Seriously... if there were an award for youtuber that has made the biggest impact in a community ... for category orchids ... that would have to be you! Hands down!! ... you have single videodly (handedly) taken every single growers growing successes to the next level! For my part... you gave me my confidence back regarding ‘how to grow orchids’ (and that I can trust my intuition again) ... I sincerely want to thank you for that! Every day... it’s the orchids that tell me I have not completely lost the plot / my sanity! Thank you ... so very very much!
I agree. Rick L. gets my vote for "Community-Impact- of-the-Year." I'm watching this tutorial for the third time and some others so often I've lost count.
Thank you for your information that are very helpful and useful for me starting to learn more about different orchids. Glad i found your channel and am a fan now.
You taught so many people the importance of nutrients and the value of some individually. I think that made everybody think about it and those thoughts made orchid growers get more success. Now you talk about the absence of light and that makes so much sense. Not only humans need a night time and a good sleep to get rid of toxins etc, but plants and animals do too. In the end we are all much more similar that we care to think about. After all we all leaving creatures had the same first cell as common ancestor... Thanks for bringing these thoughts to us. 😍😍😍😍
I have to agree with you, Fernanda. I never knew plants were so smart until I found Rick! He has helped me have many "ah ha" moments from watching his thought provoking videos.
Thank you, "Professor" Rick, for another video chock full of valuable info. The mosquitos are horrible here in Iowa right now too with all the late rains we have had this past month. I started using lime on my plants as soon as I found your videos and began to learn about orchids and their needs from a nutrient standpoint. I have re0potted my four cattleyas that a friend in Florida sent me into lava rock and they are happy as can be and have doubled in growth from the tiny two-inch pots they arrived in! My four phalaenopsis are in six-inch pots also lava rock and they are doing well, lots of new growth and healthy dark leaves. I love learning here and you are a wonderful teacher to many of us. I am glad Jan is resting and think of both of you often in prayers and in good thoughts.
Thanks Rick! I understand perfectly now! My poor mounts didn't get any! I rinsed all that goodness out of the tub I use.....better late to the party then not go at all. I have a few mishaped leaves too! You are the best! Thanks again, God bless
Thank you for your patience and reply. Mine are in leca, doing ok. I follow your cal-mag,maxicrop, weakly weekly with flushes. I soak my Vandas and they hang under 50% Black shadecloth. My Catts. look good but need more light. I also use MSU with rain water-when I can get it. Also use best Gro orchid food too. Have large heavy duty fan for circulation. My orchids are on wire shelves at edge of porch. Summer is NE morning sun and hot NW evening sun. Thx 😃
Rick L., your bag baby, Windward Flair, is gorgeous. Thank you for the lesson on getting cattleyas to bloom. That was greatly needed information I needed. Your tutorials share needed points with a natural delivery every time I listen to you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Date: April 1, 2020.
Thanks Rick I now understand that to observed the cattaleya and know when they preparing to bloom to place them in dark areas, thank you say hi to Jan for me blessings
being new to orchids also, its interesting hearing all the different factors that play a role in whether or not a plant will bloom. i've had phalaenopsis for years not knowing how to properly care for them. but thanks to your videos and online research, i now have quite the collection of orchids that are all doing outstanding! i started getting into orchids, i mean REALLY getting into orchids back in february of this year, so everything i have in my collection now isn't even a year old yet. i started off with a mini phal (i can't even remember what its blooms look like) that was nearly dead. it had 5 tiny, shriveled leaves and 4 live but shriveled roots, and after watching your videos and doing some research it has since put out 6 big leaves and almost completely filled its pot with roots! i've adapted a somewhat unique method of growing my orchids and they ALL have responded EXTREMELY well. i have almost everything growing in live sphagnum moss and glass cylinder vases. i don't have any air holes in the vases so the moss stays moist and growing. this works well as my growing method because of how dry my climate is. it's also good for the orchids because the live moss is much more rigid and supportive than dried sphagnum and never breaks down or becomes acidic. This provides good airflow, high humidity, and easy nutrient uptake for the orchids' roots. a big phal i saved from a home depot about a month ago has also taken to the live sphagnum extremely well. It put out two new leaves, LOTS of new roots, it stopped absorbing its old spike, and started growing a secondary off of it while starting another primary spike on the opposite side! In the end tho, i don't really think it matters what media you grow them in, as long as the 4 key factors are within the acceptable limits, you can get orchids to do whatever you want. ;)
Hi Ricky, very interesting comments about the lighting. We’re getting dark here in the U.K. around 7.30 on a clear day, and growing in the lounge our lights go off around midnight when my husband comes to bed, so as it gets light around 7am I guess my cattleyas are getting too much light at the moment. Hopefully it will be okay in a couple of months when it gets light a couple of hours later. I’ve been using Lime ( calcium magnesium) grains now for about just over a couple of months and already I’m seeing a big difference. New roots their putting out are stronger, more leaves spouting and new stronger growths on my cattleyas. Very happy with it, thank you! Glad to hear Jans resting up a bit as she’s still such a busy lady. Love to you both as always from across the pond xxx
......would love to hear how its working for you David, your collection is so big and such a great variety......perfect for the dolomite lime.....should make a big difference in growths and root production...
Hi good day, beautiful orchids they look awesome, where I live it's light all around so my orchids don't bloom so am really sad, they are really over grown can you please give me some tips how to transplant and how to feed them I will appreciate it very much THANK you have a great day
Great video and information...and it is true many of us talk about giving our orchids enough light but tend to leave out the fact that they also need rest from the light as well. They are living creatures and they do need a balance...too much of anything can have a negative effect. I like how you covered that orchids are indeed reactive to their conditions and how even the slightest and most minute thing, that we would not give a second thought to, can actually effect their growth and bloom habit in a major way. It's like how we constantly talk about how majority of our orchids love warm to hot temperatures but we leave out the fact that orchids naturally thrive better when they can experience a distinctive drop in temps from day to night. Again great video and thank you for covering the other side of growing orchids...after all there are always two sides of the orchid story. :)
Hi Rick- I'm really new to your channel, however you have by far become the most informitive channel I watch. I just want you to know that beyond orchids, your health is far more important to all of us... be well, my friend. Jacqueline
Hi Rick and Jan! So Glad you are feeling better and getting through the treatment, Jan! Sending much love to you both! Rick, somewhere in my internet perusing on St. Augustine's Orchid society, I remember reading that there will be a second flush of growth in the Fall... not as prolific as the spring, but obvious and considered normal. I think it was written in a "how to feed orchids during the different seasons, article." Something like that...so not unusual...I, too have happily noticed this extra growth flush on my dendrobium and cattleya, in particular, though my phals are all still leaf and root and spike (not all) producing! Also, I remember reading about giving them some ethanol (vodka), and that, making a difference. Forgive me for not remembering who wrote the article (Kathy?), said she fed some with and some without, and that there was a noticeable difference in growth. She thought that it might have to do with opening the absorption in the root system causing more growth to occur...I'm sure there is an interesting vodka sour story about how THAT one was discovered! Lol!
It was written by Sue Bottoms, under " watering and fertilizing your orchids"...she mentions ethyl alcohol ...1/4 teaspoon per gallon for fast growing orchids, once or twice a month. Will this work for people, too? lol, Just kidding!
Hi Rick, busy traveling lately ... so catching up on your videos. Question: I purchased a large Dendrobium Noble' this Spring and I just remembered that it requires special care this winter. Could you please give me some advice on winter care? Please send my love and best wishes to Jan ... I will keep her in my prayers, as I keep you in my prayers ... you have some wonderful doctors at UAB Hospital! You're in good hands!
Thank you Bobette......such kindness.......The Dendrobium needs a cool down and less water........give it enough to stay hydrated but not like its in growth mode.....once the bloom buds start to show......give it low feed and increase till its blooming well.....
I would say nothing more than full moonlight level once per week. Catts do recieve some moonlight in the wild but it comes and goes. Cloudy nights and such. Some nights completely dark yes, at least twice a week.
......absolutely true and often forgotten......but the term "total darkness" is interpreted differently.....light as low as 1/10th of a lumen can halt cattleya blooms....
I've been doing the same thing all the time everybody is doing great UNTIL the last 4 weeks, now I use grow lights all the time I'm in Michigan we don't have any light no one is blooming they just sit and look at me lol
I learnt the importance of Calcium from your videos earlier this year. And I learnt the use of Dolomite lime from a veteran grower from Sydney, Australia. I have used Dolomite for the past 5-6 months and can safely say that it does no harm to the orchids or its roots. The lime even fell on growing root tips but it did no harm to them. I was little wary of how much to use at first but now I sprinkle a generous amount after watering so that it gets chance to stay in the medium and does its job. Here is a great read on using dolomite from the Ku-Ring-Gai Orchid society (scroll down to page 5-6 for the article): kuringaiorchidsociety.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/monthly-bulletin-april-2018.pdf I have got my first Cattleya, a species, just a few days ago, and I am excited to grow & flower it well. One question - what percentage of shade net are you using up there?
wonderful feedback......thank you for the link..........the shade cloth is 60%......Im glad I didn't go 50%......I would have gotten some burn this past summer.....
Thank you so much Rick. It gets really dry and hot here too in Summer. Even in October the days are 36-34ºC right now. I will keep the 50% shade in winter and replace it with a 70% in summer. That's the best way for me here. Please keep doing more videos coz' I'm missing you in action for a little while now :) Hope your health & everything else if fine
I think maybe light is an issue for me we have an outdoor light thats on all night plus the neighbours porch light may be causing some plants to not bloom as they should.
Your videos are unbelievably helpful. You are the best! I hope you can offer some insight into why my fragrant orchids are not fragrant. I have read that first time bloomers may not be fragrant so I have patiently waited and as I have had more blooms, still no fragrance. I have had many spikes on my Sharry Baby, a Brassavola Novosa, a number of Phal species including a Bellina and even a fragrant cat that has no fragrance. I grow indoors with grow lights. Could lack of sun be causing it?
........very kind thank you Nancy.........most orchids that are fragrant wont release scent oils till temps are higher........outside when they get over 80*.......the fragrance gets intense....and gets stronger with the temperature rise........if they are blooming, and fragrant they should have scent........if not move them to a warmer area.....
Interesting comments about light exposure. The Christmas cactus, amaryllis and poinsettia are light triggered for their flowering habits. Which form of the Espoma dolomitic lime are you using? There are so many available on the market.
Thanks for taking the time to send me this link. I have ordered a bag of this to try. I have a hedge in my side yard (west facing with north exposure on a canal) that is a bit slow in growing. There is high shade provided by areca palms so there is competition for water and nutrients. And, being in southeast FL, the soil is very poor and very sandy. I envision creating a microclimate to aid in growing my orchids. I thought this might be worth a try in the areas in which the hedges are lagging in development. Since I am also a bonsaist I'm thinking of trying small amounts on those trees as well. So....appreciate your help. I'll keep you posted on what happens.
Are you not going to use your grow lights this winter? You mentioned your sunroom. Are you still using Cal Mag with the lime? This winter could you let us know how much fertilizer you'll be using? Yes, African violets need a dark time each night, too! Thanks for all of the info!!!
......no grow room or lights this fall/winter.......I want them to get back in cycle.......my sunroom has big windows, faces south and gets good sun all day....Im still using calmag and lime.....as for mix strength......once inside 125-135ppm.....few times a week........well see
Peppermint oil mosquitoes don't like it. I say you put a little on your risk or put it in a spray bottle and missed yourself with it not the pure to lose a little bit with some water and dish soap if you're going to missed it I use it on the dogs for fleas. Enjoyed our talk tonight have missed you but I understand have a great week until your next video.
Thanks very much for your response this is something that came up on another you tuber Chanel and l thought of hearing what you have to say before l try it your opinion is much appreciated by me all the best to you and your wife God bless
I am using the lime as well. I use it with Cal Mag, Better Gro as well. I am glad you are talking about winter. My big question is-I know during the winter plants can slow or stop, but if we continue to feed, but not as much wouldn't that be better than to stop? My reasoning is the plants can still store nutrients correct? Or am I confusing this? Wouldn't surprise me if I am ...lol So happy you and Jan are doing good and you are back at filming and talking nutrients. Wish I lived closer because when I read an article about the research I often wish I could talk to you...lol You seem to be able to "dumb" it down for me...lol take care and many blessings for you and Jan.
....your correct Stacey.......think about orchids in nature.........resting or not......when ever it rains nutrients would be moved to them......they would get food.........maybe lower at times and less frequent.......but every time it rains they get food......so even during winter or rest period......when ever you water......add some nutrients........strength of mix should be based on growth and rate of growth....
Thanks for sharing how you grow! I live in Miami, FL where i grow several genera of orchids, but have mostly specie dendrobiums. The water out of the hose is 9.4 ph, 171ppm. I've used the Epsoma garden lime as a top dressing after seeing that several growers use it to help with the breakdown of media. Since using it, I have noticed tremendous growth and lushness. But a FEW (very few) of the plants are showing what looks like a burn on the new growth. (i feed fertilizer @ 1 TBSP per 5 gallon water, once per week...rotating feeds that i have in the shed. peters excel with cal/mag, 20/20/20, occasionally bloom booster.) I'm wondering if the garden lime is the culprit, as someone has told me that my plants are getting water that is waay too alkaline from the garden lime on top of water that is too alkaline. Any thoughts? Thanks
......I think your routine sounds fine.... if there is one thing your using that could burn roots .....would be the hose water......the lime wont, but the chlorine and other stuff can easily burn roots....9.4 is way out of the range for orchid use...
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Keep making those great videos! I'm sending good vibes your way. ( I know the hign ph is a problem :o( Tried to collect rainwater, but not really workable in my situation. Thinking about maybe an RO system...)
Hey guys! Do you kn which Espoma garden lime should I use? I am not sure which one it is and I do not want to take the chance to screw my plants over. Also, what’s the frequency and the amount for a 6” pot Cattleya ? Thanks a lot
Rick, when you discussed the topic of light for cattleyas, you said don't give them "too much light". You meant not too many hours of light, not intensity of the light, right? Also, Ana Maria (Miracle Orchids) has recently been experimenting with liquid silicone and has Interesting results on her phals. Have you any opinion on that?
.......yes.......to many hours of light.....8-9hrs minimum of darkness...and complete darkness.....interrupted darkness can be an issue.....light as low as 1/10th of a lumen can halt cattleya blooms....
Hey Rick! What has become of the plants I sent you? I don't ever see them in your videos. I would love one of those Bc. Windward Flare! I don't ever see them in the bag babies over here!
...How are you my friend......I will keep a look out for a BLC Winward for you.......they all are doing great, I will show them.......getting so big........do you remember the name of the Cattleya?......
Thank you for another wonderful, informative video! That was a fascinating story about the #12 white Cattleyas and the single light bulbs that were used to trigger the blooms. I do have a question that I wanted to ask you, Rick. Since you grow your orchids outside during the summer, maybe you can tell me what you do before you bring them inside again for the winter. This is the first year that I have grown a handful outside during the warmer months. Do I need to spray them well with Neem oil, to kill any potential spider mites or scale? Is this enough of a preventative measure or should I also apply a broad spectrum pesticide? I don't want to damage my orchids but I don't want to bring in any unwanted pests, either!
.........great question Cara........Im in the same situation.......I will be spraying mine.......probably with Bayer, ........neem would be another good choice..
@@rickl.orchids Thank you, dear Rick, for taking the time to answer my question. 😁 Is it also safe to pour a little of the Bayer down inside the pot to kill any critters that might be lurking in there? It will be interesting to see how your orchids do this winter without the artificial lighting. 🌸☀️
Thanking you again for a great video. I can't believe how big that bag baby got since spring. Mine are 2/3 that size. What kind of lights are you using in your sunroom? Led, regular? What watts and etc. Thanks Rick. Blessings.
Hi Rick, thanks for all your educational video,tons of love from INDIA,my que is ,I want to foliar feed my Orchids,so for calcium what should I have to use? calcium nitrate or calcium chloride,?I have read somewhere that for as a source of calcium for foliar feeding we don't have to use calcium nitrate and in place of it we have to use calcium chloride, your opinion...
Thank you.....calcium is best absorbed by the roots vs foliar......both nitrate and chloride are very water soluble..and work well on plants.....Ive never used chloride on orchids.......just my opinion, chloride is more corrosive vs nitrate.....chloride is used for de-icers, and soil amending......Calcium Nitrate has nitrogen along with the calcium.......I need to look into this more......again thank you.....great question
Hello dear brother, thanks for the kind words! Yes can’t wait to see the iris’s! 😁 one of my variegated got a mushy root for some reason. I hope I fixed it and it doesn’t set it back next year. Ok I understand what your saying now, but now what have you cut back to feed wise? Mine have always stayed inside. Never been outside but I have some that have started new growth just like that. Also I am using the same lime as you. I try to get the exact of what you have. I follow the master lol 😆 also I increased the Vanda feed and flushed them a lot they started putting out awesome roots. Now all of a sudden the tips of the roots are drying up. What am I doing wrong? Your plants look super! So glad Jan is feeling good! Power of prayer! Hugs and love from WV sis ❤️🤗
...dear Paula.....Im feeding lower now.....140-150ppm..........strength of mix should be based on growth and rate of growth....flush the vandas and make sure they are getting calcium.....40-50ppm.......give them lower feeds also....and a few drops of kelp they always like...when you water..........soak them......never spray them or spritz them....
Hello dear brother, I am doing just as you said. I flush flush flush. They were growing great just suddenly lost about 1/4 inch of some roots, yet others are still growing. Maybe I’ll cut back on ppm of feed see how that does. I do the calmag, lime and seaweed. I so appreciate your input. Vandas are tough. Some folks plant them others leave to air. I do spritz them occasionally so I’ll have to stop that. They was growing great roots just stumped as to where I went wrong again. Lol hugs and love from your WV sis!
Hi Rick, hoping you and your wife are doing ok. I have a question for you. I'm growing my phals now in the river rocks, don't know why but I always have problems with them, tried different types of mixes and mounting. Those phals are not doing good, I just reported them, so I will give them a chance. My question, does river rocks retain enough water? Thanks, by the way we are doing much better.
.....so happy to hear you guys are doing well, continued prayers.........the river rock doesn't absorb much water at all........its the entire clay pot and gravel together that stays moist.........soak them, instead of spraying them ..........let them soak for 30 minutes till plump and hydrated.....
HELP!!!!!! Rick you have been great in getting me started in AV's. The wife brought 3 orchids home from the grocery store. What do I do with them? I have looked at a lot of different channels on youtube and get all kinds of conflicting info. They are Phala. Two are real small and one is medium. I have a spot in the house with indirect sun that she likes. They are blooming should I feed them. Good food for them? I am a beginner so I want to keep it as simple as possible. Any direction would be greatly appreciated.
Phals are easy to care for........give them tiny amounts of food, often......water them then let them dry for few days.....and repeat.......I like BetterGro fertilizer and Calmag.......works great with orchids...
.......sounds nutrient related........is it older leaves or on newer leaves.......older leaves will show signs of immobile nutrient deficiencies.......new leave issues are from mobile nutrient deficiencies..........usually yellow leaf tips are from lack of calcium.....
Hi Rick😃. I have rope lights on my fence15’ back from porch & Catts: would that affect them? Also, do you water-soak every thing every day? I live SE Fla. You feed every day too?
...Bobbi....at the moment....I feed about 3x week.......cattleya's need total darkness.....not sure how bright the lights are........even light as low as 1/10th of a lumen can stop them from blooming...
Rick just one question do you know anything about silicon supplement for orchids is it something that is sold separately or is it something that is already present in fertilizer l look forward to your response thank you💕
.....a great question.....Silicon is probably second most available element behind Oxygen...its everywhere....because of that.....most plants dont need it supplemented ...unless they are in extreme conditions or in forced growth modes...being forced to grow very fast and pumped with nutrients...such as in full water culture hydroponics..those plants are pushed to their limits and growth is exaggerated,....they are also short lived plants....with extremely rapid, higher than normal growth, they may not be able to absorb enough silicon as well as other elements....so they are given supplements ......Liquid forms are known to raise ph very very high, and are unstable if not mixed correctly...Ive used it for years with hydroponics nutrient mixes......but never with orchids. It can build up in plants and become out of balance within its tissue....it can become toxic to plants that are not short lived.....and cause mutated flowers, growths,.....orchids are not short lived plants......just my opinion....
@@rickl.orchids I meant in preventing blooming of the Cattleyas, but thank you for the tip. I have three hygrometers on that self. Can’t be too careful.🥴🤭🥳🤗👍😂
Seriously... if there were an award for youtuber that has made the biggest impact in a community ... for category orchids ... that would have to be you! Hands down!! ... you have single videodly (handedly) taken every single growers growing successes to the next level! For my part... you gave me my confidence back regarding ‘how to grow orchids’ (and that I can trust my intuition again) ... I sincerely want to thank you for that! Every day... it’s the orchids that tell me I have not completely lost the plot / my sanity! Thank you ... so very very much!
I agree with you completely, Nina!
........what sweet words to read.......I thank you my dear friend....
I agree. Rick L. gets my vote for "Community-Impact- of-the-Year." I'm watching this tutorial for the third time and some others so often I've lost count.
@@paulareeveslmt bright side
Brightside
My Grandmother worked for a florist for years, and always brought home a Cattleya corsage for all her grandkids formal dances. Great memories. 😊
This is very helpful Rick
.......love that name....lol.....thank you
Thank you for your information that are very helpful and useful for me starting to learn more about different orchids.
Glad i found your channel and am a fan now.
You taught so many people the importance of nutrients and the value of some individually. I think that made everybody think about it and those thoughts made orchid growers get more success. Now you talk about the absence of light and that makes so much sense. Not only humans need a night time and a good sleep to get rid of toxins etc, but plants and animals do too. In the end we are all much more similar that we care to think about. After all we all leaving creatures had the same first cell as common ancestor...
Thanks for bringing these thoughts to us. 😍😍😍😍
I have to agree with you, Fernanda. I never knew plants were so smart until I found Rick! He has helped me have many "ah ha" moments from watching his thought provoking videos.
thank you so much.........you guys are the best.
Thank you, "Professor" Rick, for another video chock full of valuable info. The mosquitos are horrible here in Iowa right now too with all the late rains we have had this past month. I started using lime on my plants as soon as I found your videos and began to learn about orchids and their needs from a nutrient standpoint. I have re0potted my four cattleyas that a friend in Florida sent me into lava rock and they are happy as can be and have doubled in growth from the tiny two-inch pots they arrived in! My four phalaenopsis are in six-inch pots also lava rock and they are doing well, lots of new growth and healthy dark leaves. I love learning here and you are a wonderful teacher to many of us. I am glad Jan is resting and think of both of you often in prayers and in good thoughts.
Thanks Rick! I understand perfectly now! My poor mounts didn't get any! I rinsed all that goodness out of the tub I use.....better late to the party then not go at all. I have a few mishaped leaves too! You are the best! Thanks again, God bless
Thank you for your patience and reply. Mine are in leca, doing ok. I follow your cal-mag,maxicrop, weakly weekly with flushes. I soak my Vandas and they hang under 50% Black shadecloth. My Catts. look good but need more light. I also use MSU with rain water-when I can get it. Also use best Gro orchid food too. Have large heavy duty fan for circulation. My orchids are on wire shelves at edge of porch. Summer is NE morning sun and hot NW evening sun. Thx 😃
Thanks again Rick! You are ALWAYS so helpful!
I am glad that jan is doing good and i hope you are as well.Keeping you in my prayers,happy growing.
Thank you Rick ..... more great information .... very interesting about the light for the the orchids. Blessings to you both 💖🐝🐸
Interesting thoughts on light. Hope I bank this video in my memory correctly.
Thank you, I shall try your method!
Thank you! This is the best orchid information channel, you really care for the health or our plants.
Rick L., your bag baby, Windward Flair, is gorgeous. Thank you for the lesson on getting cattleyas to bloom. That was greatly needed information I needed. Your tutorials share needed points with a natural delivery every time I listen to you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Date: April 1, 2020.
A sound piece of advice for Cattleya growes all your orchids are looking awesome keep up the good work.
Thanks Rick I now understand that to observed the cattaleya and know when they preparing to bloom to place them in dark areas, thank you say hi to Jan for me blessings
Hey! Rick! a very good video, and very good information! thanks....
I have filtered light from the street, very interesting thanks for the info. I will take that into consideration
Thanks for the info on vitamin for plants, tried the cal. and I found a positive difference😊👍
Thank you so much for the video--good lesson!!!!
Another good talk. Blessings to Jan glad shes feeling well.
Great video....thanks Rick.
being new to orchids also, its interesting hearing all the different factors that play a role in whether or not a plant will bloom. i've had phalaenopsis for years not knowing how to properly care for them. but thanks to your videos and online research, i now have quite the collection of orchids that are all doing outstanding! i started getting into orchids, i mean REALLY getting into orchids back in february of this year, so everything i have in my collection now isn't even a year old yet. i started off with a mini phal (i can't even remember what its blooms look like) that was nearly dead. it had 5 tiny, shriveled leaves and 4 live but shriveled roots, and after watching your videos and doing some research it has since put out 6 big leaves and almost completely filled its pot with roots! i've adapted a somewhat unique method of growing my orchids and they ALL have responded EXTREMELY well. i have almost everything growing in live sphagnum moss and glass cylinder vases. i don't have any air holes in the vases so the moss stays moist and growing. this works well as my growing method because of how dry my climate is. it's also good for the orchids because the live moss is much more rigid and supportive than dried sphagnum and never breaks down or becomes acidic. This provides good airflow, high humidity, and easy nutrient uptake for the orchids' roots. a big phal i saved from a home depot about a month ago has also taken to the live sphagnum extremely well. It put out two new leaves, LOTS of new roots, it stopped absorbing its old spike, and started growing a secondary off of it while starting another primary spike on the opposite side! In the end tho, i don't really think it matters what media you grow them in, as long as the 4 key factors are within the acceptable limits, you can get orchids to do whatever you want. ;)
.......for a new grower you have a great growing style......great example of finding what works for your set up and conditions.......
Oh that toad was so cute :) Love them ! They are so so useful in a garden eating all bugs and mosquitos and they are just adorable I think
I was watching Blanca ( orchid diva ) and down the comments Norma morales brought me here... intersting channel
Hi Ricky, very interesting comments about the lighting. We’re getting dark here in the U.K. around 7.30 on a clear day, and growing in the lounge our lights go off around midnight when my husband comes to bed, so as it gets light around 7am I guess my cattleyas are getting too much light at the moment. Hopefully it will be okay in a couple of months when it gets light a couple of hours later.
I’ve been using Lime ( calcium magnesium) grains now for about just over a couple of months and already I’m seeing a big difference. New roots their putting out are stronger, more leaves spouting and new stronger growths on my cattleyas. Very happy with it, thank you! Glad to hear Jans resting up a bit as she’s still such a busy lady. Love to you both as always from across the pond xxx
......I think your correct........they need more darkness......thanks so much for all the kind words Chris........
Excellent information concerning light....and darkness. Also using lime now!
......would love to hear how its working for you David, your collection is so big and such a great variety......perfect for the dolomite lime.....should make a big difference in growths and root production...
Awesome. Cant wait to see this
Hi good day, beautiful orchids they look awesome, where I live it's light all around so my orchids don't bloom so am really sad, they are really over grown can you please give me some tips how to transplant and how to feed them I will appreciate it very much THANK you have a great day
Great video and information...and it is true many of us talk about giving our orchids enough light but tend to leave out the fact that they also need rest from the light as well. They are living creatures and they do need a balance...too much of anything can have a negative effect. I like how you covered that orchids are indeed reactive to their conditions and how even the slightest and most minute thing, that we would not give a second thought to, can actually effect their growth and bloom habit in a major way. It's like how we constantly talk about how majority of our orchids love warm to hot temperatures but we leave out the fact that orchids naturally thrive better when they can experience a distinctive drop in temps from day to night. Again great video and thank you for covering the other side of growing orchids...after all there are always two sides of the orchid story. :)
....you always have a wonderful outlook about growing.....rules are broken by those that look outside the box....thanks for your kind comment..
Hi Rick- I'm really new to your channel, however you have by far become the most informitive channel I watch. I just want you to know that beyond orchids, your health is far more important to all of us... be well, my friend. Jacqueline
They need to bring cattleya production up in so tired of phals and I absolutely love the catts
Amazing Shari Baby! wow its huge :) xoxoL.
So interesting about light- I have a salt lamp that stays on. I guess it could interfere with the blooming cycle.🤔
Hi Rick and Jan! So Glad you are feeling better and getting through the treatment, Jan! Sending much love to you both!
Rick, somewhere in my internet perusing on St. Augustine's Orchid society, I remember reading that there will be a second flush of growth in the Fall... not as prolific as the spring, but obvious and considered normal. I think it was written in a "how to feed orchids during the different seasons, article." Something like that...so not unusual...I, too have happily noticed this extra growth flush on my dendrobium and cattleya, in particular, though my phals are all still leaf and root and spike (not all) producing! Also, I remember reading about giving them some ethanol (vodka), and that, making a difference. Forgive me for not remembering who wrote the article (Kathy?), said she fed some with and some without, and that there was a noticeable difference in growth. She thought that it might have to do with opening the absorption in the root system causing more growth to occur...I'm sure there is an interesting vodka sour story about how THAT one was discovered! Lol!
......thats very interesting......I will have to look around for that info......never heard of that....
It was written by Sue Bottoms, under " watering and fertilizing your orchids"...she mentions ethyl alcohol ...1/4 teaspoon per gallon for fast growing orchids, once or twice a month. Will this work for people, too? lol, Just kidding!
Great video PhalPal Rick. Tell Jan Vay said hello
will do ....thank you my friend.......
Hi Rick, busy traveling lately ... so catching up on your videos. Question: I purchased a large Dendrobium Noble' this Spring and I just remembered that it requires special care this winter. Could you please give me some advice on winter care? Please send my love and best wishes to Jan ... I will keep her in my prayers, as I keep you in my prayers ... you have some wonderful doctors at UAB Hospital! You're in good hands!
Thank you Bobette......such kindness.......The Dendrobium needs a cool down and less water........give it enough to stay hydrated but not like its in growth mode.....once the bloom buds start to show......give it low feed and increase till its blooming well.....
I would say nothing more than full moonlight level once per week. Catts do recieve some moonlight in the wild but it comes and goes. Cloudy nights and such. Some nights completely dark yes, at least twice a week.
Very good
I read a long time ago that some orchids will not bloom well or at all unless they get a good 10 hours+ of total darkness.
......absolutely true and often forgotten......but the term "total darkness" is interpreted differently.....light as low as 1/10th of a lumen can halt cattleya blooms....
I've been doing the same thing all the time everybody is doing great UNTIL the last 4 weeks, now I use grow lights all the time I'm in Michigan we don't have any light no one is blooming they just sit and look at me lol
Jeanne Luddeni I’m in Michigan too! Today I brought a few outside again and I’ve been chasing the sun all day. Back in at night.
You can get orchids that doesnt need much light like phals
I learnt the importance of Calcium from your videos earlier this year. And I learnt the use of Dolomite lime from a veteran grower from Sydney, Australia. I have used Dolomite for the past 5-6 months and can safely say that it does no harm to the orchids or its roots. The lime even fell on growing root tips but it did no harm to them. I was little wary of how much to use at first but now I sprinkle a generous amount after watering so that it gets chance to stay in the medium and does its job.
Here is a great read on using dolomite from the Ku-Ring-Gai Orchid society (scroll down to page 5-6 for the article):
kuringaiorchidsociety.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/monthly-bulletin-april-2018.pdf
I have got my first Cattleya, a species, just a few days ago, and I am excited to grow & flower it well. One question - what percentage of shade net are you using up there?
wonderful feedback......thank you for the link..........the shade cloth is 60%......Im glad I didn't go 50%......I would have gotten some burn this past summer.....
Thank you so much Rick. It gets really dry and hot here too in Summer. Even in October the days are 36-34ºC right now. I will keep the 50% shade in winter and replace it with a 70% in summer. That's the best way for me here. Please keep doing more videos coz' I'm missing you in action for a little while now :) Hope your health & everything else if fine
Verdant Escapades thank you I enjoyed it too
I think maybe light is an issue for me we have an outdoor light thats on all night plus the neighbours porch light may be causing some plants to not bloom as they should.
Your videos are unbelievably helpful. You are the best! I hope you can offer some insight into why my fragrant orchids are not fragrant. I have read that first time bloomers may not be fragrant so I have patiently waited and as I have had more blooms, still no fragrance. I have had many spikes on my Sharry Baby, a Brassavola Novosa, a number of Phal species including a Bellina and even a fragrant cat that has no fragrance. I grow indoors with grow lights. Could lack of sun be causing it?
........very kind thank you Nancy.........most orchids that are fragrant wont release scent oils till temps are higher........outside when they get over 80*.......the fragrance gets intense....and gets stronger with the temperature rise........if they are blooming, and fragrant they should have scent........if not move them to a warmer area.....
Interesting comments about light exposure. The Christmas cactus, amaryllis and poinsettia are light triggered for their flowering habits. Which form of the Espoma dolomitic lime are you using? There are so many available on the market.
www.espoma.com/product/garden-lime/
Thanks for taking the time to send me this link. I have ordered a bag of this to try. I have a hedge in my side yard (west facing with north exposure on a canal) that is a bit slow in growing. There is high shade provided by areca palms so there is competition for water and nutrients. And, being in southeast FL, the soil is very poor and very sandy. I envision creating a microclimate to aid in growing my orchids. I thought this might be worth a try in the areas in which the hedges are lagging in development. Since I am also a bonsaist I'm thinking of trying small amounts on those trees as well. So....appreciate your help. I'll keep you posted on what happens.
Are you not going to use your grow lights this winter? You mentioned your sunroom. Are you still using Cal Mag with the lime?
This winter could you let us know how much fertilizer you'll be using?
Yes, African violets need a dark time each night, too! Thanks for all of the info!!!
......no grow room or lights this fall/winter.......I want them to get back in cycle.......my sunroom has big windows, faces south and gets good sun all day....Im still using calmag and lime.....as for mix strength......once inside 125-135ppm.....few times a week........well see
Peppermint oil mosquitoes don't like it. I say you put a little on your risk or put it in a spray bottle and missed yourself with it not the pure to lose a little bit with some water and dish soap if you're going to missed it I use it on the dogs for fleas. Enjoyed our talk tonight have missed you but I understand have a great week until your next video.
Thanks very much for your response this is something that came up on another you tuber Chanel and l thought of hearing what you have to say before l try it your opinion is much appreciated by me all the best to you and your wife God bless
I am using the lime as well. I use it with Cal Mag, Better Gro as well. I am glad you are talking about winter. My big question is-I know during the winter plants can slow or stop, but if we continue to feed, but not as much wouldn't that be better than to stop? My reasoning is the plants can still store nutrients correct? Or am I confusing this? Wouldn't surprise me if I am ...lol So happy you and Jan are doing good and you are back at filming and talking nutrients. Wish I lived closer because when I read an article about the research I often wish I could talk to you...lol You seem to be able to "dumb" it down for me...lol take care and many blessings for you and Jan.
....your correct Stacey.......think about orchids in nature.........resting or not......when ever it rains nutrients would be moved to them......they would get food.........maybe lower at times and less frequent.......but every time it rains they get food......so even during winter or rest period......when ever you water......add some nutrients........strength of mix should be based on growth and rate of growth....
Ok, this makes sense. I was under the impression none at all. This makes the "light" turn on...lol
Thank you for the vid.Lovely blooms👍💜🌸What happen to the molten phal?
the mottled phal......its still here.....
@@rickl.orchids could you please make a video about the phal.Thank you kindly . 🌸
I am hoping to have a little more heat here... temps are a little on the low side for this time of year...
Do Phals need the dark in order to bloom too? Thanks for the info Rick, hope Jan is still doing well.
Thanks for sharing how you grow! I live in Miami, FL where i grow several genera of orchids, but have mostly specie dendrobiums. The water out of the hose is 9.4 ph, 171ppm. I've used the Epsoma garden lime as a top dressing after seeing that several growers use it to help with the breakdown of media. Since using it, I have noticed tremendous growth and lushness. But a FEW (very few) of the plants are showing what looks like a burn on the new growth. (i feed fertilizer @ 1 TBSP per 5 gallon water, once per week...rotating feeds that i have in the shed. peters excel with cal/mag, 20/20/20, occasionally bloom booster.) I'm wondering if the garden lime is the culprit, as someone has told me that my plants are getting water that is waay too alkaline from the garden lime on top of water that is too alkaline. Any thoughts? Thanks
......I think your routine sounds fine.... if there is one thing your using that could burn roots .....would be the hose water......the lime wont, but the chlorine and other stuff can easily burn roots....9.4 is way out of the range for orchid use...
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Keep making those great videos! I'm sending good vibes your way.
( I know the hign ph is a problem :o( Tried to collect rainwater, but not really workable in my situation. Thinking about maybe an RO system...)
Hi again. Please; what do you grow your oncidiums in? The sherry baby too . Thx
Regards to Jan and you-stay strong 😃
........the Sherry baby is in pea gravel,......the rest of my oncidiums are in lava rock, river rock, or mixture of all......
Hey guys! Do you kn which Espoma garden lime should I use? I am not sure which one it is and I do not want to take the chance to screw my plants over. Also, what’s the frequency and the amount for a 6” pot Cattleya ? Thanks a lot
Great video, Rick. I have to ask
Can we give calcium to phalaenopsis, too? even when are in bloom? and how often?
thank you for sharing
Rick, when you discussed the topic of light for cattleyas, you said don't give them "too much light". You meant not too many hours of light, not intensity of the light, right?
Also, Ana Maria (Miracle Orchids) has recently been experimenting with liquid silicone and has Interesting results on her phals. Have you any opinion on that?
.......yes.......to many hours of light.....8-9hrs minimum of darkness...and complete darkness.....interrupted darkness can be an issue.....light as low as 1/10th of a lumen can halt cattleya blooms....
Hey Rick! What has become of the plants I sent you? I don't ever see them in your videos. I would love one of those Bc. Windward Flare! I don't ever see them in the bag babies over here!
...How are you my friend......I will keep a look out for a BLC Winward for you.......they all are doing great, I will show them.......getting so big........do you remember the name of the Cattleya?......
All is well! The Cattleya I gave you was Laelia Gold Star X Blc. Guess What. Wishing you the best.
Thank you for another wonderful, informative video! That was a fascinating story about the #12 white Cattleyas and the single light bulbs that were used to trigger the blooms. I do have a question that I wanted to ask you, Rick. Since you grow your orchids outside during the summer, maybe you can tell me what you do before you bring them inside again for the winter. This is the first year that I have grown a handful outside during the warmer months. Do I need to spray them well with Neem oil, to kill any potential spider mites or scale? Is this enough of a preventative measure or should I also apply a broad spectrum pesticide? I don't want to damage my orchids but I don't want to bring in any unwanted pests, either!
.........great question Cara........Im in the same situation.......I will be spraying mine.......probably with Bayer, ........neem would be another good choice..
@@rickl.orchids Thank you, dear Rick, for taking the time to answer my question. 😁 Is it also safe to pour a little of the Bayer down inside the pot to kill any critters that might be lurking in there? It will be interesting to see how your orchids do this winter without the artificial lighting. 🌸☀️
Thanking you again for a great video. I can't believe how big that bag baby got since spring. Mine are 2/3 that size. What kind of lights are you using in your sunroom? Led, regular? What watts and etc. Thanks Rick. Blessings.
...thanks Susan.......no lights this fall/winter..........lots of sun thru the large windows in my sunroom....
Hi Rick, thanks for all your educational video,tons of love from INDIA,my que is ,I want to foliar feed my Orchids,so for calcium what should I have to use? calcium nitrate or calcium chloride,?I have read somewhere that for as a source of calcium for foliar feeding we don't have to use calcium nitrate and in place of it we have to use calcium chloride, your opinion...
Thank you.....calcium is best absorbed by the roots vs foliar......both nitrate and chloride are very water soluble..and work well on plants.....Ive never used chloride on orchids.......just my opinion, chloride is more corrosive vs nitrate.....chloride is used for de-icers, and soil amending......Calcium Nitrate has nitrogen along with the calcium.......I need to look into this more......again thank you.....great question
How long of an Autumn rest and cool down do my dens and cats require?
depends on the variety ......some dont get much of a rest, and some very prolonged....research is needed....
Hello dear brother, thanks for the kind words! Yes can’t wait to see the iris’s! 😁 one of my variegated got a mushy root for some reason. I hope I fixed it and it doesn’t set it back next year. Ok I understand what your saying now, but now what have you cut back to feed wise? Mine have always stayed inside. Never been outside but I have some that have started new growth just like that. Also I am using the same lime as you. I try to get the exact of what you have. I follow the master lol 😆 also I increased the Vanda feed and flushed them a lot they started putting out awesome roots. Now all of a sudden the tips of the roots are drying up. What am I doing wrong? Your plants look super! So glad Jan is feeling good! Power of prayer! Hugs and love from WV sis ❤️🤗
...dear Paula.....Im feeding lower now.....140-150ppm..........strength
of mix should be based on growth and rate of growth....flush the vandas and make sure they are getting calcium.....40-50ppm.......give them lower feeds also....and a few drops of kelp they always like...when you water..........soak them......never spray them or spritz them....
Hello dear brother, I am doing just as you said. I flush flush flush. They were growing great just suddenly lost about 1/4 inch of some roots, yet others are still growing. Maybe I’ll cut back on ppm of feed see how that does. I do the calmag, lime and seaweed. I so appreciate your input. Vandas are tough. Some folks plant them others leave to air. I do spritz them occasionally so I’ll have to stop that. They was growing great roots just stumped as to where I went wrong again. Lol hugs and love from your WV sis!
Hi Rick, hoping you and your wife are doing ok. I have a question for you. I'm growing my phals now in the river rocks, don't know why but I always have problems with them, tried different types of mixes and mounting. Those phals are not doing good, I just reported them, so I will give them a chance. My question, does river rocks retain enough water? Thanks, by the way we are doing much better.
.....so happy to hear you guys are doing well, continued prayers.........the river rock doesn't absorb much water at all........its the entire clay pot and gravel together that stays moist.........soak them, instead of spraying them ..........let them soak for 30 minutes till plump and hydrated.....
HELP!!!!!! Rick you have been great in getting me started in AV's. The wife brought 3 orchids home from the grocery store. What do I do with them? I have looked at a lot of different channels on youtube and get all kinds of conflicting info. They are Phala. Two are real small and one is medium. I have a spot in the house with indirect sun that she likes. They are blooming should I feed them. Good food for them? I am a beginner so I want to keep it as simple as possible. Any direction would be greatly appreciated.
Phals are easy to care for........give them tiny amounts of food, often......water them then let them dry for few days.....and repeat.......I like BetterGro fertilizer and Calmag.......works great with orchids...
Thank you and wish me luck.
one of the secrets to orchids is....pure water, get a TDS meter..{$20}...and check the ppm[ parts per million] of the water your using....
Rick, just watched your video and my Cat has yellow tips as much as an inch or two and some leaves are all yellow how can I make them green. Pat
.......sounds nutrient related........is it older leaves or on newer leaves.......older leaves will show signs of immobile nutrient deficiencies.......new leave issues are from mobile nutrient deficiencies..........usually yellow leaf tips are from lack of calcium.....
Hi Rick😃. I have rope lights on my fence15’ back from porch & Catts: would that affect them? Also, do you water-soak every thing every day? I live SE Fla. You feed every day too?
...Bobbi....at the moment....I feed about 3x week.......cattleya's need total darkness.....not sure how bright the lights are........even light as low as 1/10th of a lumen can stop them from blooming...
Rick just one question do you know anything about silicon supplement for orchids is it something that is sold separately or is it something that is already present in fertilizer l look forward to your response thank you💕
.....a great question.....Silicon is probably second most available element behind Oxygen...its everywhere....because of that.....most plants dont need it supplemented ...unless they are in extreme conditions or in forced growth modes...being forced to grow very fast and pumped with nutrients...such as in full water culture hydroponics..those plants are pushed to their limits and growth is exaggerated,....they are also short lived plants....with extremely rapid, higher than normal growth, they may not be able to absorb enough silicon as well as other elements....so they are given supplements ......Liquid forms are known to raise ph very very high, and are unstable if not mixed correctly...Ive used it for years with hydroponics nutrient mixes......but never with orchids. It can build up in plants and become out of balance within its tissue....it can become toxic to plants that are not short lived.....and cause mutated flowers, growths,.....orchids are not short lived plants......just my opinion....
You have a green thumb.
Will a heat lamp(red) be a problem?
.....sure...... as long as the temp that reaches the nearest plant is no higher than they would feel during sunny day.....leaf burn is possible
@@rickl.orchids I meant in preventing blooming of the Cattleyas, but thank you for the tip. I have three hygrometers on that self. Can’t be too careful.🥴🤭🥳🤗👍😂
i was totally disappointed by killing orchids or not blooming either !
you put light on me
now my catt are blooming.
Aku mau
Rick....new viewer....where do you live?
mid Alabama Paul..........welcome.
Rick L. Orchids Anywhere near Montgomery?
......Im just south of Birmingham........
Rick L. Orchids I live in Pike Road, just east of Montgomery
The three tiered enclosed unit on the patio, are there construction plans for it?
At 7: 38 What is that bush in the background with the big leaves and purple-ish blooms it look so familiar
....Oak Leaf Hydrangea......they grow wild here,
Thank you would have guessed it did 😁
Ig