Hi, Rick. I just wanted to make a statement about you regarding your orchid care and attention to detail. I am encouraged by your attention to detail as all of your orchids are being watched and paid attention to. They all look so great and it shows. I have to say that I can relate as little things make all the difference. It does take a lot of work attending to them, but in the end they will reward you. We are all learning very important information from you and you are gracious, to the point, and honest. I appreciate all that you do because proof is in the pudding! Your orchids look great because you love to care for them. This is obvious, once more you have a gift of teaching! This is our reward and our bonus for listening, watching and learning from you. Thanks from the bottom of my heart, your a treasure! Blessings to you and Jan! Rita
Hi, Rick, Thanks for all the great information, as usual. I just wanted to mirror the statement you made regarding anchoring your plants. This I learned many years ago from a friend who said to me that orchids loved to be secure. I have found that this is very very vital for healthy growth. The orchid will be at a standstill, if it is flopping around instead of solid in its' pot or on its' mount.
your so correct Rose.......and anchoring is not the same thing as packing the media tight around them.......that may hold them snug, but doesn't promote good airflow or root growth....securely anchored is best........thanks for your comment.
Morning Rick and Jan. Watching this again.lol. I came up with this and it might help some viewers. I keep making a mess putting the lime granules in my pots so I had a turkey baster (bought to use to water plants) and I thought it would work so I filled the rubber bulb with the lime and great can reach in and ...no spills. They flow out easy so you have to balance the tube as you do this. ❤💞🐩tks for videos
Hey Rick! I went to Walmart the other day no more lime just all Christmas stuff, but yesterday I stopped by a Lowe's I found some! Went home and used it on my plant's and was thinking about you while I did it,I even checked your video when I was at the store to make sure it was the same one I've been growing orchid's about 12 years but I never really understood fertilizers until your video's thank you so very much,you have been so helpful and I appreciate you. Have a nice day Rick!
Wow Rick! The root growth on your mounted orchid looks fantastic. My jaw dropped seeing that Phal with like 6 flower spikes 😯 that’s amazing! You are giving them what they like for sure! I have been having success with a cal-mag/seaweed mixture, my orchids seemed to perk up after I started using it. The leaves got really thick/turgid after too. Thank you for your very helpful advice ☺️☺️☺️🌺
Always learn from the best people!! RICK IS THE BEST!! If i could only remember what the ph has to be.😢 i put my cal mag, kelp, 20-20-20 in a gallon of water from the sink. I have no idea what it should be. CRL my friend.
just go with a few drops of each in your water.....and dont worry about ph at the moment.......in the wild on a tree they would get tiny tiny amounts of nutrients all the time......
Those dogs waiting at the door for you was too cute! Thanks for explaining all this to me. I got all of the supplies you showed us... still working on making a “perfect “ mix. Until then I’m glad a have a pool sized bag of baking soda...👸🏾😇🍃🌟🌱✨💕
Thank you Rick for your thorough lesson on nutrients for these orchids. I just now watched this video and learned that your wife Jan had treatments and I hope that she is now cancer free and all better. I am a fan of your channel. Thanks again!
I'm so glad you and Jan are doing well 🙏🏻😇😘. Nothing better than wake up in the morning watching your videos. I've just starting to feed my orchids with the mixed nutrients you feed yours plants and hope mine will spike up to flowering. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge of growing orchids 🤗👍❤️
Hi Rick, just started watching your videos and love the information. I'm loving growing my Orchids and taking your advice about Orchids to heart. Thank you!
Great informational video! Every time you explain nutrients and their role, i understand it better. I've also learned to take notes when watching. You are a wealth of information and I really appreciate your sharing. Bless you and Jan. 🙏
Hi Rick and Jan. Wow, so interesting about the stalled iwanagara. I have a couple that are stalled and will definitely up the anti on them. Keep the faith and don't forget to take time for yourself... Jan is superhuman! Blessings
Hello Rick, it is Rita. I have been out of the loop now for several months. I frankly haven't had the time to tend to my orchids, which is sad, but sometimes life happens and other things take priority. Anyway, I want to congratulate on your nearly 7000 subscribers. This is not a surprise to me as you have always been so willing to share your knowledge so selflessly. The next thing is that I am praying for your wife. I just found out watching your videos from the past that she is going through this. Please let her know that I just found out. She is now on my list of people to pray for. To not make this long, I am going to send some questions your way. Also I do completely understand, now that you have so many listeners, that you may not have the time to respond. Blessings to you and your wife. Rita
for you, any questions....anytime........so very happy to see your words.....thoughts and prayers my friend.....Jan will be pleased as I am to hear from you........Blessings Rita
I love that I can come back here and watch these videos, I have learned so much about feeding orchids due to your very thorough and well-explained info. Thanks, "Professor"!
I encourage everyone in the group to try growing masdavellias' in clay pots with the smooth pea sized river stones . Same goes for Bulbophylums'. It was a hot summer in Cleveland Ohio this year and all the Masdavellias' did fine. Keep them shaded and watered and fed. Use a saucer under the pot if you think you need one. They do so much better in stones than the moss. Keeps the roots cool.
As usual your plants look amazing! I have taken you advice and stared using the Cal/Mag . I can only pray that my plants will respond half as good as yours. I haven’t seen any lime here in the market, I will consider looking online. I’m just trying to figure out what works best for my indoor environment. I’m learning and improving and I’m sure my orchids would thank you if they could. Glad to hear your wife is doing good.I believe she is an inspiration to so many women that are in need of her positive , go get em attitude. May God bless her , heal her and continue to help her strive to reach her goals.
I always learn something else everytime you give advices, somethings missed before. Thank you, the importance of anchoring, I may overlooked it a bit. So, thanks again. I was so happy to hear from you and Jan, God bless you both, you are in my thoughts😘😍💜💚
A great update video Ricky, great info, and examples ! Always love to get notification when there’s a new video out by you, thank you so much! Daily in my thoughts. Love to you and to Jan, I’m so happy to hear she is continuing to do well ! 🙏😘
Rick, once again, Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I pray you and Jan are doing well. I continue to watch and rewatch (several times over) all of your videos and I take lots of notes! I have a few questions for you and I will try not to ask too many at one time! I just want to learn all I can so that I will be able to give my orchids a healthy, happy life. Being a recently retired police officer who spent her entire career on the streets in the City of Houston, my skill set and knowledge are not honed in on plants. As my husband puts it, “all we know how to do is hit someone really hard with a flashlight”. So, for this time of year, and for your rock/clay pot set-up...How often do you water/soak your pots? How do you warm up your rain water after bringing it in from outside? Do you save your cal-mag/seaweed/kelp water mixture to reuse or throw it out? What is the difference between Kelp and Seaweed? And, do you use them together in the same watering with the cal-mag? Have a very safe and blessed Merry Christmas! Lots of love from Texas
…..wonderful questions and respects sent for your service to your community...…..I soak them several times thru the week......at least 2x......they soak for 20-45 minutes....sometimes longer,......I keep a rain barrel in my shop.....so the water is at room temp...75*….and yes I reuse the nutrient mixture for several feedings....I will keep it for a week or so....then discard...Kelp and seaweed are similar......the both contain large amounts of growth hormones.....some varieties can grow several feet in a day...….they are safe to add calmag or other nutrients to....Merry Christmas and thank you for the kind words..........
So glad to hear Jan is doing good! You've made a cal/mag believer out of me over the past year so glad someone pointed this out!!! I'm sure you know this but have not heard you say it. That is that the organic garden lime like you use is a pelleted cal/mag, per back of bag. No wonder its so great. Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Rick, I hope all is well with you and Jan. Thank you for this video, I knew you would have the info I needed for my sad store bought orchid. God bless!
Just started watching your channel, havent even bought an orchid yet but have got the bug and loving learning about the different types and how to grow them 😊 Thanks so much for the great info, and blessings and well wishes to Jan ❤
Rick L., telling us what type of wood chips you use and your explanation about anchoring the plants to wood is incredibly helpful. Again, NEVER cease to explain the significance of mobile and immobile nutrients; the more you share it the more "I" understand it. Question for you, Rick! Do you think adding pine straw needles to rock mix in pots could benefit the roots and growth of orchids? I send lots of cheer to Jan. Go! Jan! Go! Thank you, my friend!
thank you my sweet friend.....Pine needles are very acidic.....I think it would drop ph to low and lock out nutrients ........it may benefit at first....but would drop ph pretty soon...
@@rickl.orchids Rick L., thank you so much for the explanation. I have pine needles everywhere in my yard from the trees I have. This information will stay locked in my noggin for a long while. I'm interested in decorative ideas using pine tree products for an authentic look.
Greetings from Jamaica and thanks for the lovely video, Rick. You and Jan have my continued prayers. My family enquired about you both recently. You are in our thoughts. Blessings.
Hello Rick! Thank you for all the great information! Even though I’ve had a decent orchid collection for years, I finally feel like I am growing them. I’ve decided to grow them this winter to get them stronger and healthier than they have ever been. Since a lot of us also have other plants, I was wondering if you could do a show of your other plants. I would like to know how you care for those as well. Sending well wishes to you and your family!
Thank you, I learn more each time I watch your vlogs. Both you and Jan are extremely strong people, God’s blessing to both of you. Could you please, explain to me why does an orchid splits down the length of it’s new leaf?
........very kind words thank you.........leaves that split are cause by lack of calcium which weakens cell structure and then low hydration causing cell structure to break down.....combination of things in my experience........
Hello Rick, I want to wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.🦃🍁 I am grateful for the strength both you and your wife have during time of illness, it has helped me during mine. On a lighter note, I haven’t killed my mother’s orchid yet. She wasn’t sure what to do after the blooms faded and I decided to care for the plant. I see new roots growing,but the leaves are turning yellow.
Thank you Mr Rick for the video.Always so informative. I’m amazed at that phal with 6 spikes.Tell is again how you get them to produce so many spikes.Glad to hear from you and that Ms.Jan is doing well.Stay strong and blessed
.......phals have no bulbs or canes to store nutrients like dendrobiums,oncidiums, cattleya's or other orchids.........they only have storage in their leaves and spikes......they hoard P & K and store it in spikes......if you cut off spikes, they loose nutrient reserves, mainly K...and they drop lower leaves to compensate for it..........feed them tiny amounts often, and keep their K levels up and they will hold onto spikes and stop dropping lower leaves.....once they start......they really start blooming vigorously.....
Not the kind of video I go looking for you have seen my older phals and already know why. Still I enjoy all your videos so I watched it anyway awesome video like always. I also noticed when you let the dogs in we have the same doormat. I hope you two are having a wonderful day and a even better week.
Going to Wal-Mart today to buy another Led shop light.. aka grow light. Will ck see if they still have the kelp on the shelf. Everything moved for Christmas trees😊😊😊🌲
@@rickl.orchids no not at all, no emergency repot supplies or supplements....God forbid we need a bag baby fix! Lol... Thank you Rick for spreading your knowledge you've certainly taken the trepidation out of it some for this newbie! Best wishes for both you & Jan.
Hi Rick. I was wondering if you might be able to do a video explaining how you decide how many ppm of nutrients you use. I am new to this and of all the videos I watch yours are the best and you have the most beautiful orchids of any I have seen. I’m just trying to take care of a few plants in my home. We have similar weather as I am in Memphis,TN. Thanks so much.
Lisa Todman I am going to answer this because I have watched Rick now for a couple of years. If you watch his older videos, he does explain in detail the PPM and the PH. He likes using rainwater as the PH is great for orchid nutrient absorption. According to his methods the PPM is around between 150 and 200 ppm, during the main roots and leaves growing, which is usually spring and summer. Then according to his latest videos, he backs off to around 100 PPM during the fall and winter. He says that in the wild, because of cooler temps the orchids do have some dormancy and therefore do not absorb as many nutrients. He has many videos explaining how he feeds his orchids. Best of luck to you. Rick is a find indeed.
Rita did a great job of explaining that......made me smile!!........Lisa, ....orchids in the wild get tiny amounts of nutrients that run down to them when it rains on the trees......if we mimic mother nature they grow like orchids should.......small amounts...often.... all the time.....
Hi Rick. Everything is looking great! I believe I have my first spike on my Valentine phal! 😀 My Peace Lilies are in bloom right now. When I started to feed my orchids I started to feed my other house plants too. Do you put the garden lime on all of your house plants or just on your orchids? Blessings to Jan. She sounds like Wonder Woman!
Hi Rick, how often do you put the garden lime on your phalaenopsis orchids. I have 14 now. I don't have any other kind of orchids. I would Love to try some different orchids. I just don't know what other types I can grow in Michigan where I live. We only have Northern and Southern windows in our home. Hoping to put a big Eastern window in this coming summer. God Bless your and your Lovely wife Jan. Any many Prayers, Hugs and Love always coming your way. Roxanne
......very kind Roxanne......mine are all in south windows, soaking up the winter sun......if you can grow Phalaenopsis..........Dendrobiums, Cattleya's, Oncidiums and most of the rest should be easy for you....they will grow them selves with little care...
@@rickl.orchids Awesome, Thank you for your response back to me. I will look some other kinds of orchids up that I like then. Prayers, hugs and Love coming your way for you and your wife. Roxanne
Hi again Rick, on one of your videos you talked about “Plant success Soluble” I can’t find it. Can u give me a video that you talk about using it? I’ve ordered it getting in today! Thank you again 👍🏻. Stay encouraged this shall pass! 💕
Dear Rick, Sending love and prayers for Jan and you... amazing plants. If they can thrive so Well under your care...anyone around you is sure to heal. Just a matter of time .
I'm sure you know that it's normal for phals to lose the 2 bottom leaves. As long as that's all they lose you're fine. Your plants look great, almost like plants on steroids 😊
........sorry Bonnie i disagree.......they drop lower leaves due to lack of nutrients....,mainly K.....if they get enough K they keep spikes and stop dropping lower leaves...
Fascinating about buying divisions, even rootless ones. And then nurturing them into vigorous plants. As a beginner, I'd like to add to my small collection but haven't seen any orchid shows nearby. Are there mail-order or other sources that you would recommend? And thanks for all the inspiration!!
Hi Rick, what an interesting video... loads of info., well explained as well. I love it! I was curious about using the cedar you have as your substrate. I would love to try it on one of my orchids to see how it takes since she's not been doing so well & needs to be repotted. Does the cedar have to be in cubes like I see you have it or would cedar they sell at pet stores work as well? Thank you for the great work you do. Much Love! 💕
cedar has very good decay properties, and the orchids seem to grow very well on it, or over it........i started using cedar chunks......1" cubes or bigger for a few of them......cedar shavings from the pet store....may be to fine, and will break down quicker, than larger pieces.....as well as may stay too wet if packed or in thick layer......I use old cedar boards that have never been painted.........i cut them up into cubes on my bandsaw....
I was watching a previous video you made regarding winter care and fertilization. I watched a couple and noticed that you had added some other nutrients to your mixes. I have some questions. First of all after viewing one, I started to back off on my extra lighting just last night. I will do it gradual but I feel I could have stopped some of my blooms from coming out. This made so much sense to me. Next I wanted to pick up the blooming liquid fertilzer you mentioned and the other ones that you mentioned. I have been using the lime and have gotten great results. However, I may have given them a little too much as I am still giving 200 ppm now into the cold season, so I will have to cut back on this as well. The main question is this. When is is appropriate to start using the blooming liquid fertilzer? I noticed you used about 20 percent in the mix. Can I start now, and how much would you recommend just starting out. Or is it too late? Now that harvest season is over and I have more time, I am again fired up about my orchids. I have of course been inspired by you again. Take care and blessings to you and yours. Rita
......I may have added a bloom supplement to round out a nutrient mix.....but I dont feed orchids bloom boosters.........they can become toxic to orchids....best thing for good blooming is steady supply of nitrogen all the way thru bloom.....till the last bud opens.....then you can just give water.....
Hi Rick . I am new to your channel. Your plants look so healthy . Is there one of your videos where you have the info on what you feed, the mix of nutrients, how much and how? If not , can you do one? I k ow I would appreciate as I would like my plants to get better. Thank you . Sending good wishes to your wife.
Hi Rick your plants look so healthy and soon your will have more flower 👏🏼👏🏼I have a question, After the plants have finish flowering I heard some one said to trim the spike, so the plant won’t be so stress to tried to flower again I will like your opinion. Thanks my friend 😁 Blessing
...a great question.........No.... never trim a spike unless its been absorbed [turn brown slowly].....it will not stress a plant......most orchids store a lot of their P & K reserves in them......if you notice a phal will absorb their spikes and then grow a leaf right after.......cutting the spike will cause them to drop a lower leaf to make up for the lost P & K....feed them enough P& K and they will keep their spikes, re-bloom from them...and hold onto their lower leaves......most orchids will absorb a spike if its needed.....trim it off and you remove some of their reserve nutrients..... .....a plant that is sick or nutrient deficient....will get worse from removing more of its reserves......correcting the deficiency is the correct way
depend on humidity and air flow.........to much humidity and low air flow can cause mold or other things to get started....you cant give them to much air flow .....humidity for most is fine around 65-70%
I'm glad to hear Jan is doing well. She sounds like the energizer bunny. Do I need to add cal-mag to the flush water and does it get through the leaves and other tissues or just the roots. I was also wondering what effect water temperature has on the plants? I try to use room temperature water but rooms are cooler now.
....calcium is best absorbed thru the roots vs the leaves.....just add a bit of calmag to the water when ever you can......temperature extremes can cause cell damage to leaves as well as roots......use room temperature is fine.......
Another great video! Rick what do you do with your dendrobiums that need a dryer winter rest. do you use rain water only when they are watered, or do you add cal mag ?
the few I have that are resting......are getting good light but cool temps.....and Im using less feed with them.......mostly just water and calmag ...if not showing signs of growth....
Hi Rick, my information on my Kelp label. This is what is says, Nitrogen - 1-2%, Phosphorous 0.23%, Potash.......6%, (this is vague because of the way it is written. Is this 6% or is it .6%? ) Is potash the same as Potassium? Then it states that there are trace elements of Sulfur, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Boron, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, and Carbohydrates. I checked and both of the kelp products come from the same company called, GS PLANT FOODS, Organic. Can you decipher this? Thanks, Rita
.......sounds good.......the potash is the K or potassium....and its .6%....it has less than 2% Nitrogen, and just a tiny trace of Phosphorous.......that will work fine.....I like that it also has some trace elements..
Hi Rick. I feel that I've been slightly behind the curve when it comes to all the science behind this, but I feel that I can get better as times go by. I do have some specific questions regarding the PH and nutrient absorption. You did have a chart that I copied which is on my wall in my orchid room which as the PH numbers for each and every nutrient. So, I understand the concept. However, my questions regarding the PH has to do with the absorption of the nutrients. I first want to clarify that using the Cal Mag, since it is chelated, doesn't require any changing of PH. The question is this. Because Calcium is absorbed from the low 4's to the high 5's, wouldn't it be the smartest thing to adjust the ph accordingly to this number? I think you said that you felt that the PH for nutrients was great around 6.2. According to the chart, Calcium doesn't absorb well above 5.85. So, would it be prudent for the lime granules to adjust the rainwater to at least 5.85? Or are the lime granules chelated too? I do not have a PH meter, but intend to buy the one you suggested. But if my rainwater is 6 -7 which I am guessing it is somewhere in that range, should I be using the citric acid to lower it when feeding? And also is Epsom Salt chelated? Also, is Kelp chelated ?I realize these are many questions and so specific, but I feel that in order to get the maximum absorption, I may need to adjust my rainwater PH. I have watched all of your videos, and I realize that you do specifically address these issues, but the feeding in my understanding has to be kind of separated in order for the plants to achieve maximum absorption. Correct me please, if I am wrong. In addition to all the comments and questions, I know that you answer questions, but I am grateful that you do. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Jan and the rest of your family. Many blessings and prayers to all of you. Rita
Rita I understand your confusion.....all good questions......almost all the nutrients in commercial fertilizers are chelated, and they are absorbed over a wide range of ph values, outside their normal absorption ranges........designed that way so they work with water in different areas....Using these mixes we dont need to be concerned with ph absorption as much as your water ph to start with.....the mixes are designed to lower the ph of the overall mix......but the beginning water ph needs to be in an acceptable range to start with....... ..example...7.4 ph water when mixed with fertilizer will drop to 6.3+/-...........which is perfect range for orchids to feed.............but a 8.2ph water may only get down to 7.4ph with nutrients.....which isnt the best range for orchids to feed at.......hope that makes sense. ........the other important thing to use PH for is if you know your absorption ranges.....it makes it easier to understand diagnosing sick plants...... ............orchids feed more hydroponically......the nutrients that drip off trees etc, are in a form that is pre-broken down........easy for them to absorb.........plants in soil need microbes to break things down before they can absorb them...the lime granules are organic and more of a soil nutrient, they are slowly broken down and the calcium is released for absorption over time in the pots.....because of how it occurs... the ph isnt the same....they absorb at more soil ph ranges...which are higher. If your initial ph is 6-7 than you dont need citric acid.....most people dont.....just some with high ph water....Epson salts is magnesium sulfate.....its chelated....and kelp and seaweed extracts are all very good forms of easily absorbed minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and hormones........One thing I dont mention enough is to let the PH swing of your mix.....that way they get a more varied diet and you hit the high absorption points most nutrients have..........excellent questions my friend.........thank you
Rick L. Orchids Wow, Rick, you answered everything and made it easy to understand. Thanks so much. I did get that PH meter. I haven't used it yet, but will. I probably could have gotten by without it, but I am glad I have it, so I can monitor my rainwater. I so appreciate you taking the time to give me direct and specific answers. I get it and will continue to follow your great advice as my orchids are doing great. Thanks and extra blessings to you and Jan. Rita
...no I dont....they are a terrestrial orchid....if I had one I would pot it in peat, perlite, and soil mix, with some small bark added.......then amend with some garden lime......I would use more of a soil fertilizer for them........10-10-10..this is good reading to get them to bloom.....ricardogupi.blogspot.com/2010/10/peristeria-elata-holy-ghost-orchid.html
OMG Peristeria Elata is my love hate curse. Have had it for probably 15 years and only flowered once. One year it grows great and the next it rots and looks like crap. This past year was a great year and had about 15 bulbs and was expecting great flowering since they were all fairly large and healthy looking. I was out of town for work and we had one night here where it froze down to about 28f and they all froze and died except one bulb.That bulb gave me a baby which is growing beautifully but god knows when ill see a flower again.
Hi Rick, we trimmed our oak tree, save some pieces to use it on orchids, is oak wood recommended it? some ppl wash it with 50/50 water and chlorine...?
…...Oak doesn't do well with orchids...…..over time it turns very acidic and tends to hold onto nutrients too much...……..Cedar is my preferred wood for mounts...
mine are getting lots of sun thru the south facing windows......I am also giving some on the shelves supplemental light.......6500K fluorescent fixtures.....on only during daylight time....
Good discussion. I've started adding more calcium to my plants. It has been making a difference. Do you find that the younger plants or the mature plants require more calcium/magnesium? Or, are they equal in their consumption levels? Glad to hear that your wife is doing fine!
what a great question Pat.......yes....not so much the maturity... as the time its been established growing...a plant growing in a pot for 6mths should have good roots and some organics collected in its pot.....more so than a freshly planted orchid......one that's been in its pot for 1yr has even more root mass and is more established in its pot.......all that root mas holds micro organisms that help break down things like calcium.....and the root mass helps hold onto nutrients.... more so than a new plant with little root development in the pot.......once they are established they may not need calcium as often......they may hold enough in their pots environment....a plant growing needs more calcium than one that's resting.....
@@rickl.orchids Thanks for your reply. Can you believe that I've been working in my yard - adding composted cow manure/mulch or mushroom compost/mulch in it. Digging it in by hand. Lots of work, but I hope it will help to improve our soil over time. Been an uphill battle to improve one section of the yard. Even difficult to get grass to grow there. Oh, I did add some of the Espoma lime to my most recently reseeded section of argentine grass. Looking so healthy and growing nicely. Would adding any other nutrients help?
@@rickl.orchids May I ask a question about African violets? My husband grows them in memory of his maternal grandmother. They are in his office cubby under florescent lights which are on 24/7. We have found that some of them grow their leaves straight up in the direction of the light and don't flatten down like they do in normal growth. I am his gardener - I do the repotting on these plants. I have a large specimen on which I need to reduce the crown and repot. Is there anything that I can do to stop this upright growth habit? It is interesting to note that not all the plants do this. Some of them keep their typical crown shape despite the long exposure to light. Appreciate any suggestions that you can give.
Hi again, Rick. You are probably going to shame me because I still do not have a PH meter. I have been using my rainwater for over two years now with my nutrients mixed in. I use the Calmag which is chelated, so according to you I don't have to worry about PH. But I also use better grow, epsom salts and Kelp. My question to you is this. Can you now after using a PH meter for so long recommend the cheapest most reliable PH meter? They vary so much in price that it is a challenge when looking to buy one. Also, I did see that when feeding, you said that 6.2 is number to shoot for when feeding. I do already have citric acid, so I can adjust the PH, if I have to. Anyway, I feel that when feeding with all the fertilizers I have, I should be using a PH meter. I have had the PPM meter since I first started watching you. Do not know how long it has been. Anyway, don't worry about getting back to me, as I know you are busy and dealing with many things. Blessings and prayers for Jan. Take care, Rita
Rita, it may take me a day or so sometimes,... but I love answering the questions for everyone.......especially those that are truly trying to learn more about understanding growing orchids like yourself.....I use my PH meter, but not as often anymore......I know what my rainwater PH runs and Ive been using my nutrients for over 7yrs......so I understand how they work with my water.......I still check my PH, after a heavy rain and occasionally check my mix ph.....once you know what your ph is........you dont have to check it all the time.....feeding in the low 6's is where I try to feed....I have had several ph pens over the years but the one I always use is a www.amazon.com/Oakton-Waterproof-pH1-EcoTster-Solution/dp/B00FZSUN68/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1542834770&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=Oakton+pH+Pen
Hi Rick, do you water your tolumnias everyday? or leave it in water?? and where do you purchase those lava rocks? Can you please send me a link, thanks a bunch!
…...I water them 2-3 times a week....usually a 30-45 minute soak......they would probably take more but they are doing well.....the Lava rock is from Lowes...….they sell it in the garden center along side the mulches.....
God bless you and your wife. What a treasure you are.
......very kind thank you!
Hi, Rick. I just wanted to make a statement about you regarding your orchid care and attention to detail. I am encouraged by your attention to detail as all of your orchids are being watched and paid attention to. They all look so great and it shows. I have to say that I can relate as little things make all the difference. It does take a lot of work attending to them, but in the end they will reward you. We are all learning very important information from you and you are gracious, to the point, and honest. I appreciate all that you do because proof is in the pudding! Your orchids look great because you love to care for them. This is obvious, once more you have a gift of teaching! This is our reward and our bonus for listening, watching and learning from you. Thanks from the bottom of my heart, your a treasure! Blessings to you and Jan! Rita
Hi, Rick, Thanks for all the great information, as usual. I just wanted to mirror the statement you made regarding anchoring your plants. This I learned many years ago from a friend who said to me that orchids loved to be secure. I have found that this is very very vital for healthy growth. The orchid will be at a standstill, if it is flopping around instead of solid in its' pot or on its' mount.
your so correct Rose.......and anchoring is not the same thing as packing the media tight around them.......that may hold them snug, but doesn't promote good airflow or root growth....securely anchored is best........thanks for your comment.
Is there nothing you can’t plant in... so fascinating. Thanks for showing us to be fearless
Morning Rick and Jan. Watching this again.lol.
I came up with this and it might help some viewers. I keep making a mess putting the lime granules in my pots so I had a turkey baster (bought to use to water plants) and I thought it would work so I filled the rubber bulb with the lime and great can reach in and ...no spills. They flow out easy so you have to balance the tube as you do this. ❤💞🐩tks for videos
wonderful tip Willa........thank you.
My prayers are with you and Rita. Someday i hope to meet you both with out Father. God bless
Thanks for your continued knowledge and great wisdom. One of the Best channels to learn about orchids.
Things are looking good Rick, you should have a multitude of blooms next year. Take care.
Ed.
Hey Rick! I went to Walmart the other day no more lime just all Christmas stuff, but yesterday I stopped by a Lowe's I found some! Went home and used it on my plant's and was thinking about you while I did it,I even checked your video when I was at the store to make sure it was the same one I've been growing orchid's about 12 years but I never really understood fertilizers until your video's thank you so very much,you have been so helpful and I appreciate you. Have a nice day Rick!
your orchids will love you for the extra calcium........they will get darker and have so many new growths this season...
Wow Rick! The root growth on your mounted orchid looks fantastic. My jaw dropped seeing that Phal with like 6 flower spikes 😯 that’s amazing! You are giving them what they like for sure! I have been having success with a cal-mag/seaweed mixture, my orchids seemed to perk up after I started using it. The leaves got really thick/turgid after too. Thank you for your very helpful advice ☺️☺️☺️🌺
I am literally binge watching all your videos on nutrients :) so interesting !!!
Cannot thank you enough
You freaking rock Rick!! Understanding is knowledge and you give it to me for my orchids. Love info on nutrients!!
Jan and Rick you are such special people to us all ,both in our prayers and in our hearts, God Bless you greatly.
Always learn from the best people!!
RICK IS THE BEST!! If i could only remember what the ph has to be.😢 i put my cal mag, kelp, 20-20-20 in a gallon of water from the sink. I have no idea what it should be. CRL my friend.
just go with a few drops of each in your water.....and dont worry about ph at the moment.......in the wild on a tree they would get tiny tiny amounts of nutrients all the time......
Those dogs waiting at the door for you was too cute! Thanks for explaining all this to me. I got all of the supplies you showed us... still working on making a “perfect “ mix. Until then I’m glad a have a pool sized bag of baking soda...👸🏾😇🍃🌟🌱✨💕
Thank you Rick for your thorough lesson on nutrients for these orchids. I just now watched this video and learned that your wife Jan had treatments and I hope that she is now cancer free and all better. I am a fan of your channel. Thanks again!
she is cancer free...……….thank you
nice to see how you treat well your orchids.. exciting to see your orchids with adorable roots..
I'm so glad you and Jan are doing well 🙏🏻😇😘. Nothing better than wake up in the morning watching your videos. I've just starting to feed my orchids with the mixed nutrients you feed yours plants and hope mine will spike up to flowering. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge of growing orchids 🤗👍❤️
thank you......it will make a difference.....
Hi Rick, just started watching your videos and love the information. I'm loving growing my Orchids and taking your advice about Orchids to heart. Thank you!
I love hearing about nutrition and about calcium God Bless you and Jan
Great informational video! Every time you explain nutrients and their role, i understand it better. I've also learned to take notes when watching. You are a wealth of information and I really appreciate your sharing. Bless you and Jan. 🙏
Hi Rick and Jan.
Wow, so interesting about the stalled iwanagara. I have a couple that are stalled and will definitely up the anti on them.
Keep the faith and don't forget to take time for yourself... Jan is superhuman! Blessings
Hello Rick, it is Rita. I have been out of the loop now for several months. I frankly haven't had the time to tend to my orchids, which is sad, but sometimes life happens and other things take priority. Anyway, I want to congratulate on your nearly 7000 subscribers. This is not a surprise to me as you have always been so willing to share your knowledge so selflessly. The next thing is that I am praying for your wife. I just found out watching your videos from the past that she is going through this. Please let her know that I just found out. She is now on my list of people to pray for. To not make this long, I am going to send some questions your way. Also I do completely understand, now that you have so many listeners, that you may not have the time to respond. Blessings to you and your wife. Rita
for you, any questions....anytime........so very happy to see your words.....thoughts and prayers my friend.....Jan will be pleased as I am to hear from you........Blessings Rita
I love that I can come back here and watch these videos, I have learned so much about feeding orchids due to your very thorough and well-explained info. Thanks, "Professor"!
I encourage everyone in the group to try growing masdavellias' in clay pots with the smooth pea sized river stones . Same goes for Bulbophylums'. It was a hot summer in Cleveland Ohio this year and all the Masdavellias' did fine. Keep them shaded and watered and fed. Use a saucer under the pot if you think you need one. They do so much better in stones than the moss. Keeps the roots cool.
wonderful comment Rich........great to hear
As usual your plants look amazing! I have taken you advice and stared using the Cal/Mag . I can only pray that my plants will respond half as good as yours. I haven’t seen any lime here in the market, I will consider looking online. I’m just trying to figure out what works best for my indoor environment. I’m learning and improving and I’m sure my orchids would thank you if they could. Glad to hear your wife is doing good.I believe she is an inspiration to so many women that are in need of her positive , go get em attitude. May God bless her , heal her and continue to help her strive to reach her goals.
thank you Shawn......the calmag takes a few weeks then you will notice the new growth starting.....the trick is ....small amounts all the time......
I always learn something else everytime you give advices, somethings missed before. Thank you, the importance of anchoring, I may overlooked it a bit. So, thanks again. I was so happy to hear from you and Jan, God bless you both, you are in my thoughts😘😍💜💚
Fernanda.......thank you my friend
All your roots look so healthy this Autumn,looking forward to winter blooms. Take care both of you, God Bless
Hey Rick! So good to hear from you. Thanks again for reminding us of the importance of nutrients.
Happy to hear Jan is doing great and thanks for another great info video.
Glad to hear Jan is doing great. I said it before, but she's such a trooper! And so are you! Your plants are looking awesome as always :)
Another great lesson, Rick! I love your videos.
A great update video Ricky, great info, and examples ! Always love to get notification when there’s a new video out by you, thank you so much!
Daily in my thoughts. Love to you and to Jan, I’m so happy to hear she is continuing to do well ! 🙏😘
Rick, once again, Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I pray you and Jan are doing well. I continue to watch and rewatch (several times over) all of your videos and I take lots of notes! I have a few questions for you and I will try not to ask too many at one time! I just want to learn all I can so that I will be able to give my orchids a healthy, happy life. Being a recently retired police officer who spent her entire career on the streets in the City of Houston, my skill set and knowledge are not honed in on plants. As my husband puts it, “all we know how to do is hit someone really hard with a flashlight”. So, for this time of year, and for your rock/clay pot set-up...How often do you water/soak your pots? How do you warm up your rain water after bringing it in from outside? Do you save your cal-mag/seaweed/kelp water mixture to reuse or throw it out? What is the difference between Kelp and Seaweed? And, do you use them together in the same watering with the cal-mag? Have a very safe and blessed Merry Christmas! Lots of love from Texas
…..wonderful questions and respects sent for your service to your community...…..I soak them several times thru the week......at least 2x......they soak for 20-45 minutes....sometimes longer,......I keep a rain barrel in my shop.....so the water is at room temp...75*….and yes I reuse the nutrient mixture for several feedings....I will keep it for a week or so....then discard...Kelp and seaweed are similar......the both contain large amounts of growth hormones.....some varieties can grow several feet in a day...….they are safe to add calmag or other nutrients to....Merry Christmas and thank you for the kind words..........
Rick L. Orchids
Thank you so much for answering all of my questions! Continued prayers for you, Jan and your family. Merry Christmas!
Thank you Rick for all that information..great stuff my friend.
Cedar cubes!!! Excellent idea ! You inspire my hobby
Happy to hear Jan is doing good. Thanks for explaining more about seaweed extract. I've started using it on my water culture orchids.
Excellent Rick. You do rock with these classes your giving us. I go back every now and then to see these videos. 😉
So glad to hear Jan is doing good! You've made a cal/mag believer out of me over the past year so glad someone pointed this out!!! I'm sure you know this but have not heard you say it. That is that the organic garden lime like you use is a pelleted cal/mag, per back of bag. No wonder its so great. Thanks for sharing!!
great way of explaining it..........thanks Brad....
Hi Rick, I hope all is well with you and Jan. Thank you for this video, I knew you would have the info I needed for my sad store bought orchid. God bless!
Hi Rick think for the info .. Happy Jen is find you and your family are always in my prayer one love...
Great info, as always! Thank you, Rick.👍👏
Fantastic information. Thank you.
Those two "trouble makers" are so cute!
wow
your sure doing it right
Thx so much for sharing
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with orchids.
.......very welcome.......thank you Chad
Just started watching your channel, havent even bought an orchid yet but have got the bug and loving learning about the different types and how to grow them 😊 Thanks so much for the great info, and blessings and well wishes to Jan ❤
Thank you Rick.. you and Camera gal are in my thoughts daily ….
Rick L., telling us what type of wood chips you use and your explanation about anchoring the plants to wood is incredibly helpful. Again, NEVER cease to explain the significance of mobile and immobile nutrients; the more you share it the more "I" understand it.
Question for you, Rick! Do you think adding pine straw needles to rock mix in pots could benefit the roots and growth of orchids? I send lots of cheer to Jan. Go! Jan! Go! Thank you, my friend!
thank you my sweet friend.....Pine needles are very acidic.....I think it would drop ph to low and lock out nutrients ........it may benefit at first....but would drop ph pretty soon...
@@rickl.orchids Rick L., thank you so much for the explanation. I have pine needles everywhere in my yard from the trees I have. This information will stay locked in my noggin for a long while. I'm interested in decorative ideas using pine tree products for an authentic look.
Love your vids and your orchids! 😊
I enjoyed your show keep up the good job
Greetings from Jamaica and thanks for the lovely video, Rick. You and Jan have my continued prayers. My family enquired about you both recently. You are in our thoughts. Blessings.
wonderful video.learn a lot.thanks.happy to hear jan doing well.take care.
You make an excellent point in that each plant may have different nutrients. Thank you
Correct the prior message to say nutritional needs.
Love the passion Rick another great video, keep um coming.
thanks Mick.....
God bless both of you...... my thoughts are with you always..
Awesome, those roots, My Gosh,
Aloha, Welcome back! Your Phals are happy!!! Lots of blooms soon. Glad to hear Jan is doing okay. She's one tough Cookie!! Blessing for both of you!
Hello Rick! Thank you for all the great information! Even though I’ve had a decent orchid collection for years, I finally feel like I am growing them. I’ve decided to grow them this winter to get them stronger and healthier than they have ever been. Since a lot of us also have other plants, I was wondering if you could do a show of your other plants. I would like to know how you care for those as well. Sending well wishes to you and your family!
sure will Erin........thanks
Thank you, I learn more each time I watch your vlogs. Both you and Jan are extremely strong people, God’s blessing to both of you. Could you please, explain to me why does an orchid splits down the length of it’s new leaf?
........very kind words thank you.........leaves that split are cause by lack of calcium which weakens cell structure and then low hydration causing cell structure to break down.....combination of things in my experience........
Hello Rick, I want to wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.🦃🍁 I am grateful for the strength both you and your wife have during time of illness, it has helped me during mine. On a lighter note, I haven’t killed my mother’s orchid yet. She wasn’t sure what to do after the blooms faded and I decided to care for the plant. I see new roots growing,but the leaves are turning yellow.
thank you.....the orchid is telling you it needs more food.......its absorbing its self.....
Thank you Mr Rick for the video.Always so informative. I’m amazed at that phal with 6 spikes.Tell is again how you get them to produce so many spikes.Glad to hear from you and that Ms.Jan is doing well.Stay strong and blessed
.......phals have no bulbs or canes to store nutrients like dendrobiums,oncidiums, cattleya's or other orchids.........they only have storage in their leaves and spikes......they hoard P & K and store it in spikes......if you cut off spikes, they loose nutrient reserves, mainly K...and they drop lower leaves to compensate for it..........feed them tiny amounts often, and keep their K levels up and they will hold onto spikes and stop dropping lower leaves.....once they start......they really start blooming vigorously.....
Rick, haven’t seen anything new in a couple of weeks. Hope you and Jan are doing well.
Sending lots of prayer and much love! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Not the kind of video I go looking for you have seen my older phals and already know why. Still I enjoy all your videos so I watched it anyway awesome video like always. I also noticed when you let the dogs in we have the same doormat. I hope you two are having a wonderful day and a even better week.
thanks Victor.......your phals are what started me thinking about their P & K requirements......
Hey Rick, rewatching some of your videos as I am bringing home more orchids. Hope you and your wife are doing well.
Awesome video. 😁
🤩😍😁
I like your voice you looks likes a radio announcer and ill always watching your video
Informative as usual all the best to you and your wife 💕
Going to Wal-Mart today to buy another
Led shop light.. aka grow light. Will ck see if they still have the kelp on the shelf. Everything moved for Christmas trees😊😊😊🌲
.........they just dont understand us orchid growers......lol
@@rickl.orchids no not at all, no emergency repot supplies or supplements....God forbid we need a bag baby fix! Lol... Thank you Rick for spreading your knowledge you've certainly taken the trepidation out of it some for this newbie!
Best wishes for both you & Jan.
Hi Rick. I was wondering if you might be able to do a video explaining how you decide how many ppm of nutrients you use. I am new to this and of all the videos I watch yours are the best and you have the most beautiful orchids of any I have seen. I’m just trying to take care of a few plants in my home. We have similar weather as I am in Memphis,TN. Thanks so much.
Lisa Todman I am going to answer this because I have watched Rick now for a couple of years. If you watch his older videos, he does explain in detail the PPM and the PH. He likes using rainwater as the PH is great for orchid nutrient absorption. According to his methods the PPM is around between 150 and 200 ppm, during the main roots and leaves growing, which is usually spring and summer. Then according to his latest videos, he backs off to around 100 PPM during the fall and winter. He says that in the wild, because of cooler temps the orchids do have some dormancy and therefore do not absorb as many nutrients. He has many videos explaining how he feeds his orchids. Best of luck to you. Rick is a find indeed.
Rita Beitz Thank you
Rita did a great job of explaining that......made me smile!!........Lisa, ....orchids in the wild get tiny amounts of nutrients that run down to them when it rains on the trees......if we mimic mother nature they grow like orchids should.......small amounts...often.... all the time.....
Rick L. Orchids Thank you Rick. I’m starting to catch on.
Hi Rick. Everything is looking great! I believe I have my first spike on my Valentine phal! 😀
My Peace Lilies are in bloom right now. When I started to feed my orchids I started to feed my other house plants too. Do you put the garden lime on all of your house plants or just on your orchids?
Blessings to Jan. She sounds like Wonder Woman!
......great question........all of my plants get it on them.......its good stuff.
Hi Rick, how often do you put the garden lime on your phalaenopsis orchids. I have 14 now. I don't have any other kind of orchids. I would Love to try some different orchids. I just don't know what other types I can grow in Michigan where I live. We only have Northern and Southern windows in our home. Hoping to put a big Eastern window in this coming summer. God Bless your and your Lovely wife Jan. Any many Prayers, Hugs and Love always coming your way. Roxanne
......very kind Roxanne......mine are all in south windows, soaking up the winter sun......if you can grow Phalaenopsis..........Dendrobiums, Cattleya's, Oncidiums and most of the rest should be easy for you....they will grow them selves with little care...
@@rickl.orchids Awesome, Thank you for your response back to me. I will look some other kinds of orchids up that I like then. Prayers, hugs and Love coming your way for you and your wife. Roxanne
Hi again Rick, on one of your videos you talked about “Plant success Soluble” I can’t find it. Can u give me a video that you talk about using it? I’ve ordered it getting in today! Thank you again 👍🏻. Stay encouraged this shall pass! 💕
…….I believe it was a African violet video...…...I don't use it with orchids....
Dear Rick, Sending love and prayers for Jan and you... amazing plants. If they can thrive so Well under your care...anyone around you is sure to heal. Just a matter of time .
blessings my friend.....very kind..
Very goods , thank!
God bless you both
I'm sure you know that it's normal for phals to lose the 2 bottom leaves. As long as that's all they lose you're fine. Your plants look great, almost like plants on steroids 😊
........sorry Bonnie i disagree.......they drop lower leaves due to lack of nutrients....,mainly K.....if they get enough K they keep spikes and stop dropping lower leaves...
Fascinating about buying divisions, even rootless ones. And then nurturing them into vigorous plants.
As a beginner, I'd like to add to my small collection but haven't seen any orchid shows nearby. Are there mail-order or other sources that you would recommend? And thanks for all the inspiration!!
Hi Rick, what an interesting video... loads of info., well explained as well. I love it!
I was curious about using the cedar you have as your substrate. I would love to try it on one of my orchids to see how it takes since she's not been doing so well & needs to be repotted.
Does the cedar have to be in cubes like I see you have it or would cedar they sell at pet stores work as well?
Thank you for the great work you do. Much Love! 💕
cedar has very good decay properties, and the orchids seem to grow very well on it, or over it........i started using cedar chunks......1" cubes or bigger for a few of them......cedar shavings from the pet store....may be to fine, and will break down quicker, than larger pieces.....as well as may stay too wet if packed or in thick layer......I use old cedar boards that have never been painted.........i cut them up into cubes on my bandsaw....
I was watching a previous video you made regarding winter care and fertilization. I watched a couple and noticed that you had added some other nutrients to your mixes. I have some questions. First of all after viewing one, I started to back off on my extra lighting just last night. I will do it gradual but I feel I could have stopped some of my blooms from coming out. This made so much sense to me. Next I wanted to pick up the blooming liquid fertilzer you mentioned and the other ones that you mentioned. I have been using the lime and have gotten great results. However, I may have given them a little too much as I am still giving 200 ppm now into the cold season, so I will have to cut back on this as well. The main question is this. When is is appropriate to start using the blooming liquid fertilzer? I noticed you used about 20 percent in the mix. Can I start now, and how much would you recommend just starting out. Or is it too late? Now that harvest season is over and I have more time, I am again fired up about my orchids. I have of course been inspired by you again. Take care and blessings to you and yours. Rita
......I may have added a bloom supplement to round out a nutrient mix.....but I dont feed orchids bloom boosters.........they can become toxic to orchids....best thing for good blooming is steady supply of nitrogen all the way thru bloom.....till the last bud opens.....then you can just give water.....
Hi Rick . I am new to your channel. Your plants look so healthy . Is there one of your videos where you have the info on what you feed, the mix of nutrients, how much and how? If not , can you do one? I k ow I would appreciate as I would like my plants to get better. Thank you . Sending good wishes to your wife.
coming out today…...thank you
Hi Rick your plants look so healthy and soon your will have more flower 👏🏼👏🏼I have a question,
After the plants have finish flowering I heard some one said to trim the spike, so the plant won’t be so stress to tried to flower again I will like your opinion.
Thanks my friend 😁
Blessing
...a great question.........No.... never trim a spike unless its been absorbed [turn brown slowly].....it will not stress a plant......most orchids store a lot of their P & K reserves in them......if you notice a phal will absorb their spikes and then grow a leaf right after.......cutting the spike will cause them to drop a lower leaf to make up for the lost P & K....feed them enough P& K and they will keep their spikes, re-bloom from them...and hold onto their lower leaves......most orchids will absorb a spike if its needed.....trim it off and you remove some of their reserve nutrients.....
.....a plant that is sick or nutrient deficient....will get worse from removing more of its reserves......correcting the deficiency is the correct way
Do you reccomend an extractor fan for inside orchid room? Or just a regular commercial fan enough for two racks of plants like your???
depend on humidity and air flow.........to much humidity and low air flow can cause mold or other things to get started....you cant give them to much air flow .....humidity for most is fine around 65-70%
I'm glad to hear Jan is doing well. She sounds like the energizer bunny.
Do I need to add cal-mag to the flush water and does it get through the leaves and other tissues or just the roots. I was also wondering what effect water temperature has on the plants? I try to use room temperature water but rooms are cooler now.
....calcium is best absorbed thru the roots vs the leaves.....just add a bit of calmag to the water when ever you can......temperature extremes can cause cell damage to leaves as well as roots......use room temperature is fine.......
Another great video! Rick what do you do with your dendrobiums that need a dryer winter rest.
do you use rain water only when they are watered, or do you add cal mag ?
the few I have that are resting......are getting good light but cool temps.....and Im using less feed with them.......mostly just water and calmag ...if not showing signs of growth....
Hi Rick, my information on my Kelp label. This is what is says, Nitrogen - 1-2%, Phosphorous 0.23%, Potash.......6%, (this is vague because of the way it is written. Is this 6% or is it .6%? ) Is potash the same as Potassium? Then it states that there are trace elements of Sulfur, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Boron, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, and Carbohydrates. I checked and both of the kelp products come from the same company called, GS PLANT FOODS, Organic. Can you decipher this? Thanks, Rita
.......sounds good.......the potash is the K or potassium....and its .6%....it has less than 2% Nitrogen, and just a tiny trace of Phosphorous.......that will work fine.....I like that it also has some trace elements..
Rick L. Orchids Thanks, Rick, I appreciate you always answering everyones' questions! This is rare indeed! Thanks again, Rita.
Hi Rick. I feel that I've been slightly behind the curve when it comes to all the science behind this, but I feel that I can get better as times go by. I do have some specific questions regarding the PH and nutrient absorption. You did have a chart that I copied which is on my wall in my orchid room which as the PH numbers for each and every nutrient. So, I understand the concept. However, my questions regarding the PH has to do with the absorption of the nutrients. I first want to clarify that using the Cal Mag, since it is chelated, doesn't require any changing of PH. The question is this. Because Calcium is absorbed from the low 4's to the high 5's, wouldn't it be the smartest thing to adjust the ph accordingly to this number? I think you said that you felt that the PH for nutrients was great around 6.2. According to the chart, Calcium doesn't absorb well above 5.85. So, would it be prudent for the lime granules to adjust the rainwater to at least 5.85? Or are the lime granules chelated too? I do not have a PH meter, but intend to buy the one you suggested. But if my rainwater is 6 -7 which I am guessing it is somewhere in that range, should I be using the citric acid to lower it when feeding? And also is Epsom Salt chelated? Also, is Kelp chelated ?I realize these are many questions and so specific, but I feel that in order to get the maximum absorption, I may need to adjust my rainwater PH. I have watched all of your videos, and I realize that you do specifically address these issues, but the feeding in my understanding has to be kind of separated in order for the plants to achieve maximum absorption. Correct me please, if I am wrong. In addition to all the comments and questions, I know that you answer questions, but I am grateful that you do. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Jan and the rest of your family. Many blessings and prayers to all of you. Rita
Rita I understand your confusion.....all good questions......almost all the nutrients in commercial fertilizers are chelated, and they are absorbed over a wide range of ph values, outside their normal absorption ranges........designed that way so they work with water in different areas....Using these mixes we dont need to be concerned with ph absorption as much as your water ph to start with.....the mixes are designed to lower the ph of the overall mix......but the beginning water ph needs to be in an acceptable range to start with.......
..example...7.4 ph water when mixed with fertilizer will drop to 6.3+/-...........which is perfect range for orchids to feed.............but a 8.2ph water may only get down to 7.4ph with nutrients.....which isnt the best range for orchids to feed at.......hope that makes sense.
........the other important thing to use PH for is if you know your absorption ranges.....it makes it easier to understand diagnosing sick plants......
............orchids feed more hydroponically......the nutrients that drip off trees etc, are in a form that is pre-broken down........easy for them to absorb.........plants in soil need microbes to break things down before they can absorb them...the lime granules are organic and more of a soil nutrient, they are slowly broken down and the calcium is released for absorption over time in the pots.....because of how it occurs... the ph isnt the same....they absorb at more soil ph ranges...which are higher.
If your initial ph is 6-7 than you dont need citric acid.....most people dont.....just some with high ph water....Epson salts is magnesium sulfate.....its chelated....and kelp and seaweed extracts are all very good forms of easily absorbed minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and hormones........One thing I dont mention enough is to let the PH swing of your mix.....that way they get a more varied diet and you hit the high absorption points most nutrients have..........excellent questions my friend.........thank you
Rick L. Orchids Wow, Rick, you answered everything and made it easy to understand. Thanks so much. I did get that PH meter. I haven't used it yet, but will. I probably could have gotten by without it, but I am glad I have it, so I can monitor my rainwater. I so appreciate you taking the time to give me direct and specific answers. I get it and will continue to follow your great advice as my orchids are doing great. Thanks and extra blessings to you and Jan. Rita
I do this once a week put everyone in the sink and water away they love it
Great video as usual! Do you have Peristeria Elata? If yes , how do you care for it? Happy to hear Jan is doing good! Keeping you guys on my prayers!
...no I dont....they are a terrestrial orchid....if I had one I would pot it in peat, perlite, and soil mix, with some small bark added.......then amend with some garden lime......I would use more of a soil fertilizer for them........10-10-10..this is good reading to get them to bloom.....ricardogupi.blogspot.com/2010/10/peristeria-elata-holy-ghost-orchid.html
OMG Peristeria Elata is my love hate curse. Have had it for probably 15 years and only flowered once. One year it grows great and the next it rots and looks like crap. This past year was a great year and had about 15 bulbs and was expecting great flowering since they were all fairly large and healthy looking. I was out of town for work and we had one night here where it froze down to about 28f and they all froze and died except one bulb.That bulb gave me a baby which is growing beautifully but god knows when ill see a flower again.
@@willoperez5681 ..........they need a very dry period to get them to concentrate hormones........then they will bloom very well.......
Thanks for all the info Rick! You are the best!
Hi Rick. I too have an I... Apple blossom that I was ready to the out, in fact I even bought another one. How many ppm of calcium should I use?
I give mine 40-50ppm in a 135ppm mix......
Hi Rick, we trimmed our oak tree, save some pieces to use it on orchids, is oak wood recommended it? some ppl wash it with 50/50 water and chlorine...?
…...Oak doesn't do well with orchids...…..over time it turns very acidic and tends to hold onto nutrients too much...……..Cedar is my preferred wood for mounts...
Can you do foliar feedings of kelp and seaweed? Esp if a plant is in need of roots... i dint have the calcium supplement yet
…..yes....they love foliar feeds......its how they were designed by mother nature...….to be dripped on.
Rick, we miss you buddy! You doing ok?
Hello Rick are you using any artificial light? Or is your inside room going to stay bright all winter?
mine are getting lots of sun thru the south facing windows......I am also giving some on the shelves supplemental light.......6500K fluorescent fixtures.....on only during daylight time....
How long do you soak them for? I’m a new grower. Recently fall I love with the phals.
depends on plant......but 30 minutes most the time......some for several hours and some overnight...
Rick L. Orchids thank you sir 😊
I do miss you videos hopefully you are doing ok
Good discussion. I've started adding more calcium to my plants. It has been making a difference. Do you find that the younger plants or the mature plants require more calcium/magnesium? Or, are they equal in their consumption levels? Glad to hear that your wife is doing fine!
what a great question Pat.......yes....not so much the maturity... as the time its been established growing...a plant growing in a pot for 6mths should have good roots and some organics collected in its pot.....more so than a freshly planted orchid......one that's been in its pot for 1yr has even more root mass and is more established in its pot.......all that root mas holds micro organisms that help break down things like calcium.....and the root mass helps hold onto nutrients.... more so than a new plant with little root development in the pot.......once they are established they may not need calcium as often......they may hold enough in their pots environment....a plant growing needs more calcium than one that's resting.....
@@rickl.orchids Thanks for your reply. Can you believe that I've been working in my yard - adding composted cow manure/mulch or mushroom compost/mulch in it. Digging it in by hand. Lots of work, but I hope it will help to improve our soil over time. Been an uphill battle to improve one section of the yard. Even difficult to get grass to grow there. Oh, I did add some of the Espoma lime to my most recently reseeded section of argentine grass. Looking so healthy and growing nicely. Would adding any other nutrients help?
@@rickl.orchids May I ask a question about African violets? My husband grows them in memory of his maternal grandmother. They are in his office cubby under florescent lights which are on 24/7. We have found that some of them grow their leaves straight up in the direction of the light and don't flatten down like they do in normal growth. I am his gardener - I do the repotting on these plants. I have a large specimen on which I need to reduce the crown and repot. Is there anything that I can do to stop this upright growth habit? It is interesting to note that not all the plants do this. Some of them keep their typical crown shape despite the long exposure to light. Appreciate any suggestions that you can give.
Hi again, Rick. You are probably going to shame me because I still do not have a PH meter. I have been using my rainwater for over two years now with my nutrients mixed in. I use the Calmag which is chelated, so according to you I don't have to worry about PH. But I also use better grow, epsom salts and Kelp. My question to you is this. Can you now after using a PH meter for so long recommend the cheapest most reliable PH meter? They vary so much in price that it is a challenge when looking to buy one. Also, I did see that when feeding, you said that 6.2 is number to shoot for when feeding. I do already have citric acid, so I can adjust the PH, if I have to. Anyway, I feel that when feeding with all the fertilizers I have, I should be using a PH meter. I have had the PPM meter since I first started watching you. Do not know how long it has been. Anyway, don't worry about getting back to me, as I know you are busy and dealing with many things. Blessings and prayers for Jan. Take care, Rita
Rita, it may take me a day or so sometimes,... but I love answering the questions for everyone.......especially those that are truly trying to learn more about understanding growing orchids like yourself.....I use my PH meter, but not as often anymore......I know what my rainwater PH runs and Ive been using my nutrients for over 7yrs......so I understand how they work with my water.......I still check my PH, after a heavy rain and occasionally check my mix ph.....once you know what your ph is........you dont have to check it all the time.....feeding in the low 6's is where I try to feed....I have had several ph pens over the years but the one I always use is a
www.amazon.com/Oakton-Waterproof-pH1-EcoTster-Solution/dp/B00FZSUN68/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1542834770&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=Oakton+pH+Pen
Rick L. Orchids Thanks so much, Rick!
Hi Rick, do you water your tolumnias everyday? or leave it in water?? and where do you purchase those lava rocks? Can you please send me a link, thanks a bunch!
…...I water them 2-3 times a week....usually a 30-45 minute soak......they would probably take more but they are doing well.....the Lava rock is from Lowes...….they sell it in the garden center along side the mulches.....