I’ll say it again.... by far the best plant CZcams channel. You’re not annoying, you know your stuff, you’ve done research, and you’re not one of those annoying fad plant owners.
I’m so happy to have found this video; so tired of hearing “bright indirect light, high humidity, moist soil mix” 🥱 We got it. I’ve been struggling since moving from the west coast in Oregon to NW Montana near the Canadian border. Appreciate you! Thanks for sharing.
I just started with tropical and sun tropical plants all my with my 55 Orchids. I've got a couple of dozen. Learning all over again. So much has changed in the past 50 years. Well said thanks.
The amount of information you were able to share, while keeping me FULLY engaged and interested, is what make this video amazingly awesome. Kudos on the knowledge you’re gaining. You are the type of plant grower I aspire to be. *insert cheesy blush*
Here...but Not Not rambling at all! Are you a teacher? I was answering “yes” when you would ask “right?” and that’s something that surprised me! Hope you’re able to muster the desire to make more videos amidst everything going on because I was all for it. Your “Salgarense” is sooo beautiful and I hope I can grow mine as well as you have!
WOW! This video is the best i've seem regarding specific care for aroids, almost personal for me since i live in Canada as well! Thank you so much for all the valuable information!I hope my plants grow as big and healthty as yours.
Hello from Russia 😀Thanks for sharing some important information and tips. Philodendrons are so stunning indeed so I devote too much time to caring them😉
You've given me confidence to purchase an anthurium. I've purchased humidity loving plants in southern Ontario without a humidifier and I haven't had issues. Thank you
OMGOSH, Dustin! So happy you mentioned your channel in the Facebook group, because I’m gonna be bingeing your content today!! You’ve got a great presence and are very well spoken!
Thanks so much Rebecca! I know I ramble some time. I try to capture the bigger picture, but include the details that help us all go, “ohhhh, that makes sense”; really appreciate the feedback and support 💚💚💚
So aroids are commonly grown here in south Florida. For vining species, esp. Pothos and Monstera, once they find something to grow up there is a noticeable difference in leaf size as they move up the support and light increases. At the bottom of a tree, a pothos has those little leaves hand size or less. At the top of the canopy, you can see leaves a meter, meter and a half. The same applies to Vanilla. Closer to the ground (or in less sun), the leaves are smaller and the cane is narrower. In more light, the leaves become larger and the canes much thicker. Stay healthy, sane and safe.
Just goes to show how delicate the balance is around the planet, which makes our planet incredible. After watching countless videos on plants, mostly rare plants, no one talks about the danger our planet is facing. It’s the difference in gardeners on CZcams, and plant collectors. Plant collecting becomes a commodity, gardening...soul nourishing...
Bill! I’ve been a long-time subscriber-love your vids!!! Aren’t aroids the coolest? You’ve got those chunky elephant ear types and they’re stunning. Thanks for stopping by and yeahhh 🇨🇦!!!
I realy loved it . Because he wasn't fancy and sharing real experience. Soon i will be moving back to canada so i definitely need to follow wat he is doing. 😊
I know tropical plants come from the jungle but that plant bite on your hand at the beginning was vicious! You know how you didn't like the tendrils growing out on the Hoyas, I make plant weights. You take a cup hook a piece of wire and a fishing weight or any concoction close to that really and make yourself a plant weight. Hook it on the plant that holds the tendrils down so they can grow. I have Hoyas growing in hanging baskets and I've smelt chocolate, chocolate-covered cherries, lemon and perfume as scents from them. Beautiful plants.
OMG you are the only person i know who uses Orchid Fertilizer too!!! When i first started collecting aroids i realized how similar they are to orchids (which makes sense because they’re all epiphytes!) Best advice in the video
I really like your orchids. Especially, the ones with spots. They are very fragrant. But I love the smell that they produce. I used to have a small green house. Too much work so I don't have it anymore. But I just started getting into some Aroids and I really like to your channel and what you have to say regarding growing them. I am in the Pacific NW. So the winter here is somewhat similar to yours. Keep up the amazing work and looking forward to more info on Aroids. Thanks
On your reasons for success with those in low humidity, I think you missed the biggest one, frequent full-shower leaf washing! I've been succeeding for 30 years with plants others think of as greenhouse-only in a very dry house with forced-air heating near the Canadian border. I can promise you the #1 thing for us to change if we want to push the bounds of humidity with rare jungle plants is the leaf washing (I know it goes against popular wisdom), especially under the leaves and the stalks. #2 is that awesome potting media you have there. Great job, loved your video. Thank you!!
this videos was helpful to me. It put explanations to things I have experienced, like most of my aroids are under high lumen grow lights and thrive, or whenever I use small pots or terracotta I can't seem to keep anything moist enough.
Hey I have a monstera acuminata! I could not figure out what it was but it was growing very differently than other ones I had like it. No wonder a small cutting was 75 bucks at the greenhouse where I bought it. Thank you! Now I know how special it is.
After watching the video, I read on your blog everything about aroids, fertilization, pH, lighting ... You turned my world upside down. I am starting an experiment on a small philodendron and I hope that my melano will get big leaves. Keep your fingers crossed for us ♥ Thank you very, very much !!!
I live in the Sonoran desert and the average humidity is between 10% and 30% if we actually get rain. I have a humidifier running 24/7 and I get it up to 60% at night and around 50% during the day when the grow lights are on. I have very high ph that ranges from 8-8.5 and chlorosis issues without using a specific iron supplement for soil with ph of 7 or higher. I've used blood and bone meal for vegetable gardens outdoors. I may pick some up and give that a try. Oddly enough, I use citric acid while dyeing yarn with acid dyes. I'll try neutralizing the tap water with that
I love your - I don't know everything, this is what works for me - perspective. It's very refreshing and real. It seems a lot of other people doing plant care videos lecture about things as it is absoute fact. I guess i have a Monstera acuminata (Guatemala) not an Adansonii like what the retailer sold it to me as. So thanks for clearing that up. I love the leafs on that plant, but like you pointed out, it's very leggy. I keep chopping it back, propagating, and replanting in the same pot.
So glad you took the time to post this. I learned a lot about the humidity issue. I fell into that trap of believing that high humidity was the answer. It has almost killed one of my anthuriums. So I moved it closer to the window and away from the humidifier. It's doing better, but it's going to take awhile for it to cover. And thanks for the reminder of fully flushing the mineral buildup from the soil. I can never remember that.
So glad you found some nuggets of value. It’s a common trap, humidity over all other things...I was stuck there with orchids once upon a time also. Gotta do my best to share what has worked IRL vs theoretical. Thanks for the feedback too
As a fellow low humidity Aroid and Orchid grower (in Massachusetts zone 5b), I love what you said about the importance of proper watering aiding nutrient absorption 🤓 Those massive leaves are straight-up plant goals 🤩 Well-done! Plants are so adaptable, they are incredible. I think it’s easy for people to forget that sometimes and feel too afraid to grow “high humidity” types of plants. I have also noticed grow lights are a HUGE benefit for indoor growing based on observations of my plants growth, like the nodal spacing, bigger leaves, speed of growth. ✌️ 🌱 - Emily
This was so much more informative than most videos about aroids, thank you! Living in Finland I also struggle with not enough humidity so this information was really helpful.
I’m following many plants channels but you are one of the best and I like that you explained watering requirements based on environmental factors like humidity and soil. I live in Toronto as well and it gets really dry in winter because of the heaters
Fact: Plants can adapt as long as they have their basic need water and sun. No matter what humidity so long as they are not under full sun coz they get sunburned or left outside on the winter, they should be fine.
I put my vining plants in front of Eastern window and they do well with direct morning light. It's only a problem if they are outside in the middle of the day. Than they birn. In general everything does well with morning light.
I find your presentation to be informative and interesting because it substantiates what I've assume from many years of caring for plants. More shows and give us your personal assessment. Thank you. And you're not even a doctor, referring to another channel doctor person.
Omg! I thought I saw some orchids in your grow room. Gonna check your channel out to see, cuz if your aroids look that good, I can imagine how your orchid’s must look too!
I’ve seen your photos in some of the FB plant groups and never knew you had a YT channel. Stunning collection. Wow! I’m in awe! Aroids (and epiphytes) are my love language. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Completely agree on the light. I always provide lots of light to my plants. Light suggestions on tags is not the same as the light inside of a home. Nurseries are able to provide lots of bright light and those tags can be misleading to plant hobbyists that are bringing those plants home. For growing mediums, I’m successful with “chunky & airy” in terracota because I live in Florida. Anywho...new Subbie here and looking forward to more videos.
Yep those ph down solutions are meant for hydroponics usually and they want that strong acid to act as a buffer (they can't use weaker organic acids like citric acid because they break down and ruin the ph)
Love the channel name. 🌱🍃 I've always said, no one has a green thumb, you earn one!! ;) I've been a plant collector for about 12 years. I started out with common phalaenopsis & dendrobium orchids/ hybrid orchids. I was good friends with the owner (Norman) of orchids. om. and learning to care for different species in a seeding/ mature state, vs flowering is night and day. I have a new found love for Philodendrons!! I just purchased a McColley's Finale, and Birkin Jr for my birthday.. I feel like they are rarely, if ever spoke about. The McColley's is huge. I am not sure how i am going to repot. Would love to know how you repot these large varieties. Great video! Thoroughly Enjoyed!!
Jacquelyn - hey that’s cool. I know Norman; haven’t gotten any of his plants because I’m in Canada, but it’s a small community and he’s very active with the Phal groups. So great that you’re into philodendrons now-that’s kind of how it’s been for me too! Try this. Try that. Then boom! You have a jungle-haha Regarding your question of care for the two philodendrons: I haven’t grown either of those types; however, for all my aroids I apply this same general care and then I observe what is/isn’t working. Those clear pots kind of help with that (because I can actually watch the root performance) but I know many have not been able to find them online easily. What it comes down to beyond the potting media (which I would use equal parts large chuck orchid bark, large perlite, and peatmoss-which you can use more or less of as I mentioned in this video, based on how much water retention you want-and a final additional amount of charcoal to remove impurities over time), and the manage your watering routine to match what the plant responds to. Generally that wet/dry cycle is my goal. A couple plants like my neon pothos and deifenbachia like dryer roots so I only have to water them once every 10-14 days with a light sprinkle half way through. So...just apply the general care I covered here and make adjustments based on plant growth. I hope that helps and answered your question-thanks for the kind words about me greenish thumbs. Haha. I promise, there was a point when I started growing that I killed anything I touched. I took a lot of reading and testing to learn what really can be done - and some of that mean going against the grain of “common knowledge” so thank you for noticing ☺️
i've been super nervous about purchasing a melanochrysum because i live in upstate New York (a few minutes away from the Canadian border ;) ) and i'm so so glad to hear your thoughts and your success with growing these aroids and anthurium in the same humid environment as me. very informative video and i love your approach to presenting this information. subscribed !
Hi..the best Aroid care video I've heard...makes a lot of sense. WIll try some of your suggestions re lighting....potting mix and pots for Singapore where I live. Thanks!.
Hey Dustin I have an ailing Pastazanum (acquired a month ago) which had a leaf turn yellow and dropped...then a new leaf sprout yellowed and the remaining leaf yellowing now....this is despite my repotting it with 75% fertiplus soil and 25% perlite...,I do notice that the soil is constantly moist and never actually dries out....so I'm wondering if it's because my mix is too water retentive. Your recommendation of peat moss, rice husk , perlite should be more draining.....so do you think it reasonable to repot with this and some fertilizer as a last resort? Thanks
Thanks!!! I know it’s always a bit odd when someone throws a curveball in content. I have been obsessed with my aroids given how big and impressive they are. Plus, it turns out most indoor growers struggle to get those big leaves, so I figured I should share whatever insights I can
Watched your video twice cause I really like the more in depth info! I used to think I was doing everything for my plants, humidifier and lights. Till I've got bacterial spots on my most precious plants. Treating them with betadine did the trick luckily. But I just wanted to say that is refreshing to see someone put up so much great info. I'll def implement the tips! Do you have any spec pest preventetive routine?
Wow, thanks Joy! Thanks for the feedback. For pest prevention I struggle with mealybugs-I hate them and because I have so many plants, if I get them into a cluster of plants, I cannot eradicate them simply because I can’t treat all of the plants AND roots (repotting because they often travel down the plant and live in the soil off the roots). So in my living room area, I have mealies. I spray with alcohol and oil/water/soap to deal with them but I generally can always find one or two on those plants. For mites, I find those to be the easiest. First I treat with alcohol for the web-producing ones. A liberal coating 2-3x with a long 4-8minute break between each application. Then I put the plant in the shower and wash it all off. If that doesn’t work, or for red mites which are a bit more resilient, I add 1 tsp of baby oil to a 1-cup mist bottle. Add a drop of dish soap. Shake before use and apply a light coating all over the leaves top and bottom. And leave it on the plant out of intense light. The oil leaves a residue that suffocates and restricts the mites-it works well, but you have to be diligent and sometimes repeat for 2-3 weeks for permanent eradication. With all of just beware some plants are easier to treat than others. You gotta get the nooks and crannies. You can also turn to biological solutions (predators)...but they are control measures, not really eradication.
Great video! I'm just getting into aroids and these concepts really helped. Better to error on too much drainage. You can always water more, but you can't take the excess out easily.
I love this video, it's really nice hearing you talk about aroids! And your El Choco and Melanochrysum are just insanely beautiful, I whish I could find a Melanochrysum this size!
This video was extremely informative and very well put together! Thank you!! You’re very thorough and give valid information/reasons behind your care. Happy to have found your channel! You’re unintentionally hilarious as well, I like how you explain yourself so as to not be misunderstood. Thank you for putting out valuable content
New subbie here .. I was blown away by all of the information you provided! TYVM 😁👍😍 I look forward to your new video's and will be binge watching your previous ones as well as sharing your channel with my planty friend's. You have such a soothing voice and you are so smart and articulate ;) stay safe up there! From a Californian living in Oklahoma ;)
I loved your video! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experience. I love the way that you think. Your plants are gorgeous and you clearly take great care of them. Sad to hear that you’ve been doing it tough and were unwell. Sending you love and cheering you on from Australia
I feel the same way about the Monstera albo/ Thai con, everyone is obsessed with them and I used to like them but I wouldn’t pay what they are going for now. They’re very overrated. I’ll stick with the philodendron giganteum and my melanochrysum 😍🤟
Wow, your melanochrysum is absolutely stunning! Really liking the Anthurium salgarense as well, reminds me a bit of the draconopterum 🙆💚 Also, thank you for the advice and clear explanation as to why you care for your plants the way you do.
Hello from SW Ontario! I just happened upon your channel and am I so glad to have found you. LOVED this video and I have subscribed. Shout out to Brian,
I just came across your channel. It's good see some Canadian plant CZcams contents. This video was very informative! I'm not that into aroids and orchids but I appreciate your theory about humidity. I mostly grow Sansevierias and Hoyas (apparently some Hoyas need higher humidity). I only have some of the common aroids. I live in prairies and humidity here is very low and I've also observed that humidity isn't as big of a factor as most people make it out to be. I do not have any humidifier in my home and most of my Hoyas grow relative well. I've found that organic fertilizer seems to help with the growth. Also for some Hoyas temperature plays a big roll.
New video content! Yay! 😂 Recently I've been reading a lot on your blog posts as well, please keep your content flowing 😂. I've never had much interest in aroids and philodendrons before, but I'm starting to fall for those beautiful leaves! The contrasts on some of your plants are just ✨ I'm itching to buy new plants now, but all couriers are down at the moment (which is understandable). This quarantine is making me crazy though! 😂 P.s. -It's interesting that you explained how "high humidity plants" were able to adapt in your environment's condition. I also had a similar experience in the past. I bought an amesiella monticolla back then and she was potted with rotting moss (wasn't sphagnum though) so I repotted it in pure s. Moss. At that time I was able to get my hands on some sphagnum moss (s. Moss is not readily available in my country. Hence they tend to be a bit pricey). For five months it didn't do anything. And I noticed that I had to water her everyday, much like a regular houseplant lest the leaves would shrivel. She wasn't necessarily going downhill though, it honestly felt like she just needed to be more moist in my environment. Needless to say she died because I forgot to water her for three days 😂. I kept her in a southern window and I live in a tropical country (that is the only grow space I have! Don't judge me 😅😂). I honestly thought it would die in less than a month from what I've read. The death of that plant was heartbreaking yet educational for me. Anyway, can you please provide a more in dept explanation about this topic? I honestly think some "cool growing" plants CAN be grown at warmer climates and of course, vice versa. I'm thinking of buying that orchid again (and possibly some aroids 😂) I just have to think of a way to retain that damn moisture in my media! Stay safe and healthy! And sorry for the long comment 😂
Angela A. - thanks for the message. Yeah, I think the adaptation ability of the plant depends on where it’s from. Some plants are highly specialized to very specific conditions. Those plants, both more rare, and more difficult to keep, do not have natural adaptations to survive outside their unique habitats. I am sure there are MANY plants that cannot live in low-humid climates. However, with something like philodendron melanochrysum which is widespread and likely adapted to a range of conditions making it able to survive in both dry and wetter conditions (I assume). This would especially be true of plants adapted to climates that go through severe seasonal changes (wet season and dry seasons). It just depends on the plant, the size of the plant, and how it has adapted to survive in a specific environment vs a range of environments. For your Amesillia, maybe had the roots established it could have done better under your dryer conditions...maybe not. Sometimes you can add things like sphagnum moss to help slow the dry out rate of the roots so you only have to water every 3 days (I do that with my seedling orchids)...but it all depends on the plant, it’s health and vigor, and of course specific traits it may have that specifically make it not able to thrive in low humidity. 🤷🏼♂️ hard to say...but...you should see my jewel orchids. Everyone says super high humidity for those...mine are huge and they get low humidity. Take a look: instagram.com/p/B66qko6BX1i/
Liked and subscribed. Its good to see a knowledgeable and open minded man in the hobby. You dont see alot of male presence in exotic indoor horticulture these days
Thanks for all the great information 👍🏼🌱 i started collecting more rare plants at the beginning of the pandemic and it’s helped me have so much to do and look forward too , I’ve always had plants though tfs
I think the deflector likes humidity and lot of light- more than your philodendron. Also, I live in high humidity area and plants just grow huge without doing much. They grow crazy 😜
This was better than most care videos that a lot of CZcamsrs in the plant community have been pushing. Thank you!
I'm glad you think so
Same!
@@HerebutNot b
I totally agree!
I’ll say it again.... by far the best plant CZcams channel. You’re not annoying, you know your stuff, you’ve done research, and you’re not one of those annoying fad plant owners.
Ah, thanks man. I really appreciate that.
Exactly
“It’s an assumption that’s been proven wrong”. I love this guy!
Cant hear you
I’m so happy to have found this video; so tired of hearing “bright indirect light, high humidity, moist soil mix” 🥱 We got it. I’ve been struggling since moving from the west coast in Oregon to NW Montana near the Canadian border. Appreciate you! Thanks for sharing.
I just started with tropical and sun tropical plants all my with my 55 Orchids.
I've got a couple of dozen.
Learning all over again.
So much has changed in the past 50 years. Well said thanks.
couldn't agree with more about the need for more evapotranspiration to drive the biology of the plant, preach brotha!
This is the most informative and well presented aroid video I’ve watched! Congrats bro! You summed up everything in a well presented way!
Thanks Seaside! Glad you liked it
This video is so dang good. I feel like I just sat through a university class on aroids. 👌🏻👌🏻
I completely agree...and not a boring one!
The amount of information you were able to share, while keeping me FULLY engaged and interested, is what make this video amazingly awesome. Kudos on the knowledge you’re gaining. You are the type of plant grower I aspire to be. *insert cheesy blush*
Wow - thank you so much. I'm glad you found it informative and interesting to watch...I sometimes worry i ramble too much :D
Here...but Not Not rambling at all! Are you a teacher? I was answering “yes” when you would ask “right?” and that’s something that surprised me! Hope you’re able to muster the desire to make more videos amidst everything going on because I was all for it. Your “Salgarense” is sooo beautiful and I hope I can grow mine as well as you have!
WOW! This video is the best i've seem regarding specific care for aroids, almost personal for me since i live in Canada as well!
Thank you so much for all the valuable information!I hope my plants grow as big and healthty as yours.
Hello from Russia 😀Thanks for sharing some important information and tips. Philodendrons are so stunning indeed so I devote too much time to caring them😉
You've given me confidence to purchase an anthurium. I've purchased humidity loving plants in southern Ontario without a humidifier and I haven't had issues. Thank you
OMGOSH, Dustin! So happy you mentioned your channel in the Facebook group, because I’m gonna be bingeing your content today!! You’ve got a great presence and are very well spoken!
Thanks so much Rebecca! I know I ramble some time. I try to capture the bigger picture, but include the details that help us all go, “ohhhh, that makes sense”; really appreciate the feedback and support 💚💚💚
So aroids are commonly grown here in south Florida. For vining species, esp. Pothos and Monstera, once they find something to grow up there is a noticeable difference in leaf size as they move up the support and light increases. At the bottom of a tree, a pothos has those little leaves hand size or less. At the top of the canopy, you can see leaves a meter, meter and a half.
The same applies to Vanilla. Closer to the ground (or in less sun), the leaves are smaller and the cane is narrower. In more light, the leaves become larger and the canes much thicker.
Stay healthy, sane and safe.
I’m new to plants, I’ve learned so much from you. You are one of the most knowledgeable you tubers . 👍
It's refreshing to hear from someone who actually knows their stuff. Great video!
Logic. Love it. One of the best explanations about how nutrient transport through the plant relates to watering and transpiration.
Just goes to show how delicate the balance is around the planet, which makes our planet incredible. After watching countless videos on plants, mostly rare plants, no one talks about the danger our planet is facing. It’s the difference in gardeners on CZcams, and plant collectors. Plant collecting becomes a commodity, gardening...soul nourishing...
Great Video. My interests have recently started to shift to Calathea and Aroids (Philo and Anthurium) Nice to find a fellow Canadian Grower.
Bill! I’ve been a long-time subscriber-love your vids!!! Aren’t aroids the coolest? You’ve got those chunky elephant ear types and they’re stunning. Thanks for stopping by and yeahhh 🇨🇦!!!
I realy loved it . Because he wasn't fancy and sharing real experience. Soon i will be moving back to canada so i definitely need to follow wat he is doing. 😊
Not all plants are created equal. That's why I have bunch of Monstera Peru. Zero problems. One of my top ten plants.
I know tropical plants come from the jungle but that plant bite on your hand at the beginning was vicious! You know how you didn't like the tendrils growing out on the Hoyas, I make plant weights. You take a cup hook a piece of wire and a fishing weight or any concoction close to that really and make yourself a plant weight. Hook it on the plant that holds the tendrils down so they can grow. I have Hoyas growing in hanging baskets and I've smelt chocolate, chocolate-covered cherries, lemon and perfume as scents from them. Beautiful plants.
EXCELLANT video !! Have always loved your tutorials & was also nice to meet (briefly) Brian :)
Beautiful plants and beautiful eyes. Love watching your vlogs. Love from the Philippines 🇵🇭
OMG you are the only person i know who uses Orchid Fertilizer too!!! When i first started collecting aroids i realized how similar they are to orchids (which makes sense because they’re all epiphytes!) Best advice in the video
I really like your orchids. Especially, the ones with spots. They are very fragrant. But I love the smell that they produce. I used to have a small green house. Too much work so I don't have it anymore. But I just started getting into some Aroids and I really like to your channel and what you have to say regarding growing them. I am in the Pacific NW. So the winter here is somewhat similar to yours. Keep up the amazing work and looking forward to more info on Aroids. Thanks
On your reasons for success with those in low humidity, I think you missed the biggest one, frequent full-shower leaf washing! I've been succeeding for 30 years with plants others think of as greenhouse-only in a very dry house with forced-air heating near the Canadian border. I can promise you the #1 thing for us to change if we want to push the bounds of humidity with rare jungle plants is the leaf washing (I know it goes against popular wisdom), especially under the leaves and the stalks. #2 is that awesome potting media you have there. Great job, loved your video. Thank you!!
Thanks for the feedback and I totally agree. Those weekly drenches are imperative 👌🏻
this videos was helpful to me. It put explanations to things I have experienced, like most of my aroids are under high lumen grow lights and thrive, or whenever I use small pots or terracotta I can't seem to keep anything moist enough.
Hey I have a monstera acuminata! I could not figure out what it was but it was growing very differently than other ones I had like it. No wonder a small cutting was 75 bucks at the greenhouse where I bought it. Thank you! Now I know how special it is.
Wow wow ... nice channel and video ... first time view your channel and video .. great video my new friend 😘😘
After watching the video, I read on your blog everything about aroids, fertilization, pH, lighting ...
You turned my world upside down. I am starting an experiment on a small philodendron and I hope that my melano will get big leaves. Keep your fingers crossed for us ♥
Thank you very, very much !!!
I live in the Sonoran desert and the average humidity is between 10% and 30% if we actually get rain. I have a humidifier running 24/7 and I get it up to 60% at night and around 50% during the day when the grow lights are on. I have very high ph that ranges from 8-8.5 and chlorosis issues without using a specific iron supplement for soil with ph of 7 or higher. I've used blood and bone meal for vegetable gardens outdoors. I may pick some up and give that a try. Oddly enough, I use citric acid while dyeing yarn with acid dyes. I'll try neutralizing the tap water with that
I love your - I don't know everything, this is what works for me - perspective. It's very refreshing and real. It seems a lot of other people doing plant care videos lecture about things as it is absoute fact. I guess i have a Monstera acuminata (Guatemala) not an Adansonii like what the retailer sold it to me as. So thanks for clearing that up. I love the leafs on that plant, but like you pointed out, it's very leggy. I keep chopping it back, propagating, and replanting in the same pot.
So glad you took the time to post this. I learned a lot about the humidity issue. I fell into that trap of believing that high humidity was the answer. It has almost killed one of my anthuriums. So I moved it closer to the window and away from the humidifier. It's doing better, but it's going to take awhile for it to cover. And thanks for the reminder of fully flushing the mineral buildup from the soil. I can never remember that.
So glad you found some nuggets of value. It’s a common trap, humidity over all other things...I was stuck there with orchids once upon a time also. Gotta do my best to share what has worked IRL vs theoretical. Thanks for the feedback too
tip to get more leaves on your amydrium is to give it something to climb ! it rly needs additional support
As a fellow low humidity Aroid and Orchid grower (in Massachusetts zone 5b), I love what you said about the importance of proper watering aiding nutrient absorption 🤓 Those massive leaves are straight-up plant goals 🤩 Well-done! Plants are so adaptable, they are incredible. I think it’s easy for people to forget that sometimes and feel too afraid to grow “high humidity” types of plants.
I have also noticed grow lights are a HUGE benefit for indoor growing based on observations of my plants growth, like the nodal spacing, bigger leaves, speed of growth. ✌️ 🌱 - Emily
Love your cat shirt. Great to see Clyde. I hope he is enjoying having you both at home!
This was so much more informative than most videos about aroids, thank you! Living in Finland I also struggle with not enough humidity so this information was really helpful.
This guy just gets it - fellow aroid addict
I’m following many plants channels but you are one of the best and I like that you explained watering requirements based on environmental factors like humidity and soil. I live in Toronto as well and it gets really dry in winter because of the heaters
Fact: Plants can adapt as long as they have their basic need water and sun. No matter what humidity so long as they are not under full sun coz they get sunburned or left outside on the winter, they should be fine.
Completely agree about watering, if your soil drains well there is almost no such thing as over watering.
I put my vining plants in front of Eastern window and they do well with direct morning light. It's only a problem if they are outside in the middle of the day. Than they birn. In general everything does well with morning light.
I find your presentation to be informative and interesting because it substantiates what I've assume from many years of caring for plants. More shows and give us your personal assessment. Thank you. And you're not even a doctor, referring to another channel doctor person.
Thank you for this video the plant community needs more people like you posting 😊
Hey! First-time watcher. I really enjoyed this video. Very helpful and thought provoking.
Omg! I thought I saw some orchids in your grow room. Gonna check your channel out to see, cuz if your aroids look that good, I can imagine how your orchid’s must look too!
Good stuff man. I like the observation about cool growers in high light. I’ve had that intuition before and I like your explanation of it.
Love the tentacles, best part of plants
This is a great video. I would live to see more aroid content from you!
I really appreciate the personal scientific perspective that you offer in your videos! Thank you for this!
Can you PLEASE do an in-depth video on plants that live in cloud forests?? I’m having such trouble finding info online.
I’ve seen your photos in some of the FB plant groups and never knew you had a YT channel. Stunning collection. Wow! I’m in awe!
Aroids (and epiphytes) are my love language. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Completely agree on the light. I always provide lots of light to my plants. Light suggestions on tags is not the same as the light inside of a home. Nurseries are able to provide lots of bright light and those tags can be misleading to plant hobbyists that are bringing those plants home.
For growing mediums, I’m successful with “chunky & airy” in terracota because I live in Florida.
Anywho...new Subbie here and looking forward to more videos.
Yep those ph down solutions are meant for hydroponics usually and they want that strong acid to act as a buffer (they can't use weaker organic acids like citric acid because they break down and ruin the ph)
One of the best videos on aroids that exist. Rewatching this right now. Thank you man, sending planty love :-)
So glad I found your channel
psssst I love you your love and passion of plants is like mine
I learned a lot watching this video it answered all my questions thank you so much 😊
I love ALL your plants! 😍👍
This video has been invaluable to an aroid newcomer like me. I will bodly venture on. Thank you
Thats so lovely and huge philodendron.
Love the channel name. 🌱🍃
I've always said, no one has a green thumb, you earn one!! ;)
I've been a plant collector for about 12 years. I started out with common phalaenopsis & dendrobium orchids/ hybrid orchids. I was good friends with the owner (Norman) of orchids. om. and learning to care for different species in a seeding/ mature state, vs flowering is night and day.
I have a new found love for Philodendrons!! I just purchased a McColley's Finale, and Birkin Jr for my birthday.. I feel like they are rarely, if ever spoke about. The McColley's is huge. I am not sure how i am going to repot. Would love to know how you repot these large varieties.
Great video! Thoroughly Enjoyed!!
Jacquelyn - hey that’s cool. I know Norman; haven’t gotten any of his plants because I’m in Canada, but it’s a small community and he’s very active with the Phal groups.
So great that you’re into philodendrons now-that’s kind of how it’s been for me too! Try this. Try that. Then boom! You have a jungle-haha
Regarding your question of care for the two philodendrons: I haven’t grown either of those types; however, for all my aroids I apply this same general care and then I observe what is/isn’t working. Those clear pots kind of help with that (because I can actually watch the root performance) but I know many have not been able to find them online easily. What it comes down to beyond the potting media (which I would use equal parts large chuck orchid bark, large perlite, and peatmoss-which you can use more or less of as I mentioned in this video, based on how much water retention you want-and a final additional amount of charcoal to remove impurities over time), and the manage your watering routine to match what the plant responds to. Generally that wet/dry cycle is my goal. A couple plants like my neon pothos and deifenbachia like dryer roots so I only have to water them once every 10-14 days with a light sprinkle half way through.
So...just apply the general care I covered here and make adjustments based on plant growth.
I hope that helps and answered your question-thanks for the kind words about me greenish thumbs. Haha. I promise, there was a point when I started growing that I killed anything I touched. I took a lot of reading and testing to learn what really can be done - and some of that mean going against the grain of “common knowledge” so thank you for noticing ☺️
Great info and seeing how you care for your plants. Hope you stay positive and safe as well!
i've been super nervous about purchasing a melanochrysum because i live in upstate New York (a few minutes away from the Canadian border ;) ) and i'm so so glad to hear your thoughts and your success with growing these aroids and anthurium in the same humid environment as me. very informative video and i love your approach to presenting this information. subscribed !
Hi..the best Aroid care video I've heard...makes a lot of sense. WIll try some of your suggestions re lighting....potting mix and pots for Singapore where I live. Thanks!.
Hey Dustin
I have an ailing Pastazanum (acquired a month ago) which had a leaf turn yellow and dropped...then a new leaf sprout yellowed and the remaining leaf yellowing now....this is despite my repotting it with 75% fertiplus soil and 25% perlite...,I do notice that the soil is constantly moist and never actually dries out....so I'm wondering if it's because my mix is too water retentive. Your recommendation of peat moss, rice husk , perlite should be more draining.....so do you think it reasonable to repot with this and some fertilizer as a last resort? Thanks
I love this! It brought another level of clarity about plant care for me :) Thank you!
I'm so glad I found this heads on the most details video I have seen
I don't grow these plants but I found it super interesting! I find you explain things well.
Thanks!!! I know it’s always a bit odd when someone throws a curveball in content. I have been obsessed with my aroids given how big and impressive they are. Plus, it turns out most indoor growers struggle to get those big leaves, so I figured I should share whatever insights I can
I’m Montagnard Jarai indigenous love you plants so beautiful
Nice video, glad I found it. I was just searching for melanochrysum care videos. Loved the cat at the end.
Watched your video twice cause I really like the more in depth info! I used to think I was doing everything for my plants, humidifier and lights. Till I've got bacterial spots on my most precious plants. Treating them with betadine did the trick luckily. But I just wanted to say that is refreshing to see someone put up so much great info. I'll def implement the tips! Do you have any spec pest preventetive routine?
Wow, thanks Joy! Thanks for the feedback. For pest prevention I struggle with mealybugs-I hate them and because I have so many plants, if I get them into a cluster of plants, I cannot eradicate them simply because I can’t treat all of the plants AND roots (repotting because they often travel down the plant and live in the soil off the roots). So in my living room area, I have mealies. I spray with alcohol and oil/water/soap to deal with them but I generally can always find one or two on those plants.
For mites, I find those to be the easiest. First I treat with alcohol for the web-producing ones. A liberal coating 2-3x with a long 4-8minute break between each application. Then I put the plant in the shower and wash it all off. If that doesn’t work, or for red mites which are a bit more resilient, I add 1 tsp of baby oil to a 1-cup mist bottle. Add a drop of dish soap. Shake before use and apply a light coating all over the leaves top and bottom. And leave it on the plant out of intense light. The oil leaves a residue that suffocates and restricts the mites-it works well, but you have to be diligent and sometimes repeat for 2-3 weeks for permanent eradication.
With all of just beware some plants are easier to treat than others. You gotta get the nooks and crannies. You can also turn to biological solutions (predators)...but they are control measures, not really eradication.
Great video! I'm just getting into aroids and these concepts really helped. Better to error on too much drainage. You can always water more, but you can't take the excess out easily.
I love this video, it's really nice hearing you talk about aroids! And your El Choco and Melanochrysum are just insanely beautiful, I whish I could find a Melanochrysum this size!
Thanks your sharing...👍👍
This video is good. I wonder why you are not doing any videos anymore?
This video was extremely informative and very well put together! Thank you!! You’re very thorough and give valid information/reasons behind your care. Happy to have found your channel! You’re unintentionally hilarious as well, I like how you explain yourself so as to not be misunderstood. Thank you for putting out valuable content
Thanks Angel-I appreciate the comment and feedback
New subbie here .. I was blown away by all of the information you provided! TYVM 😁👍😍 I look forward to your new video's and will be binge watching your previous ones as well as sharing your channel with my planty friend's. You have such a soothing voice and you are so smart and articulate ;) stay safe up there! From a Californian living in Oklahoma ;)
This is so awesome! Such impressive plants, they are monsters. Please keep posting aroid related videos, very interesting content indeed!
Great collection. Thanks for sharing.
wow! I saw you on a web article! It's good to know that you are vlogging :)
I loved your video! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experience. I love the way that you think. Your plants are gorgeous and you clearly take great care of them.
Sad to hear that you’ve been doing it tough and were unwell. Sending you love and cheering you on from Australia
I really appreciate your aroid content. Thanks for the really informative walkthrough
Nice vid. Just stumbled upon this right now since I just bought philo gloriosum and mini-monstera. Thanks for clarifying the light requirements!
I feel the same way about the Monstera albo/ Thai con, everyone is obsessed with them and I used to like them but I wouldn’t pay what they are going for now. They’re very overrated. I’ll stick with the philodendron giganteum and my melanochrysum 😍🤟
Wow, your melanochrysum is absolutely stunning! Really liking the Anthurium salgarense as well, reminds me a bit of the draconopterum 🙆💚
Also, thank you for the advice and clear explanation as to why you care for your plants the way you do.
New subscriber here. Tons of great information. I hope to grow some huge leaves on my aroids with this help. Thanks for sharing
Hi. Where you at?
Love your orchid videos as well. Hope you're well.
Really really helpful! Great video and some new info to me and I’ve been growing and watching vids on aroids for a really long time! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed!
Great, informative video! Definitely going to try this on my plants.
you're right I do like you do in green room I keeping the rood moister at all time my humidity 40%-50% in winter time they are growing very good.
Lovely collection and great tips. I hope you will make more videos on your aroids. Thank you so much :)
Hello from SW Ontario! I just happened upon your channel and am I so glad to have found you. LOVED this video and I have subscribed. Shout out to Brian,
I just came across your channel. It's good see some Canadian plant CZcams contents. This video was very informative! I'm not that into aroids and orchids but I appreciate your theory about humidity. I mostly grow Sansevierias and Hoyas (apparently some Hoyas need higher humidity). I only have some of the common aroids. I live in prairies and humidity here is very low and I've also observed that humidity isn't as big of a factor as most people make it out to be. I do not have any humidifier in my home and most of my Hoyas grow relative well. I've found that organic fertilizer seems to help with the growth. Also for some Hoyas temperature plays a big roll.
New video content! Yay! 😂 Recently I've been reading a lot on your blog posts as well, please keep your content flowing 😂. I've never had much interest in aroids and philodendrons before, but I'm starting to fall for those beautiful leaves! The contrasts on some of your plants are just ✨ I'm itching to buy new plants now, but all couriers are down at the moment (which is understandable). This quarantine is making me crazy though! 😂
P.s.
-It's interesting that you explained how "high humidity plants" were able to adapt in your environment's condition. I also had a similar experience in the past. I bought an amesiella monticolla back then and she was potted with rotting moss (wasn't sphagnum though) so I repotted it in pure s. Moss. At that time I was able to get my hands on some sphagnum moss (s. Moss is not readily available in my country. Hence they tend to be a bit pricey). For five months it didn't do anything. And I noticed that I had to water her everyday, much like a regular houseplant lest the leaves would shrivel. She wasn't necessarily going downhill though, it honestly felt like she just needed to be more moist in my environment. Needless to say she died because I forgot to water her for three days 😂. I kept her in a southern window and I live in a tropical country (that is the only grow space I have! Don't judge me 😅😂). I honestly thought it would die in less than a month from what I've read. The death of that plant was heartbreaking yet educational for me. Anyway, can you please provide a more in dept explanation about this topic? I honestly think some "cool growing" plants CAN be grown at warmer climates and of course, vice versa. I'm thinking of buying that orchid again (and possibly some aroids 😂) I just have to think of a way to retain that damn moisture in my media!
Stay safe and healthy! And sorry for the long comment 😂
Angela A. - thanks for the message. Yeah, I think the adaptation ability of the plant depends on where it’s from. Some plants are highly specialized to very specific conditions. Those plants, both more rare, and more difficult to keep, do not have natural adaptations to survive outside their unique habitats. I am sure there are MANY plants that cannot live in low-humid climates. However, with something like philodendron melanochrysum which is widespread and likely adapted to a range of conditions making it able to survive in both dry and wetter conditions (I assume). This would especially be true of plants adapted to climates that go through severe seasonal changes (wet season and dry seasons). It just depends on the plant, the size of the plant, and how it has adapted to survive in a specific environment vs a range of environments.
For your Amesillia, maybe had the roots established it could have done better under your dryer conditions...maybe not. Sometimes you can add things like sphagnum moss to help slow the dry out rate of the roots so you only have to water every 3 days (I do that with my seedling orchids)...but it all depends on the plant, it’s health and vigor, and of course specific traits it may have that specifically make it not able to thrive in low humidity. 🤷🏼♂️ hard to say...but...you should see my jewel orchids. Everyone says super high humidity for those...mine are huge and they get low humidity. Take a look: instagram.com/p/B66qko6BX1i/
Liked and subscribed. Its good to see a knowledgeable and open minded man in the hobby. You dont see alot of male presence in exotic indoor horticulture these days
This is a very interesting video . So glad I found it , started growing mine in the same way .
Thanks for all the great information 👍🏼🌱 i started collecting more rare plants at the beginning of the pandemic and it’s helped me have so much to do and look forward too , I’ve always had plants though tfs
Very good video with alot of good information
Omg the size of your melanochrysum leaves! 😍😍😍
I think the deflector likes humidity and lot of light- more than your philodendron. Also, I live in high humidity area and plants just grow huge without doing much. They grow crazy 😜
It flowered this winter 🤷🏼♂️