Viewing post #1104436 by ShadyGreenThumb

I have a slight criticism and I mean this in the kindest way. When I have a question about a plant new to me or a plant new to my memory, I would like ATP Plant Database to be the first place I come to. I would love for it to answers simple questions so that I don't have to bother the forums for answers. I wish that that when you look up a plant that it also gives good information on planting i.e. soil, depth, etc. For example, no where in the database for orchids does it mention that the best soil is no soil at all but rather orchid bark. No where does it say to get rid of the moss found in most store-bought pots. And there is no explanation that a "special" orchid pot is best. (A lot of that info I learned on the forums)

Often I can find this information when I hit "edit" next to General information. I do this often because this type of info us usually lacking at first look. Often the information I need is not there and I have to search Google for the simplest things. Is there a way to include basic information for someone who is new to the plant? Also, I had to Google terms like "mesic" to understand that entry. Plain English for those of us who aren't Master Gardeners would be helpful as well.

While forums are most helpful, if a non-member just happened upon this site and database via Google Search, my guess the simplest information about a plant is what they are looking for (as I do). Just a thought. XXXOOO