out of all the orchid growers; your advice has saved my orchids and finally answered the Phal questions. Thank you. You are the only onw with healthy looking plants. I would like to see more updates but I understand that personal health for you and family members must come first.
Great information Rick which not only helps relatively new growers but it helps to remind older growers what they should be doing.....thank you. Oh for some of your sunshine the temp hasn]t reached 20c this year for more the about 10 days...... not orchid weather!!!!! Take care. Ed.
“Excuse the doodle, I’m trying to make a point...” Classic Rick! Having watched about 20 hours of your learned patient teachings, I’m finally listening to my plants (I’ve also ‘unsubscribed’ to most of my RUclips orchid channels.) SO grateful that you make the considerable effort to share with us. This is orchid wisdom. Praying that the big guy watches over you and you wife just as you so lovingly watch over your plants. Grow, grow, grow!
Thank you, Professor Rick. (Meant with deep respect) This is brilliant, I like the drawings, very helpful for us visual learners. Much love to you and Jan.
Well said Rick! Your orchids are a testament to your sage advice. You have shown that even the newer and the seasoned orchid hobbiests can achieve stellar results and I've been at it for going on a decade, and never had the results that I have now....thanks to you!!!! We all benefit from your break through thinking. Keep on spreading the word, soon they'll be calling your growing methods by name....The Rick L. Method. 😎😎😎.
You have already proved time and time again that the information that the orchid'"growers" give out is false. They don't like people like you who are telling the truth. They want you to keep buying their blooming orchids, having them die and then having to buy another one the next time. It is all about greed. So thanks to you, we the ones who love to grow orchids, have someone truly on our side. Thanks so much, Rick!
Rick, Wanted to tell you I tried ur procedure of pea gravel & river stones on one of my phals & then put it outside on a deck that gets afternoon sun but through towering tree shade. It’s thriving & loves it outdoors. It gets daily water from sitting under a large planter ( which has shade annuals) which gets watered each morning. Roots & new leaf growth says it must be happy! Also give it cal mag a few times a week in addition to the drip it gets from the planter above it. I tried only one of my phals this way to see what happens. ( as I have only 8 phals ) Am sold now on the idea. Thanks very much! Hope things are good with you & ur wife.
Thanks again, Mr Rick. Informative video as usual. We can all relax taking care of orchids. Your plants’ health shows that you are doing the right things for your orchids and other plants. Stay well.
Great video Rick. I grow outside and my phals don't get crown rot as long as they have enough air circulation. My high temperature also ensures quick evaporation and no standing water. And yes, I feed them extra calcium.
Roger made an EXCELLENT POINT about the "dry winter rest" . He said that "when you hang your clothes out to dry, and its damp outside foggy etc, that your clothes are not going to dry ". And I thought that was a great point
Another amazing video! Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge! You have me considering and reconsidering a slew of things now. Only one request good sir.... more please!! 🙌🏼🙏🏼
You explain things in a very clear manner. Thank you for sharing all your valuable information. I've started feeding my orchids little and often, and always with calcium. No more burnt root tips and lots of healthy growth😊 thank you so much for helping me to understand why and how it all works.xx
Yeah thanks Rick - FINALLY I get to hear what causes those damn burnt root tips on my Cattleya, and new shoots that grow seemingly wonderfully and then just die off. Lesson learnt.
You are so knowledgeable! This makes so much sense. I wish I knew this sooner! Please make more videos sharing your plant knowledge!!! We need specifics.
Excellent insights into the question of water and calcium. I have always wondered about how these plants do so well in nature, yet become so needy and delicate when domesticated. Your presentation helped (I hope) dispel some myths.
Yessssss🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 I get asked this question all the time!! My phals on my trees NEVER GET CROWN ROT! I attach them right side up and they get poured on all the time especially during summer. Never have I seen crown rot. Ever!! Thank you Rick !! It’s a myth ppl trust me 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 and trust Rick. He knows what he is talking about.
they look so healthy and strong. beautiful set up you have Rick. I put out all my orchids and use the water hose to water them. so far there is no crown rot. we'll see. it's been warm here so the water dry out fast from phals. thank you again. great seeing you, i know it's been awhile.
Yes, your drawings help me to understand the orchid growth. Thank you for making pictures to illustrate your concepts. I can see that calcium needs to be moved around where the plants can make contact with it. Thank you for your drawings, your words and your videos. Sending blessings to you and Jan. Be well.
As always Rick, soooooo informative. I have finally got a few of my orchids to bloom, but only 8 out of 22 plants. I have great roots, but no blooms. I am going to use your idea about using calcium in every watering to see if that helps. Thanks again for sharing. Prayers for you and Jan.
Hey dear brother, such a great video as usual! Thanks for touching on the Catasetum’s. Mine is still trying to figure out what to do. It’s not dying but it’s not growing either. So much misconception about them out there. You search for help but wind up killing your plant because of a myth! I love the way you explain what your saying. Your not saying this is my opinion and it’s best. Your just an awesome teacher and an awesome person! We are blessed to have you teaching us! Hope Jan is well! Love and hugs from WV ❤️
Hi Rick, I have been watching all your videos and what you are saying is correct. In the wild nutrients are given to the Orchid ever time it rains. I can listen to you all day, I have because what you are saying is what I have been saying and thinking. Thank you Kevin from England 🇬🇧
I have tried two different orchid fertilisers over the last 3 years and I haven't been happy with either, I have now started using a system similar to yours hopefully my orchids will be happier. This explains a lot. Some of resting Dendrobiums won't wake up in the spring unless there is a little calcium nitrate in their water. Thanks for another wonderful video.
Wow, you are dragging orchid growing into the 21st century; you think outside the box; you are a strong person who isn't afraid to to break away from tradition ...... forever grateful! 😊
Again, another video that helps put the picture together for me... literally, you drew a picture lol. I haven't even finished the video but I have to say it! Thanks again Rick, I already had a good understanding of black rot and now I feel I have the final piece to the puzzle. You explain things so wonderfully!
And I completely agree that there is a lot of bad information from what would be considered a reputable source. I've been growing orchids for a little over a year now and the most important lesson I've learned is, plants do what they want. Bottom line, it doesn't matter if some scholar somewhere says if you do A and B, C will be the result... orchids especially don't necessarily follow the 'rules'. I think the biggest reason is because those rules are incorrect, obsolete and need correction
Oh I’m so happy Rick! 😃👍🏻👍🏻. I’ve to one flower spike started but may have more going to look closer after watering today! I’m sure u know how I felt when I saw that spike! But this orchid has droopy leaves I have been worried about dehydration but leaves are green no wrinkles just droopy. Others are growing great n red root tips new leaves all doing great now. So excited 😆 all because of you 👏🏼
Hi Rick, found your channel because I wanted to start growing orchids again, also African Violets. Very informative! I plan on a growing room for the winter... I love how your room is set up. I love to Garden and this will keep me busy during the cold NJ winters
Rick, you’ve really enthused and encouraged me to pursue an interest in orchids ! I’ve had little success up to now but am making a fresh start with all the info and video evidence you’ve provided. My collection is small but I’m hoping to enlarge as I go and grow. Bless you for sharing and caring as you do ... your wisdom and skills have inspired this South African enormously
Rick, Thanks for another great video. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your video along with the video content. Currently I’m reading through an 5 part article published in 2003 “Journal of the International Phalaenopsis Alliance” by Bill Argo. As I listen to your video’s and think about the material I’ve been reading. It’s has been given me a greater understanding of how I want to grow or changes I need to make to grow better. To quote Roger “It’s about getting the maximum Potential out of your plant(s)”. My maximum potential will be different from your based on numerous factors. For me the question then becomes, what tweaks can I do or willing to do to elevate my maximum potential. Next it being able to recognize those differences. I’m getting to a point where I need to correlate my own personnel observations (which takes time) with the research I’ve been doing. So I’m fighting with observation verses research on my orchid care. One thing I’ve noticed on your indoor or outdoor set up is your use of wire shelving. Once you have watered your plants or the rain has fallen. You have air flow above and below your pots. Even when I visited nurseries, I’ve seen this sort of shelving being used. I always assumed it was used to drain off excess water from your typical garden nursery plant (which it is). But how important is that air flow around an orchids roots system combined with its need for nutrients. Even when you have your plants indoors and you are soaking them in a tub, when you lift the plant and planter out of the tub. As the water is evacuated through the bottom hole of your pot, fresh air is pulled into the spaces evacuated by the water. And while I am using fans to circulate air around the plant leaves. That still doesn’t necessarily pull new air in around the root zone. When I am thinking about watering my orchids, it’s been solely to provided hydration and feed, not to change out the air around the root zone. When i see your plants on the wire shelving, it reminds me of a cooling tower for a power plant. Cooler air is drawn to the hot water in the finfans on the base of the tower, the air gets pulled up through tower as it takes away the excess heat. I am eager to get your thoughts on this.
Have a great father’s day weekend and sorry in advance for the heat transfer/thermodynamics question.
….heh heh heh......I love your analogy with the cooling tower...…..your 100% spot on....airflow is key for many things....the wire shelfs allow lots of air flow....and you will notice I don't use tray or saucers under my pots as many others do...…...its so I don't restrict the air flow.....I will use a saucer if I have a plant that is drying out to fast...…..it will restrict air flow and slow down the drying time....and your exactly right about pulling fresh air into the pots as the water drains out....think about hydroponics...…..in full on water culture with air injection.....growth is increased by 10x....thanks for the great comments.....
Rick, we all miss you! I pray that you and Jan are doing as well as can be expected! I am a better grower because of your wisdom you took the time to leave us!!
Please write a book! Mainly on facts and myth, and in depth but dumbed down language of orchid growth and nutrient information. Thanks so much for your shared wisdom!
Hi Rick you are totally right. I water my orchid with hose and get them all wet and leave them out in the rain too but never got black rot. Only problem I had this year was, I got lazy and didn’t feed my orchids. A lot of my orchids had new growth but the oldest leaves turned yellow and dried out. You are right about mobile nutrients. Also this year I repotted my catasetums with pebbles and watered the heck out of them even before the new growth was 3inches and had no rot problems. Now I’ve been feeding them with cal magic every time and they are doing great.
Hi Rick! I am Mária from Hungary, been back to your chanel after a year and half missing many videos and trying to catch up. In the meantime I want to leave comments to your new videos because they are very knowledge rich, you explain your stuff excellently and I am gratefull to you. I am an agricultural engineer, plants had been my hobby for a long time, but it is only recently I started to work with them in greenhouses growing hydroponicly. I love learning new stuff and you do many the research work for us regarding orchid growing. I envy you the time you have to do it but that is, that is life for me at the moment. I have a little orchid collection, mainly Phal hybrids and species, Dendrobiums with me in the greenhouse which is suited and organised to grow cucumber to its max capacity. My orchids get the same conditions as the cucumber plants and to my suprise they just strive. It is sometimes 90-100 degree F, they have water siting around them, in the crowns, new shoots, roots etc. And I was nervous and watching like a hawk for any sings of rot and yes, you are right, there is none. Because they have calcium around, because of the way cucumber is grown with the water always containing the necessery elements. Although I need to fine tune it to orchids, as I can see, little more Mg is needed but maybe its because of the nursery’s treatment they mainly came from which is a leftover for me to deal with. One thing is for sure, Phalaenopsis bellina and its hybrids are prone to Mg deficiency, in my opinion. Keep up the good work, I will try to catch up with you, too. God bless you and your loved ones! ❤️
Maria Szoke I do what Rick suggested in one of his videos and that is to use pelletized lime once a month or six weeks or so on the orchids. Rick just took a couple pinch bowls and sprinkle that on top of his River Rocks. I sprinkle it on top of the bark that might work as are growing in and that helps with the calcium he just told me in a post I posted on this video. I also add Epsom salts to the water I use for my orchids to soak in and that adds the magnesium. I also use seaweed Emulsion fertilizer which he suggest using and that gives them the hormones and other nutrients that they need. I think those three things plus the fertilizer I use has made my orchids have beautiful flowers but also have beautiful leaves all of mine are phalaenopsis. Rick is the best and so is Rodger of Rogers orchids on RUclips. And there's another lady I watch who lives in Canada the city's name is Salmon Arm. She also has a greenhouse and grows a lemon tree and an orange tree in her Greenhouse besides other plants she / winters like her geraniums she also grows all of her tomatoes and pepper plants for her garden and other plants for her garden. Her orchids are in the house her name is Caroline and her husband's name Jack and their channel is a combination of both their names Jacqueline but Jacqueline is spelt Jacoline.... so it's Jacoline's orchids.... she has very unusual ways to display her orchids she's very creative very artistic does some unusual sculptures for in her yard and paintings and make some very unusual pots to put her orchids in. Almost all of hers are phalaenopsis you would enjoy her Channel since you're talking about the fact that you have a greenhouse
Your video here just confirmed my reason for buying a sack of pure calcium nitrite, already seeing a difference. My single phalaenopsis schilleriana has slammed a new leaf already, and it also gets slammed with rain and no rot. I use the lime also. I'm hitting mine everytime with calcium now. Great video Rick, give me a call on that tree, I'm usually home.
So glad I found your channel, I have two phals I got for my birthday this year, I simply worry over them all the time, although they are growing new leaves I worry, worry, worry about over watering them, it's been raining here just about daily an I have phals on the front porch, I noticed that you have all your in clay pots, mine are in plastic pots I thought they would do well due to the roots needing light, but now I just don't know. Your look great, I am going to get some calcium garden lime is that what you said to use. Look forward to watching other videos and learning more about how to properly care for my phalaeopsis. Talk at you later.
KIMBERLAND I just started out in November with phalaenopsis orchids. There's a lady named Caroline and her husband's name Jack so they combined their names together and it's Jacqueline spelled with an O though. J a c o l i n e orchids is the name of the channel. She displays her orchids in unusual ways and got me started and then I found Rick and Rick helped me know I could keep them alive. I use water for my dehumidifier so it's sort of neutral. I rinse them off first with plain dehumidifier water in the first Tucker tote then I rinse the leaves off with my water that has fertilizer in it and let the pot then soak and that Tucker tote that has the fertilizer the seaweed fertilizer in and also some Epsom salts for about a half an hour. Watching Caroline she always said to repot the orchids as soon as you get them even if they're in bloom and that's what I've done they get in fresh bark and a brand-new clay Orchid pot the kind with the slits on the side. The way I tell if they need watered as I stick my finger down in the bark and it will feel dry in the winter they needed watered once a week or every 10 days because I had a humidifier going that kept the humidity 60% for higher in the living dining area. The house because it felt warm because of the humidity I kept at 68 degrees. Now the orchids need watered more often because the sun is brighter and is shining most everyday. So now my orchids need watered every four to five days. My orchids have been blooming since November December a few have finally quit blooming but Rick suggest not cutting the spike off. That has a lot of nutrients stored for the plant and if it needs it it'll die back if it doesn't need those nutrients just leave it be. The air conditioner got turned on and I think the colder air around the plants is causing them to get new spikes and Rick told me not to worry about that happening. I also once a month or every 6 weeks sprinkle lime on top of the bark before I pour the water on and let them soak. I use epsom salts brand pelletized lime. That's what Rick said to use he just informed me on these comments that that has calcium in it. I also sprinkle some Epsom salts in the water that they soak in so that gives them some magnesium. You only have two orchids that wouldn't be that hard to soak them once a week or whenever they need watered. He said that they feed while they're soaking in that water because the only way they can use the nutrients is if they are touching the roots. If it's not touching the roots they can absorb it. I think that's why it's important to rinse them like I do with plain water sister all that around and get any excess out before I put them back in the Tucker tote with the fertilizer the Epsom salts and I also if I forgot to mention it use seaweed fertilizer. Find the seaweed fertilizer it's one of the most important things for the orchids. Rick says it has hormones in it. After my orchids soak I use the leftover water to water my house plants and if there's any left over I use it to water my outside garden. The pansies I planted this winter were the most beautiful pansies I've ever had this spring and are still in full bloom in spite of the heat here in Maryland. I am new to orchids I've tried through the years to try to grow them I always thought the minis and they always died or I bought some Bag babies and they died but Caroline and Rick have made me successful especially Rick. Go back and watch his other videos you will never waste your time when you're watching one of Rick's videos. I'm Rick I hope you didn't mind I posted this! And the reason I'm able to write so much as I use my cell phone and there's a little microphone on my keyboard so I just talk and let my cell phone do the typing so hopefully I've got any words that the microphone printed that I didn't say like a few minutes ago it said panties instead of pansies and I've never planted panties outside teehee!! And Rick you're the best I guess a few years ago or a decade ago the kids would have said you're the bomb teehee
Such a well thought out, informative, helpful video. Thank you bunches! I've already made changes to how I treat my orchids, including my catasetum. Seriously, I adore your straight forward no nonsense mannerisms. We are very lucky to have you. Well wishes for your wife and fur babies!
Write a book on you’re experience with orchids and your research and I have no doubt that it would be a best seller. :) Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge. I’m enjoying watching my orchids grow whilst putting you’re findings into practice. Kind regards from Down Under! ✌🏼😁
I live in texas and i put my orchids outside just like rick and they have never been so healthy! Hadn't had a problem with crown rot. Maybe because theyre outside in this heat the water evaporates too fast for it to cause damage, not sure, but my orchids loveeee some good rain, thanks for all the help Rick
I hope you're okay I noticed your reply to me was only a week ago so when you posted this post it was three weeks ago I just hope you're doing okay I worry about you but you have your wonderful wife to take care of you anytime you take to post a video is very much appreciated by all of us here good health and enjoy your orchids and spend time with that wonderful wife of yours God bless
Another fantastic video Rick. Finally, a video that puts to rest, the myth that crown rot in phals is not the result of fluid accumulation in the crown of the plant. I use to be a believer of this until a few years ago. I believed that water couldn’t accumulate in the crown of phals, because the plants grew upside down on trees in the wild. Therefore the water would, by gravity, flow away from the crown. Then one summer, a few years back, I placed my upside down mounted phals, under trees. By the end of the summer what had everyone one of those phals done? Well, duh, they of course had curved upward-their crowns reaching toward the sun. Realizing that, is when root rot being caused by water in the crown, ended for me. Well then what? Everywhere you read, root rot is caused by the accumulation of water at the crown, and yet these plants have survived torrential rains in the wild. It took a lot of research, until I began to believe, that lack of calcium could be the culprit. But who am I to know. I do still believe that fluid accumulation on leaves and the crowns of plants can promote fungal growth, potentially lethal, in the unhealthy, nutrient deprived plant. Thank you so much for confirming something I have been pondering for a few years - for putting this info out there for so many to learn from. I have one question I’ve been meaning to ask for awhile. I have been using General Hydrponics CALiMAGic as my calcium substrate. Their directions call for the addition of 1tablespoon/gal. However if used at that dosage, the TDS runs in the 100’s like 400+ if I remember correctly. High anyways. Should I use at that rate or scale it back to around 80-90% of my total TDS. I’ve used it at that high of a dose with no apparent problems. However if less is more it will save in product. I use a fertilizer, from a very trusted orchidologist, who produced and manufactured the product, after years of study in the field and along with the help of our University. The nutrients are not listed and are kept secret. I was able to obtain from him that when mixed according to instruction, and it does, result in a TDS ~ 125ppm. I was also able to squeeze from him that the nutrients are, if I remember correctly: calcium 8, mag 3, 13? nitrogen. I’m also wondering about the need of additional nitrogen. He’s been around orchids all his adult life and believes that the only addition, that he might occasionally add, is the product Superthrive. It’s a concentrated vitamin solution derived from kelp, which I’ve used for years. His son is quick to interject that some orchids may need more of some nutrients. The younger’s thoughts. Ok I’m rambling. I’ll appreciate your thoughts. As always you and Jan are in my thoughts especially as I wonder amongst my orchids.
I am new to phals and have recently stumbled on your channel here. I have not had time to thoroughly review all the comments and videos yet. I rescued clearance rack phals that were out of bloom or just plain neglected. I must be doing something right because all but one are sending me spikes and my first one is flowering right now. The one without a spike was severely root bound and recently transplanted. I revived a totally limp orchid, brought it back to life, that one is spiking too though the lower leaves have yellowed. I am going to fertilize with each watering. The underside of the new leaves on this one has a purple hue. I changed them from original potting media (mossy media) to a bark mixture with a little moss mixed in. And I’m happy to hear that you do the soak method because that’s what I started to do after changing the media. I understand calcium is important, so my question is whether DynaGro “Grow” 7-9-5 fertilizer is sufficient to cover the calcium needs? The guaranteed analysis for Ca is 2%. The dosage on the bottle is either 1/4 to 1/2 tsp per gallon for maintenance, and for production they recommend 1 tsp per gallon when watering weekly. I use 1/2 tsp per gallon and though I have well water (sandpoint/shallow well) I use distilled water for my plants. Should I be supplementing this with a separate calcium and if so, what brand do you recommend and at what dosage? Thank you kindly, your knowledge is appreciated.
Great talk Rick...I have been thinking of experimenting with adding top layer of crushed coral to provide a constant supply of calcium...I have added it to aquariums to boost calcium in the water so I'm thinking this might also help...
……..I don't see why it wouldn't work...…..but remember.....orchids need water soluble calcium.....coral will have to broken down by microbes before releasing calcium...…..it takes time and is slow releasing......like using dolomitic lime......
Great Great Dear Rick L .You made my day.,Happy to get your presence in my channel :) i mostly use my native language for my country man !! But than for orchid language is not a barrier i think. B coz orchids has their own language and we all undersrand . hope you get in touch and comment me too.
I have not forgotten you......…...I wanted to get the other questions out of the way so I can watch your videos and see what's up.....Im watching now,...….
Rick L. Orchids I am finger X plz Do find another short 3min fllm below i like to ask another Question on my mounted phelo which has issues. You may reply in my videos or may come back here and reply me. So this is my help post 3 and before this when u visit my channel find help post2 as well ! Hope you do not mind as i am taking a lot of your space! But i love the way you teaches us!! ruclips.net/video/N6ZoymEcSns/видео.html
You diffinetely need to vlog watering and feeding lava, pea pebbles and river rocks watering and feeding . Will be cool the visual education 😎 hello from Toronto Canada 🇨🇦 👋🥰
Another great illustration and verbalization. Each time you explain it, it gets clearer. I appreciate your patience and want to thank you for the inspiration. I hope you and your family are doing well and have a great Fathers Day weekend.
I’m new to your channel and fairly new to keeping Orchids. Yours look amazing! Having a warm and sunny climate I’m sure helps. I’m in New England and growing mine in sub optimal conditions. I am learning and getting better though and my Orchids are happier for it. Your videos are very informative and I’m glad I found your channel!. I added crushed oyster shells to my mixes but now I’ll be supplementing with even more calcium. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, it’s much appreciated.
You 'dare' as often as you like - I've been having a 'go' at these old books for years - they keep repeating the same 50 year old info and don't think to question. Like you say, at best it's mis-information and some is just wrong! You could be the first to really explain 'why' Calcium! I don't remember any rot for quite a while now and my bug-count is right down this year - almost gone.
Roger's Orchids I love your postings on RUclips along with Rick's and Caroline's(Jacoline's orchids)... you 3 have helped me become successful with orchids...Caroline got me addicted and gave me the confidence I needed to think I wouldn't kill orchids like I had in the past and Rick gave me the knowledge that I needed to keep up my courage and you Rodger have opened up the world of other orchids to me. Your new posting that I watch today with those glorious yellow orchids blooming made my addiction grow to want some of what you are growing. I have 30 phalaenopsis and I've already posted all about them in a comment on your posting. I have one fell that I bought in December and has to like hanging waterfall like spikes and one of those has 10 blooms on it right now and the other one has 11. They are almost touching the ground and they are attached to a 12in Spike or piece of wood and then draped on the side it's the most gorgeous Orchid because one goes down the right and the other spike is like a waterfall down the left. I bought it to give to my son for Christmas and our signals got crossed and he didn't stop when he was in town. So now I don't want to give it up. The three of you were like the Three Musketeers that have helped me so much. And you three are inspiring me to get myself in gear I'm have my own channel on RUclips about my orchids and other plants
Roger's Orchids I know some one here in my country growing like Blanca ( Orchid diva, do not know why she took her name Diva which is a Hindi word, just kidding :)) she grow Phelonopsis out door on tree trunk on old reading table and also on clay pot . She never complained on crown rot . But some people keep telling us to keep a tissue paper in one hand and water jar in other hand while watering Phelonopsis. I think those people does not feed calcium to their plant !! Mine has no issue of pesticides or insecticides. Ever I use those stuff. If in case there are any I shall bin that plant . Do not dare to do treatment and infest my garden !!
Mr Rick, you have an avid fan here. I reconfigured the way I care for my orchids just the way you shared with us how. Can I tell you... I noticed a huge improvement in the leaves and roots growth in as little as 2 months! THANK YOU so much for sharing your vast knowledge. I have a question: Are you using time-release fertilizer on your orchids? Please keep these fertilizing videos coming. I always look forward to the next one.
……..I love hearing of your success....keep up the great work...….I don't like time release fertilizers for orchids...…..when they release they dup huge amounts of nutrient's…...if the calcium isn't matched you can get skinny soft growths that die back.....
Good lord, how am I only seeing this video now and/or really having an "ah-ha moment" re: my use of nutrients. I am a long experienced plantswoman but a beginner orchid collector/grower and have unfortunately been under-informed about calcium and its role in nutrient uptake and plant metabolism. I have read and studied and read more...and then only today...Having a brain-imploding-moment with this video. Well, thank you Sir for saving my plants from another avoidable mishap or even demise.
Love your videos. So informative. You're changing the orchid growing game ( or at least you're bringing the "Secrets" to the masses). I have a Cattleya Rex that I got last summer that I've been growing under LED lights. I've babied it non-stop since it arrived and last August it was growing really fast and the side of the new growth became black. I cut it away convinced it was rot but was perplexed at how that could possibly be ( no water on the leaves, good air movement etc.). Shortly after some research, a few articles I found, one other channel, and yours confirmed it was in fact a calcium deficiency. Now, I was and still am using MSU so I never considered it could be a nutrient issue. As per your recommendation I've been using the MSU + liquid CalMag and it has since put on two new perfectly healthy growths. I've now started to add in some liquid seaweed/kelp into the mix. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and insights
I grow a few Catasetums and Chysis; and, definitely agree with your comments. I repot mine at the end of the growing season and they do fine. During the summer I feed a good quality time-release fertilizer to my orchids for ease of growing in our heat/humidity. Can I add calcium during my daily watering routine without over-doing it? And, if you don't mind an off-topic question: do you know anything about using humic acid for soil improvement? I want to try it for lawn improvement here in south FL's very sandy soil. Hope you and your family are continuing with happiness and good health. Thanks for your great videos. They encourage me to improve my growth habits for my plants, especially orchids.
Pat Sfreund sandy soil needs hummus in it dead plant stuff so I wouldn't collect your grass clippings I would just cut the grass and let the clippings fall back down and help add organic matter to your lawn.
If you have access to compost sprinkle that also on your grass for your lawn. Here in Washington County in Maryland at our landfill you have to put the leaves and grass clippings in separate containers and they compost all of that. I can go buy a pickup truck full for less than $30 when I sprinkle that on all my flower beds and if you're trying to get your lawn going I'm sure you could sprinkle it on your lawn plans for double or triple the size they usually are because of the nutrients that are in that compost everything good at the plant packed away and its leaves is there when all of that is decayed.
Hi Rick. You are absolutely right. I have mentioned that I live in south Florida. I have 100s of orchids/spices. My trees are covered with orchids. (A hobby gone wild). All the water they get is overhead. One thing though due to our extreme humidity and heat I don’t use fertilizer with urea I think that causes some rotting. Would like your thoughts on urea. Thanks
your correct in a sense......Urea and ammoniacal nitrogen's are not absorbed as well at cooler temps, they collect & build up residual and can cause tissue burn....which starts rot..….but in south Florida with warm temps that would be a benefit not a hindrance...use it to your advantage........using Ureas during warm temps gives them more residual to feed from, less likely to go hungry between feedings.....if that makes sense.....when winter sets in...….a nitrate nitrogen would work better....
Hummmm. I thought that I should not use it in summer. Will dabble in it. One year I lost a lot of orchids to rot spotting Since I stop the urea I haven’t had that issue. When I ask local growers what fertilizer they use most of them use 20-20-20 which has urea so I don’t use. Thank you Rick.
Another wonderful video with so much useful information. I have been using calcium nitrate since last fall and this year new growths are stronger and grow faster... I got my first Catasetum a few weeks ago, still learning how to grow it. Thanks for helping us. Big hug to you and Jan 😍😍
Great video Rick. All of your plants look wonderful! I've been getting new growth on old orchids that did nothing for many years! I have another flower spike on Valentine and a new spike on an old flower spike that's starting to grow! Yes, we have to FEED our orchids! Thank you for all of your great advice. Have a wonderful weekend. Tammy in N AL. 😊🙋
..…...maybe explained in a different way......but this has been knowledge for a while...but I think the orchid myths keep it from coming to the surface.....
Хобби
Watching and comming back to Rick's videos again and again over the years. ❤ Rick L Orchid 💯
very kind.... thank you so much!
out of all the orchid growers; your advice has saved my orchids and finally answered the Phal questions. Thank you. You are the only onw with healthy looking plants. I would like to see more updates but I understand that personal health for you and family members must come first.
Your such a great teacher,thank you for having these very educational videos up.
.....very kind thank you.
Great information Rick which not only helps relatively new growers but it helps to remind older growers what they should be doing.....thank you. Oh for some of your sunshine the temp hasn]t reached 20c this year for more the about 10 days...... not orchid weather!!!!! Take care.
Ed.
“Excuse the doodle, I’m trying to make a point...” Classic Rick! Having watched about 20 hours of your learned patient teachings, I’m finally listening to my plants (I’ve also ‘unsubscribed’ to most of my RUclips orchid channels.) SO grateful that you make the considerable effort to share with us. This is orchid wisdom. Praying that the big guy watches over you and you wife just as you so lovingly watch over your plants. Grow, grow, grow!
Thank you, Professor Rick. (Meant with deep respect) This is brilliant, I like the drawings, very helpful for us visual learners. Much love to you and Jan.
Well said Rick! Your orchids are a testament to your sage advice. You have shown that even the newer and the seasoned orchid hobbiests can achieve stellar results and I've been at it for going on a decade, and never had the results that I have now....thanks to you!!!! We all benefit from your break through thinking. Keep on spreading the word, soon they'll be calling your growing methods by name....The Rick L. Method. 😎😎😎.
You have already proved time and time again that the information that the orchid'"growers" give out is false. They don't like people like you who are telling the truth. They want you to keep buying their blooming orchids, having them die and then having to buy another one the next time. It is all about greed. So thanks to you, we the ones who love to grow orchids, have someone truly on our side. Thanks so much, Rick!
Rick, you are a fountain of information. Thank you so much for taking time to teach us.
Rick,
Wanted to tell you I tried ur procedure of pea gravel & river stones on one of my phals & then put it outside on a deck that gets afternoon sun but through towering tree shade. It’s thriving & loves it outdoors. It gets daily water from sitting under a large planter ( which has shade annuals) which gets watered each morning.
Roots & new leaf growth says it must be happy! Also give it cal mag a few times a week in addition to the drip it gets from the planter above it.
I tried only one of my phals this way to see what happens. ( as I have only 8 phals )
Am sold now on the idea.
Thanks very much!
Hope things are good with you & ur wife.
Absolutely phenomenal and informative video on how to look at plant nutrition. Thank you so much for this video Rick!!!
Brilliant video, so appreciated. Hope you are having a good weekend! 🌱🌺
Thank you for all that you give. I have orchids that are beginning to thrive.
I just stumbled upon your channel! I absolutely love your videos! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us. 😊
Thanks again, Mr Rick. Informative video as usual. We can all relax taking care of orchids. Your plants’ health shows that you are doing the right things for your orchids and other plants. Stay well.
Hi Rick, what a great video so helpful now i get whats happening to my orchids. Thanks again and take care. Have a great day.
Great video Rick. I grow outside and my phals don't get crown rot as long as they have enough air circulation. My high temperature also ensures quick evaporation and no standing water. And yes, I feed them extra calcium.
Roger made an EXCELLENT POINT about the "dry winter rest" . He said that "when you hang your clothes out to dry, and its damp outside foggy etc, that your clothes are not going to dry ". And I thought that was a great point
Cause basically it's your environment and I know I'm not quoting him correctly. But a dry winter rest doesn't mean it's not getting water!
Another amazing video! Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge! You have me considering and reconsidering a slew of things now. Only one request good sir.... more please!! 🙌🏼🙏🏼
You explain things in a very clear manner. Thank you for sharing all your valuable information. I've started feeding my orchids little and often, and always with calcium. No more burnt root tips and lots of healthy growth😊 thank you so much for helping me to understand why and how it all works.xx
…….that's what I love hearing...…..
Yeah thanks Rick - FINALLY I get to hear what causes those damn burnt root tips on my Cattleya, and new shoots that grow seemingly wonderfully and then just die off. Lesson learnt.
Thanks so much for another informative video, Rick. Your advice & explanations are really so pragmatic and beneficial. Thank you
Rick,
Another very informative video. Thanks very much. You do the research & thinking & we benefit from your sharing.
HAPPY FATHERS DAY .
This is such a great video!! Thank you so much for sharing!!
You are the orchids whisper!!! 🤗🙏🏻👍❤️
You are so knowledgeable! This makes so much sense. I wish I knew this sooner! Please make more videos sharing your plant knowledge!!! We need specifics.
You are awesome Rick! Thanks so much for the information!
Excellent insights into the question of water and calcium. I have always wondered about how these plants do so well in nature, yet become so needy and delicate when domesticated. Your presentation helped (I hope) dispel some myths.
Yessssss🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 I get asked this question all the time!! My phals on my trees NEVER GET CROWN ROT! I attach them right side up and they get poured on all the time especially during summer. Never have I seen crown rot. Ever!! Thank you Rick !! It’s a myth ppl trust me 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 and trust Rick. He knows what he is talking about.
Orchid Diva greatest words
they look so healthy and strong. beautiful set up you have Rick. I put out all my orchids and use the water hose to water them. so far there is no crown rot. we'll see. it's been warm here so the water dry out fast from phals. thank you again. great seeing you, i know it's been awhile.
Yes, your drawings help me to understand the orchid growth. Thank you for making pictures to illustrate your concepts. I can see that calcium needs to be moved around where the plants can make contact with it. Thank you for your drawings, your words and your videos. Sending blessings to you and Jan. Be well.
As always Rick, soooooo informative. I have finally got a few of my orchids to bloom, but only 8 out of 22 plants. I have great roots, but no blooms. I am going to use your idea about using calcium in every watering to see if that helps. Thanks again for sharing. Prayers for you and Jan.
Thank you so much 😊 Mr. Rick ! Love your channel ..... I have subscribed ...
Hey Rick. Another food for thought video. I appreciate it. Take care and happy Father's Day on Sunday.
very kind thanks Amy.....
Hey dear brother, such a great video as usual! Thanks for touching on the Catasetum’s. Mine is still trying to figure out what to do. It’s not dying but it’s not growing either. So much misconception about them out there. You search for help but wind up killing your plant because of a myth! I love the way you explain what your saying. Your not saying this is my opinion and it’s best. Your just an awesome teacher and an awesome person! We are blessed to have you teaching us! Hope Jan is well! Love and hugs from WV ❤️
Thank you so much, Rick!
🥰Hey Rick I got my dying orchid growing :) Thank you so much!
Hi Rick, I have been watching all your videos and what you are saying is correct. In the wild nutrients are given to the Orchid ever time it rains. I can listen to you all day, I have because what you are saying is what I have been saying and thinking.
Thank you Kevin from England 🇬🇧
Thanks Rick for this educational video. I learned a lot from you during this video. Your orchids are beautiful 🪴🌸💜
I have tried two different orchid fertilisers over the last 3 years and I haven't been happy with either, I have now started using a system similar to yours hopefully my orchids will be happier. This explains a lot. Some of resting Dendrobiums won't wake up in the spring unless there is a little calcium nitrate in their water. Thanks for another wonderful video.
Wow, you are dragging orchid growing into the 21st century; you think outside the box; you are a strong person who isn't afraid to to break away from tradition ...... forever grateful! 😊
Margaret East VERY WELL SAID! Thank you!
your are too kind my dear friend...…….thank you
Great video full of great information
Thank you for sharing God bless you and yours
Again, another video that helps put the picture together for me... literally, you drew a picture lol. I haven't even finished the video but I have to say it! Thanks again Rick, I already had a good understanding of black rot and now I feel I have the final piece to the puzzle. You explain things so wonderfully!
And I completely agree that there is a lot of bad information from what would be considered a reputable source. I've been growing orchids for a little over a year now and the most important lesson I've learned is, plants do what they want. Bottom line, it doesn't matter if some scholar somewhere says if you do A and B, C will be the result... orchids especially don't necessarily follow the 'rules'. I think the biggest reason is because those rules are incorrect, obsolete and need correction
…..love how you said that...…….
Oh I’m so happy Rick! 😃👍🏻👍🏻. I’ve to one flower spike started but may have more going to look closer after watering today! I’m sure u know how I felt when I saw that spike! But this orchid has droopy leaves I have been worried about dehydration but leaves are green no wrinkles just droopy. Others are growing great n red root tips new leaves all doing great now. So excited 😆 all because of you 👏🏼
Hi Donna, how's your day going with you?
Thank you for sharing.
Interesting as always 🌺
Missing you. I hope all is well. Brightest Blessings.
Hi Rick, found your channel because I wanted to start growing orchids again, also African Violets. Very informative! I plan on a growing room for the winter... I love how your room is set up. I love to Garden and this will keep me busy during the cold NJ winters
…….I agree...….if one has room for it....a indoor grow room is wonderful to have...
Another incredibly informative video
Great video very educational thanks Rick
Your Wildcat orchid is gorgeous and I love your calcium talks
Rick, you’ve really enthused and encouraged me to pursue an interest in orchids ! I’ve had little success up to now but am making a fresh start with all the info and video evidence you’ve provided. My collection is small but I’m hoping to enlarge as I go and grow. Bless you for sharing and caring as you do ... your wisdom and skills have inspired this South African enormously
Thanks Lynn...….if I could do mine over...….I would slow down my collecting, and pick and choose each one for the blooms and growth habits......
More sage advice ... I’ll take it. Thank you.
Rick,
Thanks for another great video. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your video along with the video content.
Currently I’m reading through an 5 part article published in 2003 “Journal of the International Phalaenopsis Alliance” by Bill Argo. As I listen to your video’s and think about the material I’ve been reading. It’s has been given me a greater understanding of how I want to grow or changes I need to make to grow better. To quote Roger “It’s about getting the maximum Potential out of your plant(s)”. My maximum potential will be different from your based on numerous factors. For me the question then becomes, what tweaks can I do or willing to do to elevate my maximum potential. Next it being able to recognize those differences. I’m getting to a point where I need to correlate my own personnel observations (which takes time) with the research I’ve been doing. So I’m fighting with observation verses research on my orchid care.
One thing I’ve noticed on your indoor or outdoor set up is your use of wire shelving. Once you have watered your plants or the rain has fallen. You have air flow above and below your pots. Even when I visited nurseries, I’ve seen this sort of shelving being used. I always assumed it was used to drain off excess water from your typical garden nursery plant (which it is). But how important is that air flow around an orchids roots system combined with its need for nutrients. Even when you have your plants indoors and you are soaking them in a tub, when you lift the plant and planter out of the tub. As the water is evacuated through the bottom hole of your pot, fresh air is pulled into the spaces evacuated by the water. And while I am using fans to circulate air around the plant leaves. That still doesn’t necessarily pull new air in around the root zone. When I am thinking about watering my orchids, it’s been solely to provided hydration and feed, not to change out the air around the root zone. When i see your plants on the wire shelving, it reminds me of a cooling tower for a power plant. Cooler air is drawn to the hot water in the finfans on the base of the tower, the air gets pulled up through tower as it takes away the excess heat. I am eager to get your thoughts on this.
Have a great father’s day weekend
and sorry in advance for the heat transfer/thermodynamics question.
….heh heh heh......I love your analogy with the cooling tower...…..your 100% spot on....airflow is key for many things....the wire shelfs allow lots of air flow....and you will notice I don't use tray or saucers under my pots as many others do...…...its so I don't restrict the air flow.....I will use a saucer if I have a plant that is drying out to fast...…..it will restrict air flow and slow down the drying time....and your exactly right about pulling fresh air into the pots as the water drains out....think about hydroponics...…..in full on water culture with air injection.....growth is increased by 10x....thanks for the great comments.....
Rick, we all miss you! I pray that you and Jan are doing as well as can be expected! I am a better grower because of your wisdom you took the time to leave us!!
THANK YOU MR. RICK! My orchids has resurrected as soon as I feed them with cal/mag. 🥰ty again. God Bless Us For Orchids Angel Like You.
Trang Son I’ve been using this combo with kelp and leaves get sooo big. 😊
Your red star is just gorgeous.
Please write a book! Mainly on facts and myth, and in depth but dumbed down language of orchid growth and nutrient information. Thanks so much for your shared wisdom!
Hi Rick you are totally right. I water my orchid with hose and get them all wet and leave them out in the rain too but never got black rot. Only problem I had this year was, I got lazy and didn’t feed my orchids. A lot of my orchids had new growth but the oldest leaves turned yellow and dried out. You are right about mobile nutrients. Also this year I repotted my catasetums with pebbles and watered the heck out of them even before the new growth was 3inches and had no rot problems. Now I’ve been feeding them with cal magic every time and they are doing great.
Miss your videos Rick ❤️
Hi Rick! I am Mária from Hungary, been back to your chanel after a year and half missing many videos and trying to catch up.
In the meantime I want to leave comments to your new videos because they are very knowledge rich, you explain your stuff excellently and I am gratefull to you. I am an agricultural engineer, plants had been my hobby for a long time, but it is only recently I started to work with them in greenhouses growing hydroponicly. I love learning new stuff and you do many the research work for us regarding orchid growing. I envy you the time you have to do it but that is, that is life for me at the moment.
I have a little orchid collection, mainly Phal hybrids and species, Dendrobiums with me in the greenhouse which is suited and organised to grow cucumber to its max capacity. My orchids get the same conditions as the cucumber plants and to my suprise they just strive. It is sometimes 90-100 degree F, they have water siting around them, in the crowns, new shoots, roots etc. And I was nervous and watching like a hawk for any sings of rot and yes, you are right, there is none. Because they have calcium around, because of the way cucumber is grown with the water always containing the necessery elements. Although I need to fine tune it to orchids, as I can see, little more Mg is needed but maybe its because of the nursery’s treatment they mainly came from which is a leftover for me to deal with. One thing is for sure, Phalaenopsis bellina and its hybrids are prone to Mg deficiency, in my opinion.
Keep up the good work, I will try to catch up with you, too.
God bless you and your loved ones! ❤️
Maria Szoke I do what Rick suggested in one of his videos and that is to use pelletized lime once a month or six weeks or so on the orchids. Rick just took a couple pinch bowls and sprinkle that on top of his River Rocks. I sprinkle it on top of the bark that might work as are growing in and that helps with the calcium he just told me in a post I posted on this video. I also add Epsom salts to the water I use for my orchids to soak in and that adds the magnesium. I also use seaweed Emulsion fertilizer which he suggest using and that gives them the hormones and other nutrients that they need. I think those three things plus the fertilizer I use has made my orchids have beautiful flowers but also have beautiful leaves all of mine are phalaenopsis. Rick is the best and so is Rodger of Rogers orchids on RUclips. And there's another lady I watch who lives in Canada the city's name is Salmon Arm. She also has a greenhouse and grows a lemon tree and an orange tree in her Greenhouse besides other plants she / winters like her geraniums she also grows all of her tomatoes and pepper plants for her garden and other plants for her garden. Her orchids are in the house her name is Caroline and her husband's name Jack and their channel is a combination of both their names Jacqueline but Jacqueline is spelt Jacoline.... so it's Jacoline's orchids.... she has very unusual ways to display her orchids she's very creative very artistic does some unusual sculptures for in her yard and paintings and make some very unusual pots to put her orchids in. Almost all of hers are phalaenopsis you would enjoy her Channel since you're talking about the fact that you have a greenhouse
New to your site, love your information, very interesting.
Really good information!
Your video here just confirmed my reason for buying a sack of pure calcium nitrite, already seeing a difference. My single phalaenopsis schilleriana has slammed a new leaf already, and it also gets slammed with rain and no rot. I use the lime also. I'm hitting mine everytime with calcium now.
Great video Rick, give me a call on that tree, I'm usually home.
will do Todd...….dealing with family...…….you know the drill.
@@rickl.orchids I sure do!
So glad I found your channel, I have two phals I got for my birthday this year, I simply worry over them all the time, although they are growing new leaves I worry, worry, worry about over watering them, it's been raining here just about daily an I have phals on the front porch, I noticed that you have all your in clay pots, mine are in plastic pots I thought they would do well due to the roots needing light, but now I just don't know.
Your look great, I am going to get some calcium garden lime is that what you said to use. Look forward to watching other videos and learning more about how to properly care for my phalaeopsis. Talk at you later.
KIMBERLAND I just started out in November with phalaenopsis orchids. There's a lady named Caroline and her husband's name Jack so they combined their names together and it's Jacqueline spelled with an O though. J a c o l i n e orchids is the name of the channel. She displays her orchids in unusual ways and got me started and then I found Rick and Rick helped me know I could keep them alive. I use water for my dehumidifier so it's sort of neutral. I rinse them off first with plain dehumidifier water in the first Tucker tote then I rinse the leaves off with my water that has fertilizer in it and let the pot then soak and that Tucker tote that has the fertilizer the seaweed fertilizer in and also some Epsom salts for about a half an hour. Watching Caroline she always said to repot the orchids as soon as you get them even if they're in bloom and that's what I've done they get in fresh bark and a brand-new clay Orchid pot the kind with the slits on the side. The way I tell if they need watered as I stick my finger down in the bark and it will feel dry in the winter they needed watered once a week or every 10 days because I had a humidifier going that kept the humidity 60% for higher in the living dining area. The house because it felt warm because of the humidity I kept at 68 degrees. Now the orchids need watered more often because the sun is brighter and is shining most everyday. So now my orchids need watered every four to five days. My orchids have been blooming since November December a few have finally quit blooming but Rick suggest not cutting the spike off. That has a lot of nutrients stored for the plant and if it needs it it'll die back if it doesn't need those nutrients just leave it be. The air conditioner got turned on and I think the colder air around the plants is causing them to get new spikes and Rick told me not to worry about that happening. I also once a month or every 6 weeks sprinkle lime on top of the bark before I pour the water on and let them soak. I use epsom salts brand pelletized lime. That's what Rick said to use he just informed me on these comments that that has calcium in it. I also sprinkle some Epsom salts in the water that they soak in so that gives them some magnesium. You only have two orchids that wouldn't be that hard to soak them once a week or whenever they need watered. He said that they feed while they're soaking in that water because the only way they can use the nutrients is if they are touching the roots. If it's not touching the roots they can absorb it. I think that's why it's important to rinse them like I do with plain water sister all that around and get any excess out before I put them back in the Tucker tote with the fertilizer the Epsom salts and I also if I forgot to mention it use seaweed fertilizer. Find the seaweed fertilizer it's one of the most important things for the orchids. Rick says it has hormones in it. After my orchids soak I use the leftover water to water my house plants and if there's any left over I use it to water my outside garden. The pansies I planted this winter were the most beautiful pansies I've ever had this spring and are still in full bloom in spite of the heat here in Maryland. I am new to orchids I've tried through the years to try to grow them I always thought the minis and they always died or I bought some Bag babies and they died but Caroline and Rick have made me successful especially Rick. Go back and watch his other videos you will never waste your time when you're watching one of Rick's videos. I'm Rick I hope you didn't mind I posted this! And the reason I'm able to write so much as I use my cell phone and there's a little microphone on my keyboard so I just talk and let my cell phone do the typing so hopefully I've got any words that the microphone printed that I didn't say like a few minutes ago it said panties instead of pansies and I've never planted panties outside teehee!! And Rick you're the best I guess a few years ago or a decade ago the kids would have said you're the bomb teehee
Such a well thought out, informative, helpful video. Thank you bunches! I've already made changes to how I treat my orchids, including my catasetum. Seriously, I adore your straight forward no nonsense mannerisms. We are very lucky to have you. Well wishes for your wife and fur babies!
Write a book on you’re experience with orchids and your research and I have no doubt that it would be a best seller. :) Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge. I’m enjoying watching my orchids grow whilst putting you’re findings into practice. Kind regards from Down Under! ✌🏼😁
I live in texas and i put my orchids outside just like rick and they have never been so healthy! Hadn't had a problem with crown rot. Maybe because theyre outside in this heat the water evaporates too fast for it to cause damage, not sure, but my orchids loveeee some good rain, thanks for all the help Rick
It make a lot of sense, thank you for helping us to reason and see how wise is our Creator.
Wonderful orchid 👌👌
I hope you're okay I noticed your reply to me was only a week ago so when you posted this post it was three weeks ago I just hope you're doing okay I worry about you but you have your wonderful wife to take care of you anytime you take to post a video is very much appreciated by all of us here good health and enjoy your orchids and spend time with that wonderful wife of yours God bless
Another fantastic video Rick. Finally, a video that puts to rest, the myth that crown rot in phals is not the result of fluid accumulation in the crown of the plant. I use to be a believer of this until a few years ago. I believed that water couldn’t accumulate in the crown of phals, because the plants grew upside down on trees in the wild. Therefore the water would, by gravity, flow away from the crown. Then one summer, a few years back, I placed my upside down mounted phals, under trees. By the end of the summer what had everyone one of those phals done? Well, duh, they of course had curved upward-their crowns reaching toward the sun. Realizing that, is when root rot being caused by water in the crown, ended for me. Well then what? Everywhere you read, root rot is caused by the accumulation of water at the crown, and yet these plants have survived torrential rains in the wild. It took a lot of research, until I began to believe, that lack of calcium could be the culprit. But who am I to know. I do still believe that fluid accumulation on leaves and the crowns of plants can promote fungal growth, potentially lethal, in the unhealthy, nutrient deprived plant. Thank you so much for confirming something I have been pondering for a few years - for putting this info out there for so many to learn from. I have one question I’ve been meaning to ask for awhile. I have been using General Hydrponics CALiMAGic as my calcium substrate. Their directions call for the addition of 1tablespoon/gal. However if used at that dosage, the TDS runs in the 100’s like 400+ if I remember correctly. High anyways. Should I use at that rate or scale it back to around 80-90% of my total TDS. I’ve used it at that high of a dose with no apparent problems. However if less is more it will save in product. I use a fertilizer, from a very trusted orchidologist, who produced and manufactured the product, after years of study in the field and along with the help of our University. The nutrients are not listed and are kept secret. I was able to obtain from him that when mixed according to instruction, and it does, result in a TDS ~ 125ppm. I was also able to squeeze from him that the nutrients are, if I remember correctly: calcium 8, mag 3, 13? nitrogen. I’m also wondering about the need of additional nitrogen. He’s been around orchids all his adult life and believes that the only addition, that he might occasionally add, is the product Superthrive. It’s a concentrated vitamin solution derived from kelp, which I’ve used for years. His son is quick to interject that some orchids may need more of some nutrients. The younger’s thoughts. Ok I’m rambling. I’ll appreciate your thoughts. As always you and Jan are in my thoughts especially as I wonder amongst my orchids.
Hi Rick and Jan, Great information. Love to learn. I appreciate your video's very much. 🥰🌺 Happy Fathers Day as well. Hugs from Michigan to you both.
Praying all is well. Miss hearing from you.
I am new to phals and have recently stumbled on your channel here. I have not had time to thoroughly review all the comments and videos yet.
I rescued clearance rack phals that were out of bloom or just plain neglected. I must be doing something right because all but one are sending me spikes and my first one is flowering right now. The one without a spike was severely root bound and recently transplanted.
I revived a totally limp orchid, brought it back to life, that one is spiking too though the lower leaves have yellowed. I am going to fertilize with each watering. The underside of the new leaves on this one has a purple hue.
I changed them from original potting media (mossy media) to a bark mixture with a little moss mixed in. And I’m happy to hear that you do the soak method because that’s what I started to do after changing the media.
I understand calcium is important, so my question is whether DynaGro “Grow” 7-9-5 fertilizer is sufficient to cover the calcium needs? The guaranteed analysis for Ca is 2%.
The dosage on the bottle is either 1/4 to 1/2 tsp per gallon for maintenance, and for production they recommend 1 tsp per gallon when watering weekly.
I use 1/2 tsp per gallon and though I have well water (sandpoint/shallow well) I use distilled water for my plants.
Should I be supplementing this with a separate calcium and if so, what brand do you recommend and at what dosage?
Thank you kindly, your knowledge is appreciated.
Great talk Rick...I have been thinking of experimenting with adding top layer of crushed coral to provide a constant supply of calcium...I have added it to aquariums to boost calcium in the water so I'm thinking this might also help...
Brian what about bone meal?
@@kikiokpe3897 I'm sure that would work as well...I just have some crushed coral and want to experiment.
……..I don't see why it wouldn't work...…..but remember.....orchids need water soluble calcium.....coral will have to broken down by microbes before releasing calcium...…..it takes time and is slow releasing......like using dolomitic lime......
Hey Rick, I am a new subscriber and loving the videos and knowledge!
Thanks Rick!!
God bless you!!
Good knowledge.
It's my pleasure
Great Great Dear Rick L .You made my day.,Happy to get your presence in my channel :)
i mostly use my native language for my country man !!
But than for orchid language is not a barrier i think.
B coz orchids has their own language and we all undersrand .
hope you get in touch and comment me too.
I have not forgotten you......…...I wanted to get the other questions out of the way so I can watch your videos and see what's up.....Im watching now,...….
Rick L. Orchids
I am finger X
plz Do find another short 3min fllm below i like to ask another Question on my mounted phelo which has issues.
You may reply in my videos or may come back here and reply me.
So this is my help post 3 and before this when u visit my channel find help post2 as well !
Hope you do not mind as i am taking a lot of your space!
But i love the way you teaches us!!
ruclips.net/video/N6ZoymEcSns/видео.html
Rick I do not know how to share a picture or video. But my orchids are out in the rain AND I’m feeding them. Your right it feels great!
love reading these comments...…..thank you
You diffinetely need to vlog watering and feeding lava, pea pebbles and river rocks watering and feeding . Will be cool the visual education 😎 hello from Toronto Canada 🇨🇦 👋🥰
Another great illustration and verbalization. Each time you explain it, it gets clearer. I appreciate your patience and want to thank you for the inspiration. I hope you and your family are doing well and have a great Fathers Day weekend.
I’m new to your channel and fairly new to keeping Orchids. Yours look amazing! Having a warm and sunny climate I’m sure helps. I’m in New England and growing mine in sub optimal conditions. I am learning and getting better though and my Orchids are happier for it. Your videos are very informative and I’m glad I found your channel!. I added crushed oyster shells to my mixes but now I’ll be supplementing with even more calcium. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, it’s much appreciated.
You 'dare' as often as you like - I've been having a 'go' at these old books for years - they keep repeating the same 50 year old info and don't think to question. Like you say, at best it's mis-information and some is just wrong! You could be the first to really explain 'why' Calcium! I don't remember any rot for quite a while now and my bug-count is right down this year - almost gone.
Roger's Orchids I love your postings on RUclips along with Rick's and Caroline's(Jacoline's orchids)... you 3 have helped me become successful with orchids...Caroline got me addicted and gave me the confidence I needed to think I wouldn't kill orchids like I had in the past and Rick gave me the knowledge that I needed to keep up my courage and you Rodger have opened up the world of other orchids to me. Your new posting that I watch today with those glorious yellow orchids blooming made my addiction grow to want some of what you are growing. I have 30 phalaenopsis and I've already posted all about them in a comment on your posting. I have one fell that I bought in December and has to like hanging waterfall like spikes and one of those has 10 blooms on it right now and the other one has 11. They are almost touching the ground and they are attached to a 12in Spike or piece of wood and then draped on the side it's the most gorgeous Orchid because one goes down the right and the other spike is like a waterfall down the left. I bought it to give to my son for Christmas and our signals got crossed and he didn't stop when he was in town. So now I don't want to give it up. The three of you were like the Three Musketeers that have helped me so much. And you three are inspiring me to get myself in gear I'm have my own channel on RUclips about my orchids and other plants
Roger's Orchids I know some one here in my country growing like Blanca ( Orchid diva, do not know why she took her name Diva which is a Hindi word, just kidding :)) she grow Phelonopsis out door on tree trunk on old reading table and also on clay pot . She never complained on crown rot . But some people keep telling us to keep a tissue paper in one hand and water jar in other hand while watering Phelonopsis. I think those people does not feed calcium to their plant !! Mine has no issue of pesticides or insecticides. Ever I use those stuff. If in case there are any I shall bin that plant . Do not dare to do treatment and infest my garden !!
Mr Rick, you have an avid fan here. I reconfigured the way I care for my orchids just the way you shared with us how. Can I tell you... I noticed a huge improvement in the leaves and roots growth in as little as 2 months! THANK YOU so much for sharing your vast knowledge.
I have a question: Are you using time-release fertilizer on your orchids?
Please keep these fertilizing videos coming. I always look forward to the next one.
……..I love hearing of your success....keep up the great work...….I don't like time release fertilizers for orchids...…..when they release they dup huge amounts of nutrient's…...if the calcium isn't matched you can get skinny soft growths that die back.....
Good lord, how am I only seeing this video now and/or really having an "ah-ha moment" re: my use of nutrients. I am a long experienced plantswoman but a beginner orchid collector/grower and have unfortunately been under-informed about calcium and its role in nutrient uptake and plant metabolism. I have read and studied and read more...and then only today...Having a brain-imploding-moment with this video. Well, thank you Sir for saving my plants from another avoidable mishap or even demise.
RICK AND CAMARA GIRL.HAPPY FOUR OF JULY!🎆✨🧨🙏🙏
Thank you for this great video!
Love your videos. So informative. You're changing the orchid growing game ( or at least you're bringing the "Secrets" to the masses). I have a Cattleya Rex that I got last summer that I've been growing under LED lights. I've babied it non-stop since it arrived and last August it was growing really fast and the side of the new growth became black. I cut it away convinced it was rot but was perplexed at how that could possibly be ( no water on the leaves, good air movement etc.). Shortly after some research, a few articles I found, one other channel, and yours confirmed it was in fact a calcium deficiency. Now, I was and still am using MSU so I never considered it could be a nutrient issue. As per your recommendation I've been using the MSU + liquid CalMag and it has since put on two new perfectly healthy growths. I've now started to add in some liquid seaweed/kelp into the mix. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and insights
this is the feedback I look for...…….a perfect example of correcting this simple issue......thank you
Another great video , thank you for teaching us how to grow orchids, 👍💕💕💕🌸🌸Hugs from Cali 💕💕💕🌸🌸🌸
Great video a lot of inf, thanks Rick 🇨🇦😃
I grow a few Catasetums and Chysis; and, definitely agree with your comments. I repot mine at the end of the growing season and they do fine. During the summer I feed a good quality time-release fertilizer to my orchids for ease of growing in our heat/humidity. Can I add calcium during my daily watering routine without over-doing it? And, if you don't mind an off-topic question: do you know anything about using humic acid for soil improvement? I want to try it for lawn improvement here in south FL's very sandy soil. Hope you and your family are continuing with happiness and good health. Thanks for your great videos. They encourage me to improve my growth habits for my plants, especially orchids.
Pat Sfreund sandy soil needs hummus in it dead plant stuff so I wouldn't collect your grass clippings I would just cut the grass and let the clippings fall back down and help add organic matter to your lawn.
If you have access to compost sprinkle that also on your grass for your lawn. Here in Washington County in Maryland at our landfill you have to put the leaves and grass clippings in separate containers and they compost all of that. I can go buy a pickup truck full for less than $30 when I sprinkle that on all my flower beds and if you're trying to get your lawn going I'm sure you could sprinkle it on your lawn plans for double or triple the size they usually are because of the nutrients that are in that compost everything good at the plant packed away and its leaves is there when all of that is decayed.
@@kathleenmurphy2379 Thanks
Hi Rick.
You are absolutely right. I have mentioned that I live in south Florida. I have 100s of orchids/spices. My trees are covered with orchids. (A hobby gone wild). All the water they get is overhead. One thing though due to our extreme humidity and heat I don’t use fertilizer with urea I think that causes some rotting. Would like your thoughts on urea. Thanks
your correct in a sense......Urea and ammoniacal nitrogen's are not absorbed as well at cooler temps, they collect & build up residual and can cause tissue burn....which starts rot..….but in south Florida with warm temps that would be a benefit not a hindrance...use it to your advantage........using Ureas during warm temps gives them more residual to feed from, less likely to go hungry between feedings.....if that makes sense.....when winter sets in...….a nitrate nitrogen would work better....
Hummmm. I thought that I should not use it in summer. Will dabble in it. One year I lost a lot of orchids to rot spotting Since I stop the urea I haven’t had that issue. When I ask local growers what fertilizer they use most of them use 20-20-20 which has urea so I don’t use. Thank you Rick.
Another wonderful video with so much useful information. I have been using calcium nitrate since last fall and this year new growths are stronger and grow faster... I got my first Catasetum a few weeks ago, still learning how to grow it. Thanks for helping us. Big hug to you and Jan 😍😍
Hello Rick
Very good information...Everything you said it makes sense.Thank you
Great video Rick. All of your plants look wonderful! I've been getting new growth on old orchids that did nothing for many years! I have another flower spike on Valentine and a new spike on an old flower spike that's starting to grow! Yes, we have to FEED our orchids! Thank you for all of your great advice. Have a wonderful weekend. Tammy in N AL. 😊🙋
We have keikis that grow underwater for months and they do just fine.
Hola Rick , saludos desde Brasil
Wow this is a new concept regarding crown rot and black rot.
..…...maybe explained in a different way......but this has been knowledge for a while...but I think the orchid myths keep it from coming to the surface.....