You must have this green magic touch because no matter what plant you bring to your collection, it thrives. I watch your videos over and over again, just to look at this health of greenery ❤ I wish you and your wife the same health and thrive as you provide to your plants. Let us enjoy your wisdom and peace for many more videos to come.
Hello Rick. Just found your channel today. I live in Nova Scotia and am just getting into orchids. My orchids need repotting badly. So glad i found your channel. ❤
So glad to hear your voice and have another one of your videos, Rick. May your health get even better and we can enjoy your orchids for a long, long time 😊 lava rock really works beautifully
Hi, Rick. Months ago I was struggling with a Hoya. You suggested treating it like orchids. Took your advice. My Hoya as absolutely taken off. Thank you so much!
Central fl here , I’m usually in Dothan for Xmas, come nov it gets rather chilly 🥶 up there. I followed your potting technique with lava rocks , saved me a lot of bacterial concerns or pests.
Hey Rick! All is good in S. Florida! Watching your videos is like a good lesson with some sprinkle on peaceful-ness. I love to see your orchids. I feel much of my success is because I found your videos and learned from you!! Thank you for that!! ❤. Hope Jan is well too.
Hi Rick! Wow your orchid clan looks great! Thanks for sharing your collection and plant wisdom...its always great to hear research results. I remember your talk about K from a few years ago. I've followed that advise and my plants rarely lose lower leaves now. Your videos are most helpful. Blessings to you and Jan! 😇🌸
You’re plants show the good care they are getting! Roots everywhere, beautiful strong leaves 🍃…. Very healthy plants. I am looking forward to your video on inorganic media. I love growing my plants in pumice as you know. One of the reasons is that I don’t have to mess around with the roots when I repot them. Plus they only need repotting when the plants need a bigger pot. All the plants seem to like it…. ❤ thank you for a wonderful video, I hope you and Jan are doing well!
Thank you EJ.....pumice is the one media I have never grown in, I wish I could get it here....I love your set up and hope you will add your experience, and knowledge to the conversation when I talk about inert medias.....hope you guys are well......
Hi Rick, it is nice to hear from you and watch another video. Your orchids are beautiful. I am experimenting with lava rocks, let's see how it goes, but so far, so good. They started to grow a lot of air roots. 😍😍 I wish you the best. ❤
Thank you Rick!Most of what I learned about orchids I learned from you.I live in Florida and my small collection is doing well.I have started to grow in lava rock and so far they seem to love it!Always so good to hear from you.❤
Hi Rick. Your orchids are amazingly healthy and beautiful. It’s going to get really cold this coming week. A possible frost 😢. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. Blessings.👏🥰
We're beginning to get our first cool nights here in the Piedmont, of NC. All if my Phals are blooming or in spike. Happy, happy. It is so good to hear from you. 🤗
WOW 😮 Thank you Rick! Now I know why I only lose two phalaenopsis leaves per year on sixteen plants. Love it. Love that research. It's starting to cool off here too in the high desert of Arizona 🎋 Blessings sent your way...
Glad to see another video from you Rick. It's about the same here in Kentucky. The days are warm 70's and the nights are cool at 45-50. I have my five vandas three of which are in spike that I am taking out during the day and bring them inside at sunset. I'm glad you mentioned about not having to remove phalaenopsis keikis. I have one in a Kokedama ball on a hanger that has two keikis. I will leave them with the mother plant. Hope you and your wife are doing well. Take care, James
Thanks James.....I was born in Kentucky.....Lousiville, and raised across the river in Evansville, Ind.........you live in one of my favorite places......Feed your Phal well and let it form a big clump......it will bloom beautifully for you.
@@rickl.orchids Thanks Rick. I've been to Evansville several times years ago. It's a nice city. I have a question. I purchased a little Coelogyne Carinta this week. It's in a 2.5 inches net pot in pure moss. I've never grown a Coelogyne before. I don't like growing in just moss. I'll kill it by overwatering. It has a new growth with a few new roots. I'm going to repot it in a 3 inches clay pot. Should I put it in small pebbles or small pieces of lava rock? Thanks Rick!
@@JamesBrown-i2e .....James they typically grow along streams, rivers, in trees...and like dappled light.....Maybe add some lava rock to the moss mix......if its very small, it will be easier to keep it hydrated in a lava moss mix.....than all lava rock....Once its growing well and your used to its growing style......then you can steer it towards your prefered media......hope that makes sense.........keep me posted on how its doing for you.
@@rickl.orchids Yes, it's a tiny plant with 3 leafless back bulbs, two bulbs with leaves and one new growth with 3 little roots. I will try the lava rock/moss mix. Thanks for the advice Rick!
Greetings to you Rick and Jan👋… I’m glad y’all doing alright. Wow!!! That Orchids are just so happy. Your video always encourages me to push myself in doing more with my orchids as well. But no matter what I do, it seems like they’re not progressing. I would like my orchids to have that luscious green leaves and roots as well. I am using cal mag and seaweeds fertilizer. I haven’t tried the jack’s fertilizer yet. Maybe I should try it and see if it works more better than what I’ve got. Thank you so much Rick for uploading a new video. I am always so happy to see you sharing your experiences and thoughts on growing orchids. See you on your next one!!! 🤗
.......I so happy to see you Leah.....you been gone for a while....let me know if I can help with your fertilizer needs anytime......its not just your orchids that will grow better.....I hope you and your hubby are well.....
@@rickl.orchids… hello. Sorry I was so busy this past few weeks. Me and husband are doing just fine, just so busy gathering things. I already bought the 20-20-20 jack’s fertilizer. I actually watered the orchids and plants this morning. I hope they grow much more better soon… thank you so much. 🤗
Great to see a video from you. Hope you and Jan are well. I've purchased several orchids from Houserman. All small my space is two shelves part of chrome desk.
So intrigued by your success in lava and river rock. I frankly have never given that much consideration but now with the insane prices out there for orchid bark, and usually of very questionable quality in my experience anyway, I'm now very open to trying your method. Thank you for sharing the video. The root growth looks great!
Hey Brother 👋 good to see you on UA-cam! Everyone looks great! Dinard Blue Heaven 💙 you'll have to pot her and her mount later on! 😂prepare for a huge cattleya! 😂it's already dropped 38° here! We got cold quick! Our high was 66° 🥶🥶 I'm not at all happy about it! 😂Hope you and Jan are well! 😊
Hi Rick! Everything looks great! I have the same experience with my two variegated Phals. They don't seem to want to grow new roots but they have new leaves and seem healthy. I had to bring all mine in this weekend and it was a bigger job than anticipated because I have little restraint when comes to adding to the collection. Maybe I'll learn soon! Hope you have a great weekend!
thanks Kyle,.....I can understand the work bringing them all inside, finding them all places to spend the winter......look forward to your updates.....
Wow, your orchids look amazing in lava rocks! Beautiful roots! I live in S. FL, do you recommend repotting orchids this time of the year? We start getting low temperatures in January. I keep them all outside. Thank you 🌸
...Thank you so much........I repot when ever I need to.......as long as the orchids are getting a good supply of calcium they grow and grow........regardless of temps or if in flower spike, with blooms.
Great video….thank you for showing the progress with your orchids. I love to see the new roots and growth on my plants too. I learn something new each time I watch your videos. I have many sheaths on my cattleya’s but most have turned brown. Not sure why? Should I remove them? I live in S FL & grow outside, water several times a week since it’s been so hot & fertilize weekly. I added a fan this summer because of heat & high humidity. Any suggestions? (BTW I’m a newbie)
Becky. it sounds like your doing a fine job.....Cattleyas like good nutrition, and they require lots of light to bloom.......not full sun but very bright indirect light.....some sheaths will never bloom and others will when you least ecpect it.....maturity of the plant plays a big roll in blooming as well....keep doing what your doing......maybe check your light your giving them.
I have never heard that it’s the daytime temperature that needs to drop for a phalenopsis to spike. Both day and night temperatures drop in our house in colder weather, so I have no trouble getting spikes, but I always assumed the night temperatures were responsible. I would love to grow more in lava rock but the shelves on my larger plant stand can’t handle the weight. As a compromise, I have been adding more lava rock into my bark mix. I’m hoping that it will help to keep more air spaces available as the bark ages. (I repotted at least every two years.)
There is a very good research based 4 part article from the American Orchid Society Called "Growing the best Phalaenopsis"......I would recommend reading that, lots of good info in it.......I like the addition of lava in your bark mix.....it will definetly help with air flow....
Everything looking good Rick which is what I would expect from your knowledge and cultivation. My Cattleyas, which were almost dead with dehydrated leaves and pseudobulbs, which I put into lava rock some six months ago I have just noticed whilst watering this morning that three of them have started to develope new roots........seems they have taken a while to acclimate!! All my plants are now indoors until May next year. The only plants which I am finding difficult in the rock are Draculas......difficulty in producing growth on the small new roots.....any ideas?? Thanks Rick for sharing your knowledge.....take care, Ed.
.......thanks Ed, and wonderful to hear that those poor cattleyas are trying to rebound....Adding a small amount of moss to the media will help those struggling to start root growth.......especially those orchids with fine roots......as the roots develop,... and the moss decays, ....it will filter out of the pots and leave the lava behind.......you and yours are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Question, Mr. Rick! Did you mix in the river rock with your lava rock for any particular reason? Does it serve a purpose, or did you just feel like it? Really love your work! Keep it up!
Hi Rick. I’m new to your site and very excited about your knowledge on growing orchids. I have a couple questions… 1, my Phals all have several air roots and I don’t see any on yours… why? 2, do you flush right after soaking? 3, I thought I saw a video you did that said you no longer use Calcium nitrate. Is that right? Sorry to bombard you with so many questions but your orchids are so beautiful and I’m so excited to get started using many of your growing methods. 😊
....Air Roots....there may be some small genetic componets at play, but.....air roots can be from several things....could be the roots dont like something in the media, like a salt or mineral buildup, ....or they maybe seeking out more food, more air...a different moisture %, ...could be they are trying to anchor themselves better....roots tend to seek out what the plant needs.... ....Flushing.....I flush after several feedings....because I soak my orchids for 15-20 minutes....when I lift them out of the water they get flushed a bit with each feeding......you cant ever flush them to much.....but you need to remember..... when you flush, and do it correctly.... they will be clean, but .....also wont have any food around them.....I use good water with about 25-50ppm of calmag in it...to flush my orchids.... ....Calcium Nitrate.....not sure where you saw that.....I still use it, and love it......but it should not be used by itself.... ......Good questions.........keep it up.
@ hi… thank you for your response… I guess I was confused over a video you did several years ago about phals and using Epson salts to deepen the color and strength of the leaves. You talked about a friend who lost several lettuce plants using the calcium nitrate. I’m new at this so I probably misunderstood. I have planted 2 of my phals in lava rock and I’m following your videos to learn more about their care. Do you plant your dendrobiums in lava also? And if you do do you water them all at the same time? I’m sure you have answered these questions a million times so thank you for your help. Love your videos!!!
@@sharonruttschow3862 ......I love questions.......when I started growing orchids no one would answer questions.........its so much easier to grow these beautiful plants when someone will answer simple questions.... ....Almost all my orchids are in lava, ....I have a few that are in river rock or pea gravel....and mounted. In my wood baskets I use lava rock.....Ive never had a dendrobium that didnt like lava rock.......they seem to thrive in it.....Dendrobiums can get top heavy, due to their height, and the lava gives them ballast......I water them along with the rest of the orchids.......
@@sharonruttschow3862 ......A TDS meter will change how grow........You now know exactly how strong your mix is, and you can lower or raise it.......let me know if I can help in any way........
Your plants seem to be doing very well specially in that lava rock. I’ve got mine in lava rock as well but I never know when it wants watering. This is the trouble I grow indoors on the windowsill and a shade at the back to keep the main of the sun off And it’s worked for me for the last five years plus you never know I have one that has not flowered for me for two years so I put it out on the kitchen window and let it cool for awhile and see what happens next year when it grows all my fouls are in flower at the moment Sunflowers are dying now because we’ve gone down to 6° and it was -2 last night bit cold but nice and sunny during the day. Nice to watch your videos because you grow in the same as I do but do you water or fertilise should I say your plants when they’re in flower, some people say you don’t and some people say you do so I’m asking you what do you do? Catch you soon❤
.......around once a week......but because im in lava rock......I can.... if I want to..... water more........most get a soak every 7 days or so.....but those that have multiple canes or are still growing strong.....get a little more
Rick, I went back and rewatched this video for your info on the nitrogen/potassium. Found this very informative because I had been losing bottom leaves on my schillerianas causing me to only have 3 leaves on the plant. So if I use the Jack’s Parts A and B together, does that fulfill those requirements? Would you use that at full strength each time you water? Thanks
.....Lower leaf issues on phals is mainly potassium, and the Jacks has plenty of it, ....mix 75ppm of the calcium nitrate(A) and 75ppm of the 5-12-26(B)......feed them till spikes get 2-3" long, then cut out the calcium nitrate.....and feed them 75-80ppm of just part B.......when they start growing new leaves or the flowers are finished and drop off......add part A back into your mix.....
Never used lava rock (mine are all on Orchiata bark) but am now tempted to try it. Does it retain water? How often do you water and how -- drain through (saturate) or mist?
when I water I soak them for 15-20 minutes........the clay pot, the lava, the roots it all stays damp for several days ...then I give them a few days of dry time ....so I end up watering once a week maybe......I will be showing it in a coming video.
👩🏾🌾 Rick, over the years, I've noticed that you mention various orchids you and Jan find at your LOWE'S. THE only reasonably priced orchid variety I can find in Columbus, Ga., is Phalenopsis. Do you have suggestions for buying other varieties? Unfortunately, requesting other varieties at my LOWE'S has been unsuccessful.
......here in Alabama, where I live....only Lowes has orchids, and only small bag babies......Home Depot will have a few Phalaenopsis.......but that is it...... I like Carmela Orchids on line, they ship and have a some very good packages. I have gotten some beautiful orchids from them..... Orchids by Hauserman is another good one.
Rick, your Nodosa on the wood looks fabulous but, has it bloomed for you this year? I ask because I'm always concerned about giving too much nitrogen which would facilitate more vegetative growth rather than promoting flowering. Even with a "prope"r amount of P and K.
.....Thanks Rick.....that Nodosa, I got as a bag baby in March.....it was mounted May 7th, this past spring.....it has grown very well, and add lots of new shoots.....It hasnt bloomed yet. I grown them before and they bloomed well for me.......as for the Nitrogen.....research has shown that Phosphorus doesnt have any effect on blooming for many orchids....I feed higher Nitrogen till I see spikes forming then drop it down till after bloom....
Rick, As per your suggestion, I brought my Phals inside on Monday afternoon, bc of the temperatures dropping below 55 that night. I also cut back on the feed once my spike got 3 inches long. (It’s now a foot long!) Now could you tell me what your TDS recommendations are for the fall/winter season?
@@007trudig ........with Phals it is......on most orchids it is common to reduce feed rates when in bloom......excess nutrients during reproductive mode, can cause keiki's in Phals, Dendrobiums, etc....
Do the orchids get LED or natural light while being inside? 🤔 Most people say not to remove the yellow leaves until they detach since plants can reabsorb whatever is in the leaf. I was always wondering if it would be the same with the spike. My new cattleyas grew really well in the porch during summer and now they are under LED lights for some possible first blooms.
.....Mine are inside under T8 flourescent lighting......in front of a south facing window......so they are getting both natural and artificial light........And I agree, if a leaf is starting to yellow and die back, let the plant have it......to remove it early, is only taking food off its plate.....same with spikes.....Keep me posted on your Cattleyas and their blooms.
I dont treat them at all......they arent having issues with them at this time....I had one Oncidium leaf that showed signs of something from a few weeks ago,.....but nothing else......Best thing to rid them of mites or mealy bugs is to spray them all down with water.......other than that I would recommend Neem oil.....
Have you read “What Orchids Eat”/what do you think about K-lite fertilizer and the principals behind it? I go back and forth but most of my evidenced-based thoughts on fertilizer ratios has been in regard to terrestrial tropicals. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.
.......Thank you so much for your great question.....it kept me online reading late into the night.....I have read that article before, and I have read it several more times because of your question....and it sent me down several rabbit holes.....I could sit and chat with Rick Lockwood for hours..... but to answer.....Im a big fan of MSU fertilizer, but not a big fan of K-lite.....I dont 100% agree with his findings on low Potassium.....there were many variables in his experiment......and only 2 years of findings...I agree that potassium may not be present in the wild in many ecosystems.....but in others its more abundant, and available..... There has been lots of research and studies on the benefits of matching potassium to Nitrogen and calcium %, and they dont match his findings exactlly.....Orchids are one the largest genus of plants on the planet, and have probably the most diverse requirments of all plants. There may very well be some orchids like slipper plants that dont require as much Potassium in thier diet, and others that need more.......I can only direct other growers to watch thier plants and see how they respond to thier nutrient mix.....and adjust it from there......great question........thank you
@@rickl.orchids That’s similar to my thoughts, too. It’s been a while since I’ve done a deep dive into it but the idea of potassium being highly conserved in terrestrial plants is difficult to quantify except in very exacting experimental conditions. Soil analysis in the areas I was looking at do demonstrate very low levels of potassium so it would make sense for the plants to uptake any potassium they come into contact with, so if given an excess amount they would take up an excess amount…but I imagine that would be even more difficult to quantify in epiphytes. I eventually settled on a 3-1-2+micros+calmag for all my plants, terrestrial and epiphytes, and I swap it out every once in a while for K-lite, not for its low potassium, but for its very high calcium and magnesium components because my tap water has almost no calcium in it. I’m going to have to look into the nutrient literature for commercial orchids. I’ve sent some of my anthurium leaves for nutrient analysis and they always come back low on magnesium no matter how much I supplement!
@@thequeenofsporks ......I like your thoughts on it...if your Anthurium has nice green leaves ....then its probably getting enough and relocating the rest......Magnesium is a mobile nutreint
Hi Rick ,hope this finds you well. My question for you is this,one of my rain barrels has leaves in it ,so the water is brownish ,tannin ? Is this harmful to my orchids in any way .
......thats a great question......tannins can drop the ph and make it unusuable........but it depends on the waters buffering properties..... the more pure the water the more tannins will effect it, and drop the ph........the tannins, which are the substances which "tint" the water, cannot "overcome" the calcium and magnesium ions in for ex. ..in tap water.... and dont make much of a ph difference....only way to be sure would be to check it with PH strips or a good PH meter.....if its a very light tint......I wouldnt worry to much......if its dark tea colored......I wouldnt use it on orchids....but.....blueberries, hydrangeas,and other acid loving plants would love it .....
also.....some trees....example.... black walnut......give off chemicals to prevent other trees growing near it....I wouldnt want those leaves in my rainbarrels.
You must have this green magic touch because no matter what plant you bring to your collection, it thrives. I watch your videos over and over again, just to look at this health of greenery ❤
I wish you and your wife the same health and thrive as you provide to your plants. Let us enjoy your wisdom and peace for many more videos to come.
.....thank you for the very touching words....
Hello Rick. Just found your channel today. I live in Nova Scotia and am just getting into orchids. My orchids need repotting badly. So glad i found your channel. ❤
Welcome.....
So glad to hear your voice and have another one of your videos, Rick. May your health get even better and we can enjoy your orchids for a long, long time 😊 lava rock really works beautifully
Thank you my friend.
💚👍🙏💚 Many Thanks for all your work 🙏 everytime I watch a video of urs I learn from 💚 Blessings to you and your loved ones 💚
very kind thank you!
All your orchids look sooo healthy 😻
Thank you my friend!
Hi, Rick. Months ago I was struggling with a Hoya. You suggested treating it like orchids. Took your advice. My Hoya as absolutely taken off. Thank you so much!
....you gave me a big smile here.......love to hear of other growers success......great work my friend.
Central fl here , I’m usually in Dothan for Xmas, come nov it gets rather chilly 🥶 up there. I followed your potting technique with lava rocks , saved me a lot of bacterial concerns or pests.
love to hear that......great work.
Wonderful orchids and lovely garden 😊
Hey Rick! All is good in S. Florida! Watching your videos is like a good lesson with some sprinkle on peaceful-ness. I love to see your orchids. I feel much of my success is because I found your videos and learned from you!! Thank you for that!! ❤. Hope Jan is well too.
......Thanks Melissa......Im so very happy that you are your family are ok with the storms this season.......keep up all your great work.
Hi Rick! Wow your orchid clan looks great! Thanks for sharing your collection and plant wisdom...its always great to hear research results. I remember your talk about K from a few years ago. I've followed that advise and my plants rarely lose lower leaves now. Your videos are most helpful. Blessings to you and Jan! 😇🌸
Thanks Amy......many blessings back my friend.
Beautiful grow space, Rick. You are blessed!😊❤
I sure am..........thank you!
You’re plants show the good care they are getting! Roots everywhere, beautiful strong leaves 🍃…. Very healthy plants. I am looking forward to your video on inorganic media. I love growing my plants in pumice as you know. One of the reasons is that I don’t have to mess around with the roots when I repot them. Plus they only need repotting when the plants need a bigger pot. All the plants seem to like it…. ❤ thank you for a wonderful video, I hope you and Jan are doing well!
Thank you EJ.....pumice is the one media I have never grown in, I wish I could get it here....I love your set up and hope you will add your experience, and knowledge to the conversation when I talk about inert medias.....hope you guys are well......
Love your videos. Thank You for taking the time
thank you.
Hi Rick, it is nice to hear from you and watch another video. Your orchids are beautiful. I am experimenting with lava rocks, let's see how it goes, but so far, so good. They started to grow a lot of air roots. 😍😍
I wish you the best. ❤
Thank you Rick!Most of what I learned about orchids I learned from you.I live in Florida and my small collection is doing well.I have started to grow in lava rock and so far they seem to love it!Always so good to hear from you.❤
wonderful to hear......hope your safe from the storms.
Look at those orchids! They’re all doing so well. Love seeing all them roots against the lava rock 🪴 Thanks for the update!
thank you my new friend......
Hi Rick. Your orchids are amazingly healthy and beautiful. It’s going to get really cold this coming week. A possible frost 😢. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. Blessings.👏🥰
blessings back my friend.
So happy to see a new video from you. Interesting research about the phals. Hope all is well with you and Jan.
thanks Liz
Looking very nice and healthy. Again thanks for sharing
Plants look awesome! Have been missing you, glad to hear your voice. You and your’s take care.
Thank you,.......
Thank you, as always .
The plants are so healthy… thanks for dropping a video.. have a great today! 😊🩷🌸🪴🍃
Thank you my friend.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful orchids with us🥰
thank you.......
Glad to see you are on, I’ve been thinking about you & hoping and praying that you & Jan were ok!
thank you.....all good here!.
We're beginning to get our first cool nights here in the Piedmont, of NC. All if my Phals are blooming or in spike. Happy, happy. It is so good to hear from you. 🤗
Wonderful to hear.......congrats and great work my friend.
So good to have you back. I’m looking forward to hearing your video on growing in inert media.
WOW 😮 Thank you Rick! Now I know why I only lose two phalaenopsis leaves per year on sixteen plants. Love it. Love that research.
It's starting to cool off here too in the high desert of Arizona 🎋 Blessings sent your way...
Thanks Sharon.......sounds like your Phals are doing great!
@@rickl.orchids Yes with your help and a couple other's spells SUCCESS! 👏 😇
Can’t wait to see your indoor care!
thank you......
Glad to see another video from you Rick. It's about the same here in Kentucky. The days are warm 70's and the nights are cool at 45-50. I have my five vandas three of which are in spike that I am taking out during the day and bring them inside at sunset. I'm glad you mentioned about not having to remove phalaenopsis keikis. I have one in a Kokedama ball on a hanger that has two keikis. I will leave them with the mother plant. Hope you and your wife are doing well. Take care, James
Thanks James.....I was born in Kentucky.....Lousiville, and raised across the river in Evansville, Ind.........you live in one of my favorite places......Feed your Phal well and let it form a big clump......it will bloom beautifully for you.
@@rickl.orchids Thanks Rick. I've been to Evansville several times years ago. It's a nice city. I have a question. I purchased a little Coelogyne Carinta this week. It's in a 2.5 inches net pot in pure moss. I've never grown a Coelogyne before. I don't like growing in just moss. I'll kill it by overwatering. It has a new growth with a few new roots. I'm going to repot it in a 3 inches clay pot. Should I put it in small pebbles or small pieces of lava rock? Thanks Rick!
@@JamesBrown-i2e .....James they typically grow along streams, rivers, in trees...and like dappled light.....Maybe add some lava rock to the moss mix......if its very small, it will be easier to keep it hydrated in a lava moss mix.....than all lava rock....Once its growing well and your used to its growing style......then you can steer it towards your prefered media......hope that makes sense.........keep me posted on how its doing for you.
@@rickl.orchids Yes, it's a tiny plant with 3 leafless back bulbs, two bulbs with leaves and one new growth with 3 little roots. I will try the lava rock/moss mix. Thanks for the advice Rick!
I see your two Sogo Vivians are looking really healthy! I remember when didn't think they would make it. 😊
......yup.....They are slow to grow, but look like they are finally doing well......
Have a nice day.
Beautiful and healthy orchids.
thank you .....
Greetings to you Rick and Jan👋… I’m glad y’all doing alright. Wow!!! That Orchids are just so happy. Your video always encourages me to push myself in doing more with my orchids as well. But no matter what I do, it seems like they’re not progressing. I would like my orchids to have that luscious green leaves and roots as well. I am using cal mag and seaweeds fertilizer. I haven’t tried the jack’s fertilizer yet. Maybe I should try it and see if it works more better than what I’ve got. Thank you so much Rick for uploading a new video. I am always so happy to see you sharing your experiences and thoughts on growing orchids. See you on your next one!!! 🤗
.......I so happy to see you Leah.....you been gone for a while....let me know if I can help with your fertilizer needs anytime......its not just your orchids that will grow better.....I hope you and your hubby are well.....
@@rickl.orchids… hello. Sorry I was so busy this past few weeks. Me and husband are doing just fine, just so busy gathering things. I already bought the 20-20-20 jack’s fertilizer. I actually watered the orchids and plants this morning. I hope they grow much more better soon… thank you so much. 🤗
Great to see a video from you. Hope you and Jan are well. I've purchased several orchids from Houserman. All small my space is two shelves part of chrome desk.
Thanks so much Shirley.......Houserman has many orchids that tempt me.....
Your orchids so healthy and so beautiful. It's keep healthy and beautiful like this full year?
thank you........
So intrigued by your success in lava and river rock. I frankly have never given that much consideration but now with the insane prices out there for orchid bark, and usually of very questionable quality in my experience anyway, I'm now very open to trying your method. Thank you for sharing the video. The root growth looks great!
Thank you.....The trick to using lava rock is how you water.....
Looks great Rick.
Keikies also put out their own root growth so that belies sucking the life out of the mom-plant.
.....exactly........great tidbit of info.
Hey Brother 👋 good to see you on UA-cam! Everyone looks great! Dinard Blue Heaven 💙 you'll have to pot her and her mount later on! 😂prepare for a huge cattleya! 😂it's already dropped 38° here! We got cold quick! Our high was 66° 🥶🥶 I'm not at all happy about it! 😂Hope you and Jan are well! 😊
Hi Rick! Everything looks great! I have the same experience with my two variegated Phals. They don't seem to want to grow new roots but they have new leaves and seem healthy.
I had to bring all mine in this weekend and it was a bigger job than anticipated because I have little restraint when comes to adding to the collection. Maybe I'll learn soon! Hope you have a great weekend!
thanks Kyle,.....I can understand the work bringing them all inside, finding them all places to spend the winter......look forward to your updates.....
Wow, your orchids look amazing in lava rocks! Beautiful roots! I live in S. FL, do you recommend repotting orchids this time of the year? We start getting low temperatures in January. I keep them all outside. Thank you 🌸
...Thank you so much........I repot when ever I need to.......as long as the orchids are getting a good supply of calcium they grow and grow........regardless of temps or if in flower spike, with blooms.
@@rickl.orchids Thank you so much. Have a wonderful day.
Great video….thank you for showing the progress with your orchids. I love to see the new roots and growth on my plants too. I learn something new each time I watch your videos. I have many sheaths on my cattleya’s but most have turned brown. Not sure why? Should I remove them? I live in S FL & grow outside, water several times a week since it’s been so hot & fertilize weekly. I added a fan this summer because of heat & high humidity. Any suggestions? (BTW I’m a newbie)
Becky. it sounds like your doing a fine job.....Cattleyas like good nutrition, and they require lots of light to bloom.......not full sun but very bright indirect light.....some sheaths will never bloom and others will when you least ecpect it.....maturity of the plant plays a big roll in blooming as well....keep doing what your doing......maybe check your light your giving them.
I have never heard that it’s the daytime temperature that needs to drop for a phalenopsis to spike. Both day and night temperatures drop in our house in colder weather, so I have no trouble getting spikes, but I always assumed the night temperatures were responsible.
I would love to grow more in lava rock but the shelves on my larger plant stand can’t handle the weight. As a compromise, I have been adding more lava rock into my bark mix. I’m hoping that it will help to keep more air spaces available as the bark ages. (I repotted at least every two years.)
There is a very good research based 4 part article from the American Orchid Society Called "Growing the best Phalaenopsis"......I would recommend reading that, lots of good info in it.......I like the addition of lava in your bark mix.....it will definetly help with air flow....
@@rickl.orchids Great! I will read those articles. I just joined AOS this week and have been binging on articles that I couldn’t see before. 😁
Everything looking good Rick which is what I would expect from your knowledge and cultivation. My Cattleyas, which were almost dead with dehydrated leaves and pseudobulbs,
which I put into lava rock some six months ago I have just noticed whilst watering this morning that three of them have started to develope new roots........seems they have taken a while to acclimate!! All my plants are now indoors until May next year. The only plants which I am finding difficult in the rock are Draculas......difficulty in producing growth on the small new roots.....any ideas??
Thanks Rick for sharing your knowledge.....take care,
Ed.
.......thanks Ed, and wonderful to hear that those poor cattleyas are trying to rebound....Adding a small amount of moss to the media will help those struggling to start root growth.......especially those orchids with fine roots......as the roots develop,... and the moss decays, ....it will filter out of the pots and leave the lava behind.......you and yours are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi Rick. First to comment😅. Hope u doing good. tc
Question, Mr. Rick! Did you mix in the river rock with your lava rock for any particular reason? Does it serve a purpose, or did you just feel like it? Really love your work! Keep it up!
......no real reason, I was probably low on one type of rock and just added a mix of several.......good question.
Hi Rick. I’m new to your site and very excited about your knowledge on growing orchids. I have a couple questions… 1, my Phals all have several air roots and I don’t see any on yours… why?
2, do you flush right after soaking?
3, I thought I saw a video you did that said you no longer use Calcium nitrate. Is that right?
Sorry to bombard you with so many questions but your orchids are so beautiful and I’m so excited to get started using many of your growing methods. 😊
....Air Roots....there may be some small genetic componets at play, but.....air roots can be from several things....could be the roots dont like something in the media, like a salt or mineral buildup, ....or they maybe seeking out more food, more air...a different moisture %, ...could be they are trying to anchor themselves better....roots tend to seek out what the plant needs....
....Flushing.....I flush after several feedings....because I soak my orchids for 15-20 minutes....when I lift them out of the water they get flushed a bit with each feeding......you cant ever flush them to much.....but you need to remember..... when you flush, and do it correctly.... they will be clean, but .....also wont have any food around them.....I use good water with about 25-50ppm of calmag in it...to flush my orchids....
....Calcium Nitrate.....not sure where you saw that.....I still use it, and love it......but it should not be used by itself....
......Good questions.........keep it up.
@ hi… thank you for your response… I guess I was confused over a video you did several years ago about phals and using Epson salts to deepen the color and strength of the leaves. You talked about a friend who lost several lettuce plants using the calcium nitrate. I’m new at this so I probably misunderstood.
I have planted 2 of my phals in lava rock and I’m following your videos to learn more about their care. Do you plant your dendrobiums in lava also? And if you do do you water them all at the same time? I’m sure you have answered these questions a million times so thank you for your help. Love your videos!!!
@@sharonruttschow3862 ......I love questions.......when I started growing orchids no one would answer questions.........its so much easier to grow these beautiful plants when someone will answer simple questions....
....Almost all my orchids are in lava, ....I have a few that are in river rock or pea gravel....and mounted. In my wood baskets I use lava rock.....Ive never had a dendrobium that didnt like lava rock.......they seem to thrive in it.....Dendrobiums can get top heavy, due to their height, and the lava gives them ballast......I water them along with the rest of the orchids.......
@@rickl.orchids thank you! I just received my TDS meter and I’m having a lot of fun using it. Soaking some right now. 😄
@@sharonruttschow3862 ......A TDS meter will change how grow........You now know exactly how strong your mix is, and you can lower or raise it.......let me know if I can help in any way........
Your plants seem to be doing very well specially in that lava rock. I’ve got mine in lava rock as well but I never know when it wants watering. This is the trouble I grow indoors on the windowsill and a shade at the back to keep the main of the sun off And it’s worked for me for the last five years plus you never know I have one that has not flowered for me for two years so I put it out on the kitchen window and let it cool for awhile and see what happens next year when it grows all my fouls are in flower at the moment Sunflowers are dying now because we’ve gone down to 6° and it was -2 last night bit cold but nice and sunny during the day. Nice to watch your videos because you grow in the same as I do but do you water or fertilise should I say your plants when they’re in flower, some people say you don’t and some people say you do so I’m asking you what do you do? Catch you soon❤
thank you.....good question.......I continue to feed them even when in flower, I will lower the strength down.....but they still get nutrients.
Thanks for the TDS answer. I have another question. You soak your orchids for about 20 minutes in your nutrient mix? How often do you do that? Thanks.
.......around once a week......but because im in lava rock......I can.... if I want to..... water more........most get a soak every 7 days or so.....but those that have multiple canes or are still growing strong.....get a little more
@@rickl.orchids Thanks, I'm slowing learning how to care for the few plants I have.
Rick, I went back and rewatched this video for your info on the nitrogen/potassium. Found this very informative because I had been losing bottom leaves on my schillerianas causing me to only have 3 leaves on the plant. So if I use the Jack’s Parts A and B together, does that fulfill those requirements? Would you use that at full strength each time you water? Thanks
.....Lower leaf issues on phals is mainly potassium, and the Jacks has plenty of it, ....mix 75ppm of the calcium nitrate(A) and 75ppm of the 5-12-26(B)......feed them till spikes get 2-3" long, then cut out the calcium nitrate.....and feed them 75-80ppm of just part B.......when they start growing new leaves or the flowers are finished and drop off......add part A back into your mix.....
@@rickl.orchids thanks, Rick. I really appreciate your knowledge of this topic
Never used lava rock (mine are all on Orchiata bark) but am now tempted to try it. Does it retain water? How often do you water and how -- drain through (saturate) or mist?
when I water I soak them for 15-20 minutes........the clay pot, the lava, the roots it all stays damp for several days ...then I give them a few days of dry time ....so I end up watering once a week maybe......I will be showing it in a coming video.
👩🏾🌾 Rick, over the years, I've noticed that you mention various orchids you and Jan find at your LOWE'S.
THE only reasonably priced orchid variety I can find in Columbus, Ga., is Phalenopsis. Do you have suggestions for buying other varieties? Unfortunately, requesting other varieties at my LOWE'S has been unsuccessful.
......here in Alabama, where I live....only Lowes has orchids, and only small bag babies......Home Depot will have a few Phalaenopsis.......but that is it...... I like Carmela Orchids on line, they ship and have a some very good packages. I have gotten some beautiful orchids from them..... Orchids by Hauserman is another good one.
Rick, your Nodosa on the wood looks fabulous but, has it bloomed for you this year? I ask because I'm always concerned about giving too much nitrogen which would facilitate more vegetative growth rather than promoting flowering. Even with a "prope"r amount of P and K.
.....Thanks Rick.....that Nodosa, I got as a bag baby in March.....it was mounted May 7th, this past spring.....it has grown very well, and add lots of new shoots.....It hasnt bloomed yet. I grown them before and they bloomed well for me.......as for the Nitrogen.....research has shown that Phosphorus doesnt have any effect on blooming for many orchids....I feed higher Nitrogen till I see spikes forming then drop it down till after bloom....
Rick,
As per your suggestion, I brought my Phals inside on Monday afternoon, bc of the temperatures dropping below 55 that night. I also cut back on the feed once my spike got 3 inches long. (It’s now a foot long!)
Now could you tell me what your TDS recommendations are for the fall/winter season?
Is cutting back on feed when it's in spike a rule?
As always: I enjoyed to watch your video. May God bless you!! Ralf
Hey Bruce.......very happy to hear of your bloom spike.....once my spikes get 2-3".....I'll cut back on my feed to around 75ppm - 100ppm.....
@@007trudig ........with Phals it is......on most orchids it is common to reduce feed rates when in bloom......excess nutrients during reproductive mode, can cause keiki's in Phals, Dendrobiums, etc....
@@rickl.orchids Thanks, as always Rick. Sounds like you survived Helene?
Do the orchids get LED or natural light while being inside? 🤔
Most people say not to remove the yellow leaves until they detach since plants can reabsorb whatever is in the leaf. I was always wondering if it would be the same with the spike.
My new cattleyas grew really well in the porch during summer and now they are under LED lights for some possible first blooms.
.....Mine are inside under T8 flourescent lighting......in front of a south facing window......so they are getting both natural and artificial light........And I agree, if a leaf is starting to yellow and die back, let the plant have it......to remove it early, is only taking food off its plate.....same with spikes.....Keep me posted on your Cattleyas and their blooms.
Before the orchids go inside, do you treat them for thrips and mites? Can you recommend something
I dont treat them at all......they arent having issues with them at this time....I had one Oncidium leaf that showed signs of something from a few weeks ago,.....but nothing else......Best thing to rid them of mites or mealy bugs is to spray them all down with water.......other than that I would recommend Neem oil.....
Will most of these with new canes bloom inside now or next spring
........due to thier age, maturity.....more than likely in the spring....
Leaves on top of leaves. Hmm I sound like someone I know hmm.
Have you read “What Orchids Eat”/what do you think about K-lite fertilizer and the principals behind it? I go back and forth but most of my evidenced-based thoughts on fertilizer ratios has been in regard to terrestrial tropicals. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.
.......Thank you so much for your great question.....it kept me online reading late into the night.....I have read that article before, and I have read it several more times because of your question....and it sent me down several rabbit holes.....I could sit and chat with Rick Lockwood for hours..... but to answer.....Im a big fan of MSU fertilizer, but not a big fan of K-lite.....I dont 100% agree with his findings on low Potassium.....there were many variables in his experiment......and only 2 years of findings...I agree that potassium may not be present in the wild in many ecosystems.....but in others its more abundant, and available.....
There has been lots of research and studies on the benefits of matching potassium to Nitrogen and calcium %, and they dont match his findings exactlly.....Orchids are one the largest genus of plants on the planet, and have probably the most diverse requirments of all plants. There may very well be some orchids like slipper plants that dont require as much Potassium in thier diet, and others that need more.......I can only direct other growers to watch thier plants and see how they respond to thier nutrient mix.....and adjust it from there......great question........thank you
@@rickl.orchids That’s similar to my thoughts, too. It’s been a while since I’ve done a deep dive into it but the idea of potassium being highly conserved in terrestrial plants is difficult to quantify except in very exacting experimental conditions. Soil analysis in the areas I was looking at do demonstrate very low levels of potassium so it would make sense for the plants to uptake any potassium they come into contact with, so if given an excess amount they would take up an excess amount…but I imagine that would be even more difficult to quantify in epiphytes. I eventually settled on a 3-1-2+micros+calmag for all my plants, terrestrial and epiphytes, and I swap it out every once in a while for K-lite, not for its low potassium, but for its very high calcium and magnesium components because my tap water has almost no calcium in it. I’m going to have to look into the nutrient literature for commercial orchids. I’ve sent some of my anthurium leaves for nutrient analysis and they always come back low on magnesium no matter how much I supplement!
@@thequeenofsporks ......I like your thoughts on it...if your Anthurium has nice green leaves ....then its probably getting enough and relocating the rest......Magnesium is a mobile nutreint
Hi Rick ,hope this finds you well. My question for you is this,one of my rain barrels has leaves in it ,so the water is brownish ,tannin ? Is this harmful to my orchids in any way .
......thats a great question......tannins can drop the ph and make it unusuable........but it depends on the waters buffering properties..... the more pure the water the more tannins will effect it, and drop the ph........the tannins, which are the substances which "tint" the water, cannot "overcome" the calcium and magnesium ions in for ex. ..in tap water.... and dont make much of a ph difference....only way to be sure would be to check it with PH strips or a good PH meter.....if its a very light tint......I wouldnt worry to much......if its dark tea colored......I wouldnt use it on orchids....but.....blueberries, hydrangeas,and other acid loving plants would love it .....
also.....some trees....example.... black walnut......give off chemicals to prevent other trees growing near it....I wouldnt want those leaves in my rainbarrels.
Thank you Rick.I guess this means new gutters :)
@@victoriariviere9503 ......oh I hope not.....