I wonder how many growers have been perplexed by their failures when in truth it was too much kindness (excess fertiliser) that was the issue. Naturally the manufacturers will encourage consumption - they need sales after all. Excellent video by the way.
I love "Your addiction will catch on." That is happening to me. I started with one, now I have 12. With the little bright space I have, I am now using the dresser in my son's bedroom for my orchids. All of them have a lot of air roots and the majority are tilted meaning sideways. I want the leaves to be upright but it does not want to. I fertilized them once a month and water every 10 days 15 - 20 minutes. They are mostly in bark with a little sphagnum moss. The problem is the miniature ones blooms while the big ones do not. My orchids are all Phals. Thanks. By the way, I love your channel and will start going have already put your website on my favorite.
Hi Fantastica, Thank you for your words! I appreciate it. Why some orchids bloom and others do not, it's hard to say. Usually it has to do with not enough light, but it sometimes can be that the orchid was repotted recently, or that there wasn't enough fertilizer all year round before the blooms started... it could be a lot of things. It's mainly trial and error to figure it out. You can check out this article orchideria.com/grocery-store-orchid/ and it will give you a few ideas. Usually with Phalaenopsis, it's the temperature drop at night for a month before blooming season.
Same here, started with one. I had been gifted Phals before, and killed them using the typical standard plant watering /feeding. I had no instructions, Internet was not available at the time (well that just "dates" me, didn't it? I was in college at the time, and computers were just catching on, and my last year they offered a computer class. Well, there you go). Anyway, yes, I killed every Phal that I was gifted, which was 3 over a period of a few years. 1 for each birthday, 3 years in a row. So, MANY years later, and a whole lot of gardening experience gained during that time... I realized that all plants have different watering requirements and feeding requirements, so I decided to try again. But this time, I saw an orchid on clearance because it was completely done blooming. I had no idea what colored Phal I was buying, and I saw that it desperately needed repotted and some old roots removed... But at $3, I gave it a try. I got it home (I still had a beautiful ceramic orchid pot from years ago), I pulled my discount orchid from its pot, and gasped as I saw the damage to the roots. So I jumped on the Internet to find out exactly what I needed to do so I could revive this poor thing. I ended up snipping at least 3/4 of the roots, cleaning my tiny pruning shears with alcohol between every snip, spraying the cut with Hydrogen peroxide, and dabbing each cut with ceylon cinnamon. Then I put it in fresh, coarse orchid bark mixed with spagmoss long fibered sphagnum moss, and carefully staked it so that it would stabilize, and did not water for a week. That baby took off like a rocket!!! I was so proud!!! There was one mistake I made though, I should have potted it in a clear slotted plastic pot, and then put it in the decorative ceramic pot... because now I have roots sticking out of the holes in the ceramic pot EVERYWHERE. It is time to report that one, so I read that I need to do a good soaking with the plant inside the pot, to soften all the roots so it will be easier to remove without breaking off ALL the roots that are growing out of the holes. Anyway, at that point, I was not by the orchids bug. Right now, I still only have Phals, because I don't have a greenhouse, but the itch is there, and I need a greenhouse, even though I live in a sub tropical region (South east Texas, on Galveston Island). It still gets a little too cold in the winter, so I have to drag my orchids inside. I now have about 15 phals.l, and I really have become attached to finding clearance orchids and reviving them. It hasn't worked every time, because some had stem rot, and I didn't know it when I bought it, but most have survived. I have used the Miracle Grow (small end scoop) and used 5 scoops for a 5 gallon bucket. I have a large round container, just deep enough to set the pots in and saturate all the roots. I leave them in the diluted fertilizer solution for about 15 minutes, and pull them out and let all the excess drain before putting them back into their decorative pots. Since I don't have a greenhouse though, the go on the front porch that faces the east, and I have put up a screen so that they don't get direct sunlight in the morning. I have found out the hard way this summer, that direct sunlight, even early morning sunlight down here on the island, is way too much sun. I have ended up with some burnt spots on leaves, and burnt roots at the top of the pot. It is my goal to repot all of them this winter, since they will be putting out new roots, and trim all of the burnt roots and cut off the burnt portions of leaves. In the meantime, I have to plan the greenhouse, or figure out a better shade for the front porch. I do have about 6 that I paid full price for, and I don't know that the roots were in any better shape than the ones I found on discount. It is fun to buy those on clearance and wait until they bloom to see what I have bought! I am a huge fan of the mini phals, but I also love the huge moth orchid blooms as well. I do want a coconut orchid, and I have my eye on a couple of Cattleyas. I just want to make sure I have the right techniques down for the "simplest orchid" before I move on to the more complex orchids, and I do want a greenhouse before I delve even further into the orchid world!!! I have heard that the coconut orchid is very easy to grow though, so that may be the next one on my wish list, even though they aren't easy to find!!!
I have been watching so many videos since I was gifted an orchid over a year ago, that I didn’t think I could learn something new but I did. I have been using the spray fertilizer and I didn’t know to spray the underneath of the leaves. So, thank you and this video was very informative.
I have 15 happy healthy phalaenopsis orchids and have had most of them for about 10 years. I have never repotted nor fertilized them. They seem to be okay with the neglect method I use. They all bloom at least once a year, most of them actually bloom multiple times a year. I am going to attempt to repot some and begin fertilizing them to see how much happier they can become.
I am new to orchids and I brought the spray, luckily I came across the video and now know how to use the spray. I just have two and believe that will be all, I think! They are beautiful.
I noticed all your pretty plants especially your Christmas cactus if you ever get a chance to talk about them I would love to hear about them I have a terrible time growing them
If I may, You have given so much great information, with laughter included, I thought I would give you one. Another orchid grower who just got started in 2018, told me about another fertilization method that he didnt expect, and I wanted to share it with you. Indirectly, and without his knowledge at first, he found out his cat was " also adding fertilizer " to his orchid. If you get my meaning. He noticed his orchid was not doing well, so he watched out for possible signs of problems. His cat was using his prized orchid for her litter box. Enough said about that. He immediately emptied the pot, repotted and put up a barrier to keep out this voluntary fertilizing cat. LOL As you say.. " Happy Cultivating " But watch out for the cat.
Hi Mark, That was hilarious! I couldn't stop laughing. Thank you for that. Midnight has done her share of orchid destroying, but hasn't done any fertilizing. Hahaha. Thanks for watching my videos! I appreciate it.
I moved to SW Florida because my orchid addiction was seated in my mind, and I needed it to blossom into physical reality. I'm a fan of bare root method for vandas. I have a huge pot that I use for root soaking, and it's so easy. I use a mister to fertilize. So far, so good! The roots are thriving, growing quickly, and becoming thick and hearty. When they decide to bloom again, I will be the happiest orchid mom alive!
I just happened to click on your video today - I love the way you explain things and your facial expressions and most importantly how you apply logic - also I take my hat off to any cat lover
I’ve always liked orchids but haven’t had one in a while . Until my husband got me a kokedama Orchid this is my 1st time learning how to fertilize one . I might just get the spray or the little green beads. Thank you so much for the info.
Always make sure your orchids and any plants are well watered for hours (or over night) before using a very weak Miracle-Gro Orchid fertilizer which IS boosted with trace elements on the bark soil line until it runs through freely. I never have rot problems by not allowing water to get on the plant leaves, which keeps the water from settling where leaf joins the plant base. Use a straw to blow away that water. I use a fast drain, fir bark mix and check for pot dryness once a week as a rule. I also let the majority of the orchid fertilizer water drain in a catch basin by using a colander to hold the orchid pot on top of the basin. I use that drained water to fertilize other plants. My orchids are all 'mini' moths which are all fat, happy and repeat bloomers. Thanks for reviewing orchid fertilizer methods.
I just love your videos I have learned so much. I live in Florida and my orchids are in wooden handing pots and the other on tables. I have ant infestation it hurts me because I want my baby's to be healthy and I just watched your video on black spots on my plants. You explain everything to me that understand. Keep up your great work videos. God bless you. Thank you so much 😇🙏
HI Jill! Thank you for commenting. I appreciate it. The wooden baskets for Florida are a great choice. The high humidity will keep them safe. The main problem with mounts is that they dry out too fast, but your climate is perfect for that. As for your ants, I'm sorry. They are a pest. I have a video about ants that might help: th-cam.com/video/JKIojhZe5nE/w-d-xo.html
with my found orchid i took the measure and divided by 4. used it and the rest gave it to other plants. next time will keep it in a bottle for 2 weeks. will keep you updated
Another great video. Thank you so much. I use the blue chrystlly miracle grow u showed, i tbsp/gallon every other week poured into a spray bottle is what i do. But its time i think to flush them with epsom salt i saw on one of your videos..n rethink my process after this..still learning so much. No roots on my baby keiki in moss but its still alive, the one still attached with no roots is sprouting a flower spike tho. So strange. Kisses to Midnight precious fur baby luvs you.
Hi peacemaker! Thank you so much for your words! :) The keiki might take a few months to get some good roots going, but it's strange that it prioritized the flower spike over a root. Maybe it will start a few roots in a while (hopefully).
Hi Amanda. Tq for your infomative video. May I ask few Q: 1) Which part of orchid plant absorb the nutrient/fertilizer efficiently? This is to answer whether the root or the leaf playing major roll for the growth. Some orchid growers argue that the root function is to grip the medium so that it could hang steadily. 2) What make some orchid cane grow extremely huge (comercial growers) especially the hybrid one. Is there any special growth hormone used or special technic involved. 3) Beginners normally will fertilize their orchid with high dose or frequently in a hope that their lovely plant will grow faster and bloom really nice. But end up with same slow grow month after month. Or they get reward of unwanted keiki...er no flower. What to do...? Tq in advance Amanda!
I use the miracle grow that's in the box and you mix it with a gallon of water that's the one I use but I have like a half gallon of water left over so like you said I'll just use a half gallon and measure what I need to put into half gallon you're awesome thank you for this video God bless
I have an empty miracle Groh mister bottle. If I were to mix my own and put it in the mister what strength of miracle Groh orchids fertilizer should I use?
Hi, using the capsule method I find that once you cut the nozzle open then you can push it into the nominated pot. Making sure it comes out in a minuscule dribble it is feasible to swap it around a number of pots until it is empty. (****Note: don’t forget to spray the nozzle with peroxide before you transfer it each time.).
I enjoyed and learned a lot. I'm fairly a new orchid parent. I've been getting them since my mother passed away 6 years ago. I've had several die as well. I've heard so many things of what to do to orchids, and I'm not sure what to believe, but you sound very promising in your information. I just recently tried the banana peel water and I'm praying that it doesn't kill that orchid. He sounded very promising and knowledgeable too. So I just recently watered it with the banana water, and I'm waiting to see how well, or not it does. I'm going to the website to check it out. Thank you for the good, and knowledgeable information. I've had a few of those products and 1 of my daughter's just gave me organic orchid bloom booster. The numbers were very low on it, 1-3-1. It sounds very low, but what do I know. I haven't used it yet. Happy orchid's!
I love that mister bottle when it's empty to miss my aerial roots on my orchids. I also missed the leaves. It gives a very fine mist that other misters can't compare to. I've had my orchids for 3 years then have at one time close to 70 orchids but I've lost a few here of late. I started almost every day sometimes in the evening before I go to sleep two missed all the aerial roots and it seems as if it's been causing an explosion in aerial root growth. I'm starting to mist the ones in my bay window in my living room to see if I can get the same thing to happen as the ones in my bedroom that are under LED lights. Some people say their Hoya plants grow faster when using this Orchid Mist fertilizer
Hi Kathleen, Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment. 70 orchids! Amazing! I use the misting every once in a while because my humidity is so low and it's perfect for both cases (fertilization and humidity). The explosion in aerial root growth may have a lot to do with the mister. Makes me wonder how the roots inside the pot are doing. Sometimes it can be an indicator that the potting media needs changed. other times, it's just an orchid being an orchid. LOL Again, thanks for watching. I appreciate it.
@@Orchideria thanks for your thoughts on the explosion of aerial roots I'll have to check the roots inside the potting media. I have been misting with Rainwater that I collect and it runs off through the gutter witch is kind of clogged right now so I'm sure there are things in the water because of the Dead Leaves in the gutters that would be occurring in the rainforest. Plus I think some of this rain water was gathered after a thunderstorm. This is the first year I've ever used this rain water mist the roots with so maybe it has something also to do with the rain water. I'll have to check out the roots the next water soaking day in the next couple of days. I soak all of my orchids and plastic totes five or six at a time. I always have half strength orchid fertilizer in along with Cal Mag and seaweed emulsion and micro nutrients sometimes I rinse them before I soak them in the nutrient solution and sometimes I put Epsom salts in the water. I need to do a flush without nutrient Solutions this next time but it will once again be with rain water. As long as I have rainwater I don't use tap water. My orchids are mostly in clay pots but some of them I've put in plastic Orchid pots inside the clay pots because the weight of the soak clay pots and bark was bothering my hands. I always let the orchids drain and dry under a ceiling fan and a couple times I wasn't careful I ended up getting some wrought in the crown. But luckily at least half of those orchids that that happened to are throwing out a basal keiki. I just found your site about a month ago and I really enjoy your videos
So you recommend fertilizing once a week for 3 weeks, then on the 4th week just water with normal water? Thank you! Just bought my second orchid today and I’m in love :)
I use the Repotme orchid fertilizer. It is the MSU version of orchid fertilizer and I have had great results with it. If I have any leftover I use it on my other plants. They have responded very well to it. The MSU fertilizer has all the micronutrients that the orchid needs. You can add epsom salt if you feel your plant needs it. Yes, they say 1 teaspoon per gallon but if you know grade school math you can divide that in half assuming that you have measuring spoons. It also comes in a liquid. It does not have to be a rocket scientist to grow orchids. Orchids need a different type of environment than most house plants but once you know the basics it is not difficult. Give them the correct medium, light, humidity, along with added nutrients and you have a happy flowering plant.
I've watched a few of ur vids... u r very good with ur explanations sn ur cat interruptions r hilarious & u cracking urself up is also hilarious... I have def learned a lot in the few vids including y it keeps trying to grow sideways. I don't know how my orchid is alive & about 2 bloom watching these vids lol
Thank you for such an informative video😊 I will be checking out your website too. Love your sense of humor and your feline friend!❤😊 Some of my orchids have some weird growing issues atm. After watching your videos I'm pretty sure it's nutrient related. Thank you for sharing your knowledge w us!
I live in Florida and just repotted my swan orchard in a great pot with holes all over it. I repotted it 2 weeks ago. When should I fertilize it. Because I repotted it in orchard bark and put a little of moss on the top of my orchid. Please let me know when I should fertilize it
Just found your channel and thank you for the info! I have two small phalaenopsis orchids that I’m surprised are still doing well but need to be repotted. Wish me luck!
I agree completely once the orcid addiction starts it's so hard to stop I've had my aunts and offs with it trust me but this time it is full-blown I just got into the cattleya's and I am so excited I have a shipment on its way hopefully today or tomorrow and I am already running out of space because of my last shipment I just got this past week so I'm like oh my God what am I going to do so I'm looking all around my room and my bathroom and I'm like let's decorate the walls LOL might as well since they are on tree trunks and and what not might as well put up on the wall too and see what you got it looks beautiful I love the way my house looks
I use very diluted hydroponic solution monthly. And use a sprayer to distribute it. I hope our water is good here in Perth West Australia, but I will test it now. Thanks for your frank advice.
Hi Maureen, Australia, wow! That's on my list of places to go someday. Beautiful country! As for the water, I always thought my water was good until I checked it... At least I figured out what was wrong.
Hi ! I have just spotted your videos..do you have any that tell me why my orchid leaves are turning yellow and have black spots and what looks like little white mold 😢
So how should I actually fertilize my orchid in portions I only have one right now but I’m a beginner and want to get a a lot more like the Cattaleya orchid as my daughters name is Cattaleya after the orchid .
I am so glad I found your channel! I have 3 lovely Orchids that bloom beautifully and I just took a baby off of the Orchid spike I bought my mom to start at my home. I ordered the misting fertilizer just today! Can I just give the bark a spritz before I put ice cubes in to water and fertilize at the same time? Will this work instead of spraying the orchid foliage?
Hi Sandy, Thank you for your comment. The mister will have the weakest concentration of fertilizer of them all, so misting the bark will hardly be noticeable. I wouldn't use the ice cube water, but running water that's luke warm to water your orchids. I suggest watching this video ( th-cam.com/video/Koin_T11w-M/w-d-xo.html ) where I explain the reason behind the ice cubes.Just misting the folliage is better in this case.
Hi Amanda, great video I am a new orchid owner (my son gave me one for my birthday), I would like to know is liquid fertiliser better than the dry granulated fertiliser?
I just found your videos and I love them!! I haven't had the greatest luck with Orchids, but now that I found you hopefully that will change. Would you recommend ice cubes to water outside orchids?
Hi Claudia, I wouldn't recommend ice cubes. I made a video explaining why. If you look at the videos in my Playlist you'll find one specifically for that. Luke warm water is the best.
Oh no, so I was given an orchid not too long ago, I didn't even think of specific food. Just used some normal miracle grow, pretty diluted though. Did I just kill it? It's been about 2-ish days. Maybe I should throw out the medium and repot.
Thanks Mam, I Use Initially NPK 30 10 10 x every fortnight x 2 months, thereafter June - Aug 00 54 34 , then Sept to Dec 15th 00 00 50 0nce a month, 19 19 19 every week.- for Dendrobiums. Not Sure, but It works. Kindly advice. Thanks
Hi Carmen. I don't agree. There are some orchid experts that say ice cubes don't harm the orchid, my conclusion is that ice cubes can. I wrote an article about it on my website and also made a video, if you want, scroll down through the videos I posted and it's there. 😉 I made a little comical one with a funny approach to it. It's not that one, although most of the info summarized in there It's the older one, where I present the facts of how the whole ice cube method started.
I have been killing orchids for years. I am watching you, cuz, you know what you are doing. I do not. Decided this time, to do research. I am curious to try egg shells. I understand N P K, do I use the calcium from shells also? I will go get your guide, THANK YOU!! It probably answers this question, but, I am curious if you do both...Jeannie in Lakeport California
Excellent video. I water with distilled water, and I ordered Feed Me from rePotme. It’s a MSU, and it’s a-3-3-15. It suggests 1 tsp per gallon of water during Spring and Summer. Reducing dosage to 3/4 tsp, during Fall and Winter. What do you think ? TIA
15 is pretty high, considering the other 2. I'd balance that out with others in during the year. But this has a lot to do with your growing conditions and there really isn't a one size fits all solution. If it works for you, then by all means, go for it. 😊
*sigh* GOT IT!! I must confess (with a shamed face), that I BOUGHT the mist, AND, the "M.G. Orchid Food" granules (which I must keep refrigerated or I would have a field day with our humidity). Remember, my orchids are not indoors, and sometimes do get sprayed/misted by our intermittent heavy rains (our drought is from around March for a couple months). Also, this time of year, we do get heavy dew fall. While I did dunk my orchids in the M.G. Orchid Food mix (the day before yesterday), I used the rest of the water on my other potted plants (mostly what Americans refer to as "house plants") which are all outdoors (in various locations of sunlight, and sunless). I hope my weather type and geographical location will offer some sort of "buffer" to my orchid plants. As for the fertiliser spikes and other "pahlavah" fertilisers - I do not use them. However, I will take your advice and use my "M.G. mister" - as a "water mister" from now on. As for the "M.G. Orchid Food", I did use more of the requested water, and see how it goes. Will update you. Since my orchid plants are "new" to me ... one is spiking (2!!), and the others are sending out keikis. My original orchid (Den. Mini Yaya) had bloomed, and I have noticed is sending out new spikes/roots? too early to tell. Some I had rescued from the nursery are showing signs of coming back to life! They ALL have been given the M.G. Orchid Food bath - I shall see what happens. Thanks a lot for your timely video.
Yes! Please keep me updated! If one is spiking then you are doing the right thing with it. If you want to change methods, that's fine, just do it gradually. Since your orchids are outisde, they might have different requirements since they will get a lot of nutirents from the rain. I absolutely love your comments. Thanks!
I will sometimes bathe my orchids in a fertilizer bath once a month or 2, It waters AND fertilizes it. Im wondering if thats ok to soak, but i usually use my spray bottle to water them. The aerial roots sometimes every day if they are dry just with water. Its cooler now in Florida n dry so thats why i just mist the roots on top. So much to learn
The best method really is what works for you. Test and try a few and see what happens because evey environment is different. I used to soak my orchids a lot before I got my humidifier. Now I water them without the soaking. So it all depends... Thanks again for keeping me updated
I'm a new viewer but I have the 1st fert u mentioned. I was going to do a simple math conversion and possible dilution to use for smaller batch sizes. I'll have to weigh it out but once I get a system, I'll be ok. What do u think?
Thanks very much the video! I can see that your orchids are not in transparent pots. I feel like they can not breath when we put them into them :D I like the roots to see some light too. Is there any reason you don't prefer? Best, (;
Hi C. Axade Ayogdu, I’m sorry it took so long for me to write you back about your comment. I was on vacation and didn’t log onto my TH-cam. Thanks for commenting on my video. I appreciate it and was glad it helped. About the pots, I have a video where I talk about why I chose my pots and which ones are better. th-cam.com/video/4epMB8taDwI/w-d-xo.html I think it's best for new orchid growers to pick transparent pots just so you can see the roots, but once you get the schedule down of watering and fertilizing, then it is very much up to choice (in my opinion).
Do NOT USE ICE CUBES! Orchids are tropical plants and ice can kill them. You can melt the ice cubes before putting on your orchids, this controls the amount of water you use as over watering is what kills the most orchids.
Hi Mariana, I dont use fertilizer as often as I would with a substrate, but that depends a lot on your climate and growing conditiins. I would start with every third week, but even that could be too much. Go slow and decrease the time in between fertilizer until you see your plant is happy and thriving.
THANKS FOR THE VIDEO. NICELY DONE.. HAVE U EVER MADE A VIDEO OF THE TYPES OF ORQUIDEA . I WAS GIVEN A SMALL ORQ. THAT HAS BLOOMED AT ONE POINT BECAUSE IT HAD TWO LONG STEAMS, WHICH I CUT TOO SHORT RIGHT DOWN TO THE SOIL TOP.. IM REPOTTING THIS ORQ. THAT IS OVER ROOTED.. IN TO A MEDIUM SIZE GLASS COFFEE POT.?????? i like the idea of glass because u could see in side the pot.. My two Q's to u are;; . How to identify ORQ's ? What's the best MOSS ? ... I bought a bag of SPHAGNUM MOSS thinking it would be green as i seen ever where I look. This one is super fine brown dust.. Its not right. thanks. Hoping to get a favorable response.
Being new to your channel, you might have already mentioned what I’m about to ask, Is it best to fertilize half strength solution every time you water? The more videos I watch, the more I’m hooked on your channel. Thanks!
Hi Frank, Thank you for the comment. I apprecaite it. I usually fertilize 1/4 dose every time I water, skipping once a month. So 3 weeks out of the 4, I'll use fertilized water. On the fourth week, I'll flush it out with just distilled water because that's what is easiest for me. This is all based on a cycle of 7 days, but I also have orchids that need watering with more of an intervals (10 days) and other less (3-4 days). This gets complicated after a while, so I usually do 3 waterings with fertilizer, and one without, no matter what the week/month is. It works for me, but I'm not sure if that works for everyone. You really have to test and experiment to see.
@@Orchideria Thank you for your response. My watering schedule is once a week on the smaller pots, the ones I have transplanted to larger pots usually every two weeks. I will cut back to quarter dilution rate, it does make sense. Some orchid pots are very large, is that really better for orchids?
The smaller pots are the best. The roots like to have that sense of stability, so they need the smaller pots to become root bound. The bigger pots are necessary for thicker rooted orchids like Cattleyas, but even then, my Cattleya roots are branching out everywhere and don't stay in the pot. There is less harm done by using a smaller pot than overpotting with a big pot.
Hallo Engelina, en bedankt voor je reactie. Als er iets is waarmee ik kan helpen, zoals een woord of zin, typ dan de tijd dat ik het zei, bijvoorbeeld om een minuut dertig, typ 1:30 en ik zal proberen het te vertalen met google translate.
@@Orchideria top, dank je wel. Ik heb een heel stuk geschreven bij een ander filmpje. Ik zou graag willen weten ; geef ik de voeding in het water 💦 waarin ik de orchideeën onder dompel of moet ik ze voedingswaren geven boven in de pot?😉👍😂👌🤷♀️🤷♀️ super bedankt voor de snelle reacties. Groetjes uit Nederland 🇳🇱
Beide manieren zijn prima. Ik gebruik kunstmest in het water omdat het makkelijker voor mij is. Daarna bemest ik de orchidee 3 weken van de 4. Op de 4e week gebruik ik gewoon water zonder kunstmest. De kleine pellets die op de orchideeënpot worden gebruikt, gaan meestal 6 maanden mee.
Another question, when using the miracle grow fertilizer that mixes in a gallon of water, how long do you let your orchids soak? I live in Colorado and it’s really humid here, I usually let mine soak for an hour, is an hour too long letting it soak with fertilizer? Thank you!
Hi Hanna, Since your climate is already humid, you could soak it less. Usually 15-20 min would be okay, even less. Also, what potting media do you use? If it's more than 50% sphagnum moss, you could soak your orchids even less, around 5-10 minutes. If it's pure bark, then 20 is OK. If it's all inorganic, like rock, then you can leave the pot soaking a little longer. Check and see how long they take to dry out, too.
Hi Lisa, Yes, that's ok. As long as you are spraying the roots so it gets enough water, that's fine. Sometimes with just sprays (and not normal watering) the roots don't get enough water to keep the orchid healthy, and the leaves will dehydrate. So if you're sure that the orchid has enough water, then it's fine.
Oh, I just saw that your comment was on the fertilizer video and not the watering video. Sorry about that. Yes, spraying the roots directly is perfectly fine. 😊
Hi Escorpio40, If the trunk is outside, then you don't have yo apply fertilizer at all. The rain will wash down the water-filled nutirents and that's enough to keep it alive. If the tree trunk is set up in a terrarium, then you'll need to keep the same schedule as a potted orchid.
Hi Marwan, I've read that it's actually very good for orchids. The aquarium water is rich with so many nutrients and elements that the orchids love it. Since I don't have fish, I've never tested that.
Ok this is a little confusing on the mist spray it kills my orchids! The roots look green plump and beautiful but when you touch them they are empty! Like oil was poured on the roots…believe me I have tried the oil for bugs! Do you know what the problem is?
Hi Brandy France, I’m sorry it took so long for me to write you back about your comment. I was on vacation and didn’t log onto my TH-cam. Thanks for commenting on my video. I appreciate it and was glad it helped. The roots will be hollow, but still firm. If they squeeze together easily, then you might have a problem. I suggest this video th-cam.com/video/6roVPjMwHBI/w-d-xo.html that explains the hollow roots that you are describing. I haven't had much luck with the spray/mist fertilizer and would try another method. I shouldn't be killing the roots though. I am not sure what is happening, but definitely stop the mist and use another method.
I had a lot of failures with my plants, fighting to keep my lemon alive. On the contrary two orchids are thriving without much care. I don't understand
Hi M Woods, It's not normall for the already opened blooms to turn brown with excess fertilizer, just the leaves. Yet from whatbI understood, the buds never opened, right? If the buds are crumbling and turning brown, it's probably bud blast and there are several reasons for that. I have an arricle on the website about budblast, but the video will only come out next week. Is the orchid in direct sun for too long? Is there heat or a hot air vent that is nearby? My guess would be it's the temperature or direct sun for too long. I can't really diagnose well without a picture but my anti-spam won't let people post pics. I hope that the article gives some clarity.
They updated the label on the miraclegro mister, and i stopped using it immediately. They have you misting urea nitrogen on leaves, where it will never get broken down into an absorbable form. Now I am using the bettergro one you're holding and just heavily dilute it in a spray bottle. Also, when i began, i also realized the concentrations they suggested were way too high and saw my leaves get burned from the damage to the roots. Things are changing now though!
Hi Mary, I use the water soluble for water culture. I'll mist them first, (some people water first but I find misting easier) then I'll apply the water with fertilizer, let sit for a while (5 min), remove that water, and apply normal water the rest of the cycle. What you don't want to do is let the orchid sit in fertilized water for long time.
Hi Fay, I’m sorry it took so long for me to write you back about your comment. I was on vacation and didn’t log onto my TH-cam. Thanks for commenting on my video. I appreciate it and was glad it helped. I have several types, but I think that this video will help you chose your potting media that is best for your needs: th-cam.com/video/ZUfPTMi0MZ4/w-d-xo.html
Hi MML, I buy mine on amazon, but I haven't bought some in a long time. I couldn't find the one I used in this video, but this other one is still good quality: amzn.to/3zW1RuW
Hi Aida, I can spray the crown because my home office is so dry, that it really doesn't make a difference. That area will be dry in 30 minutes. In nature, orchids get rained on every day, so they can take water on the crown. What the need is a strong hot wind to dry them off, so that's why most growers say to not water the crown. If you live in a humid climate, don't spray the crown at all. It won't dry off fast enough.
Hi Wagiman, The orchid won't absorb as much fertilizer while in bloom since it is not actively in thr growth cycle. Most orchid growers halt fertilization at this time, but I don't. I wish there was a more technical reason, but the truth is if I stop, I'll forget to start again. It's like those days when you wake up and decide to excercise early. All is good and well until you don't go the next morning. After that, it's impossible to get back to that routine. So mainly I'm wasting fertilizer, but it works for me so I keep using that routine.
BEST orchid food is cucumber peel soak in 5 days and use on orhid by watering and leaving plants 10 min in at and 2 nd one is my favorite potato peel dried on sun and grinder into powder to be used every 15 days.We are plants so taking sintetic vitamin instead of REAL food is the best way to grow your plants.Thank you for your video but my comment is free food and happy plans.Good luck everyone....❤🎉
Help!! I bought two orchids about a month an a half and did not do enough research. I have been using the spray on my flowers, leaves (top & bottom), and around the top of the fertilizer. One bloom fell off and more are starting to turn. I am in desperate need of some advise on what to do to save them or is it possible to save them now. I have been using 1 to 2 ice cubes to water them and have them sitting on a flower stand in front of the window. I bought orchid flower spikes and the orchid liquid flower food. I’ve not used either yet bc I am confused on the directions a little. I don’t want them to die so if you could please help me.
Spraying the blooms will kill them, and never use Ice! It is a marketing scam and it seems that the company is making sure that your orchid will die so you will buy replacements. Orchids are tropical plants and never would have ice on them. Use room temp water. Do not put them in South or West facing windows unless they have some sort of filter ( shade) on them, your leaves will quickly burn. East facing windows are perfect. It is possible to save your orchids if you will follow basic rules and be consistent... They do not like change. So careful watering let them go almost 100% dry before watering again, do not let the roots sit in water, do not let water get in the crown of the leaves,...water the medium only, Filtered or eastern window or under a grow light, and use a fraction of the recommended Miracle grow weekly or when watering, skip the food every 4th week, and water ONLY when the roots turn silvery white and make sure to drain the excess water.
Hi Teresita, Thank you for your question. Yes, boiled water (at room temperature) is great for orchids. That is better than using the water that sits out overnight. Chlorine evaporates either way, but other elements need the higher temperature to evaporate and boiling does a great job of that.
Hi M Lockhart, I had read the opposite when doing research but your point is very valid. It makes sense. I need to look into that more! Thanks for the heads up!
I wonder how many growers have been perplexed by their failures when in truth it was too much kindness (excess fertiliser) that was the issue. Naturally the manufacturers will encourage consumption - they need sales after all. Excellent video by the way.
My thoughts exactly. After all, the more they sell, the more they profit.
I love "Your addiction will catch on." That is happening to me. I started with one, now I have 12. With the little bright space I have, I am now using the dresser in my son's bedroom for my orchids. All of them have a lot of air roots and the majority are tilted meaning sideways. I want the leaves to be upright but it does not want to. I fertilized them once a month and water every 10 days 15 - 20 minutes. They are mostly in bark with a little sphagnum moss. The problem is the miniature ones blooms while the big ones do not. My orchids are all Phals. Thanks. By the way, I love your channel and will start going have already put your website on my favorite.
Hi Fantastica,
Thank you for your words! I appreciate it.
Why some orchids bloom and others do not, it's hard to say. Usually it has to do with not enough light, but it sometimes can be that the orchid was repotted recently, or that there wasn't enough fertilizer all year round before the blooms started... it could be a lot of things. It's mainly trial and error to figure it out.
You can check out this article orchideria.com/grocery-store-orchid/ and it will give you a few ideas. Usually with Phalaenopsis, it's the temperature drop at night for a month before blooming season.
Me too ❣️
@@cynthiacisneros1694 😊
Same here, started with one. I had been gifted Phals before, and killed them using the typical standard plant watering /feeding. I had no instructions, Internet was not available at the time (well that just "dates" me, didn't it? I was in college at the time, and computers were just catching on, and my last year they offered a computer class. Well, there you go). Anyway, yes, I killed every Phal that I was gifted, which was 3 over a period of a few years. 1 for each birthday, 3 years in a row. So, MANY years later, and a whole lot of gardening experience gained during that time... I realized that all plants have different watering requirements and feeding requirements, so I decided to try again. But this time, I saw an orchid on clearance because it was completely done blooming. I had no idea what colored Phal I was buying, and I saw that it desperately needed repotted and some old roots removed... But at $3, I gave it a try. I got it home (I still had a beautiful ceramic orchid pot from years ago), I pulled my discount orchid from its pot, and gasped as I saw the damage to the roots. So I jumped on the Internet to find out exactly what I needed to do so I could revive this poor thing. I ended up snipping at least 3/4 of the roots, cleaning my tiny pruning shears with alcohol between every snip, spraying the cut with Hydrogen peroxide, and dabbing each cut with ceylon cinnamon. Then I put it in fresh, coarse orchid bark mixed with spagmoss long fibered sphagnum moss, and carefully staked it so that it would stabilize, and did not water for a week. That baby took off like a rocket!!! I was so proud!!! There was one mistake I made though, I should have potted it in a clear slotted plastic pot, and then put it in the decorative ceramic pot... because now I have roots sticking out of the holes in the ceramic pot EVERYWHERE. It is time to report that one, so I read that I need to do a good soaking with the plant inside the pot, to soften all the roots so it will be easier to remove without breaking off ALL the roots that are growing out of the holes. Anyway, at that point, I was not by the orchids bug. Right now, I still only have Phals, because I don't have a greenhouse, but the itch is there, and I need a greenhouse, even though I live in a sub tropical region (South east Texas, on Galveston Island). It still gets a little too cold in the winter, so I have to drag my orchids inside. I now have about 15 phals.l, and I really have become attached to finding clearance orchids and reviving them. It hasn't worked every time, because some had stem rot, and I didn't know it when I bought it, but most have survived. I have used the Miracle Grow (small end scoop) and used 5 scoops for a 5 gallon bucket. I have a large round container, just deep enough to set the pots in and saturate all the roots. I leave them in the diluted fertilizer solution for about 15 minutes, and pull them out and let all the excess drain before putting them back into their decorative pots. Since I don't have a greenhouse though, the go on the front porch that faces the east, and I have put up a screen so that they don't get direct sunlight in the morning. I have found out the hard way this summer, that direct sunlight, even early morning sunlight down here on the island, is way too much sun. I have ended up with some burnt spots on leaves, and burnt roots at the top of the pot. It is my goal to repot all of them this winter, since they will be putting out new roots, and trim all of the burnt roots and cut off the burnt portions of leaves. In the meantime, I have to plan the greenhouse, or figure out a better shade for the front porch. I do have about 6 that I paid full price for, and I don't know that the roots were in any better shape than the ones I found on discount. It is fun to buy those on clearance and wait until they bloom to see what I have bought! I am a huge fan of the mini phals, but I also love the huge moth orchid blooms as well. I do want a coconut orchid, and I have my eye on a couple of Cattleyas. I just want to make sure I have the right techniques down for the "simplest orchid" before I move on to the more complex orchids, and I do want a greenhouse before I delve even further into the orchid world!!! I have heard that the coconut orchid is very easy to grow though, so that may be the next one on my wish list, even though they aren't easy to find!!!
I have been watching so many videos since I was gifted an orchid over a year ago, that I didn’t think I could learn something new but I did. I have been using the spray fertilizer and I didn’t know to spray the underneath of the leaves. So, thank you and this video was very informative.
I have 15 happy healthy phalaenopsis orchids and have had most of them for about 10 years. I have never repotted nor fertilized them. They seem to be okay with the neglect method I use. They all bloom at least once a year, most of them actually bloom multiple times a year. I am going to attempt to repot some and begin fertilizing them to see how much happier they can become.
Hi Deborah, Since they've been that way for 10 years, I suggest going very, very slow on the fertilizer until they adapt to it.
I am new to orchids and I brought the spray, luckily I came across the video and now know how to use the spray. I just have two and believe that will be all, I think! They are beautiful.
Just discovered your TH-cam channel! LOVE your work, and thanks for sharing. Keep your sense of humor--it's lovely! Made me smile 😁.
Thanks Amanda!
I noticed all your pretty plants especially your Christmas cactus if you ever get a chance to talk about them I would love to hear about them I have a terrible time growing them
If I may, You have given so much great information, with laughter included, I thought I would give you one. Another orchid grower who just got started in 2018, told me about another fertilization method that he didnt expect, and I wanted to share it with you. Indirectly, and without his knowledge at first, he found out his cat was " also adding fertilizer " to his orchid. If you get my meaning. He noticed his orchid was not doing well, so he watched out for possible signs of problems. His cat was using his prized orchid for her litter box. Enough said about that. He immediately emptied the pot, repotted and put up a barrier to keep out this voluntary fertilizing cat. LOL As you say.. " Happy Cultivating " But watch out for the cat.
Hi Mark, That was hilarious! I couldn't stop laughing. Thank you for that. Midnight has done her share of orchid destroying, but hasn't done any fertilizing. Hahaha. Thanks for watching my videos! I appreciate it.
I moved to SW Florida because my orchid addiction was seated in my mind, and I needed it to blossom into physical reality. I'm a fan of bare root method for vandas. I have a huge pot that I use for root soaking, and it's so easy. I use a mister to fertilize. So far, so good! The roots are thriving, growing quickly, and becoming thick and hearty. When they decide to bloom again, I will be the happiest orchid mom alive!
girl you saved me frustration ! That gallon method drives me nutssssss.
The spoon in the Better Gro pack has a 1 teaspoon line inside the scoop which is very hard to see. I use a kitchen measuring spoon.
I use the MSU orchid fertilizer on mine. I mix up a gallon of it and pour any leftover water on my other house plants
I just happened to click on your video today - I love the way you explain things and your facial expressions and most importantly how you apply logic - also I take my hat off to any cat lover
Hi M E, Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it. :)
I’ve always liked orchids but haven’t had one in a while . Until my husband got me a kokedama Orchid this is my 1st time learning how to fertilize one . I might just get the spray or the little green beads. Thank you so much for the info.
Always make sure your orchids and any plants are well watered for hours (or over night) before using a very weak Miracle-Gro Orchid fertilizer which IS boosted with trace elements on the bark soil line until it runs through freely. I never have rot problems by not allowing water to get on the plant leaves, which keeps the water from settling where leaf joins the plant base. Use a straw to blow away that water. I use a fast drain, fir bark mix and check for pot dryness once a week as a rule. I also let the majority of the orchid fertilizer water drain in a catch basin by using a colander to hold the orchid pot on top of the basin. I use that drained water to fertilize other plants. My orchids are all 'mini' moths which are all fat, happy and repeat bloomers. Thanks for reviewing orchid fertilizer methods.
Hi, Thanks for your comment!
I just love your videos I have learned so much. I live in Florida and my orchids are in wooden handing pots and the other on tables. I have ant infestation it hurts me because I want my baby's to be healthy and I just watched your video on black spots on my plants. You explain everything to me that understand. Keep up your great work videos. God bless you. Thank you so much 😇🙏
HI Jill! Thank you for commenting. I appreciate it. The wooden baskets for Florida are a great choice. The high humidity will keep them safe. The main problem with mounts is that they dry out too fast, but your climate is perfect for that. As for your ants, I'm sorry. They are a pest. I have a video about ants that might help: th-cam.com/video/JKIojhZe5nE/w-d-xo.html
with my found orchid i took the measure and divided by 4. used it and the rest gave it to other plants. next time will keep it in a bottle for 2 weeks. will keep you updated
Hi MML, Sounds great! I'm interested in hearing the update. Once again, thank you so much for watching my videos.
Hi, what is that pink dangling plant behind you?
I just ordered a little bag of thoses little peas, 13-11-11. Thanks again Amanda.
Another great video. Thank you so much. I use the blue chrystlly miracle grow u showed, i tbsp/gallon every other week poured into a spray bottle is what i do. But its time i think to flush them with epsom salt i saw on one of your videos..n rethink my process after this..still learning so much.
No roots on my baby keiki in moss but its still alive, the one still attached with no roots is sprouting a flower spike tho. So strange.
Kisses to Midnight precious fur baby luvs you.
Hi peacemaker! Thank you so much for your words! :) The keiki might take a few months to get some good roots going, but it's strange that it prioritized the flower spike over a root. Maybe it will start a few roots in a while (hopefully).
Very meaningful information regarding orchids. I have just started collecting them .
Hi Maria,
Thank you. I appreciate your comment. Thanks for watching my videos.
Hi Amanda. Tq for your infomative video.
May I ask few Q:
1) Which part of orchid plant absorb the nutrient/fertilizer efficiently? This is to answer whether the root or the leaf playing major roll for the growth. Some orchid growers argue that the root function is to grip the medium so that it could hang steadily.
2) What make some orchid cane grow extremely huge (comercial growers) especially the hybrid one. Is there any special growth hormone used or special technic involved.
3) Beginners normally will fertilize their orchid with high dose or frequently in a hope that their lovely plant will grow faster and bloom really nice. But end up with same slow grow month after month. Or they get reward of unwanted keiki...er no flower. What to do...?
Tq in advance Amanda!
I use the miracle grow that's in the box and you mix it with a gallon of water that's the one I use but I have like a half gallon of water left over so like you said I'll just use a half gallon and measure what I need to put into half gallon you're awesome thank you for this video God bless
Hi Jill,
Thank you for watching my videos and for leaving a comment. I appreciate it a lot. God bless you too.
I have an empty miracle Groh mister bottle. If I were to mix my own and put it in the mister what strength of miracle Groh orchids fertilizer should I use?
Hi, using the capsule method I find that once you cut the nozzle open then you can push it into the nominated pot. Making sure it comes out in a minuscule dribble it is feasible to swap it around a number of pots until it is empty. (****Note: don’t forget to spray the nozzle with peroxide before you transfer it each time.).
I enjoyed and learned a lot. I'm fairly a new orchid parent. I've been getting them since my mother passed away 6 years ago. I've had several die as well. I've heard so many things of what to do to orchids, and I'm not sure what to believe, but you sound very promising in your information. I just recently tried the banana peel water and I'm praying that it doesn't kill that orchid. He sounded very promising and knowledgeable too. So I just recently watered it with the banana water, and I'm waiting to see how well, or not it does. I'm going to the website to check it out. Thank you for the good, and knowledgeable information. I've had a few of those products and 1 of my daughter's just gave me organic orchid bloom booster. The numbers were very low on it, 1-3-1. It sounds very low, but what do I know. I haven't used it yet. Happy orchid's!
Can I get an update :)!
Better to have fertilizer too low than too high or too concentrated
How do you fertilize when hydro growing ?
I love that mister bottle when it's empty to miss my aerial roots on my orchids. I also missed the leaves. It gives a very fine mist that other misters can't compare to. I've had my orchids for 3 years then have at one time close to 70 orchids but I've lost a few here of late. I started almost every day sometimes in the evening before I go to sleep two missed all the aerial roots and it seems as if it's been causing an explosion in aerial root growth. I'm starting to mist the ones in my bay window in my living room to see if I can get the same thing to happen as the ones in my bedroom that are under LED lights. Some people say their Hoya plants grow faster when using this Orchid Mist fertilizer
Hi Kathleen, Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment. 70 orchids! Amazing! I use the misting every once in a while because my humidity is so low and it's perfect for both cases (fertilization and humidity). The explosion in aerial root growth may have a lot to do with the mister. Makes me wonder how the roots inside the pot are doing. Sometimes it can be an indicator that the potting media needs changed. other times, it's just an orchid being an orchid. LOL Again, thanks for watching. I appreciate it.
@@Orchideria thanks for your thoughts on the explosion of aerial roots I'll have to check the roots inside the potting media. I have been misting with Rainwater that I collect and it runs off through the gutter witch is kind of clogged right now so I'm sure there are things in the water because of the Dead Leaves in the gutters that would be occurring in the rainforest. Plus I think some of this rain water was gathered after a thunderstorm. This is the first year I've ever used this rain water mist the roots with so maybe it has something also to do with the rain water. I'll have to check out the roots the next water soaking day in the next couple of days. I soak all of my orchids and plastic totes five or six at a time. I always have half strength orchid fertilizer in along with Cal Mag and seaweed emulsion and micro nutrients sometimes I rinse them before I soak them in the nutrient solution and sometimes I put Epsom salts in the water. I need to do a flush without nutrient Solutions this next time but it will once again be with rain water. As long as I have rainwater I don't use tap water. My orchids are mostly in clay pots but some of them I've put in plastic Orchid pots inside the clay pots because the weight of the soak clay pots and bark was bothering my hands. I always let the orchids drain and dry under a ceiling fan and a couple times I wasn't careful I ended up getting some wrought in the crown. But luckily at least half of those orchids that that happened to are throwing out a basal keiki. I just found your site about a month ago and I really enjoy your videos
So you recommend fertilizing once a week for 3 weeks, then on the 4th week just water with normal water? Thank you! Just bought my second orchid today and I’m in love :)
Hi Hanna, Yes! That's right. On the 4th week just use plain water with no fertilizer. Thanks for watching!
I use the Repotme orchid fertilizer. It is the MSU version of orchid fertilizer and I have had great results with it. If I have any leftover I use it on my other plants. They have responded very well to it. The MSU fertilizer has all the micronutrients that the orchid needs. You can add epsom salt if you feel your plant needs it. Yes, they say 1 teaspoon per gallon but if you know grade school math you can divide that in half assuming that you have measuring spoons. It also comes in a liquid. It does not have to be a rocket scientist to grow orchids. Orchids need a different type of environment than most house plants but once you know the basics it is not difficult. Give them the correct medium, light, humidity, along with added nutrients and you have a happy flowering plant.
I've watched a few of ur vids... u r very good with ur explanations sn ur cat interruptions r hilarious & u cracking urself up is also hilarious... I have def learned a lot in the few vids including y it keeps trying to grow sideways. I don't know how my orchid is alive & about 2 bloom watching these vids lol
Thank you for such an informative video😊 I will be checking out your website too. Love your sense of humor and your feline friend!❤😊 Some of my orchids have some weird growing issues atm. After watching your videos I'm pretty sure it's nutrient related. Thank you for sharing your knowledge w us!
I live in Florida and just repotted my swan orchard in a great pot with holes all over it. I repotted it 2 weeks ago. When should I fertilize it. Because I repotted it in orchard bark and put a little of moss on the top of my orchid. Please let me know when I should fertilize it
Wonderful content, really appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us other orchid lovers.
How often do you fertilize?
I've seen several videos about watering orchids with added aloe vera (for orchids with eg short roots)- could you advise on that please
Hi Sylvia, I don't have enough information now to advise about that, but I will look into that and get back to you.
Just found your channel and thank you for the info! I have two small phalaenopsis orchids that I’m surprised are still doing well but need to be repotted. Wish me luck!
I agree completely once the orcid addiction starts it's so hard to stop I've had my aunts and offs with it trust me but this time it is full-blown I just got into the cattleya's and I am so excited I have a shipment on its way hopefully today or tomorrow and I am already running out of space because of my last shipment I just got this past week so I'm like oh my God what am I going to do so I'm looking all around my room and my bathroom and I'm like let's decorate the walls LOL might as well since they are on tree trunks and and what not might as well put up on the wall too and see what you got it looks beautiful I love the way my house looks
Hi Cat nip, I love your comment! I can totally relate. Has your shipment come yet? Thanks for watching my video.
I use very diluted hydroponic solution monthly. And use a sprayer to distribute it. I hope our water is good here in Perth West Australia, but I will test it now. Thanks for your frank advice.
Hi Maureen, Australia, wow! That's on my list of places to go someday. Beautiful country! As for the water, I always thought my water was good until I checked it... At least I figured out what was wrong.
Hi !
I have just spotted your videos..do you have any that tell me why my orchid leaves are turning yellow and have black spots and what looks like little white mold 😢
So how should I actually fertilize my orchid in portions I only have one right now but I’m a beginner and want to get a a lot more like the Cattaleya orchid as my daughters name is Cattaleya after the orchid .
How often do you feed your orchid
Fabulous information. I’ve done the wrong thing. I stand corrected.
Thank you
I am so glad I found your channel! I have 3 lovely Orchids that bloom beautifully and I just took a baby off of the Orchid spike I bought my mom to start at my home. I ordered the misting fertilizer just today! Can I just give the bark a spritz before I put ice cubes in to water and fertilize at the same time? Will this work instead of spraying the orchid foliage?
Hi Sandy, Thank you for your comment. The mister will have the weakest concentration of fertilizer of them all, so misting the bark will hardly be noticeable. I wouldn't use the ice cube water, but running water that's luke warm to water your orchids. I suggest watching this video ( th-cam.com/video/Koin_T11w-M/w-d-xo.html ) where I explain the reason behind the ice cubes.Just misting the folliage is better in this case.
@@Orchideria Thank you so much for your reply to my question. I will definitely watch the video you suggested.
Hi Amanda, great video I am a new orchid owner (my son gave me one for my birthday), I would like to know is liquid fertiliser better than the dry granulated fertiliser?
I just found your videos and I love them!! I haven't had the greatest luck with Orchids, but now that I found you hopefully that will change. Would you recommend ice cubes to water outside orchids?
Hi Claudia, I wouldn't recommend ice cubes. I made a video explaining why. If you look at the videos in my Playlist you'll find one specifically for that. Luke warm water is the best.
Your reviews are very educational. Please make more content!!!
Thank you
I did find the numbers on the back of rhe bottle in VERY small print.
Oh no, so I was given an orchid not too long ago, I didn't even think of specific food. Just used some normal miracle grow, pretty diluted though. Did I just kill it? It's been about 2-ish days. Maybe I should throw out the medium and repot.
Hi. If the Orchid Potting Mix already has NPK and says it feeds for 6 mos then must I add these Powders?
Thanks Mam, I Use Initially NPK 30 10 10 x every fortnight x 2 months, thereafter June - Aug 00 54 34 , then Sept to Dec 15th 00 00 50 0nce a month, 19 19 19 every week.- for Dendrobiums. Not Sure, but It works. Kindly advice. Thanks
I have read on my orchid just two put three ice cubes in the orchid once a week do you agree with this
Hi Carmen. I don't agree. There are some orchid experts that say ice cubes don't harm the orchid, my conclusion is that ice cubes can. I wrote an article about it on my website and also made a video, if you want, scroll down through the videos I posted and it's there. 😉 I made a little comical one with a funny approach to it. It's not that one, although most of the info summarized in there It's the older one, where I present the facts of how the whole ice cube method started.
I have been killing orchids for years. I am watching you, cuz, you know what you are doing. I do not. Decided this time, to do research. I am curious to try egg shells. I understand N P K, do I use the calcium from shells also? I will go get your guide, THANK YOU!! It probably answers this question, but, I am curious if you do both...Jeannie in Lakeport California
Should I repot and fertilize an orchid that has stopped blooming but has Kei Keis??
Excellent video. I water with distilled water, and I ordered Feed Me from rePotme. It’s a MSU, and it’s a-3-3-15. It suggests 1 tsp per gallon of water during Spring and Summer. Reducing dosage to 3/4 tsp, during Fall and Winter. What do you think ? TIA
15 is pretty high, considering the other 2. I'd balance that out with others in during the year. But this has a lot to do with your growing conditions and there really isn't a one size fits all solution. If it works for you, then by all means, go for it. 😊
TQVM...l like your webside...its very detailed..subscrbed ..understood..frm Singapore.
*sigh* GOT IT!! I must confess (with a shamed face), that I BOUGHT the mist, AND, the "M.G. Orchid Food" granules (which I must keep refrigerated or I would have a field day with our humidity). Remember, my orchids are not indoors, and sometimes do get sprayed/misted by our intermittent heavy rains (our drought is from around March for a couple months). Also, this time of year, we do get heavy dew fall. While I did dunk my orchids in the M.G. Orchid Food mix (the day before yesterday), I used the rest of the water on my other potted plants (mostly what Americans refer to as "house plants") which are all outdoors (in various locations of sunlight, and sunless). I hope my weather type and geographical location will offer some sort of "buffer" to my orchid plants. As for the fertiliser spikes and other "pahlavah" fertilisers - I do not use them. However, I will take your advice and use my "M.G. mister" - as a "water mister" from now on. As for the "M.G. Orchid Food", I did use more of the requested water, and see how it goes. Will update you. Since my orchid plants are "new" to me ... one is spiking (2!!), and the others are sending out keikis. My original orchid (Den. Mini Yaya) had bloomed, and I have noticed is sending out new spikes/roots? too early to tell. Some I had rescued from the nursery are showing signs of coming back to life! They ALL have been given the M.G. Orchid Food bath - I shall see what happens. Thanks a lot for your timely video.
Yes! Please keep me updated! If one is spiking then you are doing the right thing with it. If you want to change methods, that's fine, just do it gradually. Since your orchids are outisde, they might have different requirements since they will get a lot of nutirents from the rain. I absolutely love your comments. Thanks!
I will sometimes bathe my orchids in a fertilizer bath once a month or 2, It waters AND fertilizes it. Im wondering if thats ok to soak, but i usually use my spray bottle to water them. The aerial roots sometimes every day if they are dry just with water. Its cooler now in Florida n dry so thats why i just mist the roots on top. So much to learn
The best method really is what works for you. Test and try a few and see what happens because evey environment is different. I used to soak my orchids a lot before I got my humidifier. Now I water them without the soaking. So it all depends... Thanks again for keeping me updated
I'm a new viewer but I have the 1st fert u mentioned. I was going to do a simple math conversion and possible dilution to use for smaller batch sizes. I'll have to weigh it out but once I get a system, I'll be ok. What do u think?
so is the first one better than mister?
Thanks very much the video! I can see that your orchids are not in transparent pots. I feel like they can not breath when we put them into them :D I like the roots to see some light too. Is there any reason you don't prefer? Best, (;
Hi C. Axade Ayogdu, I’m sorry it took so long for me to write you back about your comment. I was on vacation and didn’t log onto my TH-cam. Thanks for commenting on my video. I appreciate it and was glad it helped. About the pots, I have a video where I talk about why I chose my pots and which ones are better. th-cam.com/video/4epMB8taDwI/w-d-xo.html I think it's best for new orchid growers to pick transparent pots just so you can see the roots, but once you get the schedule down of watering and fertilizing, then it is very much up to choice (in my opinion).
Also, I’ve been misting once a week and the ice cubes. Do I need to use the spikes or do I give them a break since the damage is done?
Do NOT USE ICE CUBES! Orchids are tropical plants and ice can kill them. You can melt the ice cubes before putting on your orchids, this controls the amount of water you use as over watering is what kills the most orchids.
How often should we fertilize if we are using the water culture method?
Hi Mariana, I dont use fertilizer as often as I would with a substrate, but that depends a lot on your climate and growing conditiins. I would start with every third week, but even that could be too much. Go slow and decrease the time in between fertilizer until you see your plant is happy and thriving.
What about bloom fertilizer misting products?
THANKS FOR THE VIDEO. NICELY DONE..
HAVE U EVER MADE A VIDEO OF THE TYPES OF ORQUIDEA . I WAS GIVEN A SMALL ORQ. THAT HAS BLOOMED AT ONE
POINT BECAUSE IT HAD TWO LONG STEAMS, WHICH I CUT TOO SHORT RIGHT DOWN TO THE SOIL TOP..
IM REPOTTING THIS ORQ. THAT IS OVER ROOTED.. IN TO A MEDIUM SIZE GLASS COFFEE POT.??????
i like the idea of glass because u could see in side the pot..
My two Q's to u are;; . How to identify ORQ's ? What's the best MOSS ? ... I bought a bag of SPHAGNUM MOSS
thinking it would be green as i seen ever where I look. This one is super fine brown dust.. Its not right.
thanks.
Hoping to get a favorable response.
WOW your orchids are so pretty!
Hi Heather!!! Thank you so much! 😊
How often do you spray your orchid with orchid mist.thanks
I used kitchen scale to check the amount of a teaspoon. I divided it by 8 to make 500ml.
Hi Abdulhalim, Can you tell me more how to do that? I understood the scale, but how does the 8 part work?
Hi Amanda,
teaspoin = 5.5g
1 gallon = 3785 ml
I use 0.67g to make 500ml
Hi Abdulhalim, Thank you! :)
the cat is perfect 🙂
Great video! Thank you so much!
Being new to your channel, you might have already mentioned what I’m about to ask, Is it best to fertilize half strength solution every time you water? The more videos I watch, the more I’m hooked on your channel. Thanks!
Hi Frank, Thank you for the comment. I apprecaite it. I usually fertilize 1/4 dose every time I water, skipping once a month. So 3 weeks out of the 4, I'll use fertilized water. On the fourth week, I'll flush it out with just distilled water because that's what is easiest for me. This is all based on a cycle of 7 days, but I also have orchids that need watering with more of an intervals (10 days) and other less (3-4 days). This gets complicated after a while, so I usually do 3 waterings with fertilizer, and one without, no matter what the week/month is. It works for me, but I'm not sure if that works for everyone. You really have to test and experiment to see.
@@Orchideria Thank you for your response. My watering schedule is once a week on the smaller pots, the ones I have transplanted to larger pots usually every two weeks. I will cut back to quarter dilution rate, it does make sense. Some orchid pots are very large, is that really better for orchids?
The smaller pots are the best. The roots like to have that sense of stability, so they need the smaller pots to become root bound. The bigger pots are necessary for thicker rooted orchids like Cattleyas, but even then, my Cattleya roots are branching out everywhere and don't stay in the pot. There is less harm done by using a smaller pot than overpotting with a big pot.
Dank je voor het delen. Het is een heel duidelijke uitleg, jammer dat ik het niet allemaal kan begrijpen. 😉👍😂🌹🪴👌🙋♀️
Groetjes uit Nederland 🇳🇱
Hallo Engelina, en bedankt voor je reactie. Als er iets is waarmee ik kan helpen, zoals een woord of zin, typ dan de tijd dat ik het zei, bijvoorbeeld om een minuut dertig, typ 1:30 en ik zal proberen het te vertalen met google translate.
@@Orchideria top, dank je wel. Ik heb een heel stuk geschreven bij een ander filmpje.
Ik zou graag willen weten ; geef ik de voeding in het water 💦 waarin ik de orchideeën onder dompel of moet ik ze voedingswaren geven boven in de pot?😉👍😂👌🤷♀️🤷♀️ super bedankt voor de snelle reacties. Groetjes uit Nederland 🇳🇱
Beide manieren zijn prima. Ik gebruik kunstmest in het water omdat het makkelijker voor mij is. Daarna bemest ik de orchidee 3 weken van de 4. Op de 4e week gebruik ik gewoon water zonder kunstmest. De kleine pellets die op de orchideeënpot worden gebruikt, gaan meestal 6 maanden mee.
Another question, when using the miracle grow fertilizer that mixes in a gallon of water, how long do you let your orchids soak? I live in Colorado and it’s really humid here, I usually let mine soak for an hour, is an hour too long letting it soak with fertilizer? Thank you!
Hi Hanna, Since your climate is already humid, you could soak it less. Usually 15-20 min would be okay, even less. Also, what potting media do you use? If it's more than 50% sphagnum moss, you could soak your orchids even less, around 5-10 minutes. If it's pure bark, then 20 is OK. If it's all inorganic, like rock, then you can leave the pot soaking a little longer. Check and see how long they take to dry out, too.
What is the name of fertilizer you use and where to buy it ?
So much info. Learnt a lot
Hi Adanna, Thank you. I appreciate it.
Do you fertilize every day? I’m new I’m going to use the spray you mentioned 2nd
Hi Sarahi, I mix a tiny amount of fertilizer in the water every other week. I don't use the spray since I haven't had good results with it.
Thank you !!
Thank you for watching my video! I appreciate it. 🙏
i spray the roots only is that okay ? iv had it 4 months and its doing great ... ??
Hi Lisa, Yes, that's ok. As long as you are spraying the roots so it gets enough water, that's fine. Sometimes with just sprays (and not normal watering) the roots don't get enough water to keep the orchid healthy, and the leaves will dehydrate. So if you're sure that the orchid has enough water, then it's fine.
Oh, I just saw that your comment was on the fertilizer video and not the watering video. Sorry about that. Yes, spraying the roots directly is perfectly fine. 😊
@@Orchideria thank you :) merry Christmas !!!
Hi Lisa, Merry Christmas to you too!
What about if the orchids are in a tree trunk ? How often should I fertilize them?
Hi Escorpio40, If the trunk is outside, then you don't have yo apply fertilizer at all. The rain will wash down the water-filled nutirents and that's enough to keep it alive. If the tree trunk is set up in a terrarium, then you'll need to keep the same schedule as a potted orchid.
Hi Amanda, what do you think of watering or fertilizing Orchids or other plants with fish aquarium water or waste?
Hi Marwan, I've read that it's actually very good for orchids. The aquarium water is rich with so many nutrients and elements that the orchids love it. Since I don't have fish, I've never tested that.
You can purchase fish emulsion
I love all your videos your the best. 🙏
Ok this is a little confusing on the mist spray it kills my orchids! The roots look green plump and beautiful but when you touch them they are empty! Like oil was poured on the roots…believe me I have tried the oil for bugs! Do you know what the problem is?
Hi Brandy France, I’m sorry it took so long for me to write you back about your comment. I was on vacation and didn’t log onto my TH-cam. Thanks for commenting on my video. I appreciate it and was glad it helped. The roots will be hollow, but still firm. If they squeeze together easily, then you might have a problem. I suggest this video th-cam.com/video/6roVPjMwHBI/w-d-xo.html that explains the hollow roots that you are describing. I haven't had much luck with the spray/mist fertilizer and would try another method. I shouldn't be killing the roots though. I am not sure what is happening, but definitely stop the mist and use another method.
I tried to get on your website but the verification tool doesn’t work. I tried it at least 12 times.
I like your orchid flowers
Thank you! 😊
I had a lot of failures with my plants, fighting to keep my lemon alive. On the contrary two orchids are thriving without much care. I don't understand
I Have a Cttleya How to care for itt
I bought an orchid that had not bloomed, hoping it would. Well one of the blooms looks like its turning brown. What should I do??
Hi M Woods, It's not normall for the already opened blooms to turn brown with excess fertilizer, just the leaves. Yet from whatbI understood, the buds never opened, right? If the buds are crumbling and turning brown, it's probably bud blast and there are several reasons for that. I have an arricle on the website about budblast, but the video will only come out next week. Is the orchid in direct sun for too long? Is there heat or a hot air vent that is nearby? My guess would be it's the temperature or direct sun for too long. I can't really diagnose well without a picture but my anti-spam won't let people post pics. I hope that the article gives some clarity.
They updated the label on the miraclegro mister, and i stopped using it immediately. They have you misting urea nitrogen on leaves, where it will never get broken down into an absorbable form. Now I am using the bettergro one you're holding and just heavily dilute it in a spray bottle.
Also, when i began, i also realized the concentrations they suggested were way too high and saw my leaves get burned from the damage to the roots. Things are changing now though!
Hi Jaime, Thank you for sharing this information. I appreciate it.
Can any of these be used in water culture?
Hi Mary, I use the water soluble for water culture. I'll mist them first, (some people water first but I find misting easier) then I'll apply the water with fertilizer, let sit for a while (5 min), remove that water, and apply normal water the rest of the cycle. What you don't want to do is let the orchid sit in fertilized water for long time.
Wow thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😘❤️
You're welcome
I just found your video, I got two big lips, what fertilizer do you recommend in your experience?
What kind of potting medium do you use?
Hi Fay, I’m sorry it took so long for me to write you back about your comment. I was on vacation and didn’t log onto my TH-cam. Thanks for commenting on my video. I appreciate it and was glad it helped. I have several types, but I think that this video will help you chose your potting media that is best for your needs: th-cam.com/video/ZUfPTMi0MZ4/w-d-xo.html
I use a liquid organic orchid fertilizer in water. This way, I can make it as weak as I want.
Hi Jen, Thanks for comment. Diluting the fertilizer is always the best way in my opinion, either liquid or crystallized. :)
where can we get the pellets
Hi MML, I buy mine on amazon, but I haven't bought some in a long time. I couldn't find the one I used in this video, but this other one is still good quality: amzn.to/3zW1RuW
OMYGOD I can't believe you sprayed the crown poor baby!❤️😕
Hi Aida, I can spray the crown because my home office is so dry, that it really doesn't make a difference. That area will be dry in 30 minutes. In nature, orchids get rained on every day, so they can take water on the crown. What the need is a strong hot wind to dry them off, so that's why most growers say to not water the crown. If you live in a humid climate, don't spray the crown at all. It won't dry off fast enough.
@@Orchideria Aah makes so much sense, thank you for clarifying Amanda!!❤️🥰🙏🏼
Is it OK to fertilize if your Orchide is in bloom?
Hi Wagiman, The orchid won't absorb as much fertilizer while in bloom since it is not actively in thr growth cycle. Most orchid growers halt fertilization at this time, but I don't. I wish there was a more technical reason, but the truth is if I stop, I'll forget to start again. It's like those days when you wake up and decide to excercise early. All is good and well until you don't go the next morning. After that, it's impossible to get back to that routine. So mainly I'm wasting fertilizer, but it works for me so I keep using that routine.
Im new at orchids and i bought the miracle grow mister bottle with 2.2.2 ... and it did nothing at all. Lol
BEST orchid food is cucumber peel soak in 5 days and use on orhid by watering and leaving plants 10 min in at and 2 nd one is my favorite potato peel dried on sun and grinder into powder to be used every 15 days.We are plants so taking sintetic vitamin instead of REAL food is the best way to grow your plants.Thank you for your video but my comment is free food and happy plans.Good luck everyone....❤🎉
Do you feed water or 3 ice cubes every week?
Hi Birdsfly, I use warm water. Water that is too cold can hurt the roots and stem.
GORGEOUS CAT!
Hi Fay, Thank you! She's Midnight and she likes to be in my videos every time I push the record button.
Help!! I bought two orchids about a month an a half and did not do enough research. I have been using the spray on my flowers, leaves (top & bottom), and around the top of the fertilizer. One bloom fell off and more are starting to turn. I am in desperate need of some advise on what to do to save them or is it possible to save them now. I have been using 1 to 2 ice cubes to water them and have them sitting on a flower stand in front of the window. I bought orchid flower spikes and the orchid liquid flower food. I’ve not used either yet bc I am confused on the directions a little. I don’t want them to die so if you could please help me.
Spraying the blooms will kill them, and never use Ice! It is a marketing scam and it seems that the company is making sure that your orchid will die so you will buy replacements. Orchids are tropical plants and never would have ice on them. Use room temp water. Do not put them in South or West facing windows unless they have some sort of filter ( shade) on them, your leaves will quickly burn. East facing windows are perfect. It is possible to save your orchids if you will follow basic rules and be consistent... They do not like change. So careful watering let them go almost 100% dry before watering again, do not let the roots sit in water, do not let water get in the crown of the leaves,...water the medium only, Filtered or eastern window or under a grow light, and use a fraction of the recommended Miracle grow weekly or when watering, skip the food every 4th week, and water ONLY when the roots turn silvery white and make sure to drain the excess water.
Can I boil water, let it cool down and use this water the next day to fertilize my orchids?
Hi Teresita, Thank you for your question. Yes, boiled water (at room temperature) is great for orchids. That is better than using the water that sits out overnight. Chlorine evaporates either way, but other elements need the higher temperature to evaporate and boiling does a great job of that.
Hi M Lockhart, I had read the opposite when doing research but your point is very valid. It makes sense. I need to look into that more! Thanks for the heads up!