....all your shows are among my favorites to watch, but this one really made me smile. Your a great teacher Amy,......your viewers love your charm, your faith, and the gracious way you invite us into your home. Your feeding routine is wonderful, and your plants are living proof of your success, they are deep green and the shine is spreading over the leaves.... ...Giving them calcium in various forms, like you show, is the best way to make sure they are never with out. Such a simple, small, change in feeding,.... but the results are incredible......they will reward you with so much root growth, you will never worry about growing roots again...they put out so many new growths..... ....its amazing how big the spikes get, and how you start getting multiple spikes, and larger blooms, more bud count, colors will be more intense, stronger scents on the fragrant ones, pests problems disappear, etc.........It "allows" them to grow..... like orchids should grow. Thank you for your continued sharing and spreading of orchid growing knowledge, ...........we are truly blessed to have you .........Rick L.
Hi Rick and thanks so much for your wonderful comment! It's always great hearing from you. :) Thank you for introducing me to the idea of using supplements, because it's made an enormous difference with my plants. From my point of view, the calcium, magnesium, and potassium supplements are equally as important as fertilizer. I've never seen leaves, roots, and spikes grow like this in 16 years of growing orchids! :) And the blooms are off the charts beautiful. The colors are more dramatic, and the bloom size is amazing! And you're right, the bugs just can't chew through the touch leaves. (That makes me smile a lot! :) I so appreciate you sharing your knowledge with the orchid world, it has made such a difference to so many growers....who appreciate you just as I do. You and Jan are in my prayers...many blessings to both of you from the TN orchid clan! :) Amy
Thanks for this! I've not done water culture before, but upon inheriting my GFs collection this past summer, one is a Neostylis Lou Sneary. It was a net pot in a 4" pot in a small bowl of water. When I took it out of the outer pot to see what was going on, the roots sproinged out, never to be stuffed back in again! Since it was pretty much continually wet, I decided to give wc a try, and it's LOVING it! I may give my plain water a try with the CalMag & Seaweed & see where it goes for next season..
Hi Rick and thanks for watching! These are fungus gnats, and they're pretty common around moss. If you use an oscillating fan around your orchids, it stops their life cycle. Another solution is to place a dish of soapy water around your plants...that attracts and drowns them. The good thing is, I've never noticed them doing any harm to the orchids, they just bug me. lol Happy growing!
I have the same problem with a Phal - split leaves and had no idea what was wrong...thank you for this detailed video. I ordered everything you mentioned from Amazon., including the bark, perlite, (already using the moss.) it all should arrive on Friday 11/3 , just in time for my new delivery of orchid babies🥰
Hi Amy, I use the Garden lime in water culture too as its dissolvable. Do you use it in water culture as well. I’ve been using it for the last 4 or 5 months and totally endorse all your comments about it! 👍😊
Chris Tinder I like your coment.I have a question.How much do you put in the water cuLture gareden lime .? and does it burt the roots? Thank you have a good day.
Hi Chris! I'm so glad you told me that you use garden lime in water culture! Right now, I'm using CalMag and Epsom salts in my water culture, but I'm thinking about giving the garden lime a try. I've been able to pass along to some of my subscribers who can't purchase CalMag that you've used it with good results, so you've helped lots of people!:) Have a great day and happy growing! :) Amy
Thank you for the info 🌸💚!! I have been using cal mag, yes big difference for sure!!! I just ordered the garden lime. Going to give that a try as well!!!
Hi! The CalMag definitely makes a big difference...I'm glad to hear you're getting good results from using it! :) You're going to like the garden lime as well...happy growing!
The thing about Better-Gro orchid fertilizer is that it is formulated for use with tap water, which typically has dissolved Ca and Mg. If you're using R/O or distilled, Ca and Mg supplementation is necessary. I'm still not sold on garden lime as a supplement (with the exception of say, Paphs and Phrags). I don't think the plants really get much out of it, compared to the liquid supplement, but it does serve a purpose in keeping the pH of organic media up.
Good evening, I was in Florida a couple weeks ago and saw some beautiful vandas, I wanted to get one of them but I am scared I may kill it. I live in the middle of Texas (Abilene), I grow my orchids in my kitchen wich has one east window and some supplement lighting. Can u give some advice on how u grow ur vandas? I plan on looking back at some of ur videos on Vandas and researching them before I purchase any. Thanks in Advance
Hi Martin! I really enjoy growing Vandas...they're wonderful! I've shared so much info that I've learned about them in my videos...that's the best place to start. I would watch the latest ones, from the past year, because they contain my most recent fertilizing and care info. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Thanks again for watching and happy growing! :)
I’m having a hard time with keeping aerial roots moist in N TX! Lol... I also love the vanda look, but I’m thinking they will require supplemental light in winter and twice daily watering in summer if kept outdoors. Galveston OS has a show next month....👀✨
Congratulations on the awesome success you have achieved with your orchids this growing season! I can't wait to see the 'spike tour!" You are going to have some FABULOUS blooms - Yay! I am so excited for you!!! I have a question - you didn't mention Epsom salt in the video - how often are you using it? Just on an as needed basis? Or are you also adding it every time you fertilize? Blessings from C & T & S (who are barking their heads off at the moment at Mr. Bear!)
Thanks so much, Caro! :) I use the Epsom salts mainly in newly transplanted orchids and in with my orchids in water culture. The reason I didn't mention it in this video is because I use the garden lime, and it has quite a bit of magnesium. So I use it in the new transplants until the garden lime has been on the media for a few weeks...and I don't use garden lime with my orchids in water culture. Yet. lol! I have a subscriber who uses garden lime with her orchids in WC and she loves it, so I might give that a try. Oh my, Mr Bear is still at your house?!!! How do you let T & S out...especially at night? Stay safe, my friend! Blessings from A & B who is taking a nap in front of the window and snoring
@@OrchidWhisperer The garden lime doesn't dissolve in water, does it? Does it just sink to the bottom of the glass and provide continuous calcium/magnesium? How much lime does your subscriber add to her WC orchids? All is quiet tonight on the home front...I guess the rainy weather has kept Mr. Bear away from my yard....at least for tonight. It's so nice to have a break from the barking, LOL! T & S do not go out after 10 p.m., but Tank has been waking me up early in the morning. I guess he and S want to go outside and smell if Mr. Bear has visited during the night! B has such an exciting life, doesn't he! ;-)
Hi Caro! My subscriber can't get ahold of CalMag in her area, so that's why she uses garden lime. The garden lime dissolves in water, so she adds just a few pellets of it to her water culture, and dissolves it in the water before she adds it to the vase. It would save time doing it that way, instead of dissolving the Epsom salt and then adding CalMag. I'm glad to hear Mr Bear has gone back to the woods during the rainy weather. Now, Crazy Bird wakes us up in the morning, pecking on the window. (Only at my house would something like that happen! LOL!) He doesn't mind us walking up to the window at all...he just watches us like we watch him! haha!
@@OrchidWhisperer I think you have a new pet, Amy! Does Crazy Bird stop pecking once he knows you are awake? Tank wakes me up every morning, usually before 7 a.m. He sleeps quietly at the foot of my bed but around 7 a.m. he comes and stands over me and either growls at something outside the window or just jumps around alot until I get up to let him and Shiloh go outside. Shiloh is unable to climb up on my bed (thankfully!) so Tank is the designated 'waker-upper!' I did some research on my dendrobiums and from what I have read it seems that a cane that is 2-3 years old will shed its leaves. Several of my other dendrobiums are now developing yellow leaves on their older canes, as well. So, it doesn't appear as if the plants are dying - just a normal seasonal pattern. Enjoy this beautiful autumn day!! Blessings from C & T & S
Hi Amy, Thank you so much for so generously sharing your knowledge with your viewers. I discovered your channel about 2 months ago. I am so glad because in May was gifted a magnificent white Phalaenopsis with a spike measuring 4+ ft that developed 9 blooms. Additionally, it sent out another spike that now has 5 blooms. Over all this time (5months) it has lost only 1 bloom. I began giving it cal/mag and Epsom salts, along with Miracle Grow right after I watched you for the first time. I am so excited with how wonderfully it's doing. Since learning from you how to recognize when it needs water I'm no longer having to guess. I honestly believe I will be able to get it to rebloom. I have a question: As I understand it, fall is when you can expect your orchids to start sending out spikes. Since mine is currently in full bloom what can I expect this year? Again, thank you.
Hi Jackie and thanks so much for your sweet comment! :) It sounds like your orchid is thriving! Phals can spike at any time, not just Fall. I have some that spike in the Spring, and it really depends on the parentage of the plant as to when it will spike. Yours might spike again in the Spring...it just depends on the individual plant. Have a great day and happy growing! :) Amy
Hi Chays! So glad I did this video at the right time to help you! :) You'll be pleased with the results of using these supplements...I've only had 1 brown leaf on my entire collection in months. :)) Have a great day and happy growing!
Hi and thanks so much for watching! I buy my Vandas at Kroger...they have a great floral department in my area. :) You might want to try doing a Google search of orchid nurseries in your area and see what you find. Happy growing! :)
Would you please clarify how you use all these supplements for water culture orchids? Does the fertilizer mixture stay in the water the orchids are in? Thanks so much!
Hi Linda! I have a video about this that will answer your questions, here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/druORzJTW4Q/v-deo.html Have a great day and happy growing! :) Amy
Have a question...I have two phals with old flower spikes that are still green but no flowers. Have left those spikes ( they both have three each) but now they are growing a new spike. Do I cut the old green spikes??? A bit lost on what would be best for them 😕🌸
I've been keeping the old spikes on my Phals, and several of them have secondary spikes. I like to keep them now, and keep them on the plant until they turn brown. Happy growing!
Your plants look fantastic! I've been using cal/mag and seaweed since this summer after watching your (and Rick L's) videos on it. On behalf of my orchids, thank you both for sharing that advice! The growth that I'm seeing on some of my plants that previously hadn't been doing well is just amazing. I just got a bag of GardenLime so can't wait to experiment with that. Amy, do you still use Epsom salts in your fertilizer mix now that you sprinkle your plants with the lime? Thank you so much!
Hi Claudia and thanks so much for sharing your success story! It sounds like your orchids are thriving, and that makes me happy! :) I mainly use the Epsom salts on new repots and with my water culture orchids. If they're getting the garden lime, then that's a really good source of magnesium. Have a great day and happy growing! :) Amy
Thank you for all your valuable info. My orchids are doing wonderful...now my daughter has rescued an orchid , she’s been bitten by the orchid bug & Ive added more orchids so she has a start on a collection! Such fun!! 🌸
Hi Amy wow I'm so excited I just got my cal-mag & seaweed extract today. Super excited to use it on my next watering! You Orchids are so very beautiful. I also put up my grow lights hope I'm doing that right! Any info to pass on using grow lights? You've mentioned flushing your pots. Help me understand that please. Are you just running water through. Or removing the medium?
Hi Rene! You're going to love the results you get from your supplements...keep me posted! I don't know anything about growing under lights or I would be glad to advise you on that. (I have a lot of light in my house!) I have a video about flushing my pots, here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/L6PcpsuxfPU/v-deo.html Have a great day and happy growing! Amy
Well I suppose it’s a matter of opinion isn’t it? On how well the product performs for your orchids. Apparently this author loves it and has great success with it, so it might be nice to be respectful of her opinion...Yes?
....all your shows are among my favorites to watch, but this one really made me smile. Your a great teacher Amy,......your viewers love your charm, your faith, and the gracious way you invite us into your home. Your feeding routine is wonderful, and your plants are living proof of your success, they are deep green and the shine is spreading over the leaves....
...Giving them calcium in various forms, like you show, is the best way to make sure they are never with out. Such a simple, small, change in feeding,.... but the results are incredible......they will reward you with so much root growth, you will never worry about growing roots again...they put out so many new growths.....
....its amazing how big the spikes get, and how you start getting multiple spikes, and larger blooms, more bud count, colors will be more intense, stronger scents on the fragrant ones, pests problems disappear, etc.........It "allows" them to grow..... like orchids should grow. Thank you for your continued sharing and spreading of orchid growing knowledge, ...........we are truly blessed to have you .........Rick L.
Hi Rick and thanks so much for your wonderful comment! It's always great hearing from you. :) Thank you for introducing me to the idea of using supplements, because it's made an enormous difference with my plants. From my point of view, the calcium, magnesium, and potassium supplements are equally as important as fertilizer. I've never seen leaves, roots, and spikes grow like this in 16 years of growing orchids! :) And the blooms are off the charts beautiful. The colors are more dramatic, and the bloom size is amazing! And you're right, the bugs just can't chew through the touch leaves. (That makes me smile a lot! :) I so appreciate you sharing your knowledge with the orchid world, it has made such a difference to so many growers....who appreciate you just as I do. You and Jan are in my prayers...many blessings to both of you from the TN orchid clan! :) Amy
😍😍😘😍
Great explanation. Thank you ! Beautiful collection 😍
Hi Amy thanks you as usual your video is very helpful can t wait to see the blooms and love your vanda s roots.
Hi Sophie and thanks so much for your sweet comment! :) So happy to hear that the video helped you! Have a great day! :) Amy
Thanks for this! I've not done water culture before, but upon inheriting my GFs collection this past summer, one is a Neostylis Lou Sneary. It was a net pot in a 4" pot in a small bowl of water. When I took it out of the outer pot to see what was going on, the roots sproinged out, never to be stuffed back in again! Since it was pretty much continually wet, I decided to give wc a try, and it's LOVING it!
I may give my plain water a try with the CalMag & Seaweed & see where it goes for next season..
Hi👋 when is a good time to use these products if they are stressed/rootless?
Thank you ☺️
I noticed a little nat buzzing around one of your plants I have these also what are they and how do you get rid 0f them?
Hi Rick and thanks for watching! These are fungus gnats, and they're pretty common around moss. If you use an oscillating fan around your orchids, it stops their life cycle. Another solution is to place a dish of soapy water around your plants...that attracts and drowns them. The good thing is, I've never noticed them doing any harm to the orchids, they just bug me. lol Happy growing!
Hi Amy! Can you do a video on how to water the orchids using each supplement?? Cal mag... fertilizer and seaweed extract.
I have the same problem with a Phal - split leaves and had no idea what was wrong...thank you for this detailed video. I ordered everything you mentioned from Amazon., including the bark, perlite, (already using the moss.) it all should arrive on Friday 11/3 , just in time for my new delivery of orchid babies🥰
You are welcome! Keep me posted...you'll see a big difference in your plants! Blessings! :)
Hi Amy,
I use the Garden lime in water culture too as its dissolvable. Do you use it in water culture as well. I’ve been using it for the last 4 or 5 months and totally endorse all your comments about it! 👍😊
Chris Tinder I like your coment.I have a question.How much do you put in the water cuLture gareden lime .? and does it burt the roots? Thank you have a good day.
Hi Chris! I'm so glad you told me that you use garden lime in water culture! Right now, I'm using CalMag and Epsom salts in my water culture, but I'm thinking about giving the garden lime a try. I've been able to pass along to some of my subscribers who can't purchase CalMag that you've used it with good results, so you've helped lots of people!:) Have a great day and happy growing! :) Amy
Thank you for the info 🌸💚!! I have been using cal mag, yes big difference for sure!!! I just ordered the garden lime. Going to give that a try as well!!!
Hi! The CalMag definitely makes a big difference...I'm glad to hear you're getting good results from using it! :) You're going to like the garden lime as well...happy growing!
The thing about Better-Gro orchid fertilizer is that it is formulated for use with tap water, which typically has dissolved Ca and Mg. If you're using R/O or distilled, Ca and Mg supplementation is necessary. I'm still not sold on garden lime as a supplement (with the exception of say, Paphs and Phrags). I don't think the plants really get much out of it, compared to the liquid supplement, but it does serve a purpose in keeping the pH of organic media up.
You said better grow for tap water !! My tap water is 300 ppm . Can I use better grow ?
@@ono7077 I wouldn't use your tap water
Michael McCarthy
Thanks 🙏 i could reach you .
Now with that Tap water ppm how much better grow ( ppm) can be used for Vanda and Catt ?
@@ono7077 I would advise against using your tap water for any orchid.
Michael McCarthy thanks , I would follow your advice !!
You sound exactly like Dolly Parton! 😁
Thank you! 😇
Good evening, I was in Florida a couple weeks ago and saw some beautiful vandas, I wanted to get one of them but I am scared I may kill it. I live in the middle of Texas (Abilene), I grow my orchids in my kitchen wich has one east window and some supplement lighting. Can u give some advice on how u grow ur vandas? I plan on looking back at some of ur videos on Vandas and researching them before I purchase any. Thanks in Advance
Hi Martin! I really enjoy growing Vandas...they're wonderful! I've shared so much info that I've learned about them in my videos...that's the best place to start. I would watch the latest ones, from the past year, because they contain my most recent fertilizing and care info. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Thanks again for watching and happy growing! :)
@@OrchidWhisperer i will to that, I have all this next week off so I may be binge watching. I enjoy learning all I can
I’m having a hard time with keeping aerial roots moist in N TX! Lol... I also love the vanda look, but I’m thinking they will require supplemental light in winter and twice daily watering in summer if kept outdoors. Galveston OS has a show next month....👀✨
Martin Demaree forgot to tag you on below!
Congratulations on the awesome success you have achieved with your orchids this growing season! I can't wait to see the 'spike tour!" You are going to have some FABULOUS blooms - Yay! I am so excited for you!!! I have a question - you didn't mention Epsom salt in the video - how often are you using it? Just on an as needed basis? Or are you also adding it every time you fertilize? Blessings from C & T & S (who are barking their heads off at the moment at Mr. Bear!)
Thanks so much, Caro! :) I use the Epsom salts mainly in newly transplanted orchids and in with my orchids in water culture. The reason I didn't mention it in this video is because I use the garden lime, and it has quite a bit of magnesium. So I use it in the new transplants until the garden lime has been on the media for a few weeks...and I don't use garden lime with my orchids in water culture. Yet. lol! I have a subscriber who uses garden lime with her orchids in WC and she loves it, so I might give that a try. Oh my, Mr Bear is still at your house?!!! How do you let T & S out...especially at night? Stay safe, my friend! Blessings from A & B who is taking a nap in front of the window and snoring
@@OrchidWhisperer The garden lime doesn't dissolve in water, does it? Does it just sink to the bottom of the glass and provide continuous calcium/magnesium? How much lime does your subscriber add to her WC orchids? All is quiet tonight on the home front...I guess the rainy weather has kept Mr. Bear away from my yard....at least for tonight. It's so nice to have a break from the barking, LOL! T & S do not go out after 10 p.m., but Tank has been waking me up early in the morning. I guess he and S want to go outside and smell if Mr. Bear has visited during the night! B has such an exciting life, doesn't he! ;-)
Hi Caro! My subscriber can't get ahold of CalMag in her area, so that's why she uses garden lime. The garden lime dissolves in water, so she adds just a few pellets of it to her water culture, and dissolves it in the water before she adds it to the vase. It would save time doing it that way, instead of dissolving the Epsom salt and then adding CalMag. I'm glad to hear Mr Bear has gone back to the woods during the rainy weather. Now, Crazy Bird wakes us up in the morning, pecking on the window. (Only at my house would something like that happen! LOL!) He doesn't mind us walking up to the window at all...he just watches us like we watch him! haha!
@@OrchidWhisperer I think you have a new pet, Amy! Does Crazy Bird stop pecking once he knows you are awake? Tank wakes me up every morning, usually before 7 a.m. He sleeps quietly at the foot of my bed but around 7 a.m. he comes and stands over me and either growls at something outside the window or just jumps around alot until I get up to let him and Shiloh go outside. Shiloh is unable to climb up on my bed (thankfully!) so Tank is the designated 'waker-upper!' I did some research on my dendrobiums and from what I have read it seems that a cane that is 2-3 years old will shed its leaves. Several of my other dendrobiums are now developing yellow leaves on their older canes, as well. So, it doesn't appear as if the plants are dying - just a normal seasonal pattern. Enjoy this beautiful autumn day!! Blessings from C & T & S
Hi Amy,
Thank you so much for so generously sharing your knowledge with your viewers. I discovered your channel about 2 months ago. I am so glad because in May was gifted a magnificent white Phalaenopsis with a spike measuring 4+ ft that developed 9 blooms. Additionally, it sent out another spike that now has 5 blooms. Over all this time (5months) it has lost only 1 bloom. I began giving it cal/mag and Epsom salts, along with Miracle Grow right after I watched you for the first time. I am so excited with how wonderfully it's doing. Since learning from you how to recognize when it needs water I'm no longer having to guess. I honestly believe I will be able to get it to rebloom.
I have a question: As I understand it, fall is when you can expect your orchids to start sending out spikes. Since mine is currently in full bloom what can I expect this year?
Again, thank you.
Hi Jackie and thanks so much for your sweet comment! :) It sounds like your orchid is thriving! Phals can spike at any time, not just Fall. I have some that spike in the Spring, and it really depends on the parentage of the plant as to when it will spike. Yours might spike again in the Spring...it just depends on the individual plant. Have a great day and happy growing! :) Amy
Great video! I actually was looking for this vety information when this popped up 😂😂😂 I've been getting yellow leaves lately.
Hi Chays! So glad I did this video at the right time to help you! :) You'll be pleased with the results of using these supplements...I've only had 1 brown leaf on my entire collection in months. :)) Have a great day and happy growing!
Hi Love your Vanda orchids, where can i buy them, as i haven't able to find them anywhere in NYC area.
Hi and thanks so much for watching! I buy my Vandas at Kroger...they have a great floral department in my area. :) You might want to try doing a Google search of orchid nurseries in your area and see what you find. Happy growing! :)
Would you please clarify how you use all these supplements for water culture orchids? Does the fertilizer mixture stay in the water the orchids are in? Thanks so much!
Hi Linda! I have a video about this that will answer your questions, here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/druORzJTW4Q/v-deo.html
Have a great day and happy growing! :) Amy
Thanks for sharing
Have a question...I have two phals with old flower spikes that are still green but no flowers. Have left those spikes ( they both have three each) but now they are growing a new spike. Do I cut the old green spikes??? A bit lost on what would be best for them 😕🌸
I've been keeping the old spikes on my Phals, and several of them have secondary spikes. I like to keep them now, and keep them on the plant until they turn brown. Happy growing!
How much better grow do.u use
Can this solution b kept for a week and used
Your plants look fantastic! I've been using cal/mag and seaweed since this summer after watching your (and Rick L's) videos on it. On behalf of my orchids, thank you both for sharing that advice! The growth that I'm seeing on some of my plants that previously hadn't been doing well is just amazing. I just got a bag of GardenLime so can't wait to experiment with that. Amy, do you still use Epsom salts in your fertilizer mix now that you sprinkle your plants with the lime? Thank you so much!
Hi Claudia and thanks so much for sharing your success story! It sounds like your orchids are thriving, and that makes me happy! :) I mainly use the Epsom salts on new repots and with my water culture orchids. If they're getting the garden lime, then that's a really good source of magnesium. Have a great day and happy growing! :) Amy
Great question! Thanks
Thank you for all your valuable info. My orchids are doing wonderful...now my daughter has rescued an orchid , she’s been bitten by the orchid bug & Ive added more orchids so she has a start on a collection! Such fun!! 🌸
Hi Amy wow I'm so excited I just got my cal-mag & seaweed extract today. Super excited to use it on my next watering! You Orchids are so very beautiful. I also put up my grow lights hope I'm doing that right! Any info to pass on using grow lights? You've mentioned flushing your pots. Help me understand that please. Are you just running water through. Or removing the medium?
Hi Rene! You're going to love the results you get from your supplements...keep me posted! I don't know anything about growing under lights or I would be glad to advise you on that. (I have a lot of light in my house!) I have a video about flushing my pots, here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/L6PcpsuxfPU/v-deo.html
Have a great day and happy growing! Amy
@@OrchidWhisperer thank you!
Am I correct in hearing you say when you flush your orchids you have calmag in the water? If so what PPM is it?
Hi Paula! Yes, I use the CalMag all the time, at the same rate of 50 -60 ppm. (Even when I flush them.) Happy growing!
BetterGrow orchid fertilizer is garbage. Throw all of it away. Use Peter's XL 15-5-15. This fertilizer is by far the best available.
Well I suppose it’s a matter of opinion isn’t it? On how well the product performs for your orchids. Apparently this author loves it and has great success with it, so it might be nice to be respectful of her opinion...Yes?