Rick L., good afternoon! I'm watching this lesson AGAIN. What you consider rambling is critical information for me. Thank you for the segment on using potassium and what it does for plants. I'm just shaking my head at how you are able to deliver such basic and critical information to novices like me. Thank you again for keeping this visit posted. Your friend and neighbor in Georgia!
Thanks so much for the info, Rick! New piping and K....a great way to explain that concept! You're exactly right, when a leaf synapses it literally dries up like leather. Your orchids are looking wonderful from all the care they're receiving. Greetings from the TN clan! :) Amy
Angus 😍 He is SO cute! Rick I’d be interested in seeing if we can figure out how to get vandas away from dropping their lower leaves like the phals do....It seems like all of the older vandas I own and ones that I see others own end up with a bare stem at the base as the plant continues to grow vertically like a vine....They’re in the same boat as the phals in terms of not having any reserves besides their leaves right? I’d sure love to see a vanda with all of its leaves from the base to the top of the crown!
.........now your really growing!!......wonderful thoughts......lower leaves on a vanda, would be mobile nutrient related.....maybe....I think they are Calcium hogs, and take a lot of K as well......P maybe equally important in Vanda's....I need to research more......but with all the root growth P would be very important.....maybe more so than other orchids..........see what I can find out for you........great project...
I love any of your videos on nutrients for orchids, very helpful information to make my orchids grow better and to get it blooms. My orchids don't want to bloom . thanks, Rick.
Love your stand the orchids love that! I lose leaves on my Phals in the Southwest Louisiana area so I believe it’s a moisture problem for me it’s putting top leaves on and the bottom will drop if I water from lower part of plant they just drop if water from the very bottom of plant it doesn’t drop they don’t yellow.and drop. But I do get a lot of humidity so maybe that’s my problem we can’t water from top in this area. Thanks love the video and great orchids happy growing!
Phals don't have bulbs and canes like on dendrobium or cattleya's have........so they don't really have reserves.......because of this,.. they need a very steady, steady, supply of nutrients........when they miss meals they dip into their only source of reserves which is their leaves, they pull nutrients from the lower leaves first, and it cause them to turn yellow and drop of............when they get a steady supply of nutrients they hold onto their lower leaves and keep their spikes......
Very interesting about the phal leaves Ricky. Someone on Facebook said it’s not natural for them to loose they’re lower leaves and posted a photo of one with many many leaves. Most of us do have a problem with lower leaf loss, so a definite answer as to why would benefit so many growers! Thanks Ricky. Love as always from across the pond 😊
I do not think this was a too long explanation as to why you are adding potassium . It really helps to teach a complete plant novice the whys and what fors of nutrition and how they use it. Thank you! Honestly as you explain things some of my grade school science is coming back. I remember having to draw plants and cells and how they work internally. Of course in grade school it was a "stupid assignment" I was never going to need to remember beyond the test. Lol How many times did we think that? 😀
Rick...you have me thinking as usual....will you be showing us how you mix your foliar spray....maybe demonstrating in upcoming videos? I would love that....I have so much growth too...spikes everywhere, roots, leaves, and still struggling with those senescing oldest leaves....so you really got my attention with this one! Thank you, friend!
Excellent, excellent information! I always assumed that phal leave drop was due to genetics but you may be on to something. It will be interesting to see if the added potassium and your overall nutrient regime prevents this going forward. Please keep us updated! 😊 I love that beautiful purple mini phal! And I can't believe that dendrobium was a throw away! When your orchids kick into blooming mode, they are going to be awesome! 🌸
The last phal that I purchased had 14 leaves...it looked like it still had every single leaf that it ever produced! When I transplanted it, I actually cut off the 4 smallest leaves at the bottom so that it would fit in the pot. It's producing a new leaf now...will be interesting to see if I experience any leaf drop. How much kelp are you adding to your foliar spray?
Hello Rick now in the process if revising and revisiting your videos: they just get better and better every time. Missing you a lot, hope you’re better. Best wishes to both of you, Kate
......Im not giving it at every watering....just be aware of its job and check your mix, .......then give it to them when they can use some extra........to much K can block Calcium..
Then I may be fine. I rotate each week, plain water, seaweed, Epsom, orchid fertilizing, plain water, oyster shell flour, superthrive, bloom feed, and repeat!
Hi Rick , you inspired me so much that I went to buy 3 phal to start & repotted them to lava rocks, in plastic pots & started spraying them with CaMag daily & water every week. I hope it will survive. I love all your orchids. Can you make a video on how to mount your orchids either to driftwood or cedar. Is the cedar wood at the lumber section of HD ok to use? Thank you so much. You’re the best. Hope to see your reply.
How much extra potassium do you add? How many ppm of the seaweed do you add to your fertilizer solution? As a retired chemist, I enjoy the technical aspects of your videos. I'm glad I found your channel!
yes they definitely need nutrients to grow......more calcium than anything....new shoots, bloom spikes and roots all dying back are signs of Ca deficiency........the NPK #'s are just the strength of the mix......try 15-5-20
I got same Phalaenopsis. Do you have tutorial on how to build your wood stand with wheels. It’s really convenience, I would like to build one. Thank you
not a tutorial.........just some dimensions.......basically a shelf with wheels........the lower frame is stronger to support the upper weight, and attach wheels to.....
........,my favorite foliar feed is 100ppm calmag, and 35ppm of kelp/seaweed and 35ppm magnesium sulfate.........nitrogen, phosphorous, & potassium are best absorbed by the roots, ......magnesium is better absorbed thru leaves..
@@rickl.orchids thanks. Did you see Roger made video on a magnicium.as foliar feeds ? Just a week before i asked roger about magniium.and he refused to use a epsom salt. Interestingly i saw he made experimental video for foliar feed with mag at about 70 ppm.. Great addative and you had been doing this since long. Great knowledge shared. Thanks for sharing your recipie on foliar feed.
Rick L. Orchids Greatbsharing . but a little to confirn on your foliar feed . Do you mix and feed all about CalM 100+ SW 35+ Magnssium 35 ppm total 170 ppm ? as foliar feed mixture ? or they are same amount , but seperate feed no mix ? which one? Rick.......... Hope Jan doing great !! waiting to listen and follow :)
I like your long-winded explanations. I am a visual learner and I love to research this stuff all of the time and so far your channel has been the only one to completely help me to understand the research I've been doing. When it comes to magnesium, calcium, and potassium. I had a question regarding the garden lime. I've been wanting to try this for awhile so I hung onto an old bag of it for the last two years. But it's a very old bag, probably 5-7 years at this point and it's been in a closed container... Can garden lime go bad or expire? I'm just wondering if you know if there's something I should do to make sure it's okay for my plants. But I will be giving it a try most likely anyway cause I definitely feel I've got calcium and magnesium issues. Thanks in advance, if you're able to get back to me. Sorry for the long comment, haha. Beautiful plants and excellent information! P.S. I have one big phal that now has 12 leaves so I know it's possible to have more than typical but I don't know why this one and not the others.. the only difference is that it's older but also had a previous owner who passed away. I wish I knew her secrets because I imagine it has to be something she did that made it hold onto the nutrients within it and then me having it for the last two years, maybe it just hasn't run out of that yet? I hope it keeps the leaves but it is a monster haha and consumes water and fertilizer like you would not believe. -L
I think I'm going to build something like this wheeled shelving unit you have here. I love that the mounted orchids hang on it easily too. A friend of mine from the UP area of Michigan sent me a box of driftwood he'd gathered from areas of Lake Superior shorelines that I'm going to try some mounting on. We also have red cedar trees in our timber that I'm going to make use of too!
can you provide the amounts in mls in litres of the amounts of fertilisers you are going to use please...I am worrying about adding all those at one time..... I have sea sol and the powerfeed and was worried that this was too much on top of the Peters fertiliser + Cal /Mag + using the other liquid fertiliser A & B after going to an orchid show today and speaking to Windamere orchids.... they feed their orchids (no phals) osmocote slow release pellets 6mth one and that the omcid inter generics etc... love watering and feeding .. i wonder why my omcids are dropping their leaves after fully going yellow??? any ideas please
.........I will Chris.......Osmocote, is a fine product........but you have no control of it......when activated it lets go of everything....and when not active ....they get nothing...I only have a few oncidiums.....but they love water and ;lots of food........especially when growing new shoots.....
Hello there I am also useing A + b. But at this moment i stoped. B cozvi use cal mag. Cal nit seaweed extract, Osmocot, also Orchid focus liqued and at thevtop of all i use NPK 30-20-10 3-37-37 19-19-19 21-21-21 14-40-14 So, confused how to use now A+B? I got it for my water culure. But i hv no.more so A+B is not used now. But can you schedule me for A+B same like yours.
Thank You so much Rick. I have 5 phals leaves are turning yellow:((.I hope I could reverse or rescue it . I just received my seaweeds extract how much seaweed should be given and how often .BYW,this is all in water culture .PLEASE HELP GREAT Teacher.Take care and God Bless you....You are such a BIG blessing.
kelp/seaweed supplements are great for giving tiny amounts of potassium back to the plants, they also provide lots of amino acids, vitamins, hormones that really help them grow....I use 1/2tsp per gallon...2-3 x a week.....its usually added to other nutrient mixes,......but works great on its own as well.......makes a good flushing mix...
.......your nutrient mix should have potassium in it....the N-P-K numbers on the label.....K is the potassium %.....I like mine around the same % as the N...or nitrogen.......I add some extra by using Kelp/seaweed supplements.......they are usually around 0-0-1 on the label.........Thats the easiest way.
Hi Rick, I notice that you use Lava rock as a medium for most of your orchids and they look very healthy. I have a yard full of these rocks and wonder should I start to use them instead of barks? Your video is great! Thank you.
@@rickl.orchids I have a few of my orchids in clay pepples and they are very happy as well. But these clay pepples are costly though. Will try your way with lava rocks. Thank you.
You are always so helpful, I have a violet, now blooming. The blooms are huge, deep purple with a red center on the petals and beautiful, but it is only one plant and one of the bloom stems is pink with purple speckling. Am I doing something wrong? It seems healthy .????
could be young, or its first bloom.....they need good light, but not direct sun....they need good water and nutrients....and potted in a good peat based soil....
yes...…...but the potassium or K that's required is such a tiny amount......you want trace amounts of K....I use more K in the warmer months....25ppm every other feeding...
Hi Rick, I live in Abilene Texas and have a few orchids I got on clearance at lowes and they are doing well but was wondering if I should put them outside
if your temps are over 60* and you have a filtered light area for them......sure......make sure they get used to the light, no burns......and watch them for watering....they will reward you with so much growth.....
oh thats the only problem I have, will they get watered correctly, see I travel for work and my Aunt sometimes forgets to water things. Right now I have them on a tv stand, there are about 9 plants, 2 in full bloom, one with a bloom spike with buds about to open, it was clearenced due to the broken spike. I have them set up for easy watering and viewing
Yea!!!!! The grow rack is back!! Oh boy! All my orchids are in river rock now! Question, my good filtered water still has 124 ppm. Should I gage my MSU nutrients at 150 ppm... which would come to 274 ppm? I'm still learning and you've been my primary teacher! I thank you so, so much! You are such an inspiration!
.......124ppm is still high for orchids.,....adding 150 to it will make it too high for using....I want to assist you so very much.......you will need to find a good water source......if you need to use your tap in meantime....just flush well in between feedings to reduce salt build up............when you get a R/O system.......your orchids are going to explode in growth for you......
I'll use Distilled water until I can figure out what to do. My whole-house water system removes Chlorine and Ammonia but the pH is 9. So looks like I need to research the problem much more. Meantime, thank you so much!
A question...I am having difficult time finding landscape lava rock....but in the outside grill section I found smaller bags of lava rock for grills...is that the same stuff as landscape lava rock? Dumb question but I've never paid that much attention to lava...but I want to plant some orchids in it! Also it seems that quarter size marble rock seems to be a large supply of this year....anything bad about marble chips to plant orchids in you know of? Thanks for the information! Glad you got yours outside...some of mine are out but not trusting mother nature to keep nights above freezing yet for me!
thanks David.....the grill lava should be fine and the same thing, ...very Lowes, Home depot around here....even Walmart sells bags of lava rock in the mulch section in the garden dept, not sure why they dont carry there......Any hard stone should work with orchids....the marble should be OK.....lava works great due to its moisture holding abilities, but it also needs flushing more often.....the harder stone, ...quartz marble, granite, etc......wont retain any moisture but it also doesn't need flushing, and wont change ph....you have experience with bare root growing.......you should do well with anything you choose.....weight of the pot is the other issue.....lava is lighter.... .....we are dropping into low 50's tonight.......I may wheel the shade house into the shop........so I can sleep better.....lol
Rick...used to see it every year at Kmart...but not so this year... home Depot had the grill bags...no larger bags... haven't checked Lowe's, did one Wal Mart, none...another to check yet. Lots of marble chips though! Thanks
Hello sir, I just discovered your channel and I'm learning a lot from you, very informative. In this video I saw if I'm not mistaken a dendrobium aggregatum mounted on a piece of wood, could you make a video of how to take care of this particular orchid? thank you for your attention and your time. Greetings from Texas!
Rick, can you help me undedstand why my phal ( which was blooming from feb to april ) is sending out another spike? I clipped the old one when it was done blooming in april 1st. It started putting out new roots and a new leaf, but now there is a new spike developing. And it just bloomed..so its confusing lol.
thats genetics at play......some bloom more in spring.... others more fall & winter....hybrids can bloom all the time, and in between.........hormones are what tells a plant to bloom or to grow......hormones are triggered by environment...temps., light, duration of light....etc.....are you still in cooler conditions where you are?
Im in nj, i have been leaving the windows cracked at night. Maybe the cool air did it. Its a giant phal from grocery store. I have cattleyas and a paph too. Its the phals that confuse me.
......they are pumped full of hormones to get them to bloom for the commercial market........if you haven had it long it could be still working out its normal routine.........if that makes sense.......some have to reset their inner clock....
Thank you so much for the advice. I will see what i can do about providing calcium. I have npk19-19-19 and epsom salt. Hope that will also take care. Pl do advise
19-19-19.....is what is called a balanced fertilizer......it may contain magnesium sulfate(Epson salts)....or Calcium......check the label first before adding.....
Hi Rick. Thank you for such an in-depth analysis and taking the time to share with us. The potassium in MSU formulation is quite high. Do you think that epson salt would be needed in addition! Currently I’m trying a high lo weekly feed. Beginning of week gets about 160 ppm and late mid week I go 80 ppm I’m using RO with the MSU that is 13-4-16 and in Leca. I do notice that the bottom leaf on my phals (2 that’s doing well though i beat them up ) seems “soft” compared to the adjacent leaf above. Thanks again Rick.
MSU is good stuff.....I like your feeding routine also....even though MSU has some....it still needs some Calcium and Magnesium (Epson salts) added......the K @16% is fine.....with heavy blooming orchids......give them additional K to help stop that lower leaf drop....
@@violet2I8 great Q. I had used and still using them. Those are made in canada. Works excellent. I am happy but getting the exhusted and need to procure them soon.
Wonderful! I’m a beginner at keeping orchids and I’ve been thinking of transplanting mine to terra-cotta pots because I love the rustic feel they give the plants. So glad I found your videos! Thanks!
I had no idea you were already have temps in the 90's. Here in s. FL we have been having mid to high 80's with high humidity. I've been complaining about the heat. LOL. More leaves = healthier plants, right? Don't plants move more nutrients to the apex and the leaves furthest from the roots? Any thoughts on MSU fertilizer for orchids? I'm experimenting with it on my plants now. Thanks for another interesting video and food for thought.
hy rick i was looking for referance on potasium and on search you came in you tube . this i saw no of times still love to see / watch / listen every single words coming from your toung is a lessons for me , By the way whats up to you ? are you ok ? You are neither posting videos nor replying your viewers !! I am a bit worried ! plz plz response ASaP
Hello Rick, I believe a lot has to do with genetics. I have my big white phals for about 4-5 years now and neither of them lost a single leaf, as of yet . The blooms are huge and last about 6-7 month, spikes are about 3 ft., growing new leaf and a gallon size pot is full of roots. My fragrant one has 11 leafs and growing 2 new ones simultaneously. That one is funny … always blooms with double spikes, will hold the spikes, after flowers drop, for a year and only yellows them after new spikes loose their flowers. On another hand, l have some that only have 5 leaves and will loose one, as soon as new one emerges . I feel like, if I keep them always moist… and I do, in self-watering pots, they don’t lose their leaves and bloom much longer. I do mix and match what I feed to them . This are my observations, what do you think? Thank you.
.....so many wonderful observations......I think it says a lot about the way they are being grown.....your paying attention to them.........the lose of lower leaves in some still concerns me......I think they can keep those leaves and spikes for tough times....
Rick L. Orchids , you are right … In my observations, the level of moisture has a lot to do with it. Even their roots are different…fat and hairy like paphiopedilum . I just transferred all of mine to a double self-watering pots ,with out side air holes: x- large bark, grow stone and charcoal…so far all the leaves are intact…even the ones that were starting to shrivel, plumped up. I’ll let you know in a few months, what’s happening with the leaves. Thank you and good health!
Well, re-reviewing many of your video's. Love it when you challenge our thinking... I feel you are on track. My next door neighbor is from the Philippines and she said they do not have seasons like we do. However they do have seasons when the weather is dry for a few months, then have rain daily for 8 months. Another thought is during the dry season, which we would consider our winter, orchid is resting. However, because where these orchids evolved from mineral rich volcanic areas, orchids get complete drenching daily for almost 8 months of the year. They don't need reserves because they evolved in area's of total complete access of daily nit/pot/mag.... what if orchids where sprayed daily instead of every few days? Trying to logically thinking this out too....
…...your thinking is perfect...…..Phals in a perfect setup would have food around them all the time.....they need a steady constant supply of nutrient's or they drop leaves and reabsorb spikes...……...
Your point is interesting, Rick. I’m really out of N-P-K business, I’m just collecting rumors now))). So not everyone will agree with you))) will share other point, like P isn’t so important, but a little bit later. Rush time now, sorry... Thanx for sharing!!!
@@rickl.orchids great reply of a thousands doller question. I already started my new repot with rock. Mine country has burned bricks looks like lava rock as you call them. But was worried about watering. Sound great and a encouraged to follow up.
If you don't mind me asking, what county in Alabama do you live in? I have two brothers who live in Dothan (Houston County) and I'm thinking about moving there. Right now I live in Lake Placid, FL (Highlands County). It seems like you do very well there with the climate in your area of Alabama.
I have one Phal with 17 leaves, while all the others average 9-11. The Phal with all the leaves also has at least 20 aerial roots that are many branched... it is fed the same and has the same light as the others... it is massive! Looks kinda Vanda like. It has to have more to do with the particular genetics of that plant...
........wonderful comment, thank you Vickie.....could be genetics giving it an edge.....how long has it been planted in the media its in......and what media is it in?........can I ask what nutrients your using?...
Rick L. Orchids I replanted it last spring, it’s growing in Better Gro bark, in a 6” clay orchid pot. It is just shy of my owning it 3 years, grocery store yellow with pink lip. I feed MSU at 1/4 strength weekly. I use RO water. It faces west on a screen porch in S. Florida. If it was just food, water , light, then why not the others? Actually there’s over 20 aerial roots.. not counting the multiple branches off from them
......I love this type of information.........MSU is a great mix and has lots of K......very interesting....genetics can do wonderful things.....wonder why it utilizes K better than others......does the pot have a colored glaze on it ...or is it an unglazed clay pot??.........thank you for answering my questions Vickie......
I really need to sit down and study (stupid ADD ;-) Potassium functions as an electrolyte all cells need it including our own cells. I have a phal related question two of my phals are showing leaf damage, it looks like something is eating it but can't find anything that could be responsible, the damage looks a bit like soft spots you sometimes see on a cucumber its on the inside of the leaf and spreading fast
......soft spots.....unless from a sucking insect are usually from a drop in temps or exposure to cold........soft tissue spots may not show for several months after cell damage has occurred....so it can be misleading......
I found the likely culprit Snails ! i found a few hatchlings but didn't think much of it because I'm outside a lot so stuff gets in my house, and the little critters hate daylight so I have to do a night recon tonight but pretty sure I have snails ;-)
Someone suggested beer but that would be sacrilegious ;-) I saw a video made by Dani where she used lettuce and it worked but I feel safer when I cleaned the plants and pots it's only on two for the moment so shouldn't be too much trouble ;-)
Hello Rick, I have been taken by your ways of doing things (understanding the logic behind them of course), and just started today with low feeding everytime rather than 1 or 2 larger doses in a week. I have some questions: 1. Do you use the same low ppm, say 165 or so, for all your orchids? I mean phals are heavy feeders, tolumnias are very weak feeders, and then there are those in between. Do you give them all the same low dose feed? 2. When in spike or bloom, do we need to give regular NPK to orchids? My understanding says no, unless the plant has active vegetative growths simultaneously. What do you suggest? Thank you
wonderful questions......I feed 125-165ppm it varies......so far it has not been to strong or too weak.......I do give some, such as vandas and dens with large shoots extra and stronger feed on occasion..... ...giving strong N before blooming is fine with some plants.......but with some orchids it may disrupt the bloom cycle......P & K yes......they will need it more during bloom time......P needs to be given long before the bloom cycle starts......K during and after more.......
Thank you so much Rick. As always I'm learning so much from you. In fact your way of doing things is pushing me to read, learn, experiment & grow intuitively. I have just started foliar feeding too, since its high summer & this is the peak season of growth. All thanks you :)
Interesting note about the phal leaf drop. It never occured to me that it was possible for phals to have so many leaves, I just assumed it was the normal lifecycle. I think the only case where I've seen a phal with many many leaves was on the cornu-cervi species. This was really good information. Thank you!
....Gabrielle.....i thought the same thing.......since this video, I have had so many growers tell me about their phals with 25+ leaves stacked up.........said they look like over weight vandas....lol.....they all had been feeding k supplements as well.......
Bananna Pepper. Pottaasium or Calcium cannot operate properly in humans or plants without Vitamin D. The leaves are Vitamin D Solar panels among other things. Human skin does the same thing, absorbing Vitamin D to aid in nutrient transference.
Oh wow! You have my brain gears turning! Your so very intelligent and can get the point across so well! I never thought about that they shouldn’t loose leaves. Everyone tells you that oh they drop a leaf when a new one is growing. I too have seen the Phals with stacks of leaves. Actually our local hydroponic store has a phal in a clay pot with Lecca medium and no air holes in the pot and it’s not set up in hydroponics and it has stacked leaves, he says he forgets it most of the time to water it and maybe fertilizes one time a year. Strange. I currently have actual mini phals that have 12-15 leaves on them. A very tall center that almost reminds you of a Vanda. Then I have few larger mini phals or medium phals that also have 12-15 leaves. I thought it was the type of orchid. Now knowing what your saying, maybe not. Now that you say it I have my larger phals have 8-12 leaves on a couple of them. Most of them only have 2-4 leaves. Please go into depth about foliar feeding when you can. You sure have peaked my curiosity! Must say BRAVO! 👍🏻
Hello Rick. My name is Neal Seijas, i live in florida, got your name from Roger Framton. This is the first time ive seen your video. Its funny that you said that you were using Cal'mag. I just picked some up and says 1 teaspon for light feeding and 2 teaspons for for heavy feeding. I think i used 3 teaspoon on accident. What damage could that do, if any?
Neal....welcome....flush them well and they should be ok....I feed cal mag around 40-80-ppm by its self....(maybe 5-6 drops/gallon)..........tiny amounts all the time.....like they would get on a tree...
Wow this put all sorts of things in my head. But it's funny all my plants get the same thing aquarium water with just a little bit of Marine aquarium salt added in. Yet they are doing different things. Genetics I suppose But even so the two old timers should have more then one or two leaves. Hmm N is good if not excessive and P should be ok. But it seems I need to think about K. I could add coconut water lol no am joking. I should be able to think of something better then that.
Love this video and the birds just the cherry on top x
Rick L., good afternoon! I'm watching this lesson AGAIN. What you consider rambling is critical information for me. Thank you for the segment on using potassium and what it does for plants. I'm just shaking my head at how you are able to deliver such basic and critical information to novices like me. Thank you again for keeping this visit posted. Your friend and neighbor in Georgia!
You are an excellent teacher,,, I’m learning so much about orchid because of you. Thank you so much and keep up the great work. 🌸
I love the orchid cart! ❤️
Love all that information . Thank, thank you, love your doggie nice to see him.😊🐶🌸
Thank you for the lesson for today 😊 and your orchids looks lovely! Hugs & sunshine 🌞 N
Your orchid cage looks great! The orchids look very happy and healthy . Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for the info, Rick! New piping and K....a great way to explain that concept! You're exactly right, when a leaf synapses it literally dries up like leather. Your orchids are looking wonderful from all the care they're receiving. Greetings from the TN clan! :) Amy
Orchid Whispers mk
Hi
I am also in your channel. Was encouraged water culture but killed all vanda and phelo.
Great info, thanks. Your experimenting is helping us all.
awesome purple flowers, another great video Rick, thank you so much.
That beautiful bird call in the background is a hermit thrush. Thanks for the informative post about potassium!
........thanks Christen,.......love Thrushe's......we have many around with the woods and open grass areas.........
Your a good teacher! Good video. Thanks!
Angus 😍 He is SO cute!
Rick I’d be interested in seeing if we can figure out how to get vandas away from dropping their lower leaves like the phals do....It seems like all of the older vandas I own and ones that I see others own end up with a bare stem at the base as the plant continues to grow vertically like a vine....They’re in the same boat as the phals in terms of not having any reserves besides their leaves right? I’d sure love to see a vanda with all of its leaves from the base to the top of the crown!
.........now your really growing!!......wonderful thoughts......lower leaves on a vanda, would be mobile nutrient related.....maybe....I think they are Calcium hogs, and take a lot of K as well......P maybe equally important in Vanda's....I need to research more......but with all the root growth P would be very important.....maybe more so than other orchids..........see what I can find out for you........great project...
Thank you for sharing your experiences with orchids... Was wonderful listening to you. :)
very kind thank you......
I would love a tutorial on how to build that plant stand, please 😊
Misslou2425 best idea I’ve seen so far, beautiful collection of orchid too
I love any of your videos on nutrients for orchids, very helpful information to make my orchids grow better and to get it blooms. My orchids don't want to bloom . thanks, Rick.
…….sure they do...….orchids want nothing more than to bloom...…...they just need certain things to get them to bloom...
@@rickl.orchids😆 I was laughing when I read your comment. ok. I 'm going to try to make it bloom. 😊
@@lienlienchan ha ha ha
A great Q but a funny reply and you made more at the top of Rick. B coz he just skip advice for us.
@@HamimChowdhury : I love listening to Rick's videos. Thank you! 😀 Have a nice day !
Thanks for the information have a good weekend
Love your stand the orchids love that! I lose leaves on my Phals in the Southwest Louisiana area so I believe it’s a moisture problem for me it’s putting top leaves on and the bottom will drop if I water from lower part of plant they just drop if water from the very bottom of plant it doesn’t drop they don’t yellow.and drop. But I do get a lot of humidity so maybe that’s my problem we can’t water from top in this area. Thanks love the video and great orchids happy growing!
Phals don't have bulbs and canes like on dendrobium or cattleya's have........so they don't really have reserves.......because of this,.. they need a very steady, steady, supply of nutrients........when they miss meals they dip into their only source of reserves which is their leaves, they pull nutrients from the lower leaves first, and it cause them to turn yellow and drop of............when they get a steady supply of nutrients they hold onto their lower leaves and keep their spikes......
Rick L. Orchids Than you that’s very helpful. Happy growing
Thank You! God Bless You & Yours!
You are outstanding Rick! Keep up the good work!
Very interesting about the phal leaves Ricky. Someone on Facebook said it’s not natural for them to loose they’re lower leaves and posted a photo of one with many many leaves. Most of us do have a problem with lower leaf loss, so a definite answer as to why would benefit so many growers! Thanks Ricky. Love as always from across the pond 😊
thanks Chris..........research has shown that the loss of K in lower leaves causes them to yellow and die back....
Thank you as always for the nice information
Isn’t that interesting how potassium has the same function almost for us it keeps our heart pumping so it basically keep the plants heart pumping to
Your explanations and thought process is inspiring! You would have been an amazing school teacher 😊
very kind thank you.....
I do not think this was a too long explanation as to why you are adding potassium . It really helps to teach a complete plant novice the whys and what fors of nutrition and how they use it. Thank you! Honestly as you explain things some of my grade school science is coming back. I remember having to draw plants and cells and how they work internally. Of course in grade school it was a "stupid assignment" I was never going to need to remember beyond the test. Lol How many times did we think that? 😀
Rick...you have me thinking as usual....will you be showing us how you mix your foliar spray....maybe demonstrating in upcoming videos? I would love that....I have so much growth too...spikes everywhere, roots, leaves, and still struggling with those senescing oldest leaves....so you really got my attention with this one! Thank you, friend!
yes Cara I will.......love all the growth your getting, wonderful........those dropping leaves drives me crazy........
Sure wish I could ask you some questions and find out how you and your family are doing... Bless you, Rick.
......we are doing well.....thsnk you for the kind words......blessings back!
Excellent, excellent information! I always assumed that phal leave drop was due to genetics but you may be on to something. It will be interesting to see if the added potassium and your overall nutrient regime prevents this going forward. Please keep us updated! 😊 I love that beautiful purple mini phal! And I can't believe that dendrobium was a throw away! When your orchids kick into blooming mode, they are going to be awesome! 🌸
thanks Caroline.......so far the additional K has stopped my leaf drop......going to keep it up and see if they start to stack up......
The last phal that I purchased had 14 leaves...it looked like it still had every single leaf that it ever produced! When I transplanted it, I actually cut off the 4 smallest leaves at the bottom so that it would fit in the pot. It's producing a new leaf now...will be interesting to see if I experience any leaf drop. How much kelp are you adding to your foliar spray?
Hello Rick now in the process if revising and revisiting your videos: they just get better and better every time. Missing you a lot, hope you’re better.
Best wishes to both of you, Kate
What plant do good mounted on wood? 🤔🤔
……….almost any orchids do well mounted...…..phals seem to do very well mounted....
Nice video! Good info on nutrients! Making me think I should add seaweed/kelp/fish fertilizer to every watering.
......Im not giving it at every watering....just be aware of its job and check your mix, .......then give it to them when they can use some extra........to much K can block Calcium..
Then I may be fine. I rotate each week, plain water, seaweed, Epsom, orchid fertilizing, plain water, oyster shell flour, superthrive, bloom feed, and repeat!
@@denisenoak9401 ha ha ha. Keep rotating around. Nice reply. What else you can really do ?
Hi Rick , you inspired me so much that I went to buy 3 phal to start & repotted them to lava rocks, in plastic pots & started spraying them with CaMag daily & water every week. I hope it will survive. I love all your orchids. Can you make a video on how to mount your orchids either to driftwood or cedar. Is the cedar wood at the lumber section of HD ok to use? Thank you so much. You’re the best. Hope to see your reply.
……..very kind thank you...….any cedar is fine.....even from the hardware store....just make sure its not treated or coated...….
Thank you. I’ll be checking Home Depot for that. You’re so generous.. love all your collections from So Cal. Daily hot & dry now.
Can you talk about your vanda? Thanks
How much extra potassium do you add? How many ppm of the seaweed do you add to your fertilizer solution? As a retired chemist, I enjoy the technical aspects of your videos. I'm glad I found your channel!
Great Q.but do not know why rick skip it ??
Oh my thank you so very much!!!!!
Thanks Rick!
Thank you Rick.
Please tell me if plants sending out new shoots after the bloom need to be fertilized and if so, how often? What should the npk be?
yes they definitely need nutrients to grow......more calcium than anything....new shoots, bloom spikes and roots all dying back are signs of Ca deficiency........the NPK #'s are just the strength of the mix......try 15-5-20
I got same Phalaenopsis. Do you have tutorial on how to build your wood stand with wheels. It’s really convenience, I would like to build one. Thank you
not a tutorial.........just some dimensions.......basically a shelf with wheels........the lower frame is stronger to support the upper weight, and attach wheels to.....
Thank you
hello Rick
you said aboit folier feed!!
Can you please tell me what is the recipe of your feed ?
Do you add any NPK ? and at what ppm u make them ??
........,my favorite foliar feed is 100ppm calmag, and 35ppm of kelp/seaweed and 35ppm magnesium sulfate.........nitrogen, phosphorous, & potassium are best absorbed by the roots, ......magnesium is better absorbed thru leaves..
@@rickl.orchids thanks.
Did you see Roger made video on a magnicium.as foliar feeds ?
Just a week before i asked roger about magniium.and he refused to use a epsom salt.
Interestingly i saw he made experimental video for foliar feed with mag at about 70 ppm..
Great addative and you had been doing this since long.
Great knowledge shared. Thanks for sharing your recipie on foliar feed.
Rick L. Orchids
Greatbsharing .
but a little to confirn on your foliar feed .
Do you mix and feed all about
CalM 100+ SW 35+ Magnssium 35 ppm total 170 ppm ? as foliar feed mixture ?
or
they are same amount ,
but seperate feed no mix ?
which one?
Rick..........
Hope Jan doing great !!
waiting to listen and follow :)
use the magnesium with the calmag...…...and next time use the kelp seaweed....you can use them together.....but sometimes less is better....
I like your long-winded explanations. I am a visual learner and I love to research this stuff all of the time and so far your channel has been the only one to completely help me to understand the research I've been doing. When it comes to magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
I had a question regarding the garden lime. I've been wanting to try this for awhile so I hung onto an old bag of it for the last two years. But it's a very old bag, probably 5-7 years at this point and it's been in a closed container... Can garden lime go bad or expire? I'm just wondering if you know if there's something I should do to make sure it's okay for my plants. But I will be giving it a try most likely anyway cause I definitely feel I've got calcium and magnesium issues.
Thanks in advance, if you're able to get back to me. Sorry for the long comment, haha.
Beautiful plants and excellent information!
P.S. I have one big phal that now has 12 leaves so I know it's possible to have more than typical but I don't know why this one and not the others.. the only difference is that it's older but also had a previous owner who passed away. I wish I knew her secrets because I imagine it has to be something she did that made it hold onto the nutrients within it and then me having it for the last two years, maybe it just hasn't run out of that yet?
I hope it keeps the leaves but it is a monster haha and consumes water and fertilizer like you would not believe.
-L
Thx. Rick 😄👍
I think I'm going to build something like this wheeled shelving unit you have here. I love that the mounted orchids hang on it easily too. A friend of mine from the UP area of Michigan sent me a box of driftwood he'd gathered from areas of Lake Superior shorelines that I'm going to try some mounting on. We also have red cedar trees in our timber that I'm going to make use of too!
can you provide the amounts in mls in litres of the amounts of fertilisers you are going to use please...I am worrying about adding all those at one time.....
I have sea sol and the powerfeed and was worried that this was too much on top of the Peters fertiliser + Cal /Mag + using the other liquid fertiliser A & B
after going to an orchid show today and speaking to Windamere orchids.... they feed their orchids (no phals) osmocote slow release pellets 6mth one and that the omcid inter generics etc... love watering and feeding ..
i wonder why my omcids are dropping their leaves after fully going yellow??? any ideas please
.........I will Chris.......Osmocote, is a fine product........but you have no control of it......when activated it lets go of everything....and when not active ....they get nothing...I only have a few oncidiums.....but they love water and ;lots of food........especially when growing new shoots.....
hi rick on the seasol powerfeed how much with the cal/ mag + peters or is that too much all at once
Hello there
I am also useing A + b. But at this moment i stoped. B cozvi use cal mag. Cal nit seaweed extract, Osmocot, also Orchid focus liqued and at thevtop of all i use NPK
30-20-10
3-37-37
19-19-19
21-21-21
14-40-14
So, confused how to use now A+B?
I got it for my water culure. But i hv no.more so A+B is not used now. But can you schedule me for A+B same like yours.
How do you add potassium in your Phalaenopsis ? A slice of banana peel or potato slice ?
I’d love to see you do a Foliar spray❣️ My Orchids are inside all year. In Houston it’s hot hot 🥵 thank you Rick! Good day
Thank You so much Rick. I have 5 phals leaves are turning yellow:((.I hope I could reverse or rescue
it . I just received my seaweeds extract how much seaweed should be given and how often .BYW,this is all in water culture .PLEASE HELP GREAT Teacher.Take care and God Bless you....You are such a BIG blessing.
kelp/seaweed supplements are great for giving tiny amounts of potassium back to the plants, they also provide lots of amino acids, vitamins, hormones that really help them grow....I use 1/2tsp per gallon...2-3 x a week.....its usually added to other nutrient mixes,......but works great on its own as well.......makes a good flushing mix...
Hi Rick, may I ask what kind of potassium I should buy?
.......your nutrient mix should have potassium in it....the N-P-K numbers on the label.....K is the potassium %.....I like mine around the same % as the N...or nitrogen.......I add some extra by using Kelp/seaweed supplements.......they are usually around 0-0-1 on the label.........Thats the easiest way.
Whats a natural source for potassium? For the plants
kelp or seaweed supplements.....
How much potassium (kelp or seaweed) should we be adding to our fertilizers?
great question.........check your mix.....Im adding 30-50ppm every few watering....
Thanks!!
Hi Rick, I notice that you use Lava rock as a medium for most of your orchids and they look very healthy. I have a yard full of these rocks and wonder should I start to use them instead of barks? Your video is great! Thank you.
I prefer rock to bark..........its just easier to grow in...
@@rickl.orchids I have a few of my orchids in clay pepples and they are very happy as well. But these clay pepples are costly though. Will try your way with lava rocks. Thank you.
You are always so helpful, I have a violet, now blooming. The blooms are huge, deep purple with a red center on the petals and beautiful, but it is only one plant and one of the bloom stems is pink with purple speckling. Am I doing something wrong? It seems healthy .????
could be young, or its first bloom.....they need good light, but not direct sun....they need good water and nutrients....and potted in a good peat based soil....
Rick do you use a greenhouse in winter.
........I wish I did, but no........they go onto shelves in front of a window for the next 7 months......
So could Potassium Nitrate be used? If so how often and how much?
Also, do you ever use any wetting agents?
no with any of the products Im using at the moment..
yes...…...but the potassium or K that's required is such a tiny amount......you want trace amounts of K....I use more K in the warmer months....25ppm every other feeding...
So if the Sonata are open at night should we not spray Ca Mg etc at night?
Hi Rick, I live in Abilene Texas and have a few orchids I got on clearance at lowes and they are doing well but was wondering if I should put them outside
if your temps are over 60* and you have a filtered light area for them......sure......make sure they get used to the light, no burns......and watch them for watering....they will reward you with so much growth.....
oh thats the only problem I have, will they get watered correctly, see I travel for work and my Aunt sometimes forgets to water things. Right now I have them on a tv stand, there are about 9 plants, 2 in full bloom, one with a bloom spike with buds about to open, it was clearenced due to the broken spike. I have them set up for easy watering and viewing
Sir I am new to orchid growing also and I would like to know where you get your information on nutrients and how a plant utilizes them. Thanks
How do you know if lower leaf drop is due to magnesium or potassium deficiency?
Yea!!!!! The grow rack is back!! Oh boy! All my orchids are in river rock now! Question, my good filtered water still has 124 ppm. Should I gage my MSU nutrients at 150 ppm... which would come to 274 ppm? I'm still learning and you've been my primary teacher! I thank you so, so much! You are such an inspiration!
.......124ppm is still high for orchids.,....adding 150 to it will make it too high for using....I want to assist you so very much.......you will need to find a good water source......if you need to use your tap in meantime....just flush well in between feedings to reduce salt build up............when you get a R/O system.......your orchids are going to explode in growth for you......
I'll use Distilled water until I can figure out what to do. My whole-house water system removes Chlorine and Ammonia but the pH is 9. So looks like I need to research the problem much more. Meantime, thank you so much!
.......understand now......thank you Bobette.....
I you spray each ingredient separately or mix all
sorry.....I mix them all together and then spray them......very good question..
@@rickl.orchids great reply of another great Q.
A question...I am having difficult time finding landscape lava rock....but in the outside grill section I found smaller bags of lava rock for grills...is that the same stuff as landscape lava rock? Dumb question but I've never paid that much attention to lava...but I want to plant some orchids in it! Also it seems that quarter size marble rock seems to be a large supply of this year....anything bad about marble chips to plant orchids in you know of? Thanks for the information! Glad you got yours outside...some of mine are out but not trusting mother nature to keep nights above freezing yet for me!
thanks David.....the grill lava should be fine and the same thing, ...very Lowes, Home depot around here....even Walmart sells bags of lava rock in the mulch section in the garden dept, not sure why they dont carry there......Any hard stone should work with orchids....the marble should be OK.....lava works great due to its moisture holding abilities, but it also needs flushing more often.....the harder stone, ...quartz marble, granite, etc......wont retain any moisture but it also doesn't need flushing, and wont change ph....you have experience with bare root growing.......you should do well with anything you choose.....weight of the pot is the other issue.....lava is lighter....
.....we are dropping into low 50's tonight.......I may wheel the shade house into the shop........so I can sleep better.....lol
Rick...used to see it every year at Kmart...but not so this year... home Depot had the grill bags...no larger bags... haven't checked Lowe's, did one Wal Mart, none...another to check yet. Lots of marble chips though! Thanks
Hello sir, I just discovered your channel and I'm learning a lot from you, very informative.
In this video I saw if I'm not mistaken a dendrobium aggregatum mounted on a piece of wood, could you make a video of how to take care of this particular orchid? thank you for your attention and your time.
Greetings from Texas!
Rick, how do we increase potassium only?
you can swing ph so its more absorbed....or add kelp or seaweed supplement to add some....
Thanks Rick.
Rick, can you help me undedstand why my phal ( which was blooming from feb to april ) is sending out another spike? I clipped the old one when it was done blooming in april 1st. It started putting out new roots and a new leaf, but now there is a new spike developing. And it just bloomed..so its confusing lol.
thats genetics at play......some bloom more in spring.... others more fall & winter....hybrids can bloom all the time, and in between.........hormones are what tells a plant to bloom or to grow......hormones are triggered by environment...temps., light, duration of light....etc.....are you still in cooler conditions where you are?
Im in nj, i have been leaving the windows cracked at night. Maybe the cool air did it. Its a giant phal from grocery store. I have cattleyas and a paph too. Its the phals that confuse me.
......they are pumped full of hormones to get them to bloom for the commercial market........if you haven had it long it could be still working out its normal routine.........if that makes sense.......some have to reset their inner clock....
Thank you so much for the advice. I will see what i can do about providing calcium. I have npk19-19-19 and epsom salt. Hope that will also take care. Pl do advise
19-19-19.....is what is called a balanced fertilizer......it may contain magnesium sulfate(Epson salts)....or Calcium......check the label first before adding.....
I do the pepper plant is the one your wife bought..right? And it looks greener. That wine colored orchid is beautiful. Is it ms trashbin
yes that is the trash bin dendrobium........I really love the color......thank Willa.
Rick L. Orchids she's too pretty now I'm going to have too call her Trixey😊🌸
Hi Rick. Thank you for such an in-depth analysis and taking the time to share with us. The potassium in MSU formulation is quite high. Do you think that epson salt would be needed in addition! Currently I’m trying a high lo weekly feed. Beginning of week gets about 160 ppm and late mid week I go 80 ppm I’m using RO with the MSU that is 13-4-16 and in Leca. I do notice that the bottom leaf on my phals (2 that’s doing well though i beat them up ) seems “soft” compared to the adjacent leaf above. Thanks again Rick.
MSU is good stuff.....I like your feeding routine also....even though MSU has some....it still needs some Calcium and Magnesium (Epson salts) added......the K @16% is fine.....with heavy blooming orchids......give them additional K to help stop that lower leaf drop....
Your pool space build a green house over it. I wish I had one maybe some day. You take care of you self.
Thanks for the info Rick, makes a lot of sense. Which seaweed/kelp supplement are you using or recommend?
.....at the moment Maxicrop liquid seaweed.......
Have you ever tried the powdered version?
@@violet2I8 great Q.
I had used and still using them. Those are made in canada. Works excellent. I am happy but getting the exhusted and need to procure them soon.
I loooove what you’ve done for your orchids! I see you have most of you orchids in clay pots. Do you use plastic insert with the clay pots?
…...no plastic liners... clay only...…….the clay absorbs water and helps maintain a humid, moist environment for the roots to grow in......
Wonderful! I’m a beginner at keeping orchids and I’ve been thinking of transplanting mine to terra-cotta pots because I love the rustic feel they give the plants. So glad I found your videos! Thanks!
I had no idea you were already have temps in the 90's. Here in s. FL we have been having mid to high 80's with high humidity. I've been complaining about the heat. LOL. More leaves = healthier plants, right? Don't plants move more nutrients to the apex and the leaves furthest from the roots? Any thoughts on MSU fertilizer for orchids? I'm experimenting with it on my plants now. Thanks for another interesting video and food for thought.
....I have no experience with MSU, but the mix has good ratios of Ca and mg, I think its one of the best, very good mix.....
Thanks for your reply.
hy rick
i was looking for referance on potasium and on search you came in you tube .
this i saw no of times still love to see / watch / listen every single words coming from your toung is a lessons for me ,
By the way
whats up to you ?
are you ok ?
You are neither posting videos nor replying your viewers !!
I am a bit worried !
plz plz response ASaP
Hello Rick, I believe a lot has to do with genetics. I have my big white phals for about 4-5 years now and neither of them lost a single leaf, as of yet . The blooms are huge and last about 6-7 month, spikes are about 3 ft., growing new leaf and a gallon size pot is full of roots. My fragrant one has 11 leafs and growing 2 new ones simultaneously. That one is funny … always blooms with double spikes, will hold the spikes, after flowers drop, for a year and only yellows them after new spikes loose their flowers. On another hand, l have some that only have 5 leaves and will loose one, as soon as new one emerges . I feel like, if I keep them always moist… and I do, in self-watering pots, they don’t lose their leaves and bloom much longer. I do mix and match what I feed to them . This are my observations, what do you think? Thank you.
.....so many wonderful observations......I think it says a lot about the way they are being grown.....your paying attention to them.........the lose of lower leaves in some still concerns me......I think they can keep those leaves and spikes for tough times....
Rick L. Orchids , you are right … In my observations, the level of moisture has a lot to do with it. Even their roots are different…fat and hairy like paphiopedilum . I just transferred all of mine to a double self-watering pots ,with out side air holes: x- large bark, grow stone and charcoal…so far all the leaves are intact…even the ones that were starting to shrivel, plumped up. I’ll let you know in a few months, what’s happening with the leaves. Thank you and good health!
Well, re-reviewing many of your video's. Love it when you challenge our thinking... I feel you are on track. My next door neighbor is from the Philippines and she said they do not have seasons like we do. However they do have seasons when the weather is dry for a few months, then have rain daily for 8 months. Another thought is during the dry season, which we would consider our winter, orchid is resting. However, because where these orchids evolved from mineral rich volcanic areas, orchids get complete drenching daily for almost 8 months of the year. They don't need reserves because they evolved in area's of total complete access of daily nit/pot/mag.... what if orchids where sprayed daily instead of every few days? Trying to logically thinking this out too....
…...your thinking is perfect...…..Phals in a perfect setup would have food around them all the time.....they need a steady constant supply of nutrient's or they drop leaves and reabsorb spikes...……...
Oh rick, pepper plants, tomotoes, we do all that stuff, show it , lol we love it
Hello Rick, Love your brain . What brand are you using for potassium and where do you purchase it from?
it was from Lowes......Maxicrop is the brand.....
You mean Lowe's liquid Maxicrop made from fish (5-1-1)? How much per gallon? Thanks you.
......that sounds like a fish fertilizer, dont use that.......kelp/seaweed will be more like 0-0-1......made from Kelp and or seaweed......
Are you and Jan safe from the tornado?
yes...…….safe here...…...thank you my friend.
God bless and keep
Your point is interesting, Rick. I’m really out of N-P-K business, I’m just collecting rumors now))). So not everyone will agree with you))) will share other point, like P isn’t so important, but a little bit later. Rush time now, sorry... Thanx for sharing!!!
Off topic but do you water the orchids in stone everyday? I love your videos I've learned so much!
great question Claudia.......no, they get watered about the same as bark or moss would......most get watered every 5 days.....and some a bit more...
@@rickl.orchids great reply of a thousands doller question. I already started my new repot with rock. Mine country has burned bricks looks like lava rock as you call them. But was worried about watering. Sound great and a encouraged to follow up.
If you don't mind me asking, what county in Alabama do you live in? I have two brothers who live in Dothan (Houston County) and I'm thinking about moving there. Right now I live in Lake Placid, FL (Highlands County). It seems like you do very well there with the climate in your area of Alabama.
I use the banana peels and tea bags ( 10 days ) for my K . Works well but check the PPM ( ADD ) To. Water.
Lol Rick. I was asking a question 😃
I first thought it said Possums and orchids... I was so excited 🤭
heh heh heh......that would be a great title
I have one Phal with 17 leaves, while all the others average 9-11. The Phal with all the leaves also has at least 20 aerial roots that are many branched... it is fed the same and has the same light as the others... it is massive! Looks kinda Vanda like. It has to have more to do with the particular genetics of that plant...
........wonderful comment, thank you Vickie.....could be genetics giving it an edge.....how long has it been planted in the media its in......and what media is it in?........can I ask what nutrients your using?...
Rick L. Orchids I replanted it last spring, it’s growing in Better Gro bark, in a 6” clay orchid pot. It is just shy of my owning it 3 years, grocery store yellow with pink lip. I feed MSU at 1/4 strength weekly. I use RO water. It faces west on a screen porch in S. Florida. If it was just food, water , light, then why not the others? Actually there’s over 20 aerial roots.. not counting the multiple branches off from them
......I love this type of information.........MSU is a great mix and has lots of K......very interesting....genetics can do wonderful things.....wonder why it utilizes K better than others......does the pot have a colored glaze on it ...or is it an unglazed clay pot??.........thank you for answering my questions Vickie......
Rick L. Orchids just a standard Home Depot clay orchid pot with the slits towards the bottom.
hmmm.....Im running out of ideas.....maybe a stronger Doritis hybrid?........got me thinking now Vickie......thank you.
I really need to sit down and study (stupid ADD ;-) Potassium functions as an electrolyte all cells need it including our own cells.
I have a phal related question two of my phals are showing leaf damage, it looks like something is eating it but can't find anything that could be responsible, the damage looks a bit like soft spots you sometimes see on a cucumber its on the inside of the leaf and spreading fast
......soft spots.....unless from a sucking insect are usually from a drop in temps or exposure to cold........soft tissue spots may not show for several months after cell damage has occurred....so it can be misleading......
Cold damage ! I just remembered when I got it, but just to be sure I will re-pot it today to see if I have squatters
Thank you ;-)
I found the likely culprit Snails ! i found a few hatchlings but didn't think much of it because I'm outside a lot so stuff gets in my house, and the little critters hate daylight so I have to do a night recon tonight but pretty sure I have snails ;-)
Ynse Schaap put lettuce or cucumber on the top of the media and it should attract any pests
Someone suggested beer but that would be sacrilegious ;-) I saw a video made by Dani where she used lettuce and it worked but I feel safer when I cleaned the plants and pots it's only on two for the moment so shouldn't be too much trouble ;-)
Hello Rick, I have been taken by your ways of doing things (understanding the logic behind them of course), and just started today with low feeding everytime rather than 1 or 2 larger doses in a week. I have some questions:
1. Do you use the same low ppm, say 165 or so, for all your orchids? I mean phals are heavy feeders, tolumnias are very weak feeders, and then there are those in between. Do you give them all the same low dose feed?
2. When in spike or bloom, do we need to give regular NPK to orchids? My understanding says no, unless the plant has active vegetative growths simultaneously. What do you suggest?
Thank you
wonderful questions......I feed 125-165ppm it varies......so far it has not been to strong or too weak.......I do give some, such as vandas and dens with large shoots extra and stronger feed on occasion.....
...giving strong N before blooming is fine with some plants.......but with some orchids it may disrupt the bloom cycle......P & K yes......they will need it more during bloom time......P needs to be given long before the bloom cycle starts......K during and after more.......
Rick i was not aware that you are fertilising every time you water??/
Thank you so much Rick. As always I'm learning so much from you. In fact your way of doing things is pushing me to read, learn, experiment & grow intuitively. I have just started foliar feeding too, since its high summer & this is the peak season of growth. All thanks you :)
Let us see your pup!!!!!
jUST WANTED TO KNOW ppm TO GIVE THEM, EXPLANATION GOOD BUT A BIT SHALOW.
wow the elusive Mr.L reveals himself, briefly on camera!!
Interesting note about the phal leaf drop. It never occured to me that it was possible for phals to have so many leaves, I just assumed it was the normal lifecycle. I think the only case where I've seen a phal with many many leaves was on the cornu-cervi species. This was really good information. Thank you!
....Gabrielle.....i thought the same thing.......since this video, I have had so many growers tell me about their phals with 25+ leaves stacked up.........said they look like over weight vandas....lol.....they all had been feeding k supplements as well.......
Bananna Pepper. Pottaasium or Calcium cannot operate properly in humans or plants without Vitamin D. The leaves are Vitamin D Solar panels among other things. Human skin does the same thing, absorbing Vitamin D to aid in nutrient transference.
Oh wow! You have my brain gears turning! Your so very intelligent and can get the point across so well! I never thought about that they shouldn’t loose leaves. Everyone tells you that oh they drop a leaf when a new one is growing. I too have seen the Phals with stacks of leaves. Actually our local hydroponic store has a phal in a clay pot with Lecca medium and no air holes in the pot and it’s not set up in hydroponics and it has stacked leaves, he says he forgets it most of the time to water it and maybe fertilizes one time a year. Strange. I currently have actual mini phals that have 12-15 leaves on them. A very tall center that almost reminds you of a Vanda. Then I have few larger mini phals or medium phals that also have 12-15 leaves. I thought it was the type of orchid. Now knowing what your saying, maybe not. Now that you say it I have my larger phals have 8-12 leaves on a couple of them. Most of them only have 2-4 leaves. Please go into depth about foliar feeding when you can. You sure have peaked my curiosity! Must say BRAVO! 👍🏻
wonderful Paula......your Phals sound like they are very happy..........I will expand more.....
Hello Rick. My name is Neal Seijas, i live in florida, got your name from Roger Framton. This is the first time ive seen your video. Its funny that you said that you were using Cal'mag. I just picked some up and says 1 teaspon for light feeding and 2 teaspons for for heavy feeding. I think i used 3 teaspoon on accident. What damage could that do, if any?
Neal....welcome....flush them well and they should be ok....I feed cal mag around 40-80-ppm by its self....(maybe 5-6 drops/gallon)..........tiny amounts all the time.....like they would get on a tree...
Whew on temperature. You have more room on the bottom for bag babies. Thank you for sharing.
......i think I can squeeze a few more in too......
Hehehe!
Poor health certainly makes you appreciate the finer days, doesn’t it!
.......very very much........thank you
Wow this put all sorts of things in my head. But it's funny all my plants get the same thing aquarium water with just a little bit of Marine aquarium salt added in. Yet they are doing different things. Genetics I suppose But even so the two old timers should have more then one or two leaves. Hmm N is good if not excessive and P should be ok. But it seems I need to think about K. I could add coconut water lol no am joking. I should be able to think of something better then that.