have seen on bottles of calcium) are the same or different. I am a little confused. I have always assumed that if the calcium is from oyster shells the lable says so. But now I am not sure. if the bottle says carbonate does that mean its from oyster shells.

Oyster shell is just one possible source of calcium carbonate. For example, egg shells are also composed of calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate can also be made chemically. Therefore, if it says it is specifically from oyster shells then it should be. If not, there may be another source.

Susan