Michael, I am impressed that you were able to overcome your need for neatness and cleanliness enough to allow the algae to grow in your pots with your orchids. it has been fun and interesting to watch you studying and pursuing the answers that we all need.
Well put! We care for our plants and a result of that can change us for the better. We can be forced to deal with our OCD behaviours that spill into all facets of our lives! Initially, during my first years of trying to keep plants I would kill most of them from over watering. I was so scared and disgusted of using my finger to feel how dry or moist the soil was to the extent that I just skipped it, after a year of failures I bought some hydration temometors, but not enough to keep in every plant. And after a while I realised that the sticks weren't always accurate...and then batteries. So after trying hydroponics for a few plants I learnt about semi hydroponics. Which I realised might be a great way for me to be able to actually see how much I should water and when. Transfered around 10 plants to semi hydroponics with pumice, philodendron, scindapsus, hoya, orchid and epipremnum. Got really depressed when three of them wilted and died (many reasons!). I thought Id ruined them all...but then, something happened. The ones who managed to adjust to the new conditions started thriving, specially my Philodendron hastatum "silver sword", hoya pubicalyx and the scindapsus , silvery ann, pictus, exotica seems to be taking off! The adjustment seem to have been most difficult for the scindapsus and the orchid which died..but don't fret! they can make it. Any ways, back to the subject...during the time of transfering to semi hydro, I also started to force myself to feel out the soil with a finger in my other plants, I was tired of losing them. after carefully checking on all plants they are now all doing well. And the finger checking has become a normal part of my routine for the other plants, made me a little bit less neurotic and icky. By the way, the Silver sword that's living and loving it's life in semi-hydro has algea build up on the side that's facing the light. Hence why I was wondering if it was a problem and found this video. So I can concur on the observation..since it's the one with the most algea from the bunch but also the happiest in the bunch. So I might do nothing...at this point. But still not sure how often I should flush it...haven't done it ever since the transfer which was about 8-9 months ago..
Thank you SO so so much! I found this video right before trying something drastic to get rid of the algae buildup in my containers. You're a lifesaver (plantsaver)!
I really enjoyed your findings as I am also a neat freak and didn't care for the look of algae in my pots...but since I couldn't keep on top of it...I will learn to live with it as my roots are growing like crazy!!! Thanks for your findings!!!
Enjoyed your video Michael. My orchids are at just thecsamexstage of algae growth and I have been contemplating re-potting to wash out the algae, which I also find unsightly. But now, maybe not. Love all the research you do before all your videos. Always a considered presenation. You convinced me to go into semi- hydroponics with my slipper orchids and they are doing really well.
Happy Birthday Michael - so glad you got 2 orchids for your birthday!!! I found that my orchid that I had gotten a year ago is now in bloom for the 3rd time this summer!!!! She is a pink Phal and doing great - have a great time with your new orchids!!!! PS Love your fish!!!
Loved this update. I know this may sound corny but I just feel like learning to take care of orchids and following your experience with SH and making peace with the algae is a great lesson in biology but also I feel like it's a metaphor for me to learn how to work with things in my life that I think I don't want to accept. I hope that makes sense but I felt so inspired by your thoughts here. Have a great week and thank you for updating!
It doesn't sound corny at all! One of the reasons that I love growing orchids is that it forces me to confront and reconcile my neurotic behaviors. This translates to my life and reminds me to relinquish control and try to embrace the great many variables that impact how my day will go. It's a challenge, but it makes me a more balanced and happier person. I'm so glad you enjoy! 😊
Did you see Anna Maria's video response to yours and Danny's algae videos? She unpotted a couple of orchids that were totally covered with algae on the pots and they looked totally healthy, that was the moment I decided to embrace the algae :)
New to you and was just given a dendrobium in semi hydro with algae around the plastic translucent container. Was wondering if I needed to repot it and clean the clay balls but now realize it is how it is. It is my first with semi hydro.
Like your approach to growing orchids in hydroponic system! If you had made mistake you accepted it and researched for the right way of doing things! The fact that you said about the mineral buit up is being consumed by algea is very interesting and could be true. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you Mary! It’s an ongoing journey, I’m still super green (no pun intended) to growing orchids. But I’m hoping people can learn from watching me make mistakes 😳
You could try painting the outside of the containers up to where the algae stops growing. Like a white band of paint extending partway up the container. Might look nice that way :)
Hi Michael. I'm new to orchids and am really enjoying your channel. You and Danny are my primary source of orchid info at the moment so, thank you!! I'm curious if you have revisited this or have done any experimentation with blocking light to the medium to prevent algae growth and its effects on the orchid. I can't help but wonder if the boost in growth you experienced was due to the introduction of algae or the removal of the algaecide. Anyway, keep up the good work and thanks again! Your an inspiration!
It would be interesting to know if the algae is actually beneficial, or just not detrimental. You should do an experiment with a few plants in clear containers and a few in opaque containers. I would do it myself but just started with orchids and with semi hydro so I only have one plant that's been converted. I'm tickled pink that there are 2 adorable little new leaves after 3 months.😀
@ Michael What is the harm of occassionally using Physan 20 propholactically maybe once a month? It usually takes at least that long for it to appear for me. I wouldn't think it's going to destroy beneficial bacteria if used in small amounts infrequently especially if you're feeding nutrients to the orchids. I can see where it would be a problem if you wait until the growth is pronounce like yours, but maybe use it during the montly soak you do now. ???
I don't like algae but I also don't like to use too many chemicals. It takes a lot of time. I have a lot of orchids in semi hydro and really love the method. It's just the algae thing. My main concern is fungus gnats/other bugs as it might attract them and serve as a food source. I would like to see what happens if a pot is allowed to build up a lot and is then treated. I don't want to treat monthly but maybe once every 3-6 months just to keep it in check and then flush well. Would this cause my semi hydro container to become a disgusting mess? Either way the results in semi hydro are so good that I am sticking with it.... even if I have to use algaecides it's better than bark!
I remember the videos when you spoke of being physan happy. I would use it for mold maybe if all else fails. Algae is green, its gotta be good right? Lol. Thanks for sharing, Michael.
Michael, thank you for your best videos! I got a problem. MY Phals got tiny fly, I am so scared! Midian is: New Zealand moss mixed with organic NZ bark. Thank you in advance
So how often should one flush plants in semi-hydroponics plantsystems? Ive actually never done it!! So now Im scared it will stunt the growth of my plants. from your experience of "doing too much" how often would suffice to get rid of salt build-up? And also, is there any reason to exchange the leca at all if Im flushing the plants once in a while from salt build up? The lecas will probably contain a good amount of that bacteria, which will probably help the plant stabilise into the right eco system benifitial to the plant. I have no idea...if its a necessity or a if it's not broken why fix it issue..
Thank you for this video, I just got a hold of physan 20 as I grow most of my hoyas in leca. I think I should just use it as a cleaning agent and get over the presence of algae in my reservoir 😅
Just tripped onto your video, and am curious if you are still of the same opinion 5 years later regarding algae in semi hydroponics. I grow semi hydroponic African Violets, and have similar issues. Just wondering if you've modified your containers, or your thoughts on this issue.
I'm glad that you decided not to use the physan 20 anymore. I was tempted to try it until I realized it was banned in Europe. I'm in the USA but a bit hesitant knowing other countries didn't consider it safe.
I've read a lot on it, and most sources say interacting with Physan is a lot like interacting with pool chlorine. But even so, if chemicals aren't an immediate and definitive need, why bother introducing them into your environment?
I still don't like algae no matter what you people say :) Between the walls of the pots and the medium where they form is also where the roots like to grow, at least that is what I noticed on my plants. Is hard to get rid of them once formed so I am trying to prevent that by placing the glass/ plastic containers in compact/ decorative pots.
Love you... very well put together. And net result for me is the same, I’m a visual person and if it disrupts my perfect setting it’s got to go. Tape off the glass containers at the level of algae growth and paint the glass. Isn’t your hubby an artist? Get him in on painting. They even have frosted glass paint but it may be too translucent and still show thru. That should do it:)
I grow some plants in semi-water culture and some in hydroponic jars with leca. I would never get rind of all the algae ,but in the water culture jars I do clean off most of it from time to time but leave a touch on the bottom. I also never replace all the water in my water culture jars , just abt half as I like to keep it natural and not aim for sterile! I agree though it looks erm, unclean! Maybe if there was some neat strain of read algae.
Hi Michael well now im spamming o dear you realy did repot everytime you got algea? I remember a conversation whe had about the fertilizer not bieng able to be absorbed when all the good bacteria where gone. because if physan and hydrogen peroxide. I'm sad you went trough so much harsh lessons. But you did grown a lot. I'm glad you can block your OCD and just let your plants grow. Kind regards rose 🌹
Michael's Orchids indeed its life and i read what your mother said that you go trough the same ring until you learn the lesson presented.... but sometimes we dont listen well enough to hear the lesson. And i think everyting happens for a reason and we learn in our own speed and time... and when it is our time to learn it. So yeah practise makes progress. (Never perfect) 😅😊
Michael, I am impressed that you were able to overcome your need for neatness and cleanliness enough to allow the algae to grow in your pots with your orchids. it has been fun and interesting to watch you studying and pursuing the answers that we all need.
It's definitely a learning curve, but I so appreciate you guys being supporting as I make these discoveries ❤️
Well put! We care for our plants and a result of that can change us for the better. We can be forced to deal with our OCD behaviours that spill into all facets of our lives! Initially, during my first years of trying to keep plants I would kill most of them from over watering. I was so scared and disgusted of using my finger to feel how dry or moist the soil was to the extent that I just skipped it, after a year of failures I bought some hydration temometors, but not enough to keep in every plant. And after a while I realised that the sticks weren't always accurate...and then batteries. So after trying hydroponics for a few plants I learnt about semi hydroponics. Which I realised might be a great way for me to be able to actually see how much I should water and when. Transfered around 10 plants to semi hydroponics with pumice, philodendron, scindapsus, hoya, orchid and epipremnum. Got really depressed when three of them wilted and died (many reasons!). I thought Id ruined them all...but then, something happened. The ones who managed to adjust to the new conditions started thriving, specially my Philodendron hastatum "silver sword", hoya pubicalyx and the scindapsus , silvery ann, pictus, exotica seems to be taking off! The adjustment seem to have been most difficult for the scindapsus and the orchid which died..but don't fret! they can make it. Any ways, back to the subject...during the time of transfering to semi hydro, I also started to force myself to feel out the soil with a finger in my other plants, I was tired of losing them. after carefully checking on all plants they are now all doing well. And the finger checking has become a normal part of my routine for the other plants, made me a little bit less neurotic and icky.
By the way, the Silver sword that's living and loving it's life in semi-hydro has algea build up on the side that's facing the light. Hence why I was wondering if it was a problem and found this video. So I can concur on the observation..since it's the one with the most algea from the bunch but also the happiest in the bunch. So I might do nothing...at this point. But still not sure how often I should flush it...haven't done it ever since the transfer which was about 8-9 months ago..
Thank you SO so so much! I found this video right before trying something drastic to get rid of the algae buildup in my containers. You're a lifesaver (plantsaver)!
I really enjoyed your findings as I am also a neat freak and didn't care for the look of algae in my pots...but since I couldn't keep on top of it...I will learn to live with it as my roots are growing like crazy!!! Thanks for your findings!!!
Thank you for watching, Terry!
Enjoyed your video Michael. My orchids are at just thecsamexstage of algae growth and I have been contemplating re-potting to wash out the algae, which I also find unsightly. But now, maybe not. Love all the research you do before all your videos. Always a considered presenation. You convinced me to go into semi- hydroponics with my slipper orchids and they are doing really well.
Happy Birthday Michael - so glad you got 2 orchids for your birthday!!! I found that my orchid that I had gotten a year ago is now in bloom for the 3rd time this summer!!!! She is a pink Phal and doing great - have a great time with your new orchids!!!! PS Love your fish!!!
Thank you Margaret! Glad to hear that, I can’t wait for that day with my phals!
Love this video. Very scientific and informative, love the observations made. Keep it up!
Loved this update. I know this may sound corny but I just feel like learning to take care of orchids and following your experience with SH and making peace with the algae is a great lesson in biology but also I feel like it's a metaphor for me to learn how to work with things in my life that I think I don't want to accept. I hope that makes sense but I felt so inspired by your thoughts here. Have a great week and thank you for updating!
It doesn't sound corny at all! One of the reasons that I love growing orchids is that it forces me to confront and reconcile my neurotic behaviors. This translates to my life and reminds me to relinquish control and try to embrace the great many variables that impact how my day will go. It's a challenge, but it makes me a more balanced and happier person. I'm so glad you enjoy! 😊
Michael's Orchids 🌸💕🌱 Happy growing!
Hi Michael, just found your channel and I love it. I am new at this world of orchids and I am learning a lot from you.
Did you see Anna Maria's video response to yours and Danny's algae videos? She unpotted a couple of orchids that were totally covered with algae on the pots and they looked totally healthy, that was the moment I decided to embrace the algae :)
I did! Her findings helped validate my observations ☺️
Love and appreciate your videos! Thanks for sharing your insights and experience :)
I am so off topic, but l-o-v-e your fall attire. Great video, as usual.....have a great week!
I L-O-V-E this comment! Fall is my favorite season, hands down. Thanks for the positive reinforcement, haha
New to you and was just given a dendrobium in semi hydro with algae around the plastic translucent container. Was wondering if I needed to repot it and clean the clay balls but now realize it is how it is. It is my first with semi hydro.
Like your approach to growing orchids in hydroponic system! If you had made mistake you accepted it and researched for the right way of doing things! The fact that you said about the mineral buit up is being consumed by algea is very interesting and could be true. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you Mary! It’s an ongoing journey, I’m still super green (no pun intended) to growing orchids. But I’m hoping people can learn from watching me make mistakes 😳
You could try painting the outside of the containers up to where the algae stops growing. Like a white band of paint extending partway up the container. Might look nice that way :)
I'm looking at a few options based off of your feedback, and you're right. It looks gorgeous! :-)
Hi Michael. I'm new to orchids and am really enjoying your channel. You and Danny are my primary source of orchid info at the moment so, thank you!! I'm curious if you have revisited this or have done any experimentation with blocking light to the medium to prevent algae growth and its effects on the orchid. I can't help but wonder if the boost in growth you experienced was due to the introduction of algae or the removal of the algaecide. Anyway, keep up the good work and thanks again! Your an inspiration!
Thank you Drew! I can’t say for sure, but I do know everything got better when I discontinued physan
It would be interesting to know if the algae is actually beneficial, or just not detrimental. You should do an experiment with a few plants in clear containers and a few in opaque containers. I would do it myself but just started with orchids and with semi hydro so I only have one plant that's been converted. I'm tickled pink that there are 2 adorable little new leaves after 3 months.😀
@ Michael What is the harm of occassionally using Physan 20 propholactically maybe once a month? It usually takes at least that long for it to appear for me. I wouldn't think it's going to destroy beneficial bacteria if used in small amounts infrequently especially if you're feeding nutrients to the orchids. I can see where it would be a problem if you wait until the growth is pronounce like yours, but maybe use it during the montly soak you do now. ???
Hi, Michael. Can you make a video about fertilizing orchids on SH?
Hi Angie! Great suggestion, I will!
I don't like algae but I also don't like to use too many chemicals. It takes a lot of time. I have a lot of orchids in semi hydro and really love the method. It's just the algae thing. My main concern is fungus gnats/other bugs as it might attract them and serve as a food source. I would like to see what happens if a pot is allowed to build up a lot and is then treated. I don't want to treat monthly but maybe once every 3-6 months just to keep it in check and then flush well. Would this cause my semi hydro container to become a disgusting mess? Either way the results in semi hydro are so good that I am sticking with it.... even if I have to use algaecides it's better than bark!
I remember the videos when you spoke of being physan happy. I would use it for mold maybe if all else fails. Algae is green, its gotta be good right? Lol. Thanks for sharing, Michael.
I will still use physan for things like treating brown rot, but its use has diminished significantly! Green = good, haha
Michael, thank you for your best videos! I got a problem. MY Phals got tiny fly, I am so scared! Midian is: New Zealand moss mixed with organic NZ bark. Thank you in advance
So how often should one flush plants in semi-hydroponics plantsystems? Ive actually never done it!! So now Im scared it will stunt the growth of my plants. from your experience of "doing too much" how often would suffice to get rid of salt build-up?
And also, is there any reason to exchange the leca at all if Im flushing the plants once in a while from salt build up? The lecas will probably contain a good amount of that bacteria, which will probably help the plant stabilise into the right eco system benifitial to the plant. I have no idea...if its a necessity or a if it's not broken why fix it issue..
Thank you for this video, I just got a hold of physan 20 as I grow most of my hoyas in leca. I think I should just use it as a cleaning agent and get over the presence of algae in my reservoir 😅
Just tripped onto your video, and am curious if you are still of the same opinion 5 years later regarding algae in semi hydroponics. I grow semi hydroponic African Violets, and have similar issues. Just wondering if you've modified your containers, or your thoughts on this issue.
my snake plant in leca has a good bit of algae but i think i’ll leave it alone, it has a ton of new growth coming out
I'm glad that you decided not to use the physan 20 anymore. I was tempted to try it until I realized it was banned in Europe. I'm in the USA but a bit hesitant knowing other countries didn't consider it safe.
I've read a lot on it, and most sources say interacting with Physan is a lot like interacting with pool chlorine. But even so, if chemicals aren't an immediate and definitive need, why bother introducing them into your environment?
Hi, Michael, where do you get your glass containers?
I still don't like algae no matter what you people say :) Between the walls of the pots and the medium where they form is also where the roots like to grow, at least that is what I noticed on my plants. Is hard to get rid of them once formed so I am trying to prevent that by placing the glass/ plastic containers in compact/ decorative pots.
Decorative pots do seem to be the best preventative option. And I totally understand: Algae bugs me too, I'm just trying to work through it haha
Love you... very well put together. And net result for me is the same, I’m a visual person and if it disrupts my perfect setting it’s got to go. Tape off the glass containers at the level of algae growth and paint the glass. Isn’t your hubby an artist? Get him in on painting. They even have frosted glass paint but it may be too translucent and still show thru. That should do it:)
I read my husband this comment and he turned hot pink in the face. Thanks for thinking of his talents, it think you've got a great idea!
I grow some plants in semi-water culture and some in hydroponic jars with leca. I would never get rind of all the algae ,but in the water culture jars I do clean off most of it from time to time but leave a touch on the bottom. I also never replace all the water in my water culture jars , just abt half as I like to keep it natural and not aim for sterile! I agree though it looks erm, unclean! Maybe if there was some neat strain of read algae.
Wouldn’t red algae be lovely? Haha
Thank you so much
No cold water how oten do you water them
In semi hydroponics, you always keep the water reservoir full!
You still like the pellets then?
I love ‘em
Hi Michael well now im spamming
o dear you realy did repot everytime you got algea? I remember a conversation whe had about the fertilizer not bieng able to be absorbed when all the good bacteria where gone. because if physan and hydrogen peroxide.
I'm sad you went trough so much harsh lessons. But you did grown a lot. I'm glad you can block your OCD and just let your plants grow.
Kind regards rose 🌹
This is an ongoing learning lesson and journey, but then again, that’s life! Haha. Love you Rose!
Michael's Orchids indeed its life and i read what your mother said that you go trough the same ring until you learn the lesson presented.... but sometimes we dont listen well enough to hear the lesson. And i think everyting happens for a reason and we learn in our own speed and time... and when it is our time to learn it.
So yeah practise makes progress. (Never perfect) 😅😊
Algae appear when you take good care of your orchid. Look at the orchid. She will tell you everything.
aren't you friends with josh aka yashualangeman?
Hi there! I'm afraid I don't know who you're referring to 🤔
1 algae seems to have problem with your statement.