You should teach a class on plant nutrition. I've learned more from watching your videos the last couple of weeks than i did during all my years in school! I've been growing plants for as long as i can remember thinking all plants need is H2O, CO2, and sunlight. I never realized that all these supplements were crucial for optimal growth. You da man!
Where have I been that I haven’t been watching your vids? Oh my.. I could have done better early on for my plants esp orchids.. I am finally starting to understand the importance of ph, those elements in the fertilizer etc. I will for sure have to rewatch and rewatch or even just listen to digest the informations more. Just have my youTube play as I do tasks...like a radio of some sort. I love that you give the rationale on why you do things and relate it to your plants as I am very visual. The visual aids are helpful and informative. Wishing you well on your health issues as well. Inspite of that you spend time to share your knowledge to us. That’s very commendable of you! Again..thank you and stay well!
Thank you so much for explaining so very much in this video!! I have so many different kinds of orchids with different needs. Being ignorant, I assumed most of the differences were in frequency of watering..... you are teaching me so much. I am eating up every word. I do not think you realize how much your videos mean to your viewers. I feel like a sponge! My orchids are my passion. Again thank you Rick and I am praying for you. I am just a name to you but you are a hero to me. Again, thank you!!!
Thanks for letting us see your chart. Your method of making it clear for yourself really helps me as a dyslexic. Wish more growers could be so clear and lucid.
Rick this has got to be one of the best videos on the orchid channels at the moment, this will certainly get people thinking of calcium deficiency on their own plants.How you explained between new growth & old growth it puts it altogether for even beginners like me to see the need of individual plants. Keep the videos coming.
thanks Mick, your very kind......the ability to diagnose these plants is the toughest thing for all growers.....even experienced ones. This is what makes that possible......love the feedback
I'm so glad you are back! I just recently found your channel and am working my way through, but I love these details and info about the nutrients. Your plants are all amazing!
Hi Rick, Hope all is well. Prayers on your recovery from back surgery. I am a physical therapist so I understand the process. I have a question, of course. You had mentioned a person by the name of Michael McCarthy who is doing research. Is he from J & L Orchids in Easton CT? I just met him at a show yesterday. Where can I find his research? Thanks so much. God bless.
Rick you quite literally have just blown my mind with you past couple of videos. So many times I have heard or read that if media goes over the plants will die, no one has ever explained why. I read the AOS magazine and watch a tone of youtube and no one provides the same wisdom and explanation into why things happen and how to address and make things flourish quite like you do. I started using cal-mag only about a month ago, and plants that I had sitting dormant are exploding in the growth like never before. Thank you very much, you have made me a very happy grower.
that right there makes it worth it.......appreciate the feedback my new friend.....I agree, no one explains it......and yet its not serious chemistry......very basic concepts........thanks again.....hope they continue to grow well....
Hello Mr Rick L! I may be late in getting onboard on your channel but you’ve become my new favorite! I’m soaking in your nutrients, water videos and everything in between. I am one of those that just gets orchids and other plants and not paying attention to nutrition and other plant needs. Your videos really puts everything in perspective. You have explained the rationale which makes a lot of difference. When we know the reason behind why we do things we tend to follow better to achieve the results that we want. I have been starving my plants. With your videos esp on nutrition, water, ph and tds I think I will be a better ‘orchid mommy’ to what I call my ‘green bibis’ (green babies😊 ). Thanks a lot!💗😊
Thank you - you have just explained the science behind my grandmother's advice on how to grow healthy and hardy plants. She instilled her "rules" at an early age and I have diligently followed them for the last 45 years with great success. Every spring, new plants required an abundance of pulverized egg shells in their planting holes; old plants were to have the same treatment but on the surface - somewhat mixed in with the top coat of compost. Indoors or out, she knew when a plant required a weak tea soak, when coffee grinds were required, when to use minced banana peels and even when a bit of epsom salt should be thrown into the mix. Until 29 minutes & 48 seconds ago, I never understood why her rules worked - I was an economics major, chemistry not my forte - but given my (her?) success, I kept following the rules. Thank you "Professor Rick" - great to have thoughtful, insightful, sharing and caring neighbours.
wonderful story, I love that it connected you back to your grandmother.....what could be better.......thank you for sharing that........and thank you for the kind words.
Wow that’s a great tuition video on diagnosis Ricky! Thank you so much. At long last I can diagnose the reason for a problem, and I can address it. You are a 5⭐️professor 👨🏫. I didn’t do chemistry at school, wasn’t interested way it was taught bored me , it was all too abstract BUT now I can understand in a meaningful way, I’ve listened good, and amazingly UNDERSTAND the knowledge you’ve imparted 😊😊😊😊😊
Makes a lot of sense what you said about different orchids have different needs, so many times I was wondering, I treat all the same, why some are doing fine and some don't? Now I know, thank you so much for the great videos!
For those of you who would like to print out or save (me!!) Rick's list of Mobile and Immobile nutrients, I did a screen capture of his list (along with the PH Chart) ---> imgur.com/a/8nj3Q
Being a motorcycle rider (old school CBXs kickstarts and Harleys), I totally enjoyed your story on fine-tuning! Loved it. Anyway I'm a beginner orchid grower and I appreciate your instruction on the solutions for them. Thank you so much.
Rick, thank you so much for your explanations! They're so easy to understand, and they're incredibly easy to adapt to any growing style, laid-back or serious. I'm still having issues sourcing water (here, distilled water is about $1.50/liter, even from hardware stores, and my tap water is about 500 ppm!), but we're gonna talk to the landlord about putting in some rain barrels. Please keep your fingers crossed for us! Thanks again for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us strangers. I know you didn't come by it easy.
fingers crossed......the difference is incredible....I think......a R/O set up would be the other way.......pure water anytime, not outside, portable....thank you for the kind words
Mary Feehery if you have access to dehumidifier water or maybe have some friends who use a dehumidifier to get them to say that water for you. Are use the dehumidifier water for my orchids when I don’t have rainwater saved. Also if you have an outside air conditioner that drips on the ground one that sits in the window you can see the water that drips off of it. That’s basically distilled water.I don’t know how many orchids you have but I do know you can reuse the water the orchid so soaked in a few times. But I have two Tucker totes of nutrient solution my 50 orchid soaking I don’t save it are use that water that’s left over to water all my hundreds of house plants.
Thanks to another viewer here I found the Jack's in smaller bags through eBay, got it Saturday! Have replanted all the Phals back into the original red lava rock, fed them and am praying they recover from the disaster of my re-potting experiment. (Note to self: read ingredients before purchasing). We are cutting some red cedar trees today and I'll be picking out pieces to cut down for the orchids, maybe some nice mounts! Thanks for your wonderful videos and encouragement.
It like you read my mind 😂 after seeing your last video I decided to research mobile and immobile nutrients and make myself a chart like my PH chart. Have been super busy and haven't had a chance. Now I don't need to cause you did it for me! Thanks!!
this stuff will make the difference in your garden.......it wont change over night....but new growths will be bigger, more roots, it will start the process......
Wow, this entire chart and talk really helped clarify some things for me, still taking it all in. It felt like a little workshop which I really like! ;) Thanks Rick.
Great video, Rick, thanks a lot! :-) To me everything you said before became so much clearer with this paper of yours. So I printed it out and stuck it to my orchid stuff to keep as long as I grow orchids. I did not understand as yet why you use sea weed. And what is so special about it, but I will try to get it and use it too, even though in my climate the plants stay inside all year round.
TheFloatingflower just in case you didn’t become informed about why do use the sea weed supplement it’s because it has hormones in them for help the plant grow new roots flowers and leaves. Just like people need war moans hormones that are in the sea would help the plants. I’m using my grandsons iPad so if you need to get in touch with me my name is Kathleen Murphy my UA-cam channel is the name and define my videos on orchid or houseplants just put my name in the word orchid or house plants in the UA-cam search engine in your find me. Are use the sea weed liquid every time I soak my orchid which are growing in bark and Claypot. Are use it half strength. Please excuse any mistakes that I don’t catch to editBecause I use the microphone on the keyboard instead of type words
I am not a fast learner and I started following you in the summer of 2017, with your constant talk about nutrients I am now able to take better care of my houseplants and not just orchids, thank you, Rick.the table of nutrients is great I am able to grasp it more clearly, it makes everything easy to understand.
Thank you so much Rick. So informative, and on point. I'm new to growing orchids, but having good success and learning so much thanks to you. Keep it coming! My orchids and I thank you!
Wow, yes! Calcium deficiency, bloom end rot tomatoes, peppers, even potatoes. You make me think about all this with not just orchids, I grow so many plants as you know. I have to have those meters, frankincense trees have far different requirements than orchids. I've been doing different feeds for things here, I have to do it. And it does have to change with seasons too. I'm no chemistry major, but I can, and have wrapped my head around all this. You've made it much easier! Anyways, give me a holler I have some cuts of plants for you.
Thanks and I actually understood what you are saying, you explained it very well..I will need to watch again my old brain will probably say...now what did he say??lol 😀🍀
The penny has dropped lol. What a wicked explanation - best ever. I had a lot of the information but didn't really understand it. NOW I DO lol. Forever in your debt. Thanks.
I did some research on sulfur. What I found it since the Clean Air Act went into effect less sulfur dioxide is in the air and available to plants. Also less sulfur is available in the soil because people are no longer using manure to fertilize their organs. So sulfur is becoming a nutrient that's some plants are deficient in. That's why if you use epsom salts for a magnesium source it automatically has sulfur in it because it's magnesium sulfate
Terry Klemesrud I am using my grandsons iPad but my real UA-cam channel is under Kathleen Murphy and just put the word orchids your house plants into the UA-cam search engine in your find me. It’s not that hard to understand if you watch it a couple times the PH I haven’t figured out yet need to buy a pH pen but from what Rick said is the orchid fertilizer and the calcium magnesium supplement are absorbed pretty much all right and most water. Are use dehumidifier water or rain water. ....Rarely do I use tapwater. I also use the microphone on my cell phone or on this iPad because it’s too hard for me to type so sometimes a strange word shows up that I don’t get a chance to edit to the correct word. I am with calcium magnesium first to my Tucker Tote of Rainwater can I add the seaweed emulsion fertilizer then I add the orchid fertilizer after that I add my micro nutrients and 1 teaspoon of Epson salts per gallon of water. The other things that I add or half strength of 1/3 strength. Just remember the nutrients that are in mobile which means if a new leaf growing needs calcium I cannot get it from an old lady. If a new leaf is growing and needs nitrogen or mobile notary and it will suck dry so to speak that older Leaf and sacrifice it to move the mobile nutrients to the new growth. It’s not that hard to understand find some of his other videos and watch them over and over again like I have because eventually sinks In.
Really awesome video, Rick. I'm SO glad that you decided to start growing orchids! 😊 It was really helpful to me to see the list of mobile and immobile nutrients written down on the sheet of paper, side by side, and your explanation of which ones are most important when diagnosing a deficiency or problem in old and new growth. I assume you're going to explain, in a future video, why you're adding the seaweed extract? It's also a relief to know that, when using calmag, that I don't have to drop my ph down to 5.8. My water is very alkaline - even after adding the fertilizer and calmag , my ph is still over 7.
Caroline.....that why I mentioned it,...from experience I know there are some fighting that......use some kelp or seaweed to drop that ph and it will work better......ill explain in next video ..
I am using my grandson iPad so my real UA-cam channel is under Kathleen Murphy and I have my own UA-cam channel where I’ve shared videos on my orchids in house plants. Find me on UA-cam just use the search engine put my name in and the word orchids your house plants in your find me. And some of ricks other UA-cam videos he uses the seaweed emulsion fertilizer because of the hormones in it but tell A plant went to grow Flowers and new leaf or roots. Just like people need 1 Hormones so do plants.
Hello dear friend! Once again Terrific video! I have watched it so far 4 times! I put my head set on, block out the world and absorb what your saying. Keep it coming in! I would like to hear more about what your going to do different when you put them outside. I haven’t decided if I’m going to put mine outside his year yet or not. Yours thrive so much out side. It’s tempting. But need more info before I do. Your a wealth of knowledge!
More great stuff Rick, you might just teach us how to grow ! Love the simple yet effective table for mobile/imobile nutirents - makes it look too easy. Would love to see how you sort out or calculate/formulate your nutrients for summer. Getting ready to move out the plants soon and want to step up my game too. Best wishes and keep them coming.
Took notes. 😀 I change my my PH has well. One question I keep having and forgetting to ask is- when fertilizing should we also test the water that come out after fertilizing as well to see what the numbers are? Also, what numbers do you know are good for each nutrient? I have looked on the internet and I know there has to be research papers or articles on what others have found to be a good total of nutrients to feed. Of course a lot has been written for Phals but I am looking for smaller root types. Yep I go to sleep sometimes reading them, but this to me is important. Good to know what to feed but how do we find out how much? I am probably going further than most care about, but if know of any such article please let me know because I have looked and look! Thank you again Rick you are such a blessing for me and my plants. You and Roger have helped me in so many ways.
I started alternating my pH range with my main fertiliser a few weeks ago. I don't know if it is making a difference but time will tell. My plants look better since I started paying more attention to how I feed them. Thanks for sharing.
Rick beat that dead horse. lol. I need to hear it. You have explained this very well. I have copied your note pad and now I have one in my grow room and another one in my Greenhouse. I'm right with you on remembering stuff. I am understanding more and more. Thanks so much.
This comment is related to your previous videos on this subject and PLEASE don't take it the wrong way. In this latest video, I learned NOTHING !!!! and the reason? because I'd already got what I need from your other vids - a bit at a time. But now? I'm there and it's all relevant/necessary/required to get the best from our orchids. This vid collects it all together - wonderful. Thank you.
thanks Roger......understanding the mobile / Immobile difference is important for diagnosing issues.....as well as understanding the utilization of their use...
Great video! I’ve copied and printed out your mobile/immobile chart. That info helps me understand better the nutrients needed. I’m hoping that using Cal/Mag will help my cattleyas with their yellow mottling in leaves. Thank you for sharing!
I randomly came across your videos and you inspired me to try orchid growing... I was terrified of them! Bought a $5 phalaenopsis from Lowe’s. Hoping I can give it all the right nutrients.
You say - WHY AM I DOING THIS - easy answer, YOU my friend have a brain, YOU think outside the box, YOU LOOK, many people never see whats in front of them, we all just have to actually LISTEN and SEE what you are seeing. Congrads there arn't many people in this world who can explain such complex information in such a simplistic way, you are an amazing TEACHER, please never stop.
Excellent video Rick. Thank you for taking the time / effort to go thru all this. You shook some cobwebs loose in my ole noggin. I really need to get my hort book back from my daughter. Mobile vs immobile probably will always be one of those stop and think items. You continue to be a big help!!
Thanks! You've given me food for thought. :D In fact, I think I'll be adding some MgSO4 to my aquarium. I think the plants will benefit with the addition. However, since I have hard well water I'll need to be mindful of the amount so as not to increase the hardness to much for the fish. I did buy some Calmag for my orchids and hope they'll respond well, too.
So much to comment on I could right a book. I fund my self stoping the video and thinking about a point then watching more only to stop it agian i love love love episodes like this. Ok am going to hit the like button so hard that ill have to get a new phone.
Well done Rick, another excellent teaching video! The chart for diagnosing is a great tool for us, thank you for all your time and effort to make it. When you said that the principles apply to other plants too, well that was an AhhhHA!!! moment for me. And I especially liked the tip about fluctuating PH - makes so much sense to me.
Way way divergent question. Have you read the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance? It's about what you talked about your Harley. It extensively shares one man's experiences with his Harley and son. It was introduced to me in the 70s from a dear friend. I think you would enjoy it.
Rick, nice topic. If the new roots stalled and we start to give them immobile nutrients, will the new roots continue to grow from there or it will just die off?
......thats good thinking.....and your correct,they should grow, but there is a balance of all the nutrients....as long as the reserves are ok....adding immobile nutrients will get things started...
Loving your video talks. It feels like I signed up for a course I can listen to whenever I want. As always, thank you for the ever-provoking thoughts on the hobby. Please continue these videos! Love to hear your thinking :) Curious if you’ve had any issues with mites? Or an abundance of possible beneficial mites while using inorganic medium? I keep finding these tiny little possibly white things crawling around the roots mostly, rarely on the leaves and especially where there’s any decomposing roots. Assuming these are a pest and not beneficial... Thinking a microscope might be useful at this point so I can properly treat.... I was hoping growing semihydro would limit the amount of pests! Any suggestions on useful horticulture oils for treatment?
thank you very kind.....not pest at all, hydro is definitely less buggy than soil growing....the "semi-hydro set ups with water and lecca or bare root in glass, plastic etc....works great, but can lack any kind of air flow......airflow is key for control of pests.....even a light breeze keeps them from flying around and breeding....most will disappear, and never get started with a breeze...I prefer neem for orchids, smothers, and has some systemic properties...if its a bad infestation, like scale .....I prefer Bayer systemic...Imidicloprid I believe is the active ingredient, ...systemics.....get absporbed into the plants tissue, and protect the plant for several months...
Rick L. Orchids thank you! Hope you’re having a beautiful day and getting out in the garden. Looks like spring is finally getting started :) stay flexible!
Hi Rick, This is literally what I am trying to figure out with my orchids. What fertilizer they all like. I have one that’s literally a stick that I am trying to bring back to life. I have another that looks dehydrated and can’t figure out how to make it happy. And for some reason I can’t get the ph at 5.8. Thank you for the information!
So I have a question you said that dying roots tips is from lack of calcium can it be from salt burn does that really happen I would think you need a tremendous amount of ppm to burn the roots of the plant is using nutrients what your saying actually makes more sense that it’s a lack of calcium because the plant is growing faster than what people are providing for it tell me what you think if what I’m saying makes some sense or not
....heh heh heh......I love it when those wheels start turning.....yes your correct, and your getting it....when warmth and light trigger those hormones to say GROW......the nutrients need to be there or deficiencies start showing......and they have to be in a certain balance........excellent Andrew....most nutrient mixes are salt based.....they are bound to it for transfer....after the minerals are absorbed.....salt is whats left...
Hi. Great video. Can I ask a puny question? It might be silly. But since at the end of the video you mentioned something about medium. Does the medium impact on the quantity and percentage of component of the feed? For example, what if the orchid grows on a living tree or if the medium is charcoal or coconut fiber? And what is the role of rain water in all this? Thank you.
some great questions......medium is so important in growing......bark, moss and even mounted orchids need more Nitrogen to make up for microbial loss during media breakdown,...inert medias dont have that issue......so yes.. it will impact the nutrient feed they need.....Coco fiber has a odd ability to not retain calcium very well, so coco grown plants may need more Ca than others.......Charcoal, helps to keep the ph from taking drastic swings.....stabilizes it some...rain water is a pure water source usually.......its my water source, but it can vary from quality from state to state, etc..........A pure water source is critical in orchids...
Absolutely LOVE this video! I think I have watched it 3 times LOL. I have a question, I have looked at my MSU fert and it comes from Calcium Nitrate, CalMag like you said is from Calcium Carbonate, how do orchids use this different form of Calcium. I think I am understanding it that Calcium Nitrate needs to have pH of 5.0 - 5.8 and I thought you said you can use CalMag at 6.0 - 7.0. Also if you were going to mix up a batch of CalMag for a light feeding, what PPM do you feed it at? I am just trying to wrap my head around the difference. Keep these coming Rick awesome videos!
Jessica.....your correct....its just confusing concept sometimes.....Calmag is calcium carbonate..its not water soluble....but its chelated.(back of label)....which allows it to be absorbed easily, and also out side of its normal ph absorption range ....watch for video to explain
For someone like me, with lots of Horticulture History, my grand parents owned a Nursery and my Dad as well, this info is awesome as a reminder that I change and mix for a reason! How do you get your Cal Nit to dissolve? Mine clumps! I mixed it yesterday when I fed and little clumps stuck to the medium and roots and I am worried about that!!!
As always, great video! I believe you are totally right! I actually do have one particular cattleya that is huge, growing wonderful, matures nee growths in 2-3 months, but she won't bloom. What do you suggest to change in my fertilizer routine? I do use MSU, I drop the pH at 5.8 all the time, and sometimes, I apply calcium nitrate. Not sure where I am failing with her...
....swing the ph so it can get a more varied diet.....tiny amounts of certain nutrients can make a difference.....after that its cultural, temps and light trigger blooms, but nutrients allow it to happen.....
Wonderful video Rick, thank you so much, also for answering my question! (about adding a bit of tapwater for the needed calcium) At what temperatures do you put your orchids outside? Must be soon, right?
.....thats a great question.....I am not a chemist....but no, I wouldn't...magnesium chloride vs sulfate is big........chloride is like supercharged magnesium....for severe deficiencies....given for heart attacks even.....quickly absorbed......sulfate is more gentle, quickly absorbed but in a more controlled flow.....safer.......I would be afraid the chloride would burn.....
Rick L. Orchids Thanks Rick! I have the Chloride to add to water for pain. I boil it, let it cool and add it to a spray bottle. I just wondered if it could be used for plants too. 😁
Hi Rick, hope you are feeling better, on this side I will let you know that he's feeling much better, going forward. My question, I looked into the MSU fertilizers, but one of the ingredients is copper and that is a no for Dendrobium. The amount is very small, but I am doubting. Do you know anything about it? Thanks
happy to hear...continued thoughts and prayers...copper is a micro nutrient, so they need and use very little......the MSU should be fine with its amount....
i see so much results since i follow you way.. really thnx.. i started to write things down so the next time i water i know what i did and what to do ..works great..:) can i mix calmag with my 20-20-20??
use the hydroponic chart....not the soil chart....www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwigmrz3g67aAhXGmeAKHdOjD5IQjhx6BAgAEAM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.420magazine.com%2Fgallery%2Fmember-galleries%2Fp386989-ph-chart-care-of-blue-planet-nutrients.html&psig=AOvVaw0zp3dqse4wi1Z3DOKz9LQn&ust=1523392027832104
Kathy Macomber I am using my grandsons iPad but my real UA-cam channel is Kathleen Murphy so that’s who’s giving you this information. I have my own UA-cam channel I haven’t posted lately but I do have videos on my orchids and reporting in my house plants. Since Rick didn’t answer your question and I don’t think you’ll be able to I miss him so much. Period. Anyhow I have the liquid seaweed fertilizer or nutrient solution whatever you wanna call it and I use it weekly. Most of my orchids are Phalaenopsis and I bought a few bag babies that are Cymbidium‘s or rather cattleya’s. I soak them in my nutrient solution every week to seven days. The first thing I add to my water which is rain water or dehumidifier water is the cow magic the microphone spelled it wrong it’s the Cal Cal magic that Rick shows on his screen. Are use it half strength. I then add the liquid seaweed fertilizer at half strength. I’ve been put in the microphone isn’t working very well so excuse the funky words I don’t know how to go back and delete the wrong words on my grandsons iPad. So CAL magic Hass to be use first not sure about the order of the rest of the nutrients that I use the liquid Seaweed next. I then use one of my orchid fertilizers or miracle grow mostly are use the one with the higher nitrogen number but every once in a while I alternate with the middle number higher for the last number higher. I also use micro nutrients all of this is half strength and 1/3 strength. I also use 1 teaspoon of Epson salt per gallon of water. I saw all of my orchids which are in Clay pots and bar for 20 minutes or half an hour or longer. Before I soak them in the nutrient solution though I have another tub of rainwater that I would solve the leaves and pour through the bar quite a few times to rinse the bar of excess nutrientsBecause the roots can only absorb what touches them on the Rest just sort of sits there needs to be washed off. Are usually have two trucker totes with nutrient solution and one Tuckerton with plain rainwater I have over 50 orchids so it takes a good bit of time to soak them if I don’t have the three tubs of water. When I soak my orchids I also do a foliar feeding that’s why I rinsed the leaves with plain rainwater before I soak my plants. I pour the nutrient solution over the leaves a couple of times and I make sure I pour it over the roots if they’re sticking out of the water. I’ve only been doing this for three years but Rick has been the best source for my orchids and I’ve gotten them to rebloom. I also received Great information from two other channels one is from a lady named Caroline and her husbands name Jack so they name the station a combo of both names which is Jacolyns orchid and the other one who is full of excellent information is Emaan garden . If you found what I just told you informative you can click the like button and go to my UA-cam channel and leave a message on one of my videos and I’ll know what time I Took to write this replyHelped you and that you received it!
This was a very helpful video. Many of my Phals are showing old growth deficiencies. Mottling leaves and faded yellow leaves. New growth looks good. So I am giving them Epsom salts first and then will start cal mag. But Iam wondering about nitrogen. I am currently using a 20 20 20 fert...and will be switching to better gro 20 14 13. What do you suggest for nitrogen? I always water with rain water,the quality of which is excellent. Thank you in advance
both of those have 20% Nitrogen.....more than enough.....the calmag will be a important supplement...they need the calcium to be able to absorb magnesium properly....Phals will drop lower leaves when they dont get a steady supply of nutrients.........they dont have bulbs, canes, etc, to store reserves in....only leaves and spikes....removing or cutting off spikes will rob them of a lot of their P & K reserves.......they will drop lower leaves to make up for it......give them additional kelp and seaweed during the growing season to insure they have enough K
Hi Rick, wonderfully well explained. Thank you. Please I need your HELP!!!. I cannot get CalMag in my country. After contacting several ebay, Amazon etc on line they do not ship this product to Portugal. The only possible one would charge me 45 euros for the same product that will cost 12 euros in other countries. So, I need your opinion. If I use chellated calcium and magnesium which they sell in Portugal as vitamins, do you think it will be alright? These calcium and magnesium are pills, I should have to reduce it to powder and they added vitamin D . Please give me your opinion, I am getting desperate, my Phal sweet memory is showing sigbs if mag deficiency 😊 Thanks in advance.
.....not familiar with your country....check with anyone that grows plants....ask for a calcium magnesium supplement....Calmag is a brand......use one for plants.......Mag is easy to absorb thru leaves......spray it with magnesium (Epson salt) in water....till you find some calcium supplement.....I will ask for some help to find you some........
I love this video. I have watched it at least 3 times.
You should teach a class on plant nutrition. I've learned more from watching your videos the last couple of weeks than i did during all my years in school! I've been growing plants for as long as i can remember thinking all plants need is H2O, CO2, and sunlight. I never realized that all these supplements were crucial for optimal growth. You da man!
Where have I been that I haven’t been watching your vids? Oh my.. I could have done better early on for my plants esp orchids.. I am finally starting to understand the importance of ph, those elements in the fertilizer etc. I will for sure have to rewatch and rewatch or even just listen to digest the informations more. Just have my youTube play as I do tasks...like a radio of some sort. I love that you give the rationale on why you do things and relate it to your plants as I am very visual. The visual aids are helpful and informative. Wishing you well on your health issues as well. Inspite of that you spend time to share your knowledge to us. That’s very commendable of you! Again..thank you and stay well!
very kind Cyril.......thank you for the feedback and support.
Thank you so much for explaining so very much in this video!! I have so many different kinds of orchids with different needs. Being ignorant, I assumed most of the differences were in frequency of watering..... you are teaching me so much. I am eating up every word. I do not think you realize how much your videos mean to your viewers. I feel like a sponge! My orchids are my passion. Again thank you Rick and I am praying for you. I am just a name to you but you are a hero to me. Again, thank you!!!
......much more than a name Sharon.....much more.....I thank you.
Thanks for letting us see your chart. Your method of making it clear for yourself really helps me as a dyslexic. Wish more growers could be so clear and lucid.
Rick this has got to be one of the best videos on the orchid channels at the moment, this will certainly get people thinking of calcium deficiency on their own plants.How you explained between new growth & old growth it puts it altogether for even beginners like me to see the need of individual plants. Keep the videos coming.
thanks Mick, your very kind......the ability to diagnose these plants is the toughest thing for all growers.....even experienced ones. This is what makes that possible......love the feedback
Wow!!! Best video ever. This explains a lot. I guess I just have to be led by the hand as this sort of thinking doesn't come naturally. Thanks Rick.
I'm so glad you are back! I just recently found your channel and am working my way through, but I love these details and info about the nutrients. Your plants are all amazing!
.....very kind thank you!
Thank you for the chart! That helps me sort out my deficiencies. Amazing way to explain it. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Rick, Hope all is well. Prayers on your recovery from back surgery. I am a physical therapist so I understand the process. I have a question, of course. You had mentioned a person by the name of Michael McCarthy who is doing research. Is he from J & L Orchids in Easton CT? I just met him at a show yesterday. Where can I find his research? Thanks so much. God bless.
Rick you quite literally have just blown my mind with you past couple of videos. So many times I have heard or read that if media goes over the plants will die, no one has ever explained why. I read the AOS magazine and watch a tone of youtube and no one provides the same wisdom and explanation into why things happen and how to address and make things flourish quite like you do. I started using cal-mag only about a month ago, and plants that I had sitting dormant are exploding in the growth like never before. Thank you very much, you have made me a very happy grower.
that right there makes it worth it.......appreciate the feedback my new friend.....I agree, no one explains it......and yet its not serious chemistry......very basic concepts........thanks again.....hope they continue to grow well....
Hello Mr Rick L! I may be late in getting onboard on your channel but you’ve become my new favorite! I’m soaking in your nutrients, water videos and everything in between. I am one of those that just gets orchids and other plants and not paying attention to nutrition and other plant needs. Your videos really puts everything in perspective. You have explained the rationale which makes a lot of difference. When we know the reason behind why we do things we tend to follow better to achieve the results that we want. I have been starving my plants. With your videos esp on nutrition, water, ph and tds I think I will be a better ‘orchid mommy’ to what I call my ‘green bibis’ (green babies😊 ). Thanks a lot!💗😊
awww thank you Cyril, and welcome........let me know if ever I can assist or answer a question.........
Thank you - you have just explained the science behind my grandmother's advice on how to grow healthy and hardy plants. She instilled her "rules" at an early age and I have diligently followed them for the last 45 years with great success. Every spring, new plants required an abundance of pulverized egg shells in their planting holes; old plants were to have the same treatment but on the surface - somewhat mixed in with the top coat of compost. Indoors or out, she knew when a plant required a weak tea soak, when coffee grinds were required, when to use minced banana peels and even when a bit of epsom salt should be thrown into the mix. Until 29 minutes & 48 seconds ago, I never understood why her rules worked - I was an economics major, chemistry not my forte - but given my (her?) success, I kept following the rules. Thank you "Professor Rick" - great to have thoughtful, insightful, sharing and caring neighbours.
wonderful story, I love that it connected you back to your grandmother.....what could be better.......thank you for sharing that........and thank you for the kind words.
Thank you.....I now have this written down for my orchid house.... You simplified this for me.....I understand my plants and nutrients more now......
perfect..........thank you.
Thank you for showing us the Mobile and Immobile. I understand it so much better.
Wow that’s a great tuition video on diagnosis Ricky! Thank you so much. At long last I can diagnose the reason for a problem, and I can address it.
You are a 5⭐️professor 👨🏫. I didn’t do chemistry at school, wasn’t interested way it was taught bored me , it was all too abstract BUT now I can understand in a meaningful way, I’ve listened good, and amazingly UNDERSTAND the knowledge you’ve imparted 😊😊😊😊😊
thanks Chris.........means the world to me......
Thank you for all that information ..I hope your orchids grow well.
Makes a lot of sense what you said about different orchids have different needs, so many times I was wondering, I treat all the same, why some are doing fine and some don't? Now I know, thank you so much for the great videos!
your welcome Fifi, hope all is well my friend.....
For those of you who would like to print out or save (me!!) Rick's list of Mobile and Immobile nutrients, I did a screen capture of his list (along with the PH Chart) ---> imgur.com/a/8nj3Q
Caroline, I was looking desperately through all the videos for the pH chart! Thank you so much!
You are welcome, Mary. FYI - Rick posted a link to the chart below the video for those of you who are also looking for it. :)
Being a motorcycle rider (old school CBXs kickstarts and Harleys), I totally enjoyed your story on fine-tuning! Loved it. Anyway I'm a beginner orchid grower and I appreciate your instruction on the solutions for them. Thank you so much.
thank you.......ride safe......
Rick, thank you so much for your explanations! They're so easy to understand, and they're incredibly easy to adapt to any growing style, laid-back or serious. I'm still having issues sourcing water (here, distilled water is about $1.50/liter, even from hardware stores, and my tap water is about 500 ppm!), but we're gonna talk to the landlord about putting in some rain barrels. Please keep your fingers crossed for us!
Thanks again for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us strangers. I know you didn't come by it easy.
fingers crossed......the difference is incredible....I think......a R/O set up would be the other way.......pure water anytime, not outside, portable....thank you for the kind words
Mary Feehery if you have access to dehumidifier water or maybe have some friends who use a dehumidifier to get them to say that water for you. Are use the dehumidifier water for my orchids when I don’t have rainwater saved. Also if you have an outside air conditioner that drips on the ground one that sits in the window you can see the water that drips off of it. That’s basically distilled water.I don’t know how many orchids you have but I do know you can reuse the water the orchid so soaked in a few times. But I have two Tucker totes of nutrient solution my 50 orchid soaking I don’t save it are use that water that’s left over to water all my hundreds of house plants.
Beat that dead horse, Rick! So helpful! I am gonna be copying your cheatsheet down word for word...thank you so much...
Thanks to another viewer here I found the Jack's in smaller bags through eBay, got it Saturday! Have replanted all the Phals back into the original red lava rock, fed them and am praying they recover from the disaster of my re-potting experiment. (Note to self: read ingredients before purchasing). We are cutting some red cedar trees today and I'll be picking out pieces to cut down for the orchids, maybe some nice mounts! Thanks for your wonderful videos and encouragement.
they will love the cedar...…..thanks Paula...
Thanks Rick! I haven't gotten into feeding my plants this way yet, but you're getting me there. Very informative. Margarita
It like you read my mind 😂 after seeing your last video I decided to research mobile and immobile nutrients and make myself a chart like my PH chart. Have been super busy and haven't had a chance. Now I don't need to cause you did it for me! Thanks!!
this stuff will make the difference in your garden.......it wont change over night....but new growths will be bigger, more roots, it will start the process......
Wow, this entire chart and talk really helped clarify some things for me, still taking it all in. It felt like a little workshop which I really like! ;) Thanks Rick.
Great video, Rick, thanks a lot! :-) To me everything you said before became so much clearer with this paper of yours. So I printed it out and stuck it to my orchid stuff to keep as long as I grow orchids. I did not understand as yet why you use sea weed. And what is so special about it, but I will try to get it and use it too, even though in my climate the plants stay inside all year round.
thank you......I will be talking about kelp and seaweed soon.....its good stuff.
TheFloatingflower just in case you didn’t become informed about why do use the sea weed supplement it’s because it has hormones in them for help the plant grow new roots flowers and leaves. Just like people need war moans hormones that are in the sea would help the plants. I’m using my grandsons iPad so if you need to get in touch with me my name is Kathleen Murphy my UA-cam channel is the name and define my videos on orchid or houseplants just put my name in the word orchid or house plants in the UA-cam search engine in your find me. Are use the sea weed liquid every time I soak my orchid which are growing in bark and Claypot. Are use it half strength. Please excuse any mistakes that I don’t catch to editBecause I use the microphone on the keyboard instead of type words
Thanks Rick for the intelligent commentary. I could talk about this stuff forever. Our set-ups are very similar...I have the same pH pen
.....love your set up.....and its showing results....keep doing what your doing.....your plants will reward you.......they already are.
I am not a fast learner and I started following you in the summer of 2017, with your constant talk about nutrients I am now able to take better care of my houseplants and not just orchids, thank you, Rick.the table of nutrients is great I am able to grasp it more clearly, it makes everything easy to understand.
your so kind......all my viewers have helped me in their own ways.....happy to help.
Hi Rick, thanks for this fabulous, exceptional tutorial. Learned so much again. Your teaching and sharing is so exciting and valuable. God bless you.
Thank you so much Rick. So informative, and on point. I'm new to growing orchids, but having good success and learning so much thanks to you. Keep it coming! My orchids and I thank you!
Wow, yes! Calcium deficiency, bloom end rot tomatoes, peppers, even potatoes. You make me think about all this with not just orchids, I grow so many plants as you know. I have to have those meters, frankincense trees have far different requirements than orchids. I've been doing different feeds for things here, I have to do it. And it does have to change with seasons too. I'm no chemistry major, but I can, and have wrapped my head around all this. You've made it much easier! Anyways, give me a holler I have some cuts of plants for you.
.......thank you Todd.......talk soon.
Thanks and I actually understood what you are saying, you explained it very well..I will need to watch again my old brain will probably say...now what did he say??lol 😀🍀
The penny has dropped lol. What a wicked explanation - best ever. I had a lot of the information but didn't really understand it. NOW I DO lol. Forever in your debt. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent talk Rick, I feel I have learnt a lot . Thank you.
Thank you so much that was really helpful. I even wrote it down the same way you had it on the paper.
I did some research on sulfur. What I found it since the Clean Air Act went into effect less sulfur dioxide is in the air and available to plants. Also less sulfur is available in the soil because people are no longer using manure to fertilize their organs. So sulfur is becoming a nutrient that's some plants are deficient in. That's why if you use epsom salts for a magnesium source it automatically has sulfur in it because it's magnesium sulfate
I understood part of it...the rest I thought I'd let you come over and figure it out for me!!! Thanks for the video!!
lol......I wish I could.......thanks Terry.
Terry Klemesrud I am using my grandsons iPad but my real UA-cam channel is under Kathleen Murphy and just put the word orchids your house plants into the UA-cam search engine in your find me. It’s not that hard to understand if you watch it a couple times the PH I haven’t figured out yet need to buy a pH pen but from what Rick said is the orchid fertilizer and the calcium magnesium supplement are absorbed pretty much all right and most water. Are use dehumidifier water or rain water. ....Rarely do I use tapwater. I also use the microphone on my cell phone or on this iPad because it’s too hard for me to type so sometimes a strange word shows up that I don’t get a chance to edit to the correct word. I am with calcium magnesium first to my Tucker Tote of Rainwater can I add the seaweed emulsion fertilizer then I add the orchid fertilizer after that I add my micro nutrients and 1 teaspoon of Epson salts per gallon of water. The other things that I add or half strength of 1/3 strength. Just remember the nutrients that are in mobile which means if a new leaf growing needs calcium I cannot get it from an old lady. If a new leaf is growing and needs nitrogen or mobile notary and it will suck dry so to speak that older Leaf and sacrifice it to move the mobile nutrients to the new growth. It’s not that hard to understand find some of his other videos and watch them over and over again like I have because eventually sinks In.
I believe that orchid people like to learn ... why else would we wait up to sometimes years for something to bloom-
.......so right......that's a great statement...
Absolutely fantastic video and information and as Roger said, it just ties everything you have already taught (me) together so well. Wow!
Really awesome video, Rick. I'm SO glad that you decided to start growing orchids! 😊 It was really helpful to me to see the list of mobile and immobile nutrients written down on the sheet of paper, side by side, and your explanation of which ones are most important when diagnosing a deficiency or problem in old and new growth. I assume you're going to explain, in a future video, why you're adding the seaweed extract? It's also a relief to know that, when using calmag, that I don't have to drop my ph down to 5.8. My water is very alkaline - even after adding the fertilizer and calmag , my ph is still over 7.
Caroline.....that why I mentioned it,...from experience I know there are some fighting that......use some kelp or seaweed to drop that ph and it will work better......ill explain in next video ..
I am using my grandson iPad so my real UA-cam channel is under Kathleen Murphy and I have my own UA-cam channel where I’ve shared videos on my orchids in house plants. Find me on UA-cam just use the search engine put my name in and the word orchids your house plants in your find me. And some of ricks other UA-cam videos he uses the seaweed emulsion fertilizer because of the hormones in it but tell A plant went to grow Flowers and new leaf or roots. Just like people need 1 Hormones so do plants.
Hello dear friend! Once again Terrific video! I have watched it so far 4 times! I put my head set on, block out the world and absorb what your saying. Keep it coming in! I would like to hear more about what your going to do different when you put them outside. I haven’t decided if I’m going to put mine outside his year yet or not. Yours thrive so much out side. It’s tempting. But need more info before I do. Your a wealth of knowledge!
Thanks Paula, very kind......they all go out in a few days so we will find out soon........
Thank you so much for the information. I just bought 2 phalae orchids came across your channel for info....I love your plants .take care ☺
More great stuff Rick, you might just teach us how to grow ! Love the simple yet effective table for mobile/imobile nutirents - makes it look too easy. Would love to see how you sort out or calculate/formulate your nutrients for summer. Getting ready to move out the plants soon and want to step up my game too. Best wishes and keep them coming.
Took notes. 😀 I change my my PH has well. One question I keep having and forgetting to ask is- when fertilizing should we also test the water that come out after fertilizing as well to see what the numbers are? Also, what numbers do you know are good for each nutrient? I have looked on the internet and I know there has to be research papers or articles on what others have found to be a good total of nutrients to feed. Of course a lot has been written for Phals but I am looking for smaller root types. Yep I go to sleep sometimes reading them, but this to me is important. Good to know what to feed but how do we find out how much? I am probably going further than most care about, but if know of any such article please let me know because I have looked and look! Thank you again Rick you are such a blessing for me and my plants. You and Roger have helped me in so many ways.
Stacey.....I'm actually going to address that in a next video, great questions..
Rick L. Orchids ok I will try to be patient lol! 😝🤣😂
Great Video!
I watchet it 3 Times !
Thanks a lot !
I started alternating my pH range with my main fertiliser a few weeks ago. I don't know if it is making a difference but time will tell. My plants look better since I started paying more attention to how I feed them. Thanks for sharing.
Rick beat that dead horse. lol. I need to hear it. You have explained this very well. I have copied your note pad and now I have one in my grow room and another one in my Greenhouse. I'm right with you on remembering stuff. I am understanding more and more. Thanks so much.
my pleasure Susan......thanks for those great questions...
This comment is related to your previous videos on this subject and PLEASE don't take it the wrong way.
In this latest video, I learned NOTHING !!!!
and the reason? because I'd already got what I need from your other vids - a bit at a time. But now? I'm there and it's all relevant/necessary/required to get the best from our orchids.
This vid collects it all together - wonderful. Thank you.
thanks Roger......understanding the mobile / Immobile difference is important for diagnosing issues.....as well as understanding the utilization of their use...
Great video! I’ve copied and printed out your mobile/immobile chart. That info helps me understand better the nutrients needed. I’m hoping that using Cal/Mag will help my cattleyas with their yellow mottling in leaves. Thank you for sharing!
.......I bet it will.......is it on new growths, the latest leaves?....
I randomly came across your videos and you inspired me to try orchid growing... I was terrified of them! Bought a $5 phalaenopsis from Lowe’s. Hoping I can give it all the right nutrients.
Thanks so much for your help today, I needed it!
Thanks for information
So nice of you
No confusion. This clarified a lot in my mind!!!
Excellent video! Thank you!
I’ve learned so much from you.
You say - WHY AM I DOING THIS - easy answer, YOU my friend have a brain, YOU think outside the box, YOU LOOK, many people never see whats in front of them, we all just have to actually LISTEN and SEE what you are seeing. Congrads there arn't many people in this world who can explain such complex information in such a simplistic way, you are an amazing TEACHER, please never stop.
......humbled by your kindness.......never get tired of hearing from others that can see thru all the leaves to the actual root of growing....
Excellent video Rick. Thank you for taking the time / effort to go thru all this. You shook some cobwebs loose in my ole noggin. I really need to get my hort book back from my daughter. Mobile vs immobile probably will always be one of those stop and think items. You continue to be a big help!!
.......glad I could blow some dust off ......I have the same issue.....reminders are a daily thing.
Thanks! You've given me food for thought. :D
In fact, I think I'll be adding some MgSO4 to my aquarium. I think the plants will benefit with the addition. However, since I have hard well water I'll need to be mindful of the amount so as not to increase the hardness to much for the fish. I did buy some Calmag for my orchids and hope they'll respond well, too.
Not that I understand it all immediately but I did watch to the end. Hood information to know.
So much to comment on I could right a book. I fund my self stoping the video and thinking about a point then watching more only to stop it agian i love love love episodes like this. Ok am going to hit the like button so hard that ill have to get a new phone.
LMAO......thanks Victor.....your fish tanks, the comments, its all played a part in helping me to get a grasp of how to explain it...
Moment of clarity after seeing the chart.
I enjoyed your video
VERY helpful !!
Well done Rick, another excellent teaching video! The chart for diagnosing is a great tool for us, thank you for all your time and effort to make it. When you said that the principles apply to other plants too, well that was an AhhhHA!!! moment for me. And I especially liked the tip about fluctuating PH - makes so much sense to me.
......its a odd concept for most to grab.......simple, but takes some thought.....very happy to help it become more clear....thank you.
Way way divergent question. Have you read the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance? It's about what you talked about your Harley. It extensively shares one man's experiences with his Harley and son. It was introduced to me in the 70s from a dear friend. I think you would enjoy it.
....lol......several times, a favorite............will probably read it again.....now that you reminded me.....thank you
Rick, nice topic. If the new roots stalled and we start to give them immobile nutrients, will the new roots continue to grow from there or it will just die off?
......thats good thinking.....and your correct,they should grow, but there is a balance of all the nutrients....as long as the reserves are ok....adding immobile nutrients will get things started...
Loving your video talks. It feels like I signed up for a course I can listen to whenever I want. As always, thank you for the ever-provoking thoughts on the hobby. Please continue these videos! Love to hear your thinking :)
Curious if you’ve had any issues with mites? Or an abundance of possible beneficial mites while using inorganic medium? I keep finding these tiny little possibly white things crawling around the roots mostly, rarely on the leaves and especially where there’s any decomposing roots. Assuming these are a pest and not beneficial...
Thinking a microscope might be useful at this point so I can properly treat....
I was hoping growing semihydro would limit the amount of pests! Any suggestions on useful horticulture oils for treatment?
thank you very kind.....not pest at all, hydro is definitely less buggy than soil growing....the "semi-hydro set ups with water and lecca or bare root in glass, plastic etc....works great, but can lack any kind of air flow......airflow is key for control of pests.....even a light breeze keeps them from flying around and breeding....most will disappear, and never get started with a breeze...I prefer neem for orchids, smothers, and has some systemic properties...if its a bad infestation, like scale .....I prefer Bayer systemic...Imidicloprid I believe is the active ingredient, ...systemics.....get absporbed into the plants tissue, and protect the plant for several months...
Rick L. Orchids thank you! Hope you’re having a beautiful day and getting out in the garden. Looks like spring is finally getting started :) stay flexible!
Hi Rick,
This is literally what I am trying to figure out with my orchids. What fertilizer they all like. I have one that’s literally a stick that I am trying to bring back to life. I have another that looks dehydrated and can’t figure out how to make it happy. And for some reason I can’t get the ph at 5.8.
Thank you for the information!
So I have a question you said that dying roots tips is from lack of calcium can it be from salt burn does that really happen I would think you need a tremendous amount of ppm to burn the roots of the plant is using nutrients what your saying actually makes more sense that it’s a lack of calcium because the plant is growing faster than what people are providing for it tell me what you think if what I’m saying makes some sense or not
....heh heh heh......I love it when those wheels start turning.....yes your correct, and your getting it....when warmth and light trigger those hormones to say GROW......the nutrients need to be there or deficiencies start showing......and they have to be in a certain balance........excellent Andrew....most nutrient mixes are salt based.....they are bound to it for transfer....after the minerals are absorbed.....salt is whats left...
ua-cam.com/users/redirect?redir_token=2gosUthUOEIFYH7wJK9afc-QiUZ8MTUyMzQ1NjY0NkAxNTIzMzcwMjQ2&q=https%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2Fa%2F8nj3Q&event=comments
Hi. Great video. Can I ask a puny question? It might be silly. But since at the end of the video you mentioned something about medium. Does the medium impact on the quantity and percentage of component of the feed? For example, what if the orchid grows on a living tree or if the medium is charcoal or coconut fiber? And what is the role of rain water in all this?
Thank you.
some great questions......medium is so important in growing......bark, moss and even mounted orchids need more Nitrogen to make up for microbial loss during media breakdown,...inert medias dont have that issue......so yes.. it will impact the nutrient feed they need.....Coco fiber has a odd ability to not retain calcium very well, so coco grown plants may need more Ca than others.......Charcoal, helps to keep the ph from taking drastic swings.....stabilizes it some...rain water is a pure water source usually.......its my water source, but it can vary from quality from state to state, etc..........A pure water source is critical in orchids...
Thanks for this info Rick. I needed to be reminded of it.
Absolutely LOVE this video! I think I have watched it 3 times LOL. I have a question, I have looked at my MSU fert and it comes from Calcium Nitrate, CalMag like you said is from Calcium Carbonate, how do orchids use this different form of Calcium. I think I am understanding it that Calcium Nitrate needs to have pH of 5.0 - 5.8 and I thought you said you can use CalMag at 6.0 - 7.0. Also if you were going to mix up a batch of CalMag for a light feeding, what PPM do you feed it at? I am just trying to wrap my head around the difference. Keep these coming Rick awesome videos!
Jessica.....your correct....its just confusing concept sometimes.....Calmag is calcium carbonate..its not water soluble....but its chelated.(back of label)....which allows it to be absorbed easily, and also out side of its normal ph absorption range ....watch for video to explain
Rick L. Orchids thank you
For someone like me, with lots of Horticulture History, my grand parents owned a Nursery and my Dad as well, this info is awesome as a reminder that I change and mix for a reason! How do you get your Cal Nit to dissolve? Mine clumps! I mixed it yesterday when I fed and little clumps stuck to the medium and roots and I am worried about that!!!
So what your sayin’ is Ca is important! Hahaha. Good one Rick. Chem class plus botany class . School for my ‘chids
As always, great video! I believe you are totally right! I actually do have one particular cattleya that is huge, growing wonderful, matures nee growths in 2-3 months, but she won't bloom. What do you suggest to change in my fertilizer routine? I do use MSU, I drop the pH at 5.8 all the time, and sometimes, I apply calcium nitrate. Not sure where I am failing with her...
....swing the ph so it can get a more varied diet.....tiny amounts of certain nutrients can make a difference.....after that its cultural, temps and light trigger blooms, but nutrients allow it to happen.....
Wonderful video Rick, thank you so much, also for answering my question! (about adding a bit of tapwater for the needed calcium) At what temperatures do you put your orchids outside? Must be soon, right?
days away.........maybe 3-4 then they are outside.......day temps aren't as important as night.....I want the temps above 58* at night.......
Yeah, the nighttemps here are in the low 50's. I started to bring a couple duplicates outside as a test ;) Cant wait for the higher temps!
I have some Magnesium Chloride flakes. Could I disolve some in water and use that on my plants instead of epsom salts?
.....thats a great question.....I am not a chemist....but no, I wouldn't...magnesium chloride vs sulfate is big........chloride is like supercharged magnesium....for severe deficiencies....given for heart attacks even.....quickly absorbed......sulfate is more gentle, quickly absorbed but in a more controlled flow.....safer.......I would be afraid the chloride would burn.....
Rick L. Orchids Thanks Rick! I have the Chloride to add to water for pain. I boil it, let it cool and add it to a spray bottle. I just wondered if it could be used for plants too. 😁
like I said yes.....but it can really be strong, just use caution...
Hi Rick, hope you are feeling better, on this side I will let you know that he's feeling much better, going forward. My question, I looked into the MSU fertilizers, but one of the ingredients is copper and that is a no for Dendrobium. The amount is very small, but I am doubting. Do you know anything about it? Thanks
happy to hear...continued thoughts and prayers...copper is a micro nutrient, so they need and use very little......the MSU should be fine with its amount....
🤗
i see so much results since i follow you way.. really thnx..
i started to write things down so the next time i water i know what i did and what to do ..works great..:)
can i mix calmag with my 20-20-20??
Hello, Rick! Thank you so much for this video! I am also interested if i can use/mix calcium with my 20-21-21+2Mg from Schultz. Thanks.
yes to both questions.....double check the mixes for Calcium, I dont see any in the mix........Calmag should be fine to add to that,,,,,,
Thank you very much!)
thnx..:)
Thanks you
Is there an internet site for the ph absorbtion information you could refer us to? I took several sctrrn shots of this one it was so helpful.
use the hydroponic chart....not the soil chart....www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwigmrz3g67aAhXGmeAKHdOjD5IQjhx6BAgAEAM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.420magazine.com%2Fgallery%2Fmember-galleries%2Fp386989-ph-chart-care-of-blue-planet-nutrients.html&psig=AOvVaw0zp3dqse4wi1Z3DOKz9LQn&ust=1523392027832104
Thank you so much!
All orchids need calcium, from an orchid speaker, in the form of oyster shells, egg shells. Thank you
I just received my liquid seaweed and I’m stymied Astor what to do with it
Kathy Macomber I am using my grandsons iPad but my real UA-cam channel is Kathleen Murphy so that’s who’s giving you this information. I have my own UA-cam channel I haven’t posted lately but I do have videos on my orchids and reporting in my house plants. Since Rick didn’t answer your question and I don’t think you’ll be able to I miss him so much. Period. Anyhow I have the liquid seaweed fertilizer or nutrient solution whatever you wanna call it and I use it weekly. Most of my orchids are Phalaenopsis and I bought a few bag babies that are Cymbidium‘s or rather cattleya’s. I soak them in my nutrient solution every week to seven days. The first thing I add to my water which is rain water or dehumidifier water is the cow magic the microphone spelled it wrong it’s the Cal Cal magic that Rick shows on his screen. Are use it half strength. I then add the liquid seaweed fertilizer at half strength. I’ve been put in the microphone isn’t working very well so excuse the funky words I don’t know how to go back and delete the wrong words on my grandsons iPad. So CAL magic Hass to be use first not sure about the order of the rest of the nutrients that I use the liquid Seaweed next. I then use one of my orchid fertilizers or miracle grow mostly are use the one with the higher nitrogen number but every once in a while I alternate with the middle number higher for the last number higher. I also use micro nutrients all of this is half strength and 1/3 strength. I also use 1 teaspoon of Epson salt per gallon of water. I saw all of my orchids which are in Clay pots and bar for 20 minutes or half an hour or longer. Before I soak them in the nutrient solution though I have another tub of rainwater that I would solve the leaves and pour through the bar quite a few times to rinse the bar of excess nutrientsBecause the roots can only absorb what touches them on the Rest just sort of sits there needs to be washed off. Are usually have two trucker totes with nutrient solution and one Tuckerton with plain rainwater I have over 50 orchids so it takes a good bit of time to soak them if I don’t have the three tubs of water. When I soak my orchids I also do a foliar feeding that’s why I rinsed the leaves with plain rainwater before I soak my plants. I pour the nutrient solution over the leaves a couple of times and I make sure I pour it over the roots if they’re sticking out of the water. I’ve only been doing this for three years but Rick has been the best source for my orchids and I’ve gotten them to rebloom. I also received Great information from two other channels one is from a lady named Caroline and her husbands name Jack so they name the station a combo of both names which is Jacolyns orchid and the other one who is full of excellent information is Emaan garden . If you found what I just told you informative you can click the like button and go to my UA-cam channel and leave a message on one of my videos and I’ll know what time I Took to write this replyHelped you and that you received it!
Thank you so much for your information
My orchid leaves have started turning yellow at tips and moveing down the leaves
…….depending on the orchid.....it sounds like a Nitrogen deficiency....
This was a very helpful video. Many of my Phals are showing old growth deficiencies. Mottling leaves and faded yellow leaves. New growth looks good. So I am giving them Epsom salts first and then will start cal mag. But Iam wondering about nitrogen. I am currently using a 20 20 20 fert...and will be switching to better gro 20 14 13. What do you suggest for nitrogen? I always water with rain water,the quality of which is excellent. Thank you in advance
both of those have 20% Nitrogen.....more than enough.....the calmag will be a important supplement...they need the calcium to be able to absorb magnesium properly....Phals will drop lower leaves when they dont get a steady supply of nutrients.........they dont have bulbs, canes, etc, to store reserves in....only leaves and spikes....removing or cutting off spikes will rob them of a lot of their P & K reserves.......they will drop lower leaves to make up for it......give them additional kelp and seaweed during the growing season to insure they have enough K
Hi Rick, wonderfully well explained. Thank you.
Please I need your HELP!!!.
I cannot get CalMag in my country. After contacting several ebay, Amazon etc on line they do not ship this product to Portugal. The only possible one would charge me 45 euros for the same product that will cost 12 euros in other countries. So, I need your opinion. If I use chellated calcium and magnesium which they sell in Portugal as vitamins, do you think it will be alright? These calcium and magnesium are pills, I should have to reduce it to powder and they added vitamin D . Please give me your opinion, I am getting desperate, my Phal sweet memory is showing sigbs if mag deficiency 😊
Thanks in advance.
.....not familiar with your country....check with anyone that grows plants....ask for a calcium magnesium supplement....Calmag is a brand......use one for plants.......Mag is easy to absorb thru leaves......spray it with magnesium (Epson salt) in water....till you find some calcium supplement.....I will ask for some help to find you some........
Rick L. Orchids
Thanks a lot Rick.
It’s sinking in.