Hi Rick, I tried to post on the video before you built your orchid room. You mentioned other people on UA-cam and I wanted you to see my post. Here it is; So so interesting Rick, that you might mention the animosity of others towards you. I have dealt with this kind of thing in my life as an artist many years ago. But to the point. I have been interested in orchids so long now that I cannot rememberer not ever having some. Here is the thing. I have bought many of the books that you showed in one of your videos as well as watched many on UA-cam hoping for a glimmer of hope to help with my grow. I don't give up because I do get some of them to bloom. This is how I see it. The industry plain and simple is righted lipped because they take advantage of everyone who loves orchids. They will not share secrets and when and if they do, they are so futile and usually not affective. The industry for many years tried to hide the fact that they use temperature to get their orchids to bloom. This of course is just one aspect. Some of this information you can find, but it is very vague. It took me decades to understand this concept. The other thing is this, growing orchids is a major hobby for many, but very few can unlock the potential to get their orchids to thrive. In the commercial industry the growers feed the death out of their orchids just in time for the holidays, including Valentine's Day. This is why many of the orchids have so many blooms. They feed them so much that the orchid just keeps putting these out. But the truth is that once the orchid gets away from its' blooming environment it is packed with unbreathable and chocking material that doesn't allow the roots to grow. No air flow, no growing. I learned many years ago that if you don't repot the orchid and get it out of it's straight jacket, it will most likely die. But the industry doesn't care and they will fight you like tooth and nail because you are letting vital secrets out. They don't appreciate you sharing this and many of the other orchid UA-camrs don't share what you are sharing because they are simply greedy and will protect their livelihood. I say it is about time that someone as special as you has come to understand orchids so well and then share your knowledge with everyone. My own husband works as a mechanic and he always helps people out with simple repair they can do at home, etc. But you see he isn't greedy and he has plenty of customers who are happy to have found him. Don't worry, Rick, you have broken the mold. I understand all of the requirements of orchids, but I do know that if you have the perfect humidity, enough light, and temperature, that without nutrients your orchid will live but not thrive. The one piece missing is the Ph of the orchid. This is the link that creates the chain that allows the orchid to not just live, but thrive. One thing I have always known through research is that birds poop on orchids, which is very acidic. This is the key to growing, period. Without this vital component, orchids will struggle to survive. Somehow during your research you have landed upon it. This is why people are upset at you because you have clearly let the preverbal cat out of bag. Commercial growers would never give you the last piece of the puzzle and neither would some of the other UA-camrs who successfully grow orchids. They will not tell you. But at last you have come forward and not only that but you have so many examples of how and demonstrations with details. You keep going as so many followers of you are so grateful and you have made them very happy, including me and I haven't even seen results yet. These people are not your friends, but your followers love you because you have got style and empathy. Thank you, for you have given me a renewed interest in my orchids. I have tried many things, and had some success, but now I can clearly see the light. Keep making these videos and keep making others happy! You could never regret that! Blessings, Rita
This year is my real first year trying to grow orchids. I have had in past but no luck. I treated it like a normal household plant and it died. Soooo I now have 7. Lucky number heheh anyways I’m doing 5 in glass jars with pebbles hydro and one in bark and will do the other in pebbles. Wish me luck sir. I’m giving her all I got. Thank you
I love how you take the time to explain and talk about how you grow your orchids. You have very beautiful orchids they look so healthy and beautiful. Thanks for sharing because I can not grow my phalaenopsis as you do I'll try your method but I grow them indoors any tips, please tell me thank you so much..😊
......thank you for the kind words.....I'm happy to help, and Im sure we can get you growing orchids....Phals are calcium hogs and require lots of nitrogen......those 2 things will make them grow strong and bloom a lot...growing in bark, moss, lava rock, or even mounted they still require those 2 items more than anything....I use Calmag for extra calcium, and I use a good fertilizer with plenty of nitrogen.......give them lots of filtered light, feed them often, and let them go thru wet and dry cycles to help the roots stay healthy....they are simple to grow, and bloom alot once they start........let me know if I can help in any way.........I will be doing a phalaenopsis video soon......to focus just on phals...
Thank you so much, I will do what you have said also you have beautiful orchids and I will update you on my phalaenopsis journey to success thank you and God bless you and your beautiful orchids
Thanks Rick. I watched your videos when they first came out and now I'm watching them again. It's been valuable, as there seems to be more information the second (or third) time around. And the addition of all the comments with your thoughtful answers is an extra bonus. I very much appreciate all your time and effort. I feel like I'm becoming a much better grower thanks to you.
.....Susan.....thank you so much.......all I want to do.....just make people better growers.......the rest will come ...I appreciate your comments very much....
Last spring when i was repotting i started mixing lava and hydroton in with my bark, and i really like the results i am seeing already, and after seeing how happy yours are in 100% rock im probably going to go full stones in my oncidium and dendrobium pots next repot! They look great! You are certainly right that there a lot of people who ignore the questions. I try to answer all the questions(as long as youtube notifies of me of new comments) and if the answer is too long to type out, then i simply tell that person that ill make a video about it. Communication is one of the great things about youtube! Loving your channel! :)
...I hope the rock works well for you, and I hope you do a video on it.......I found there's just to many incredible folks around the orchid community,...they all contribute and make the entire growing process easier in my opinion.......Thanks for the kind comments.
I live in Alabama also and am a new orchid grower. Your videos have helped me a lot. Am currently using potting medium made primarily of different bark combinations but want to try gravel also. Your plants are beautiful. Thank you and God Bless!
Subscribed! I've learned so much by watching and listening to your videos. It's a wonder why those other popular channels aren't as thorough as you! Thank you for your kindness, sharing your experience as a grower. You have excellent green thumbs, not just the one thumb as they say, lol!!!
Hi very nice video, I live in the Caribbean so most of our orchids are grown outdoor year round. I use gravel and river rock for most of my orchids. You are doing a great job, please continue.
Hey good video, the growing community of YT is strong and kind not to mention understanding due to common sense and an urge to do something with help outside themselves...It is a wonderful community people helping each other and their plants. 😄👍💚
Im so glad i found you Rick, i really like the way you go about your videos, i will watch all of the ones i have missed and i look forward to learning more from your new ones in the future! thankx for sharing! happy growing
Just got back from purchasing some river rock. I repotted 3 orchids to see how it goes in my very humid climate. I love the weight it adds to the 3 pots and no more Leica beads from those pots rolling on the floor, ha! Thank you for sharing!
Wow, very interesting video. Made me think of the one time I potted a dendrobium in lava rock (the only time I used anything other than bark) and the roots I got on that plant were unbelievable! Well now you have me curious to try the three again (rock, lava and lecca). Thanks and your orchids look great.
Rick, I’m so glad I found your channel! Lots of great info and I love the delivery. No nonsense and you are very humble for such a good grower who clearly knows what you are talking about! Keep up the great and thoughtful videos!
Someone else's video led me to yours and I'm glad they did. I try all types of media for my orchids because I like experimenting and just working with them in general (most are rescues). This week tried lava rocks for the first time and was concerned because I thought they would really dry out fast. They're in the house so I know I may need to water a wee bit more than you but I am so glad that your video lessened my concern about growing them this way. I love your common sensibility about growing orchids. I put a few outside this year but next spring I think I'll put them all outside and see how they flourish.
.....welcome and thank you for the kind comments.....you will love growing them outside....all mine will be going back inside in a month or so.......watering isn't that much more....less inside..
Hello, Rick L! Thanks a lot for every video about different substrate for orchids! Hope one day will try lava rock if will find it))) Have a nice evening!
I'm a little new to orchids, I'm starting to grow my collection. I have about 10 or so orchids of all types and I'm trying to soak up as much information as I can to be a better grower. I love watching your videos and I learn a lot from them. :)
Hi, Rick love your explanations. My question is in references of phals.I am not to lucky with them, here in South Florida the heat is big, I do have small greenhouse with fans, tried different potting mix, mount and they all go, what should I do?
Norma, thank you....with your great climate I would mount them.....moss or bark will rot so fast down there with your conditions.....or maybe an inert media such as river rock or gravel as I use....wont rot.....and you can water away......they also dry quick as well.....mine are outside in 908+ temps all summer....and have been growing like crazy.....
Hey Rick, I just stumbled upon your channel and I'm very glad that I did! I've watched and enjoyed a couple of your vids already. I grow predominantly using the semi-hydroponic method and am faced with some of the issues you discuss in your vids. Thanks for the great input...Good stuff 👍🏼😉
I would like to try river rock. My question is: what size. I have a mini, No-id phal... It's biggest leaf is 3" and it has thin roots and the roots are the same color all the way down. When I first took it out of it's plug on day 2, all the root tips were black. I think they've grown a bit because they don't look as black as they did (maybe one or 2). I've had it 16 weeks. The first spike turned yellow all way down and I cut it off today. The other spike is doing something at the first node for about 4 weeks now, it's about 1/8". But it hasn't progressed. The spike is still green as can be (the last bloom dropped at about 9 weeks). A new leaf started about 3 weeks ago and is about 1/2" and is progressing fine. It came with 5 leaves. I'm down to 3 plus the baby. They're all wrinkled. No new roots yet. One has been trying , but it's grown about 1/8" in 6 weeks. It's very thirsty, every time I turn around the roots are white (it takes about 2 hours for them to be completely white), so I water it. The leaves plump up some weeks and then shrink other weeks, with the same watering schedule. I think I'm about to lose the bottom leaf. It tried to turn yellow, then everybody plumped up and it turned green, but it's trying to turn yellow again. I tried full water culture (bare root with one root tip in constant water, but that long root tip rotted and eventually lost the whole root. That was about week 2. So, I've been doing semi water culture (wet 20 hours, dry 4-6 hours a day) but the leaves are getting thinner and today, I lost a root to rot near the top. I'm so disappointed because that root had started to branch. I had it in magnesium water and the leaves plumped up. Then I tried calcium water and the leaves seems to get thinner, so I went back to magnesium and it plumped back up... But like I said the leaves are getting really thin again. Any suggestions? I got her on a mother's day sale for the flowers and it's been fun so far, so I've gotten my money's worth, but nobody wants to fail. Sending lots of love 💕 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. Hope you are well, we've missed seeing new videos, but I'm keeping busy in your archives. Take care of yourself and each other 😷
thank you for the kind words.......Im sorry your struggling with this Phal......but your doing things right.....I few suggestions that may help:.....to much magnesium will block calcium absorbtion.......Calcium is what they need to grow roots, leaves etc.....without it they die back......What ever you give it.....give it in tiny amounts, they only get small amounts of nutrients in nature, and if they have poor roots then they struggle with even those tiny amounts.......Water culture doesnt allow the roots to dry back and inhibits oxygen to the plant........water it every few days and give it tiny amounts of calcium and some good nutrients......it takes time for them to overcome root loss.. ....Dont feel bad if you loose it, they are very poorly cared for before we ever buy them, and many just dont make it, no matter the care.......Always look for bright green thick roots before buying one.....especially phals.
@@rickl.orchids , IT'S GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 🎉🎉🎉 I was worried. Thanks for the advice. I got this mini phal direct from the ice cube nursery with free shipping on Walmart online for $8. All the listing said was it was a mini phal with one of six purple flowers. So I bought it blind. This is my very first orchid. Except for being in the starter plug... I think it came in great shape. It had 5 blooms and 5 buds. If I remember correctly, both spike tips were broken. But none of them blasted at the beginning (even after I took it out of the plug and started water culture). About 9 weeks in, the last two blooms died suddenly, but I think it got too hot. Many people have said 9+ weeks of blooms for a spike is a good run for a mini phal. It's been in just water (no other media) for 16 weeks (20 hours wet and 4 hours dry) and it's struggling. I've tried extending the dry period, but a couple of roots shriveled. So, I'm thinking of putting it in river rock (because that's what I have) but what size? In this video you talk about small vs large for moisture retention. As thirsty as she is... Would you recommend small river rock or pea gravel to start with? I'd like to get to the point where I only have to tend to her once a week. My excitement is starting to wain. At first, I couldn't wait to run in there 6 times a day, but now I'm down to 3 or 4 visits a day. I'm lucky to work at home like you. Stay well my friend and I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon. Sending lots of love 💕 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. Take care of yourself and each other 😷
@@suzisaintjames .........I understand your concern......all I can do is tell you what I do for my phals, and many of them come with no or very poor roots.....I give them moisture, by soaking them for 20 min.......then they stay dry for several days and then I repeat the process.....I always give nutrients or at a minimum... calcium in the water when they get a soak.......Give it calmag with some kelp/seaweed if you can.......it always produces roots for mine.......keep asking questions......I love assisting and helping growers getting started growing orchids.
Rick, I absolutely cannot wait to try river rock now, thanks for sharing this....going to take the kids over to Nooksack River tomorrow and recruit them as rock collectors. They are gonna be very good at this and have a blast. I can't get over how just when I am noticing how perfectly healthy your plants are and that little question forms in my curious mind, 'what is he growing in?', here is the answer! Just really appreciating your class, err, channel.😊
Cara,......wish I could go along and watch them collect rocks, that would be a blast.........you will love how they grow into it.....so many others use it as well...little patience with it at first, coax them....once they get one root on them they take off.....Thanks for sweet comments....Rick
hello R&J how is your health ? My all time prayers for you . You are so kind to teach me time and again !! Thanks In my country Lova rock not available neither poss to ship because of weight . instead if i use burnned bricks which is dry with holes within and so light can flot on water . Such meterials are wastage from bricknmaking field . and are enough available in my country !! Does it work as media replacement of Lava Rocks ? because both looks same and contain moisture !! My next Q on oncidium types roots they are thin ans not thick liie catt /Den/phelo so the gaps between rocks are much in tearms of other thick root plants!! Do you have oncidiam allaiance in Rocks ?
I think you're so right. Super nice group of people I've met on UA-cam. Maybe it's people who want to grow beautiful things, have kind souls. Like to think so anyway. As always, love your video!
I am so glad I found you. I too am about 2 years into orchids. After watching your videos, which I love!, I fertilized all my orchids. The care you give your orchids makes so much more sense than other people. Yes, in their natural habitat they are going to get more water than what most people give. I was wondering if you clean your lava and pebbles before you use them? Prayers for you and your wife!
All suggestions are appreciated but I realize each environment is different from the other. We need to absorb as much as we can and then use the best method which can change from place to place and even from different plants in the same ecosystem. That is the fun of growing orchids, they seem to have a mind of their own. Thanks a lot for your suggestions.
Thanks for shating your knowledge!!! I have been mixing bark mix with lava rock (called scoria in Australia) for my Cattleyas, the plants seem to be very happy. I like the rapid draining of the mix, but it still maintains some humidity I think. A big advantage of lava rock over bark mix is that it doesn't break down and compact and smother roots. I dont know why lava rock isnt used by more growers?
2 questions....do you drill the holes in the clay pots and do you make the wire pot hangers yourself? I figure you do. And you are so right I see many questions on other channels that are ignored and really need info. If I know the answer I will reply because they really are looking for help. Well another video just started and answered my wire question....lol tks
Hi. Thank you for your very informative videos. I am fairly new to orchids but have learned (the hard way) that I am an over-waterer... I have since done bare root (no media in glass jars) for my phals. I figured if I can see my roots, I can gauge the health of my plants. They are doing fine but I think you said that the plants do like to be anchored so I'm wondering if I should switch to lava rock or stone. (I prefer inorganic media) Any thoughts? Thank You! Marie
Marie.......that's exactly how I ended up in this media.....bad roots....I started using water culture in glass......added some pea gravel to help stabilize them.......and the rest is history.......most of mine are in river rock, pea gravel.or lava rock...
Very nice method Rick I will definitely try this just ordered my River Rock I will try it on my dendrobium Spectabile first to see how it goes if it does good I will gradually repot everyone into River Rock I live in Fayetteville North Carolina would you think that the climate from over here would be suited for this thank you for your videos Rick love them have a great day and God bless
Appreciate your videos. Thank you for sharing your expertise. I am going to try a few small cattleyas in leca. (I live in S. FL) Your plants look very healthy so obviously you are onto something in the care of your orchids. Curious as to the motivation of individuals and this hobby. Why do you select the plants that you do? As for me, I want cattleyas that have scent. I buy dendrobiums when I like the color/shape of the flowers. And....I have a few others just because they are rarer and harder to grow. I like the challenge.
......most of mine are rescue orchids and others are young, but yes they are starting to bloom and are growing really well......I water as needed.....here in Alabama we are 90*+.....right now....they get a good soak few times a week, unless it rains.....they love the rain....Thanks Mary
Just potted my first orchid in stones. I'm excited and already like how firm the orchid sits in it. It is a rescue phal (medium sized variety) that was previously in a glass pot with no drainage holes and packed tight with moss. During it's time in the store, all but 2 roots (which themselves lost a good portion) died. It was too moist. Not sopping wet but just a little too moist. A little worried that the base of plant could have complications from being too moist (rot), so I cut the dead roots off, soaked in hydrogen peroxide, dried what I could with paper towel, potted it with base slightly above stones, and am letting it have a good dry out. A good sign is that it's leaves aren't limp or anything and holding themselves up well. I think the stones will be a good media for it as it drains fast. Will use the tea bag/lemon method. Thanks for the video.
......wonderful description of doing it right.......hold off on the tea if its hydrated.......and your right to let it dry out for a few days...let the roots heal over.......then start the wet dry routine.........keep me posted......
Hi Rick. Hope you are doing well. Something I wanted to ask you: I just now potted another orchid in stones. They are small river stones and look the same as many of the ones you are using. I have an Iwanagara apple blossom that was growing well in the pot it came in except that the orchid was outgrowing it. There are 2 new canes developing and I could see it was just beginning to put out a bunch of roots. So I thought it would be a good opportunity to repot. I used the aforementioned stones in a terra cotta orchid pot that is maybe 4-5 inches across with 3 slits on the bottom edge besides a center drain hole- typical terra cotta orchid pot you'll see at Home Depot. Potted the orchid in it. However, it seems to dry out VERY fast. In as little as 12 hours or less I can't seem to find any sign of moisture in it- I even poked a green wooden orchid stake in the center to see if it would come out wet and it wasn't. I water it like you show in your videos by submerging the whole thing at "soil" level for close to 20 min. Right now I feel like I'm going to have to water it twice a day which may be tricky being busy with a job and such. Then again, maybe it's ok and the plant itself may be hydrated enough even though the medium is completely dry? I did put a little sphagnum moss on the top near the base of the plant (but not touching the base), and that too dries out faster than my orchids with bark. I can see how in the peak of summer where the humidity is 90% and above it would really work, but with the intermittent dry days through spring/early summer it doesn't help keeping much more moisture. I like medium that is a little faster draining so I don't even flirt with the possibility of too much moisture, but this seems to do it quite a lot. I keep it in indirect and/or filtered sunlight with good air movement (overhead fans on medium on porch, or position outside with natural breezes). Any thoughts?
Opal......the key is in the watering method......in stone or rock gravel etc......soak the pots.....dont just pour water thru them.......let them sit and soak.......
Thank you.- I think it's alright now. Am making sure to give it a GOOD LONG drink submerged in water, and also added some more sphagnum moss on top and it seems to extend the wet period.
Rick, when repotting orchids in rock do you take off the old roots or part of the old roots? I just repotted one of my orchids in gravel but I kept all the roots it had which was quite a few. I am afraid I will be looking at many of these roots dying and just sitting there. Any suggestion as to removing of leaving many of the very fine roots I repotted. Thanks
.......wonderful question.......unless they are rotten, and breaking down.......leave them......they serve several purposes.......1. they provide anchoring for a plant that doesn't have a good anchor system.....the stone with the remaining roots helps anchor it......In gravel, you dont have the microbes that cause things to rot....not as much as in bark or moss, so they should be fine........2. they help act as a fish net....to trap nutrients so the plant can absorb them over time....very important, ....in gravel, rock, lava, etc.........you have control.....you can let them dry or let them soak.......fans, air flow blowing over the orchids..... makes a huge difference.....
Thank you so much Rick. I did leave some moss around the roots because I was afraid the plant needed a bit of help with it's tiny roots. I will remove the moss after getting your information. Thanks again, appreciate your help
Hi Rick, I just started watching your channel and I really enjoy and have learn a few things. I only had a few orchids for like 2 months. I have some cattleya seedlings, several phal minis, and 1 denbrodium seedling. They are all in Leca beads. I just fertilized them with Grow More fertilizer (20-20-20) but I didn’t flush it. Should I flush it every time I fertilize? How do you flush? Are there times when you don’t flush? Are any orchids that you should not flush? Thank you Virginia
Hi Rick. I enjoyed this video. Now you have encouraged me into repotting with stones, especially since your orchids look great and stones are so easily available, my neighbors driveway. Lol. One question, the bark can stay moist for days. With the stones, does this mean you need to water daily?
......love questions......no, you dont need to water daily....depends on a lot of factors, temps, humidity, if they sit on a solid surface or a wire shelf.......air flow will dry them out faster, or lack of will keep them moist longer........soak the plant, let it sit and suck up water till its full.......then even in warm temps, it should be fine for several days.....then soak again. We just had 5" of rain....mine are green and plump.......probably good till Tuesday......
anna floris di orchids It's okay Anna and explainable. You see, we had some very strong tropical storms come through our area. "The stones must have drifted away." The bad thing, I may have to collect between 2 & 3 in the a.m. lol. Have a good weekend.
Rick L Thank you Rick. Temperatures here can be in the 90's for many days. I suppose keeping a little saucer under the pots will retain a little bit of water for a day or so. I am definitely doing it.
Mr Rick your plants are so beautiful, I only have two phals currently, I hope to enlarge my collection in the future, I actually received the two I have for my birthday this year 2019, I want to repotmy phals in Rock an clay pots. Can I just remove them from their medium? Do I need to trim the roots first? Will they go through a transitional period? Currently they are growing leaves, the flowers have mostly fell off the stems, should I remove the old stems? I seen a video about using the stem to make more orchids, can you tell me if this in fact will work? I love your channel, I am so very happy I have found it!! God bless you and your family. Thanks for all you do.
….go ahead and remove them from their old media and repot...…..the secret to growing in rock or stone is in the watering....soak them a few times a week.....that's all.....They will transition....but most will take off with big growth, once they are removed from the old broken down media....Don't remove flower stems unless they absorb them......and if they absorb them.....they are telling you they need more food...same with lower leaves turning yellow.....Phals don't have bulbs or canes to store reserves in....but they store P & K in their flower stems.....so don't remove them.
Hi Rick have been watching your channel for some time now. Today I caught your thoughts on river rock, lava and likia (spelling ?). Would pumice work ok for the smaller root orchids? I am a new grower. Only have phals but have some oncidium, dendrobium and anocectochilis young plants coming. Trying to study up before they arrive. Live in wyoming so shipping is pending weather. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. So glad we have orchids to help in our troubled times. God bless! Friend in Wyoming.
cool video. Now when you say "River Rock" is that how its labeled where you purchase it ? or can I just go to the river and grab a a bunch of rocks? i have a river and the coast nearby me so I can grab some really polished stones if you will call it that. Just curious. I have tried lava rock and I was not a fan. Only have one Catt. in one. Nice and healthy looking plants by the way. Thank you in advanced.
......great question...Ive seen it called river rock, landscape rock, polished rock.....if its hard polished stones.... should be fine, quartz type, all good......I would be all over that river & coast mounting and potting my collection........your fortunate....go crazy......clean everything good...and enjoy....
Hi Rick like to start using river rocks on some my orchids can I used the orchids plastic pot with hole in them instead of clay pots? Watching your videos is being very helpful for me to tried to grow my orchids. I have been having trouble with root rot from some of them.
Teresa, yes you can....the rock is just something to anchor the plant....and hold some moisture.....depending on your environment, the plastic may be to dry...wet clay will hold moisture for a while.....plastic not so much.......but that could be perfect for your set up.....try one or two.......they will adapt fast if they are happy......then do more......great question
I'm from Florida. I'm using a mix of orchiata bark and perlite, can I add red lava rocks to the mix? Would that be a good idea for my cattleyas and dendrobiums orchids? Great video! 🌴
Jane.....plants grown in rock, stone, lave....or any sterile, inert, media, makes it hydroponics....."semi Hydro"..?......that's a term made up in the orchid world.......a orchid in a glass with water is ....."water culture"......water culture is a form of hydroponics......thank you for the kind comments........
Hi, again Rick. I hope this message finds you and Jan well. :) Can you tell me much about the wicking properties of lava rock? In my current set up (a hot, breezy porch in South Florida, with plants in lecca + a little bark and even some moss for certain species, in clay pots with many ventilation holes around the sides... well, I am using more water than I'd like. I am considering a switch to self-watering pots, but that is scary because I worry about proper ventilation as well as lava rock's ability to draw moisture from the bottom of the pot to the top. Seeing some of your plants in glazed pots with rocks makes me feel a little more comfortable about ventilation in a self-watering pot, though I realize humidity will be higher and I may be risking rot. Scary indeed! I've been following your advice about watering, nutrients, and soaking for months, and things are going well. I just want to use less water because I'm not in a position to gather rainwater, so us RO, which creates waste-water. I see you said that time between waterings may be as much as 5 days for you, and I would just like to change things up so I can say the same. I'd also like to stop using any organic potting materials and never need a repot, also like you.:) I've seen that self-watering pots work for some in similar climates to my own and will, of course, try this out on one or two plants before subjecting the entire collection to such a change. Sorry for the long post. I'm just hoping you can tell me about the wicking properties of lava rock and add any advice you may have for me given my situation. Thank you so much for all that you share with the orchid community. You say that you're no expert, but you seem so to me.:) Using your methods has been working well and I couldn't be more grateful for the time you take in maintaining this channel for your viewers.
…..your very kind Stella...….Lava doesn't have much in the way of wicking properties...…..when you use lava rock, river rock, pea gravel...…..The clay pot, the stone, and the roots in the pot …...all create a moist environment…..once they are soaked, it takes a few days to dry back...…..The larger the airspace between the rock's…...the quicker it dries back, the smaller and tighter the spaces.....the longer it stays moist..... …..One of the pros of using stone/rock vs Leca is the stone doesn't absorb moisture from the roots...….Leca or Hydroton will wick moisture away from the plant just like clay pots will......I'm not a big fan of self watering pots...…...As they wick moisture up......certain nutrients are absorbed and others left behind, its not a even way to feed....just my opinion........It requires a lot more flushing to me, which uses more water as well....Self watering only works with select orchids.....others wont do well with it. …….to add more moisture to your orchids.....use a smaller stone, or gravel......it will stay moist longer, ….soak them deeply, and water at cooler times of the day...…...my favorite time to feed outside is evening...…...they get the entire night to hydrate and feed...….If they are outside you can spray them as well...…..
Hi great video. I have a video about your water ph. Have you found the lava rock to be affected by your water ph. I heard you mention that it holds nutrients.
Really liked the video. I'm starting to use lava rock, not long enough for any results so it's a waiting game for me. Wondering what part of the world you live in as climate has such an effect, I live in Tampa Bay Area gulf side so it's really humid and hot most of the year. I'm trying to get more of my orchids outside, but will keep my phal on the enclosed lanai, when the plants develop buds I bring them in away from insects and squirrels. Are you watering your plants daily, how often do you feed them?
Dianne ....Im north of you......by about 9hrs.....mid Alabama......weather wise not that much different.......except in winter....I water once a week or so.....some less.....smaller ones more.....moss and bark wont work outside here very well......I feed probably once a week...
Thank you so much. Excellent video as usual. ! Besides rain water, what type of water do you use/ Regular tap with fertilizer? I will definitely try ....have been looking into converting my Full Water Culture but could not decide. Tried Semi Hydro, love it but do not like the tipping Lecca all the time ;)...This type of hydro potting is excellent. Excellent ! Thank you
Thank you, the rock is no different than the Lecca beads, other than they dont roll around, and they secure the plant better.......I use rainwater for all orchids........my tap is 150+ ppm and thats too high for orchid roots....will burn over time......you will love the results.....
Hi Rick, does you method of growing only works if orchids grown outdoors, I live in UK and it it humid but not particulary warm. And do you have to water every day with this set up? Thank you in advance
thank you Foxy.....outdoors indoors......wont matter....plants types, should match the temps you have, and the environment you provide.......many are cooler and I can only dream of. and water would be the same way........myself....no I water every few days as needed...
Rick, I love your channel and have learned so much from you about fertilizing and nutrition. I am curious about your feelings on leca. I noticed it a more recent post about inert media that you just totally disregarded the pot with leca and didn't explain why. Please explain. Thanks and God bless you, you and you're wife are in my prayers.
....very kind ....thank you my friend.....lecca or hydroton is fine to use.....i prefer rock or stone.....lecca has a tendency to absorb and hold onto salts or minerals.....like a clay pot......needs heavier flushing....and more often......it also rolls around and doesn't anchor plants in the beginning stages of growth......its harder to use for new growers........I used it for years with vegetables, etc.......no issues......just not my preferred media choice...
......Thank you......I get it at Lowes or home depot, any garden center, landscape center should carry it........its like $4 for a 50lb bag........2 bags has done all my collection......very cheap..
Hello Rick, I noticed your phals on the bottom shelf had water all over the plant, did rain fall and wet them or did you spray them? And yes I have asked a few questions on other orchid growers youtube channels and I did not get an answer, and I follower her..humm
no worries...…..I love to answer question......Growing orchids is easy......its just no one will break thing's down for the average grower to understand....I hope I'm at least opening a few eyes......The orchids get rained on and they get fed by spraying them....they love it...
I only have one...…..and I have struggled with it...…..I recently repotted it into coco fiber and perlite...….it seems to be growing again, lots of green shoots and entire plant has perked up....
Very good video. Ask the questions and answer the questions ... so it should be. I don't know English well, I translate it with Google, so I could not even explain and even answer the questions ... unfortunately... I can't speak but I understand 80-90% and, the most important, I can enjoy THE VOICE. Thank you, Rick.
Love the videos, I'm just starting out with the phals. so your videos are great, I have one phal. That is growing a lot of arial roots, but it did not flower this year, is there a problem or do they skip a year sometimes, please help
....lack of flowering can be several things......poor nutrition can cause poor flowering, but...wont usually prevent it...Depending on its genetics it could need a cooler rest period in the winter to trigger it to flower, constant temperatures can prevent flowering, a good differential of 15* - 20* between night and day is best....they also need a rest or dark period...if its indoors, lights on at night even just a night light......can influence blooming......
Rick L. Orchids Yes, it could be the temperature, and yes it is indoors, so I will try the drop in temperature from fall till January and see what happens, and what fertilizers do you use at this time. And I Thank you very much for the Advice
use a good balanced fertilizer for orchids.....they wont need any bloom boosters or anything......just good food till fall.....they will handle the rest..
I have two Ren. seedlings. Currently there’re growing in large bark. I’d like to separate them and plant them in lava. How large should the plants be to make the switch?
Hey Richard, mine was quiet a bit smaller when I planted it in the lava, it was in a 3" plastic basket....if they are actively growing and have good root growth......Id plant one and see how it takes to the lava. Mine started growing in it right away......they seem to tolerate moist roots more so than a vanda will......keep me posted how they do........
Rick L thanks for the advice. I’ve only had them for three months now. One is sending a new root. I’m thinking about waiting until it’s warmer so it will have a good chance of taking the change.
thanks that clarifies the pea gravel. it's a translation issue I think since I'm not English (American) and don't have some stuff like wire coat hangers or gauge as a measurement of wire. so thanks for always answering my wacky stuff. ps wile we are on the subject of questions. why do you grow small parts of moss in some pots? I know it's not for keeping moister in. cus your plants are always well hydrated. is it for esthetics? and I have live moss in with my lilies but the life moss hates fertilizer. so I fertilize a little and then have to go and spray with pure rain water to flush the moss or it will die. how do you fertilize and keep the moss alive? also yes please tons of mounting videos would be apriciated 😄 I love your mounts they grow like crazy all your plants habe monstrous root growth btw not just the mounts. so big ribbon for roots if the year 🥇
........Rose....you always make my day so enjoyable......thank you!....the moss was an idea I got from Debra Woodrows orchid shows...one of my favorite growers....she puts it on hers, and they do well.....it does provide some moisture retention, and yes i think it looks good...its also a great way to judge your feeding routine..... if you feed orchids correctly.........the moss wont die........if it dies your over feeding....I need to do a nutritional video.
Rick L I just subscribed haven't watched her videos yet so will do that stat. and thank you cuz sometimes I'm wondering if I border on bieng to much. (one of the most complaints I had about my personality is bieng to much to hyper to talkative to happy to much questions to nosy to know it all to to to to its bin hard dealing with that ) but lucky I have an amazing groups of friends that stuck on this past 15 years that love my wacky self.
Ok, here's a question 3 years late.....I have some King Akazuki babies. Some survivors are about 2 or 3 inches big now in orchid bark. I think it is not quite right for them. They fall over etc. What medium would encourage and nurture them while getting slowly stronger ? I was thinking of mounting them on wood and then watching them like a hawk or would rocks be better? Thanks.
how would this method go in cooler climates, at the moment until the hot house goes up, i grow most my plants inside. my climate is dry ( low humidity ) and gets very cold here,
.......I understand clay pots can have a cooling effect when wet.......but, the stone can be left to stay wet.......or if I use a fan with a gentle breeze.....I can dry them out in hours....if I want too......control is why I use the rock and gravel......I can control their environment.
Hi Rick, have you tried clay pellets for your orchids? I just put 2 of mine in them and wonder if I need to rinse them out every once in awhile? I heard you said you rinse your lava rocks out due nutrient collecting in them? What will happen if you don't rinse them out?
......great questions........lecca beads, hydroton, clay pellets are just like clay pots .....they will absorb moisture......if the moisture contains nutrients/salts......it will absorb them as well.....best thing is to flush them with in a few days of feeding ....use fresh water and add some calmag.....the lava rock hold residue more than stone or the rock I use......but very little.........since I feed often.....every 3 days or so.....they get flushed with each feeding....root tips that are sensitive to high concentrations of nutrients will burn and die back if the clay contains to much residue.....roots will grow all over clean clay pellets, beads, etc.........great question Helene
Joan....cant answer that, its sometimes not worth all the effort, you will have to judge that......many are so sick even before we get them.....without any leaves,, it doesn't have much chance, and you have to consider infections.... I would toss it to protect the rest of my collection....
Here is another questions LOL I'm sorry I am full of them. Is there a whole lot of truth in setting a plant back? Your oncidium that feel apart, do you think that the condition it was in and placing it into new media is going to set it back from blooming again? Or is this where good pH and nutrition come into play?
Hi Rick ,I’m from Greece and u job at orchids after so many videos from many growers orchids makes try u method.i wanna ask how will go with lava rock and seramis together if u can tell me?
Hi Rick! How many Orchids do you have? And what are your thoughts about Water Cultured Orchids? I tried doing WC on my Orchids and they hate it. Either I am doing wrong or it doesn't work in my environment. Your thoughts is appreciated.
.......I have a modest collection of 130+/- orchids......handful are seedlings still........WC works fine on orchids.......but to me.... they dont get much of a dry cycle.....some orchids really need a dry cycle......most people use WC so they can see roots.....if you feed them calcium.........you will never have root issues again......you can grow them in or on about anything....nothing really wrong with WC......but some dont adapt well to it....
Hi Rick Nice Collection! Rick I have a question, how much time does it go between watering in leca beats or when it will be the correct time to water them Thanks !
......good question........it will vary ....depends on everyone grow set up.....I water my plants several times a week.........I watch the roots......I fully hydrated root will be round and plump looking, smooth........as they loose or use water.... the roots will flatten out and show wrinkles...that's when I water them again........
Love your videos! I have just started getting into orchids and really want to use inorganics. Having to repot and destroy roots just seems problematic to me, on a plant that can take so long to recover from such things. I am growing indoors and want to use plastic pots, to help hold in a bit more humidity, since I doubt my grow area has the moisture that yours does. Do you think humidity would be an issue with this grow media?
great questions Cat.......i'm the same way.....I hated to destroy roots that were so hard to grow.....thats one of the reasons I use inert medias...plastic will work......but actually will hold less moisture than the clay pots.....if your inside it may be ok......but outside may dry too fast.....when i water.......I soak them......let them sit and soak, the pot gets saturated.. the roots..... the plant........and it all works together as a whole.....the clay stays moist for several days and gives off moisture........our R/H is 30%-45% during day ......
Paula from Mexico. I am 68, retired, came here cheaper living. Dentist $25.00for cleaning. Fell and had a hip replacement, hospital & Dr. cost me about $4,000 total. I don’t have to wait months for appointments. Quilts Dr.’s here. ElectrIc is a lot cheaper . Some Places I lived I paid about $17.00 for two months. I have a big house now. I pay about $30.00 for two months. Anyway I am loving your videos. I am sorry you are not well. I would have loved to pick your brain. I know you are too sick to even say Hi now. But I am learning. I got a TN, meter, I have a PH meter also. I have to make changes. I use rain water, collect it. Discovered that the rain water is at 110 to 118 ppm. Too high because of wood charcoal I put in to store water for dry season. (Oct. to June) but if it just rain and I checked it before charcoal, it was at 5. If I could get a portable R/O to filter it down, it will be ok. I use MSU, epson salt, seaweed extract, and Cal-Mag. Wow my ppm was too high on my mix. Got to figure things out. Thank you and may God Bless you.
I am sri Lankan. Your method is the best methods to grow orchid's. We have lava rock here What is the fertilizer I have to use to grow like u. Thanks & regds.
........any fertilizer for work........just feed small amounts ......and feed them often.....mimic what mother nature does.......fresh rainwater and tiny trace amounts of nutrients......thank you.
Did not finish sorry stones broken clay bricks and charcoal make up my medium excellent drainage and fungus and bacteria occurrences are low we have two seasons wet and dry my plants are all outdoors so l wet almost every day during the dry season and hardly ever during the wet season there is no breaking down of the medium like you have with spagnum and bark it's ideal thanks again for sharing.
You will never be forgotten. God bless you
This sounds like Wolverine explaining about orchid potting! Thanks for sharing the very good info!
Hi Rick, I tried to post on the video before you built your orchid room. You mentioned other people on UA-cam and I wanted you to see my post. Here it is; So so interesting Rick, that you might mention the animosity of others towards you. I have dealt with this kind of thing in my life as an artist many years ago. But to the point. I have been interested in orchids so long now that I cannot rememberer not ever having some. Here is the thing. I have bought many of the books that you showed in one of your videos as well as watched many on UA-cam hoping for a glimmer of hope to help with my grow. I don't give up because I do get some of them to bloom. This is how I see it. The industry plain and simple is righted lipped because they take advantage of everyone who loves orchids. They will not share secrets and when and if they do, they are so futile and usually not affective. The industry for many years tried to hide the fact that they use temperature to get their orchids to bloom. This of course is just one aspect. Some of this information you can find, but it is very vague. It took me decades to understand this concept. The other thing is this, growing orchids is a major hobby for many, but very few can unlock the potential to get their orchids to thrive. In the commercial industry the growers feed the death out of their orchids just in time for the holidays, including Valentine's Day. This is why many of the orchids have so many blooms. They feed them so much that the orchid just keeps putting these out. But the truth is that once the orchid gets away from its' blooming environment it is packed with unbreathable and chocking material that doesn't allow the roots to grow. No air flow, no growing. I learned many years ago that if you don't repot the orchid and get it out of it's straight jacket, it will most likely die. But the industry doesn't care and they will fight you like tooth and nail because you are letting vital secrets out. They don't appreciate you sharing this and many of the other orchid UA-camrs don't share what you are sharing because they are simply greedy and will protect their livelihood. I say it is about time that someone as special as you has come to understand orchids so well and then share your knowledge with everyone. My own husband works as a mechanic and he always helps people out with simple repair they can do at home, etc. But you see he isn't greedy and he has plenty of customers who are happy to have found him. Don't worry, Rick, you have broken the mold. I understand all of the requirements of orchids, but I do know that if you have the perfect humidity, enough light, and temperature, that without nutrients your orchid will live but not thrive. The one piece missing is the Ph of the orchid. This is the link that creates the chain that allows the orchid to not just live, but thrive. One thing I have always known through research is that birds poop on orchids, which is very acidic. This is the key to growing, period. Without this vital component, orchids will struggle to survive. Somehow during your research you have landed upon it. This is why people are upset at you because you have clearly let the preverbal cat out of bag. Commercial growers would never give you the last piece of the puzzle and neither would some of the other UA-camrs who successfully grow orchids. They will not tell you. But at last you have come forward and not only that but you have so many examples of how and demonstrations with details. You keep going as so many followers of you are so grateful and you have made them very happy, including me and I haven't even seen results yet. These people are not your friends, but your followers love you because you have got style and empathy. Thank you, for you have given me a renewed interest in my orchids. I have tried many things, and had some success, but now I can clearly see the light. Keep making these videos and keep making others happy! You could never regret that! Blessings, Rita
I did see it Rita.....still responding......your very sweet, and make me think..........thank you
This year is my real first year trying to grow orchids. I have had in past but no luck. I treated it like a normal household plant and it died. Soooo I now have 7. Lucky number heheh anyways I’m doing 5 in glass jars with pebbles hydro and one in bark and will do the other in pebbles. Wish me luck sir. I’m giving her all I got. Thank you
Rick is back! Hallelujah!!!
Thank you for your dedication to Orchid growing Rick! I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos.
Thanks you gave me lots of ideas, I will change my media to the lava and river rocks, your presentation was so good, keep up the good work.
I love how you take the time to explain and talk about how you grow your orchids. You have very beautiful orchids they look so healthy and beautiful. Thanks for sharing because I can not grow my phalaenopsis as you do I'll try your method but I grow them indoors any tips, please tell me thank you so much..😊
......thank you for the kind words.....I'm happy to help, and Im sure we can get you growing orchids....Phals are calcium hogs and require lots of nitrogen......those 2 things will make them grow strong and bloom a lot...growing in bark, moss, lava rock, or even mounted they still require those 2 items more than anything....I use Calmag for extra calcium, and I use a good fertilizer with plenty of nitrogen.......give them lots of filtered light, feed them often, and let them go thru wet and dry cycles to help the roots stay healthy....they are simple to grow, and bloom alot once they start........let me know if I can help in any way.........I will be doing a phalaenopsis video soon......to focus just on phals...
Thank you so much, I will do what you have said also you have beautiful orchids and I will update you on my phalaenopsis journey to success thank you and God bless you and your beautiful orchids
Thanks Rick. I watched your videos when they first came out and now I'm watching them again. It's been valuable, as there seems to be more information the second (or third) time around. And the addition of all the comments with your thoughtful answers is an extra bonus. I very much appreciate all your time and effort. I feel like I'm becoming a much better grower thanks to you.
.....Susan.....thank you so much.......all I want to do.....just make people better growers.......the rest will come ...I appreciate your comments very much....
Lava rock is really good for Orchids.. Thanks for the nice video!
Last spring when i was repotting i started mixing lava and hydroton in with my bark, and i really like the results i am seeing already, and after seeing how happy yours are in 100% rock im probably going to go full stones in my oncidium and dendrobium pots next repot! They look great! You are certainly right that there a lot of people who ignore the questions. I try to answer all the questions(as long as youtube notifies of me of new comments) and if the answer is too long to type out, then i simply tell that person that ill make a video about it. Communication is one of the great things about youtube! Loving your channel! :)
...I hope the rock works well for you, and I hope you do a video on it.......I found there's just to many incredible folks around the orchid community,...they all contribute and make the entire growing process easier in my opinion.......Thanks for the kind comments.
I live in Alabama also and am a new orchid grower. Your videos have helped me a lot. Am currently using potting medium made primarily of different bark combinations but want to try gravel also. Your plants are beautiful. Thank you and God Bless!
Subscribed! I've learned so much by watching and listening to your videos. It's a wonder why those other popular channels aren't as thorough as you! Thank you for your kindness, sharing your experience as a grower. You have excellent green thumbs, not just the one thumb as they say, lol!!!
Hi very nice video, I live in the Caribbean so most of our orchids are grown outdoor year round. I use gravel and river rock for most of my orchids. You are doing a great job, please continue.
Juliana, so kind, appreciate the words......I wish i could leave them outside yr long....Thanks for watching...
Hey good video, the growing community of YT is strong and kind not to mention understanding due to common sense and an urge to do something with help outside themselves...It is a wonderful community people helping each other and their plants. 😄👍💚
.......you said it so well.
Thank you.
Im so glad i found you Rick, i really like the way you go about your videos, i will watch all of the ones i have missed and i look forward to learning more from your new ones in the future! thankx for sharing! happy growing
too kind, many thanks,
No confusion here I never have a problem understanding your instructions. MERRY CHRISTMAS😊
Just got back from purchasing some river rock. I repotted 3 orchids to see how it goes in my very humid climate. I love the weight it adds to the 3 pots and no more Leica beads from those pots rolling on the floor, ha! Thank you for sharing!
.....lol....Barb, you just made my night.......hope they explode in growth for you....
Hi, I'm happy to find you channel, your plants look beautiful, thank you for sharing 😁
Thanks Shelli-Ann.............very kind words.
Wow, very interesting video. Made me think of the one time I potted a dendrobium in lava rock (the only time I used anything other than bark) and the roots I got on that plant were unbelievable! Well now you have me curious to try the three again (rock, lava and lecca). Thanks and your orchids look great.
Thank you for watching, I hope it works as well for you as it has for me.........thanks.
Rick, I’m so glad I found your channel! Lots of great info and I love the delivery. No nonsense and you are very humble for such a good grower who clearly knows what you are talking about! Keep up the great and thoughtful videos!
Someone else's video led me to yours and I'm glad they did. I try all types of media for my orchids because I like experimenting and just working with them in general (most are rescues). This week tried lava rocks for the first time and was concerned because I thought they would really dry out fast. They're in the house so I know I may need to water a wee bit more than you but I am so glad that your video lessened my concern about growing them this way. I love your common sensibility about growing orchids. I put a few outside this year but next spring I think I'll put them all outside and see how they flourish.
.....welcome and thank you for the kind comments.....you will love growing them outside....all mine will be going back inside in a month or so.......watering isn't that much more....less inside..
I’m attempting your brick mount and a repot in pea gravel /bark mix. Wish me luck! Thanks for all the great videos, Rick!
Hello, Rick L! Thanks a lot for every video about different substrate for orchids! Hope one day will try lava rock if will find it))) Have a nice evening!
Svetlana....thank you so much for watching , and for the kind comment.......love your channel.
I'm a little new to orchids, I'm starting to grow my collection. I have about 10 or so orchids of all types and I'm trying to soak up as much information as I can to be a better grower. I love watching your videos and I learn a lot from them. :)
welcome Sarah........let me know if ever I can assist.....
Hi, Rick love your explanations. My question is in references of phals.I am not to lucky with them, here in South Florida the heat is big, I do have small greenhouse with fans, tried different potting mix, mount and they all go, what should I do?
Norma, thank you....with your great climate I would mount them.....moss or bark will rot so fast down there with your conditions.....or maybe an inert media such as river rock or gravel as I use....wont rot.....and you can water away......they also dry quick as well.....mine are outside in 908+ temps all summer....and have been growing like crazy.....
Your plants look great and you have a great voice😊 ha ha
Thank you so very much Charlotte.....appreciate the kind comment.
Loving your work .. Keep it up .. More power to your elbow
Learned something new with the wire. Love it ty very much
Hey Rick, I just stumbled upon your channel and I'm very glad that I did! I've watched and enjoyed a couple of your vids already. I grow predominantly using the semi-hydroponic method and am faced with some of the issues you discuss in your vids. Thanks for the great input...Good stuff 👍🏼😉
.......welcome will have to check out your collection......please let me know if I can assist in any way..........Rick
I would like to try river rock. My question is: what size. I have a mini, No-id phal... It's biggest leaf is 3" and it has thin roots and the roots are the same color all the way down. When I first took it out of it's plug on day 2, all the root tips were black. I think they've grown a bit because they don't look as black as they did (maybe one or 2). I've had it 16 weeks. The first spike turned yellow all way down and I cut it off today. The other spike is doing something at the first node for about 4 weeks now, it's about 1/8". But it hasn't progressed. The spike is still green as can be (the last bloom dropped at about 9 weeks). A new leaf started about 3 weeks ago and is about 1/2" and is progressing fine. It came with 5 leaves. I'm down to 3 plus the baby. They're all wrinkled. No new roots yet. One has been trying , but it's grown about 1/8" in 6 weeks. It's very thirsty, every time I turn around the roots are white (it takes about 2 hours for them to be completely white), so I water it. The leaves plump up some weeks and then shrink other weeks, with the same watering schedule. I think I'm about to lose the bottom leaf. It tried to turn yellow, then everybody plumped up and it turned green, but it's trying to turn yellow again. I tried full water culture (bare root with one root tip in constant water, but that long root tip rotted and eventually lost the whole root. That was about week 2. So, I've been doing semi water culture (wet 20 hours, dry 4-6 hours a day) but the leaves are getting thinner and today, I lost a root to rot near the top. I'm so disappointed because that root had started to branch. I had it in magnesium water and the leaves plumped up. Then I tried calcium water and the leaves seems to get thinner, so I went back to magnesium and it plumped back up... But like I said the leaves are getting really thin again. Any suggestions? I got her on a mother's day sale for the flowers and it's been fun so far, so I've gotten my money's worth, but nobody wants to fail. Sending lots of love 💕 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. Hope you are well, we've missed seeing new videos, but I'm keeping busy in your archives. Take care of yourself and each other 😷
thank you for the kind words.......Im sorry your struggling with this Phal......but your doing things right.....I few suggestions that may help:.....to much magnesium will block calcium absorbtion.......Calcium is what they need to grow roots, leaves etc.....without it they die back......What ever you give it.....give it in tiny amounts, they only get small amounts of nutrients in nature, and if they have poor roots then they struggle with even those tiny amounts.......Water culture doesnt allow the roots to dry back and inhibits oxygen to the plant........water it every few days and give it tiny amounts of calcium and some good nutrients......it takes time for them to overcome root loss..
....Dont feel bad if you loose it, they are very poorly cared for before we ever buy them, and many just dont make it, no matter the care.......Always look for bright green thick roots before buying one.....especially phals.
@@rickl.orchids , IT'S GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 🎉🎉🎉 I was worried. Thanks for the advice. I got this mini phal direct from the ice cube nursery with free shipping on Walmart online for $8. All the listing said was it was a mini phal with one of six purple flowers. So I bought it blind. This is my very first orchid. Except for being in the starter plug... I think it came in great shape. It had 5 blooms and 5 buds. If I remember correctly, both spike tips were broken. But none of them blasted at the beginning (even after I took it out of the plug and started water culture). About 9 weeks in, the last two blooms died suddenly, but I think it got too hot. Many people have said 9+ weeks of blooms for a spike is a good run for a mini phal.
It's been in just water (no other media) for 16 weeks (20 hours wet and 4 hours dry) and it's struggling. I've tried extending the dry period, but a couple of roots shriveled. So, I'm thinking of putting it in river rock (because that's what I have) but what size? In this video you talk about small vs large for moisture retention. As thirsty as she is... Would you recommend small river rock or pea gravel to start with? I'd like to get to the point where I only have to tend to her once a week. My excitement is starting to wain. At first, I couldn't wait to run in there 6 times a day, but now I'm down to 3 or 4 visits a day. I'm lucky to work at home like you. Stay well my friend and I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon. Sending lots of love 💕 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. Take care of yourself and each other 😷
@@suzisaintjames .........I understand your concern......all I can do is tell you what I do for my phals, and many of them come with no or very poor roots.....I give them moisture, by soaking them for 20 min.......then they stay dry for several days and then I repeat the process.....I always give nutrients or at a minimum... calcium in the water when they get a soak.......Give it calmag with some kelp/seaweed if you can.......it always produces roots for mine.......keep asking questions......I love assisting and helping growers getting started growing orchids.
I really like the shelving for your plants. I was studying it because I think I may try to build one for my patio plants. It looks great.
Rick, I absolutely cannot wait to try river rock now, thanks for sharing this....going to take the kids over to Nooksack River tomorrow and recruit them as rock collectors. They are gonna be very good at this and have a blast. I can't get over how just when I am noticing how perfectly healthy your plants are and that little question forms in my curious mind, 'what is he growing in?', here is the answer! Just really appreciating your class, err, channel.😊
Cara,......wish I could go along and watch them collect rocks, that would be a blast.........you will love how they grow into it.....so many others use it as well...little patience with it at first, coax them....once they get one root on them they take off.....Thanks for sweet comments....Rick
Rick L , we traced all the coins onto index cards for the kids, for a reference to size rocks to pick up.
Rick L ,and that would be great to have you along! You would be peering through the smoky haze from E. Washington to find them today, though. 😥
I love your set up of slatted shade and the wire for drainage and air circulation.
......Sharon, your comments........you know what you talking about too......thanks for watching.
hello R&J
how is your health ? My all time prayers for you . You are so kind to teach me time and again !! Thanks
In my country Lova rock not available neither poss to ship because of weight .
instead if i use burnned bricks which is dry with holes within and so light can flot on water .
Such meterials are wastage from bricknmaking field . and are enough available in my country !!
Does it work as media replacement of Lava Rocks ? because both looks same and contain moisture !!
My next Q on oncidium types roots they are thin ans not thick liie catt /Den/phelo
so the gaps between rocks are much in tearms of other thick root plants!!
Do you have oncidiam allaiance in Rocks ?
Hi Ricky, really enjoyed these videos on the media you use and how the size you use is relevant to watering etc. Very interesting 😊
Thanks Chris
Love from Canada, God bless happy gardening.
I think you're so right. Super nice group of people I've met on UA-cam. Maybe it's people who want to grow beautiful things, have kind souls. Like to think so anyway. As always, love your video!
........Thanks Morgan........agree, very special.
My Happy Place I would like to think so too👉👵👈
I am so glad I found you. I too am about 2 years into orchids. After watching your videos, which I love!, I fertilized all my orchids. The care you give your orchids makes so much more sense than other people. Yes, in their natural habitat they are going to get more water than what most people give. I was wondering if you clean your lava and pebbles before you use them? Prayers for you and your wife!
Tracy......very kind words...….I give them a quick rinse, and plant orchids in them.........…..boiling and soaking isn't needed.....
Thanks for the tea treatment advice it saved my phal it is growing amazingly well after that
All suggestions are appreciated but I realize each environment is different from the other. We need to absorb as much as we can and then use the best method which can change from place to place and even from different plants in the same ecosystem. That is the fun of growing orchids, they seem to have a mind of their own. Thanks a lot for your suggestions.
Fernanda.....you are so very right.....no wrong way to grow them ...just different ways...listen to the plant!.....thank you for your comment.
Thanks, Rick. I will incorporate pea gravel in my next repotting project. I never even considered it before but it seems to have worked really well.
Thanks for shating your knowledge!!!
I have been mixing bark mix with lava rock (called scoria in Australia) for my Cattleyas, the plants seem to be very happy. I like the rapid draining of the mix, but it still maintains some humidity I think. A big advantage of lava rock over bark mix is that it doesn't break down and compact and smother roots. I dont know why lava rock isnt used by more growers?
2 questions....do you drill the holes in the clay pots and do you make the wire pot hangers yourself? I figure you do. And you are so right I see many questions on other channels that are ignored and really need info. If I know the answer I will reply because they really are looking for help. Well another video just started and answered my wire question....lol tks
thanks Willa......I think you understand exactly what Im trying to do...........just helping others how to grow.
Rick L yes and I think you do a great job teaching us. I have learned a lot from watching you. Knew nothing about their care! Thank you
Hi. Thank you for your very informative videos. I am fairly new to orchids but have learned (the hard way) that I am an over-waterer... I have since done bare root (no media in glass jars) for my phals. I figured if I can see my roots, I can gauge the health of my plants. They are doing fine but I think you said that the plants do like to be anchored so I'm wondering if I should switch to lava rock or stone. (I prefer inorganic media) Any thoughts? Thank You! Marie
Marie.......that's exactly how I ended up in this media.....bad roots....I started using water culture in glass......added some pea gravel to help stabilize them.......and the rest is history.......most of mine are in river rock, pea gravel.or lava rock...
Rick L. Orchids
Thanks so much! Marie
Very nice method Rick I will definitely try this just ordered my River Rock I will try it on my dendrobium Spectabile first to see how it goes if it does good I will gradually repot everyone into River Rock I live in Fayetteville North Carolina would you think that the climate from over here would be suited for this thank you for your videos Rick love them have a great day and God bless
We miss you Rick L.
Rick is back! Hallelujah!!!
Appreciate your videos. Thank you for sharing your expertise. I am going to try a few small cattleyas in leca. (I live in S. FL) Your plants look very healthy so obviously you are onto something in the care of your orchids. Curious as to the motivation of individuals and this hobby. Why do you select the plants that you do? As for me, I want cattleyas that have scent. I buy dendrobiums when I like the color/shape of the flowers. And....I have a few others just because they are rarer and harder to grow. I like the challenge.
They all seems loving this media and grow very well. Do they bloom well, too? How often do you have to water them , once a week?
......most of mine are rescue orchids and others are young, but yes they are starting to bloom and are growing really well......I water as needed.....here in Alabama we are 90*+.....right now....they get a good soak few times a week, unless it rains.....they love the rain....Thanks Mary
Just potted my first orchid in stones. I'm excited and already like how firm the orchid sits in it. It is a rescue phal (medium sized variety) that was previously in a glass pot with no drainage holes and packed tight with moss. During it's time in the store, all but 2 roots (which themselves lost a good portion) died. It was too moist. Not sopping wet but just a little too moist. A little worried that the base of plant could have complications from being too moist (rot), so I cut the dead roots off, soaked in hydrogen peroxide, dried what I could with paper towel, potted it with base slightly above stones, and am letting it have a good dry out. A good sign is that it's leaves aren't limp or anything and holding themselves up well. I think the stones will be a good media for it as it drains fast. Will use the tea bag/lemon method. Thanks for the video.
......wonderful description of doing it right.......hold off on the tea if its hydrated.......and your right to let it dry out for a few days...let the roots heal over.......then start the wet dry routine.........keep me posted......
Well.. apparently a rot had indeed already set in to the point of irreversibility. I tried cinnamon powder but it was just too far gone.
Hi Rick,great info.I have all my orchids in red lava rock and doing well.Can black lava rock be used also?thanks.
Hi Rick. Hope you are doing well. Something I wanted to ask you: I just now potted another orchid in stones. They are small river stones and look the same as many of the ones you are using. I have an Iwanagara apple blossom that was growing well in the pot it came in except that the orchid was outgrowing it. There are 2 new canes developing and I could see it was just beginning to put out a bunch of roots. So I thought it would be a good opportunity to repot. I used the aforementioned stones in a terra cotta orchid pot that is maybe 4-5 inches across with 3 slits on the bottom edge besides a center drain hole- typical terra cotta orchid pot you'll see at Home Depot. Potted the orchid in it. However, it seems to dry out VERY fast. In as little as 12 hours or less I can't seem to find any sign of moisture in it- I even poked a green wooden orchid stake in the center to see if it would come out wet and it wasn't. I water it like you show in your videos by submerging the whole thing at "soil" level for close to 20 min. Right now I feel like I'm going to have to water it twice a day which may be tricky being busy with a job and such. Then again, maybe it's ok and the plant itself may be hydrated enough even though the medium is completely dry? I did put a little sphagnum moss on the top near the base of the plant (but not touching the base), and that too dries out faster than my orchids with bark. I can see how in the peak of summer where the humidity is 90% and above it would really work, but with the intermittent dry days through spring/early summer it doesn't help keeping much more moisture. I like medium that is a little faster draining so I don't even flirt with the possibility of too much moisture, but this seems to do it quite a lot. I keep it in indirect and/or filtered sunlight with good air movement (overhead fans on medium on porch, or position outside with natural breezes). Any thoughts?
Opal......the key is in the watering method......in stone or rock gravel etc......soak the pots.....dont just pour water thru them.......let them sit and soak.......
Thank you.- I think it's alright now. Am making sure to give it a GOOD LONG drink submerged in water, and also added some more sphagnum moss on top and it seems to extend the wet period.
Do you use Sphagnum Moss for any type of orchid?
No...…..it has such a low PH that its difficult to grow with......it breaks down fast as well...….I prefer the inert medias, like rock and stone......
Rick, when repotting orchids in rock do you take off the old roots or part of the old roots? I just repotted one of my orchids in gravel but I kept all the roots it had which was quite a few. I am afraid I will be looking at many of these roots dying and just sitting there. Any suggestion as to removing of leaving many of the very fine roots I repotted. Thanks
.......wonderful question.......unless they are rotten, and breaking down.......leave them......they serve several purposes.......1. they provide anchoring for a plant that doesn't have a good anchor system.....the stone with the remaining roots helps anchor it......In gravel, you dont have the microbes that cause things to rot....not as much as in bark or moss, so they should be fine........2. they help act as a fish net....to trap nutrients so the plant can absorb them over time....very important, ....in gravel, rock, lava, etc.........you have control.....you can let them dry or let them soak.......fans, air flow blowing over the orchids..... makes a huge difference.....
Thank you so much Rick. I did leave some moss around the roots because I was afraid the plant needed a bit of help with it's tiny roots. I will remove the moss after getting your information. Thanks again, appreciate your help
Please Rick, let me be one of the best growers who hangs out on your channel!! ((~8 I have fallen in love with your videos (((~8
…….very kind.....with out a doubt......the best grower's hang here...
Hi Rick have been watching your channel for some time now. Today I caught your thoughts on river rock, lava and Loki (spelling ?)
Hi Rick, I just started watching your channel and I really enjoy and have learn a few things. I only had a few orchids for like 2 months. I have some cattleya seedlings, several phal minis, and 1 denbrodium seedling. They are all in Leca beads. I just fertilized them with Grow More fertilizer (20-20-20) but I didn’t flush it. Should I flush it every time I fertilize? How do you flush? Are there times when you don’t flush? Are any orchids that you should not flush? Thank you Virginia
Hi Rick. I enjoyed this video. Now you have encouraged me into repotting with stones, especially since your orchids look great and stones are so easily available, my neighbors driveway. Lol. One question, the bark can stay moist for days. With the stones, does this mean you need to water daily?
......love questions......no, you dont need to water daily....depends on a lot of factors, temps, humidity, if they sit on a solid surface or a wire shelf.......air flow will dry them out faster, or lack of will keep them moist longer........soak the plant, let it sit and suck up water till its full.......then even in warm temps, it should be fine for several days.....then soak again. We just had 5" of rain....mine are green and plump.......probably good till Tuesday......
anna floris di orchids It's okay Anna and explainable. You see, we had some very strong tropical storms come through our area. "The stones must have drifted away." The bad thing, I may have to collect between 2 & 3 in the a.m. lol. Have a good weekend.
Rick L Thank you Rick. Temperatures here can be in the 90's for many days. I suppose keeping a little saucer under the pots will retain a little bit of water for a day or so. I am definitely doing it.
Blanca your neighbor's driveway is going to look like a dog with mange!!😂😂👉👵👈😍
Blanca Acosta Lol you can buy a bag of beautiful rocks for a 1 dollar at dollar tree
Mr Rick your plants are so beautiful, I only have two phals currently, I hope to enlarge my collection in the future, I actually received the two I have for my birthday this year 2019, I want to repotmy phals in Rock an clay pots.
Can I just remove them from their medium? Do I need to trim the roots first? Will they go through a transitional period?
Currently they are growing leaves, the flowers have mostly fell off the stems, should I remove the old stems? I seen a video about using the stem to make more orchids, can you tell me if this in fact will work? I love your channel, I am so very happy I have found it!!
God bless you and your family. Thanks for all you do.
….go ahead and remove them from their old media and repot...…..the secret to growing in rock or stone is in the watering....soak them a few times a week.....that's all.....They will transition....but most will take off with big growth, once they are removed from the old broken down media....Don't remove flower stems unless they absorb them......and if they absorb them.....they are telling you they need more food...same with lower leaves turning yellow.....Phals don't have bulbs or canes to store reserves in....but they store P & K in their flower stems.....so don't remove them.
Hi Rick have been watching your channel for some time now. Today I caught your thoughts on river rock, lava and likia (spelling ?). Would pumice work ok for the smaller root orchids? I am a new grower. Only have phals but have some oncidium, dendrobium and anocectochilis young plants coming. Trying to study up before they arrive. Live in wyoming so shipping is pending weather. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. So glad we have orchids to help in our troubled times. God bless! Friend in Wyoming.
cool video. Now when you say "River Rock" is that how its labeled where you purchase it ? or can I just go to the river and grab a a bunch of rocks? i have a river and the coast nearby me so I can grab some really polished stones if you will call it that. Just curious. I have tried lava rock and I was not a fan. Only have one Catt. in one. Nice and healthy looking plants by the way. Thank you in advanced.
......great question...Ive seen it called river rock, landscape rock, polished rock.....if its hard polished stones.... should be fine, quartz type, all good......I would be all over that river & coast mounting and potting my collection........your fortunate....go crazy......clean everything good...and enjoy....
Hi Rick like to start using river rocks on some my orchids can I used the orchids plastic pot with hole in them instead of clay pots? Watching your videos is being very helpful for me to tried to grow my orchids. I have been having trouble with root rot from some of them.
Teresa, yes you can....the rock is just something to anchor the plant....and hold some moisture.....depending on your environment, the plastic may be to dry...wet clay will hold moisture for a while.....plastic not so much.......but that could be perfect for your set up.....try one or two.......they will adapt fast if they are happy......then do more......great question
I'm from Florida. I'm using a mix of orchiata bark and perlite, can I add red lava rocks to the mix? Would that be a good idea for my cattleyas and dendrobiums orchids? Great video! 🌴
Are some of yours semi hydro? I'm new, as you may have guessed. You're a breath of fresh air! Thanks.
Jane.....plants grown in rock, stone, lave....or any sterile, inert, media, makes it hydroponics....."semi Hydro"..?......that's a term made up in the orchid world.......a orchid in a glass with water is ....."water culture"......water culture is a form of hydroponics......thank you for the kind comments........
Hi, again Rick. I hope this message finds you and Jan well. :) Can you tell me much about the wicking properties of lava rock? In my current set up (a hot, breezy porch in South Florida, with plants in lecca + a little bark and even some moss for certain species, in clay pots with many ventilation holes around the sides... well, I am using more water than I'd like. I am considering a switch to self-watering pots, but that is scary because I worry about proper ventilation as well as lava rock's ability to draw moisture from the bottom of the pot to the top. Seeing some of your plants in glazed pots with rocks makes me feel a little more comfortable about ventilation in a self-watering pot, though I realize humidity will be higher and I may be risking rot. Scary indeed!
I've been following your advice about watering, nutrients, and soaking for months, and things are going well. I just want to use less water because I'm not in a position to gather rainwater, so us RO, which creates waste-water. I see you said that time between waterings may be as much as 5 days for you, and I would just like to change things up so I can say the same. I'd also like to stop using any organic potting materials and never need a repot, also like you.:) I've seen that self-watering pots work for some in similar climates to my own and will, of course, try this out on one or two plants before subjecting the entire collection to such a change. Sorry for the long post. I'm just hoping you can tell me about the wicking properties of lava rock and add any advice you may have for me given my situation.
Thank you so much for all that you share with the orchid community. You say that you're no expert, but you seem so to me.:) Using your methods has been working well and I couldn't be more grateful for the time you take in maintaining this channel for your viewers.
…..your very kind Stella...….Lava doesn't have much in the way of wicking properties...…..when you use lava rock, river rock, pea gravel...…..The clay pot, the stone, and the roots in the pot …...all create a moist environment…..once they are soaked, it takes a few days to dry back...…..The larger the airspace between the rock's…...the quicker it dries back, the smaller and tighter the spaces.....the longer it stays moist.....
…..One of the pros of using stone/rock vs Leca is the stone doesn't absorb moisture from the roots...….Leca or Hydroton will wick moisture away from the plant just like clay pots will......I'm not a big fan of self watering pots...…...As they wick moisture up......certain nutrients are absorbed and others left behind, its not a even way to feed....just my opinion........It requires a lot more flushing to me, which uses more water as well....Self watering only works with select orchids.....others wont do well with it.
…….to add more moisture to your orchids.....use a smaller stone, or gravel......it will stay moist longer, ….soak them deeply, and water at cooler times of the day...…...my favorite time to feed outside is evening...…...they get the entire night to hydrate and feed...….If they are outside you can spray them as well...…..
Hi great video. I have a video about your water ph. Have you found the lava rock to be affected by your water ph. I heard you mention that it holds nutrients.
Hi, I love the Idea of potting in rocks, can I also repot my cattleya in rocks to. Thank you
yes......al lof mine are in lava, river rock or gravel......and a few mounted.
Thank you so very much Rick, for getting back with the information so soon, I appreciate
Really liked the video. I'm starting to use lava rock, not long enough for any results so it's a waiting game for me. Wondering what part of the world you live in as climate has such an effect, I live in Tampa Bay Area gulf side so it's really humid and hot most of the year. I'm trying to get more of my orchids outside, but will keep my phal on the enclosed lanai, when the plants develop buds I bring them in away from insects and squirrels. Are you watering your plants daily, how often do you feed them?
Dianne ....Im north of you......by about 9hrs.....mid Alabama......weather wise not that much different.......except in winter....I water once a week or so.....some less.....smaller ones more.....moss and bark wont work outside here very well......I feed probably once a week...
Rick L thanks for your reply, looks like I've got some experimenting to do
Thank you so much. Excellent video as usual. ! Besides rain water, what type of water do you use/ Regular tap with fertilizer? I will definitely try ....have been looking into converting my Full Water Culture but could not decide. Tried Semi Hydro, love it but do not like the tipping Lecca all the time ;)...This type of hydro potting is excellent. Excellent ! Thank you
Thank you, the rock is no different than the Lecca beads, other than they dont roll around, and they secure the plant better.......I use rainwater for all orchids........my tap is 150+ ppm and thats too high for orchid roots....will burn over time......you will love the results.....
Hi Rick, does you method of growing only works if orchids grown outdoors, I live in UK and it it humid but not particulary warm. And do you have to water every day with this set up? Thank you in advance
thank you Foxy.....outdoors indoors......wont matter....plants types, should match the temps you have, and the environment you provide.......many are cooler and I can only dream of. and water would be the same way........myself....no I water every few days as needed...
Good day Sir! I was wondering what is the reason , why the leaves turned yellow? Thank you
the plant is blooming and it takes a lot of potassium...….if they get low on Potassium they drop lower leaves.....
Rick, I love your channel and have learned so much from you about fertilizing and nutrition. I am curious about your feelings on leca. I noticed it a more recent post about inert media that you just totally disregarded the pot with leca and didn't explain why. Please explain. Thanks and God bless you, you and you're wife are in my prayers.
....very kind ....thank you my friend.....lecca or hydroton is fine to use.....i prefer rock or stone.....lecca has a tendency to absorb and hold onto salts or minerals.....like a clay pot......needs heavier flushing....and more often......it also rolls around and doesn't anchor plants in the beginning stages of growth......its harder to use for new growers........I used it for years with vegetables, etc.......no issues......just not my preferred media choice...
Hi rick your channel is very interesting, from where do you get your river rock ? and how often do you fertilize your plants ?
......Thank you......I get it at Lowes or home depot, any garden center, landscape center should carry it........its like $4 for a 50lb bag........2 bags has done all my collection......very cheap..
Thank you Rick
Hello Rick, I noticed your phals on the bottom shelf had water all over the plant, did rain fall and wet them or did you spray them? And yes I have asked a few questions on other orchid growers youtube channels and I did not get an answer, and I follower her..humm
no worries...…..I love to answer question......Growing orchids is easy......its just no one will break thing's down for the average grower to understand....I hope I'm at least opening a few eyes......The orchids get rained on and they get fed by spraying them....they love it...
Love your channel!! Learned a lot about nutrients. Do you have cymbidiums? How do I take care of them?
I only have one...…..and I have struggled with it...…..I recently repotted it into coco fiber and perlite...….it seems to be growing again, lots of green shoots and entire plant has perked up....
Thank you!! I have a few but some are not doing well. I will try your method to see if they improve.
Very good video. Ask the questions and answer the questions ... so it should be. I don't know English well, I translate it with Google, so I could not even explain and even answer the questions ... unfortunately... I can't speak but I understand 80-90% and, the most important, I can enjoy THE VOICE. Thank you, Rick.
....your comments mean a lot,....thank you.
Love the videos, I'm just starting out with the phals. so your videos are great, I have one phal. That is growing a lot of arial roots, but it did not flower this year, is there a problem or do they skip a year sometimes, please help
....lack of flowering can be several things......poor nutrition can cause poor flowering, but...wont usually prevent it...Depending on its genetics it could need a cooler rest period in the winter to trigger it to flower, constant temperatures can prevent flowering, a good differential of 15* - 20* between night and day is best....they also need a rest or dark period...if its indoors, lights on at night even just a night light......can influence blooming......
Rick L. Orchids Yes, it could be the temperature, and yes it is indoors, so I will try the drop in temperature from fall till January and see what happens, and what fertilizers do you use at this time. And I Thank you very much for the Advice
use a good balanced fertilizer for orchids.....they wont need any bloom boosters or anything......just good food till fall.....they will handle the rest..
I have two Ren. seedlings. Currently there’re growing in large bark. I’d like to separate them and plant them in lava. How large should the plants be to make the switch?
Hey Richard, mine was quiet a bit smaller when I planted it in the lava, it was in a 3" plastic basket....if they are actively growing and have good root growth......Id plant one and see how it takes to the lava. Mine started growing in it right away......they seem to tolerate moist roots more so than a vanda will......keep me posted how they do........
Rick L thanks for the advice. I’ve only had them for three months now. One is sending a new root. I’m thinking about waiting until it’s warmer so it will have a good chance of taking the change.
thanks that clarifies the pea gravel. it's a translation issue I think since I'm not English (American) and don't have some stuff like wire coat hangers or gauge as a measurement of wire. so thanks for always answering my wacky stuff.
ps wile we are on the subject of questions. why do you grow small parts of moss in some pots?
I know it's not for keeping moister in. cus your plants are always well hydrated. is it for esthetics? and I have live moss in with my lilies but the life moss hates fertilizer. so I fertilize a little and then have to go and spray with pure rain water to flush the moss or it will die. how do you fertilize and keep the moss alive?
also yes please tons of mounting videos would be apriciated 😄
I love your mounts they grow like crazy all your plants habe monstrous root growth btw not just the mounts.
so big ribbon for roots if the year 🥇
........Rose....you always make my day so enjoyable......thank you!....the moss was an idea I got from Debra Woodrows orchid shows...one of my favorite growers....she puts it on hers, and they do well.....it does provide some moisture retention, and yes i think it looks good...its also a great way to judge your feeding routine..... if you feed orchids correctly.........the moss wont die........if it dies your over feeding....I need to do a nutritional video.
Rick L I just subscribed haven't watched her videos yet so will do that stat.
and thank you cuz sometimes I'm wondering if I border on bieng to much. (one of the most complaints I had about my personality is bieng to much to hyper to talkative to happy to much questions to nosy to know it all to to to to its bin hard dealing with that ) but lucky I have an amazing groups of friends that stuck on this past 15 years that love my wacky self.
.......wacky, crazy and talkative fits in perfect around here.........we love ya!
Ok, here's a question 3 years late.....I have some King Akazuki babies. Some survivors are about 2 or 3 inches big now in orchid bark. I think it is not quite right for them. They fall over etc. What medium would encourage and nurture them while getting slowly stronger ? I was thinking of mounting them on wood and then watching them like a hawk or would rocks be better? Thanks.
how would this method go in cooler climates, at the moment until the hot house goes up, i grow most my plants inside. my climate is dry ( low humidity ) and gets very cold here,
.......I understand clay pots can have a cooling effect when wet.......but, the stone can be left to stay wet.......or if I use a fan with a gentle breeze.....I can dry them out in hours....if I want too......control is why I use the rock and gravel......I can control their environment.
Hi Rick, have you tried clay pellets for your orchids? I just put 2 of mine in them and wonder if I need to rinse them out every once in awhile? I heard you said you rinse your lava rocks out due nutrient collecting in them? What will happen if you don't rinse them out?
......great questions........lecca beads, hydroton, clay pellets are just like clay pots .....they will absorb moisture......if the moisture contains nutrients/salts......it will absorb them as well.....best thing is to flush them with in a few days of feeding ....use fresh water and add some calmag.....the lava rock hold residue more than stone or the rock I use......but very little.........since I feed often.....every 3 days or so.....they get flushed with each feeding....root tips that are sensitive to high concentrations of nutrients will burn and die back if the clay contains to much residue.....roots will grow all over clean clay pellets, beads, etc.........great question Helene
@@rickl.orchids Thank you for your suggestions. I'll flush them after every feeding to be on the safe side.
Do the pots need to have holes in them?
not required...…..but the more airflow the better....
I have a phal that lost all the leaves, totally dry rotted on top, but good roots. Should I just throw it out, or can it be saved? Thanks
Joan....cant answer that, its sometimes not worth all the effort, you will have to judge that......many are so sick even before we get them.....without any leaves,, it doesn't have much chance, and you have to consider infections.... I would toss it to protect the rest of my collection....
Rick L thanks
Here is another questions LOL I'm sorry I am full of them. Is there a whole lot of truth in setting a plant back? Your oncidium that feel apart, do you think that the condition it was in and placing it into new media is going to set it back from blooming again? Or is this where good pH and nutrition come into play?
Hi Rick ,I’m from Greece and u job at orchids after so many videos from many growers orchids makes try u method.i wanna ask how will go with lava rock and seramis together if u can tell me?
Hi Rick! How many Orchids do you have? And what are your thoughts about Water Cultured Orchids? I tried doing WC on my Orchids and they hate it. Either I am doing wrong or it doesn't work in my environment. Your thoughts is appreciated.
.......I have a modest collection of 130+/- orchids......handful are seedlings still........WC works fine on orchids.......but to me.... they dont get much of a dry cycle.....some orchids really need a dry cycle......most people use WC so they can see roots.....if you feed them calcium.........you will never have root issues again......you can grow them in or on about anything....nothing really wrong with WC......but some dont adapt well to it....
@@rickl.orchids Thank you very much. Cant wait to watch the rest of your videos.
Where would be a good place to get some more orchids all I have been able to find reasonable is phalaenopsis???
Hi Rick Nice Collection! Rick I have a question, how much time does it go between watering in leca beats or when it will be the correct time to water them Thanks !
......good question........it will vary ....depends on everyone grow set up.....I water my plants several times a week.........I watch the roots......I fully hydrated root will be round and plump looking, smooth........as they loose or use water.... the roots will flatten out and show wrinkles...that's when I water them again........
Thanks Rick for the tip I will be watching them
thank you so much, you help me so much🤗👍399, you have new subscriber💚🌾🐞.
Hola Rick !!! me encanta el sustrato que Ud utiliza para sus Orquídeas. Hermosas , felicitaciones 👏👏🌸❤🌎 gracias.
Love your videos! I have just started getting into orchids and really want to use inorganics. Having to repot and destroy roots just seems problematic to me, on a plant that can take so long to recover from such things. I am growing indoors and want to use plastic pots, to help hold in a bit more humidity, since I doubt my grow area has the moisture that yours does. Do you think humidity would be an issue with this grow media?
great questions Cat.......i'm the same way.....I hated to destroy roots that were so hard to grow.....thats one of the reasons I use inert medias...plastic will work......but actually will hold less moisture than the clay pots.....if your inside it may be ok......but outside may dry too fast.....when i water.......I soak them......let them sit and soak, the pot gets saturated.. the roots..... the plant........and it all works together as a whole.....the clay stays moist for several days and gives off moisture........our R/H is 30%-45% during day ......
Paula from Mexico. I am 68, retired, came here cheaper living. Dentist $25.00for cleaning. Fell and had a hip replacement, hospital & Dr. cost me about $4,000 total. I don’t have to wait months for appointments. Quilts Dr.’s here. ElectrIc is a lot cheaper . Some Places I lived I paid about $17.00 for two months. I have a big house now. I pay about $30.00 for two months. Anyway I am loving your videos. I am sorry you are not well. I would have loved to pick your brain. I know you are too sick to even say Hi now. But I am learning. I got a TN, meter, I have a PH meter also. I have to make changes. I use rain water, collect it. Discovered that the rain water is at 110 to 118 ppm. Too high because of wood charcoal I put in to store water for dry season. (Oct. to June) but if it just rain and I checked it before charcoal, it was at 5. If I could get a portable R/O to filter it down, it will be ok. I use MSU, epson salt, seaweed extract, and Cal-Mag. Wow my ppm was too high on my mix. Got to figure things out. Thank you and may God Bless you.
I live in a really dry climate area... Will planting in rocks be better than bark or soil medium for a phalaenopsis orchid?
How's the water routines ? And how often ?
I am sri Lankan. Your method is the best methods to grow orchid's. We have lava rock here
What is the fertilizer I have to use to grow like u. Thanks & regds.
........any fertilizer for work........just feed small amounts ......and feed them often.....mimic what mother nature does.......fresh rainwater and tiny trace amounts of nutrients......thank you.
Did not finish sorry stones broken clay bricks and charcoal make up my medium excellent drainage and fungus and bacteria occurrences are low we have two seasons wet and dry my plants are all outdoors so l wet almost every day during the dry season and hardly ever during the wet season there is no breaking down of the medium like you have with spagnum and bark it's ideal thanks again for sharing.
.......you confirm everything I thought would happen........great info....thank you.
Hello, What type of orchids do best in lava rock? How often do u water them?
I haven't found any orchids that dont do well in lava rock......watering depends on the plants.......but once week is fine.......
Hey rick hope you are doing well I have a question can I plant my baby oncidium in lava rocks
yes......Oncidiums like moisture, so make sure to soak it well during its first few weeks till new roots start to show.....they love Calcium as well