This video is sponsored by rePotme, check them out here go.missorchidgirl.com/repotme82 They also provided products like pots, clips, some of the stakes and fertiliser I used in this video.
I was trying to buy a starter kit through the link, but the delivery fee shipping to Canada is more expensive than the kit. I have to give up. Hopefully, we can get some discount through your channel in the future.
@MissOrchidGirl what about miracle gro spray fertilizer? I couldn't find anything about it but idk I'm the reason my orchid roots are dying or if it's just the poor care it recieved for who knows how long. It's blessing me with a keiki and idk how to care for it if I can't fertilize it properly. I don't want to kill my keiki when it grows up. Can I directly spray its roots with fertilzer or is that too harsh? Also it doesn't say on the package or online, how many spritzes is too much. I've been using anywhere from 3-20 spiritzes because I have no idea how many I really need to use. (Usually on the lower end at 3-6 spritzes) do you have any experience with miricle gro spray orchid fertilizer?
I have been using the MSU slow realease fertilizer from repotme for a while now, and it is working out great for me. I am just working on remembering to replace it when the time comes. I also use the water soluable MSU fertilizer as well. But only every other watering.
I collect and use rainwater constantly for my orchids (I'm from the Caribbean, where we do have a rainy season - long lasting this time around.). I usually put a little bicarbonate of soda in the water (I have buckets) to ward off mosquitoes and algae which works. Sometimes though the algae still comes through if it has not rained for a few days. I have noticed that my orchids still thrive with the algae ridden rain water - sans mosquitoes!!
Myth/ Truth: If flower spikes are staked too early with clips, when they are still young and growing (even before buds devlop) then the growth of the spike will be hindered and form less buds/formed buds might blast ?
@@nikkihill8167 im experiencing this situation currently..when I tried to stake a young spike....one of its tiny bud yellowed and blasted ☹ so I removed the clip holding the spike ....its just supported by the bamboo skewer now..
I think if the spike is too young, using clips might hurt the spike itself. Perhaps using a yarn or something the same would be an option. Then once the spike is more stable, can switch to clips.
Myth, orchid nurseries clip them onto a bent stick when they are young and flexible, and if you do that and buds yellow and die, that means your causing stress to the orchid itself and not the flower spike
I really enjoy the Myth or Truth series you do. So packed with info. Great video as always. ....I wish oncidium popcorn smell like butter popcorn, that'd be cool.
acid doesnt disolve salts, it reacts with them it is a displacement reaction, a solvent works diferen, for example you can disolve salt in water because it interacts with the ionic bonds with Na+ Cl- and the partial charge of water H2O (H+ OH-). On the other hand if you mix an acid with salt and water it would be a reaction, for example when you mix vinager and baking soda. So the ph doesnt matter when you want to disolve something, the most important thing when you disolve something is the simetry of the molecules and its polarity. Polar solvents disolve polar molecules, apolar disolves apolar, simetric disolves simetric and asimetric disolves asimetric. For example the best way to remove salts is using destilated water or demineralized water because it is polar and salts are polar molecules so it is a great solvent to remove salts since salts are polar and destilated water has a neutral ph so the ph doesnt matter. anyway i wouldnt use epson salts to remove salts i dont undesrtand the logic of that, it would be better to simply use destilated water or use a lot of soft water would be enough. (aorry for the shitty english, and i aint no chemist just biology student so im sorry if there is a mistake)
Myth. Insufficient water will cause the leaves, bulbs, and roots to shrivel. Lots of roots is a good sign and indicates that the watering schedule and the growing media is appropriate for the plant.
the problem with slow release fertilizers and any other fertilizer that goes in the roots is that its eficienty depends on the ph of the medium, if it is not the proper ph for your specie then it could have problems absorbing some of the nutrient. Thats why some people recomend to add foliar fertilizers since thos dot give a damn about ph so you are completly sure that your plant has al the 14 nutrients. I recomend the brand bayfolan from bayer since it is the most common but any foliar fertilizer is a great complement to the nutrition of any plant, not just orchids (sorry for the shitty english).
Actually.. moss, bark, coconut choir and coco peat are all acidic, no need to worry about pH. Leca? Different story, but most ppl who use slow release use organic mixes which are pretty much all acidic. Foliar feeding? Not doing anything sadly in the way we can safely apply it in our homes, other than stick to the leaf uselesly as a dry salt deposit. In order for it to make a meaningful impact we need to keep it liquid on the leaf for longer than one hour or whatever so .. foliar feeding is for most home growers just a placebo.
@@MissOrchidGirl maybe it works because i live in the tropic we are alway at 40%-100% humidity, and most producers use foliar and root fertilizer, the orchids we export to USA are feed both foliar and root system. i know people from argentina (which is a relly dry place) who just water the leaves before adding the fertilizer, and they have amazing results, as long as the humiidty is around 60% it should work since it goes directly to the cellls via simplasto and apoplasto. You should try foliar at least once, i use that for sencible orchids like Masdevallias or Drakenias and they love it. Ithink it would be a good experiment. And you dont need to worry about salt deposits since you just nadd foliar 4 times per year, then you can just clean the leaves.
Myth / Truth : In phalaenopsis orchids, if there is active vegetative growth simultaneously occuring along with secondary spikes devloping from the older spike ,we need not cut the flower spike? (As the orchid won't be stressed)
in my experience it depends what you want to do, if you want big and abundant flowers you need to remove the flower spike, but if you want to propagate or have it in bloom for longer time then live the spike.
Oh I had a similar situation....I want to know the answer to this too...!! Because after 1 spike aborted , I cut it off but in the next month it started giving 2 spikes...!!!
Mith or truth : watering with distilled water will provocate nutrient deficiency (immediately or in the long term?) caused by a sort of inverse osmotic process from the plant to that "too pure" water.
Question: As distilled water is expensive, I have considered using the orchid watering drainage water for “water changes” in an 10 gallon aquatic plant grow out aquarium with only 8 green neon tetras. Any thoughts? Assume no fertiliser was mixed with the distilled water. Thanks, Jim
I personally do the opposite - water orchids with diluted old aquarium water. It makes great fertilizer for the orchids, outdoor gardens, any plants really. Using the water that ran through your orchid might introduce molds and bacterias and excessive nutrients and tannins (from bark) to your aquarium
Hi Danny. Another informative video. Thanks for sharing. I would like to know if using monosodium glutamate (vetsin) when mixed with water and used with orchids is beneficial?
Hi, I can't seem to find anything other than anecdotal articles and also can't imagine improving anything more than good care and proper fertiliser can. So I don't think you should waste your money on it 😊
@MissOrchidGirl I just got the fertilizer from the repot me according to your video. I want to know if the fertilizer can only be mixed with water or can be directly put some on the top. Because the fertilizer needs to mix with so much water but orchid doesn’t need so much water so I feel it is kind of waste. Another question is should I fertilize it 3 yes one no while it is in bloom or wait until the bloom is done?
Hi, always follow the instructions on fertilisers, if they specify they need to be diluted in water, then it's best not to use them any other way, as they might cause serious damage to plants if used incorrectly!
As a chemist let me tell you, your research regarding Epson Salt is correct, your reasoning is not perfect, but close. Magnesium Sulfate will not remove any salt I can think of the top of my head. You are correct that many salts, especially the calcium and sodium carbonates that tend to build up, dissolve best in acidic solutions. Some inorganic compounds, that are probably not present in the salts that accumulate in our pots, like Aluminium hydroxide, dissolve best in alkaline solutions. But that does not mean, that salts cannot help dissolving substances. Regular table salt help dissolve rust for example, not as well as hydrochloric acid, but it will help, even though it is neutral. This is because of the chloride ion often forms more soluble salts. The sulfate and the magnesium do not form more solubile salts with any compounds that I can think of. I hope this helps.
Myth / Truth : If orchids which go into dormancy in winter (eg. catasetum) are kept in bright light and warm temperatures..then they will skip dormancy and won't drop their leaves ?
When using lemon juice to clean the orchid leaves sre you talking about fresh squeezed or can I use the stuff in a bottle, and do you dilute it with water?
Hello Danny, love your channel. Can you teach us how to use Feed me!mist orchid spray. I thought we are not supposed to spray mist on foliage to prevent crown rots/stem rots. Thank you.
Hi, in my opinion mists should not be used in most home conditions, reason why I never use mists and don't feel comfortable encouraging it to my viewers. Then again keep in mind I also believe the best food is pizza, which few people will agree to 🤣 so opinions are more of a personal thing, not fact. I just don't think it's ok to use them no matter the brand, but I may be wrong 😊
another thing that seems interesting to talk about, which isn't myth or truth: i often see my cattleya's roots growing horizontally over the top layer of bark or barely going into the media. how could be remedy this? maybe a moss heavy mix as soon as new growth pushes new roots that can adapt? since bark heavy mixes would likely hahe the same result? Just my thoughts on this 😁
Myth or truth : There is no difference between seedlings and blooming size orchids when it comes to sympodials and paphiopedilums because they flower only from newer growths ?
Hi all! I'm hoping someone can advise me; I'm moving house on Sunday, and my mini phalaenopsis just started growing a flower spike. We will be traveling for a day and a half. Should I cut the spike?
I would not cut the spike. Commercial orchids travel with spikes all the time. Try to keep temperatures extremes at bay and strong drafts hot or cold away from the plant. Otherwise all should be great.
I just had this happen to one of my orchids. The top leaf dried up. It is now getting another new leaf on the top. We shall see what happens this time.
Myth, you can keep orchids in the same pot as long if the orchid has a root system small enough, foliage that won’t tip it over, and if it can get enough water
This video is sponsored by rePotme, check them out here go.missorchidgirl.com/repotme82 They also provided products like pots, clips, some of the stakes and fertiliser I used in this video.
I was trying to buy a starter kit through the link, but the delivery fee shipping to Canada is more expensive than the kit. I have to give up. Hopefully, we can get some discount through your channel in the future.
@MissOrchidGirl what about miracle gro spray fertilizer? I couldn't find anything about it but idk I'm the reason my orchid roots are dying or if it's just the poor care it recieved for who knows how long. It's blessing me with a keiki and idk how to care for it if I can't fertilize it properly. I don't want to kill my keiki when it grows up. Can I directly spray its roots with fertilzer or is that too harsh? Also it doesn't say on the package or online, how many spritzes is too much. I've been using anywhere from 3-20 spiritzes because I have no idea how many I really need to use. (Usually on the lower end at 3-6 spritzes) do you have any experience with miricle gro spray orchid fertilizer?
I have noticed that on Phals and Vandas, when the velamin cracks, they will often produce a root branch from that site.
I have been using the MSU slow realease fertilizer from repotme for a while now, and it is working out great for me. I am just working on remembering to replace it when the time comes. I also use the water soluable MSU fertilizer as well. But only every other watering.
I always use the calendar on my wall for plant related reminders
I collect and use rainwater constantly for my orchids (I'm from the Caribbean, where we do have a rainy season - long lasting this time around.). I usually put a little bicarbonate of soda in the water (I have buckets) to ward off mosquitoes and algae which works. Sometimes though the algae still comes through if it has not rained for a few days. I have noticed that my orchids still thrive with the algae ridden rain water - sans mosquitoes!!
Myth/ Truth: If flower spikes are staked too early with clips, when they are still young and growing (even before buds devlop) then the growth of the spike will be hindered and form less buds/formed buds might blast ?
Is this true!?
@@nikkihill8167 im experiencing this situation currently..when I tried to stake a young spike....one of its tiny bud yellowed and blasted ☹ so I removed the clip holding the spike ....its just supported by the bamboo skewer now..
I think if the spike is too young, using clips might hurt the spike itself. Perhaps using a yarn or something the same would be an option. Then once the spike is more stable, can switch to clips.
Myth, orchid nurseries clip them onto a bent stick when they are young and flexible, and if you do that and buds yellow and die, that means your causing stress to the orchid itself and not the flower spike
I really enjoy the Myth or Truth series you do. So packed with info. Great video as always.
....I wish oncidium popcorn smell like butter popcorn, that'd be cool.
What causes bud drop/blast on Phalanopis. Some buds dry up and some open months same flower spike. Love your videos Dani
Stress, like if the orchid is flourishing, and then you feed it a raw banana making it have root rot, then it worries and drops buds to save itself
acid doesnt disolve salts, it reacts with them it is a displacement reaction, a solvent works diferen, for example you can disolve salt in water because it interacts with the ionic bonds with Na+ Cl- and the partial charge of water H2O (H+ OH-). On the other hand if you mix an acid with salt and water it would be a reaction, for example when you mix vinager and baking soda. So the ph doesnt matter when you want to disolve something, the most important thing when you disolve something is the simetry of the molecules and its polarity. Polar solvents disolve polar molecules, apolar disolves apolar, simetric disolves simetric and asimetric disolves asimetric. For example the best way to remove salts is using destilated water or demineralized water because it is polar and salts are polar molecules so it is a great solvent to remove salts since salts are polar and destilated water has a neutral ph so the ph doesnt matter. anyway i wouldnt use epson salts to remove salts i dont undesrtand the logic of that, it would be better to simply use destilated water or use a lot of soft water would be enough. (aorry for the shitty english, and i aint no chemist just biology student so im sorry if there is a mistake)
Thanks, Danny. Love your videos. Could you do one on mounted orchids--which ones are best for mounting? How to? Care?
Myth / Truth :If an orchid is producing way too many roots it indicates insufficient watering ? (As the orchid is trying to search for more water!)
Myth. Insufficient water will cause the leaves, bulbs, and roots to shrivel. Lots of roots is a good sign and indicates that the watering schedule and the growing media is appropriate for the plant.
the problem with slow release fertilizers and any other fertilizer that goes in the roots is that its eficienty depends on the ph of the medium, if it is not the proper ph for your specie then it could have problems absorbing some of the nutrient. Thats why some people recomend to add foliar fertilizers since thos dot give a damn about ph so you are completly sure that your plant has al the 14 nutrients. I recomend the brand bayfolan from bayer since it is the most common but any foliar fertilizer is a great complement to the nutrition of any plant, not just orchids (sorry for the shitty english).
Actually.. moss, bark, coconut choir and coco peat are all acidic, no need to worry about pH. Leca? Different story, but most ppl who use slow release use organic mixes which are pretty much all acidic. Foliar feeding? Not doing anything sadly in the way we can safely apply it in our homes, other than stick to the leaf uselesly as a dry salt deposit. In order for it to make a meaningful impact we need to keep it liquid on the leaf for longer than one hour or whatever so .. foliar feeding is for most home growers just a placebo.
@@MissOrchidGirl maybe it works because i live in the tropic we are alway at 40%-100% humidity, and most producers use foliar and root fertilizer, the orchids we export to USA are feed both foliar and root system. i know people from argentina (which is a relly dry place) who just water the leaves before adding the fertilizer, and they have amazing results, as long as the humiidty is around 60% it should work since it goes directly to the cellls via simplasto and apoplasto. You should try foliar at least once, i use that for sencible orchids like Masdevallias or Drakenias and they love it. Ithink it would be a good experiment. And you dont need to worry about salt deposits since you just nadd foliar 4 times per year, then you can just clean the leaves.
I love these types of videos.
Myth / Truth : In phalaenopsis orchids, if there is active vegetative growth simultaneously occuring along with secondary spikes devloping from the older spike ,we need not cut the flower spike? (As the orchid won't be stressed)
in my experience it depends what you want to do, if you want big and abundant flowers you need to remove the flower spike, but if you want to propagate or have it in bloom for longer time then live the spike.
Myth or truth: Night fragrant orchids( eg brassavola) if kept in a dark room or cabinet will start producing fragrance even during the day ?
Well, no, it may just kill the flowers instead to preserve energy, then kill the orchid itself
Myth or truth: if you cut/break a flower spike before it has buds, the plant will immediately start a new one.
Oh I had a similar situation....I want to know the answer to this too...!! Because after 1 spike aborted , I cut it off but in the next month it started giving 2 spikes...!!!
Love the educational video.
I wish we could get repot me products in Canada!
Mith or truth : watering with distilled water will provocate nutrient deficiency (immediately or in the long term?) caused by a sort of inverse osmotic process from the plant to that "too pure" water.
Well, it won’t as you will have to fertilize your orchids every now and then, even without distilled water
Question: As distilled water is expensive, I have considered using the orchid watering drainage water for “water changes” in an 10 gallon aquatic plant grow out aquarium with only 8 green neon tetras. Any thoughts? Assume no fertiliser was mixed with the distilled water.
Thanks,
Jim
I personally do the opposite - water orchids with diluted old aquarium water. It makes great fertilizer for the orchids, outdoor gardens, any plants really. Using the water that ran through your orchid might introduce molds and bacterias and excessive nutrients and tannins (from bark) to your aquarium
Hi Danny. Another informative video. Thanks for sharing.
I would like to know if using monosodium glutamate (vetsin) when mixed with water and used with orchids is beneficial?
Hi, I can't seem to find anything other than anecdotal articles and also can't imagine improving anything more than good care and proper fertiliser can. So I don't think you should waste your money on it 😊
@@MissOrchidGirl got it. Thanks for your inputs, Danny.
Myth or truth : Some orchids don't fully open their flowers or remain half closed since they self pollinate ?
Myth, every orchid need a pollinator, and if they just self pollinate, they would just be green
@MissOrchidGirl I just got the fertilizer from the repot me according to your video. I want to know if the fertilizer can only be mixed with water or can be directly put some on the top. Because the fertilizer needs to mix with so much water but orchid doesn’t need so much water so I feel it is kind of waste. Another question is should I fertilize it 3 yes one no while it is in bloom or wait until the bloom is done?
Hi, always follow the instructions on fertilisers, if they specify they need to be diluted in water, then it's best not to use them any other way, as they might cause serious damage to plants if used incorrectly!
@@MissOrchidGirl ok. Thanks. Should I fertilize while it is in bloom or wait until the bloom is done?
Very interesting thank you 🙏🏼
As a chemist let me tell you, your research regarding Epson Salt is correct, your reasoning is not perfect, but close. Magnesium Sulfate will not remove any salt I can think of the top of my head. You are correct that many salts, especially the calcium and sodium carbonates that tend to build up, dissolve best in acidic solutions. Some inorganic compounds, that are probably not present in the salts that accumulate in our pots, like Aluminium hydroxide, dissolve best in alkaline solutions. But that does not mean, that salts cannot help dissolving substances. Regular table salt help dissolve rust for example, not as well as hydrochloric acid, but it will help, even though it is neutral. This is because of the chloride ion often forms more soluble salts. The sulfate and the magnesium do not form more solubile salts with any compounds that I can think of. I hope this helps.
Myth / Truth : If orchids which go into dormancy in winter (eg. catasetum) are kept in bright light and warm temperatures..then they will skip dormancy and won't drop their leaves ?
The foliage will be dormant whilst for the roots, they will still be free, as I like to be. But some orchids need a dormancy period for proper growth
When using lemon juice to clean the orchid leaves sre you talking about fresh squeezed or can I use the stuff in a bottle, and do you dilute it with water?
I've always watered my orchid with rain water, it is just the most economical.
Hello Danny, love your channel. Can you teach us how to use Feed me!mist orchid spray. I thought we are not supposed to spray mist on foliage to prevent crown rots/stem rots. Thank you.
Hi, in my opinion mists should not be used in most home conditions, reason why I never use mists and don't feel comfortable encouraging it to my viewers. Then again keep in mind I also believe the best food is pizza, which few people will agree to 🤣 so opinions are more of a personal thing, not fact. I just don't think it's ok to use them no matter the brand, but I may be wrong 😊
another thing that seems interesting to talk about, which isn't myth or truth: i often see my cattleya's roots growing horizontally over the top layer of bark or barely going into the media. how could be remedy this? maybe a moss heavy mix as soon as new growth pushes new roots that can adapt? since bark heavy mixes would likely hahe the same result? Just my thoughts on this 😁
How can I get a Kiki. I have never seen one on my plants?
Try keiki paste
random question: i get a lot of dust on my orchid leaves. can i wipe it off? would it damage the leaves?
It's fine to wipe with plain water or add a little lemon juice to help reduce water spots. Just don't get in the crown. Little cotton pads work well
I’m using the MSU fertilizer every week at 1/4 strength. When in the growth stage, should the fertilizer be increased?
If a phalaenopsis sends up an abnormally long, tall flower spike, that's a sign that it's in distress.
Actually, it’s the opposite, some phals are known to have long spikes
Myth or truth : There is no difference between seedlings and blooming size orchids when it comes to sympodials and paphiopedilums because they flower only from newer growths ?
Myth / Truth : Fertilizing orchids attract pests into the organic potting media, if we don't fertilize then there be less or no pests ?
Hi all! I'm hoping someone can advise me; I'm moving house on Sunday, and my mini phalaenopsis just started growing a flower spike. We will be traveling for a day and a half. Should I cut the spike?
I would not cut the spike. Commercial orchids travel with spikes all the time. Try to keep temperatures extremes at bay and strong drafts hot or cold away from the plant. Otherwise all should be great.
@@dogtoes3267 Thank you!!!
Myth or truth : If there is a mealy bug infestation in the orchid then it must be repotted ? (As some mealy bugs will be present in the media too)
Can I use Miracle Grow to fertilize my orchids?
Myth or Truth :
If the top leaf of a phalaenopsis orchid gets burnt and falls off, it can't produce new leaves and will start producing keikis instead
I just had this happen to one of my orchids. The top leaf dried up. It is now getting another new leaf on the top. We shall see what happens this time.
Mine started giving a terminal spike as the crown was damaged 🥴
Myth or truth? Orchids at the nursery are more expensive than at grocery stores or garden centers.
Myth of Truth : you will have to keep re potting your orchid into bigger pot every time the orchid out grows its pot
Myth, you can keep orchids in the same pot as long if the orchid has a root system small enough, foliage that won’t tip it over, and if it can get enough water
Myth or truth : Some orchids which are heavy feeders will never bloom until their requirements are met ?
Requirements for what?
Myth/Truth...Pests are more likely to be a issue in warmer climates than colder climates.Is this true or a myth🤔?
Myth or truth: once a tolumnia fan blooms it will never bloom again.
Myth or truth: extra humidity can make up for cool growing orchids in hot climates
I think people just do to much and kill them.
myth or truth: cattleyas cannot be grown in moss