4 Month Adaptation: Semi-Hydroponics

[@Goot253]

Thanks for showing 4 months in a concise and condensed manner. Another great video!

[@brevagrasmanis]

Love this video! Question: how do you fertilize in this process?

[@petrapiciacchia2456]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for making this video. It's bang on! I too changed all my orchids to semi hydro about the same time you made this video. I've noticed exactly what you've stated in this video. I was freaking out about the mold build up on one of my phals so I added more ventilation holes to the container (I used plastic ones I took from the deli section of the grocery store). All the orchids are adapting to their new environment, growing new roots, aerial roots and a Flower Spike (my first one ever!!). I'm so thankful I found you; your videos are easy to follow and very informative. And like you have a tendency to over check my orchids which I'm trying not to do. Can;t wait till the next video.

[@MichaelsOrchids]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Petra! I’m glad you find them helpful and that this video is something you’ve experienced too. Yes, I’m a little compulsive with checking on things, but I’m learning to be better haha. Thank you so much for watching!

[@gracelilyyoshua328]

When does it flower again? How long? Thank you 😊

[@s.t.2858]

Does the orchid plant remain I this pot?

[@s.t.2858]

From NZ Please advise what the brown pellets are. I hv an orchid placed in bathroom And just mist spray whe. I rember few days here there Hvnt taken from pot to cut old roots as hv no idea what to do I will try soaking in tea bag solution then repot? I can see new growth growing though which is exciting But hvnt attempted to investigate old roots

[@EpicBlueAcres1]

@@s.t.2858 yesot stays in the glass container and the "brown pellets" are called Leca

[@tess140]

Always feel like I'm taking a a class when I view your videos. Thank you so much.

[@lightwavz]

Thank you! I followed up from finding your previous video where you rehabbed your friend's orchid. I am an advanced master gardener from way back, but tropicals, epiphytes, and cycads have remained beyond my skill set. You have opened my eyes and squelched my fear factor! And I never knew semi-hydroponics existed. Keep that content flowing, kind sir. You have a convert!

[@Banana04218]

This is one of the BEST videos on semi hydro I have EVER seen. Thank you! My phal in SH is at the point that there is a rotting root and I was wondering how to handle it. I feel much more confident now. Also I'm kinda amazed you got a phal on clearance that actually had an ID hehe. Thank you 🌱🌸

[@MichaelsOrchids]

That’s so nice of your to say! I’m so glad it helps you feel more confident, it was so scary for me not knowing what was going on the first few times 😬

[@tamipacumio9415]

You are a God send for new SH growers.

[@GypsyCurls]

I’ve bought so many orchids from the grocery store and have lost each and every one of them, because I know nothing about caring for them. If I had your videos, I could have learned more about them and been able to save them. Now I cannot wait to purchase another one and be successful with keeping it alive and healthy. I will check out all of your videos. Thank you!

[@remaeburney832]

Thank you, Michael 😅. I grow my Orchids in a mix of pebbles and bark. My last 2 orchids have really struggled! They came to me in spagnum moss. Thank you for the how and why. You are the first grower to really talk about the adaptation time. I have 3 in my little TLC unit , mini greenhouse. Now I know how long to leave them in . Good Vibes 😊

[@freyaegrey]

I cannot tell you how happy I am that I found this when I did. I converted a phal to leca and the roots totally started rotting and I freaked out and was about to switch back. So thank goodness that this showed up in my recommended.

[@LadyShaii]

Omg! Where have you been alone my life! I'm freaking out because my roots are rotting away. I have some peace of mind knowing that this is natural. Thank you so much for doing this video.

[@MichaelsOrchids]

I’m so glad it helps, I totally understand that panic. That’s literally how I felt the first 5 months of converting my orchids to SH

[@jamesmontgomery869]

Finally, something I can SEE.. I started my collection in May and have lost over 10 plants.... patience has always been a problem for me but I am learning. Hanging the plant over water just doesn’t seem to do the trick root wise and I have tried the tent with moss, nothing worked. I have two in leca now in the back room out of sight so I can’t irritate them anymore.....I see that you chose a rather large jar for this plant, which is good news too. The dumping of the roots is really miserable so I am now trying. Bare root on three Phil’s and hoping for the best, so far so good, it is about 2.5 weeks now. Keep up the filming - thank you and regards from B.C. - Georgia

[@joechristensen8531]

Great info. Since I changes a few of my cattleya, Phalaenopsis, and dendrobium to semi- hydro, they have literally grown like weeds. Nothing rots.

[@LTCLV]

Love these tutorials, easy to follow not overly complicated. Also liked the tutorial on creating the holes in the jars!

[@ldragosro]

This is the best video I've ever seen in 15 years since I'm in to orchids. Good job!!

[@sherrieshamer3944]

I have two orchids and had watched your tea bathes for them! I love that it has been working and my orchids have perked up. Now to transplant into clay pellets. Thank you very much for your educational videos on these sassy plants. I thought I was killing the orchids

[@DreamsUnfolding]

These are the finest, easiest, and yet most informational videos I've found. Thank you!

[@hollymorgan3323]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make such a spot on vlog 🙏🏻 xx

[@lourdeslopez9833]

Love the monthly updates. This helps a lot. Thank you.

[@christrinder1255]

Excellent Video Michael! This is so helpful to everyone who is relatively new to semi hydro with leca, so reassuring! Brilliant, thank you so much for posting 👏👏👏

[@dawnpleasant2319]

This was so helpful! I freaked out yesterday when I noticed mold on my decaying roots. Thank you for the information!

[@nitamunoz-brown4944]

Thank you SO MUCH for making this video! It's helped me understand NOT to panic when there's a tiny bit of mold or a small corner of a dead root (I killed two orchids going mad clipping everything off!). It never once crossed my mind to consider that the plant needs time to adapt to a new medium. Wonderful video. Thank you again!

[@MichaelsOrchids]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Nita! Thank you so much for watching ❤️

[@ryanthedriver9283]

Your videos are life changing and so very helpful! Maybe think about adding an advertisement to the very end of your videos and contacting the companies of the brands that you already use so that you can be compensated for your hard work. Example being that I visited the webpage of the Nuovoware temperature gauge because you use it and I trust what you use because of the great advice you share with us. THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!

[@terryklemesrud758]

This was a wonderful experiment and helped us understand transitioning to semi hydroponics!!! Thanks so much, Michael!!!

[@MichaelsOrchids]

I’m so glad you found it helpful, thank you for watching Terry! ❤️❤️❤️

[@michelelaws5170]

Thank you so much for this video! You are so detailed and pleasant to watch. I just started the rehydrating process with my phal orchid before trying the adaptation process. Wish me luck!

[@dazzahoward7104]

Just a Soko Yukidan you say............some of the best Phals I have seen have come from that hybrid. A real beauty. Nice work getting that one to recover. I agree with the use of clay balls............not that you were looking for my approval.

[@diegocast199717]

I mean finally a video that explains how semyhidro works! Thanks I will definitely remember everything you said! ☺

[@yliberal6355]

Yes this was very informative for me. I was beginning to think I was killing my phals and oncidiums, but thanks to your simple experiment along with your detailed explanation, I will continue on!!!

[@MichaelsOrchids]

Stay strong Yolanda! It seems more scary than it actually is 😀

[@CarpenoxThriller]

My gosh, Thank you!! I’m currently on the journey and freaked out over the mold. I’ll keep going and trust the process!!

[@mayriegrimm7567]

Thank you Michael. You made this video just in time! I've converted 5 or 6 of my orchids to semi-hydroponics and have begun to notice the very things you talk about. I've been concerned and considering what I should do. Now I know--just be patient and it will pass. One of my oncidiums (the first I converted) is doing great! I can't believe the root structure it has created and it really didn't take the 4 months. Thank you again and please keep sharing your experience. I hope you realize how much you help us.

[@MichaelsOrchids]

I’m so glad to hear that Mayrie, thank you for your kind words!!!

[@viviancabe9874]

one of the BEST videos on semi hydro

[@sonyakuo1183]

This is the perfect video that I was needing! I started my semi-hydroponics about 3 weeks ago and can’t wait to get to the point where I have healthy new roots that are enjoying the semi-hydroponic system. Thank you for showing us the progression!

[@MichaelsOrchids]

You’re so welcome, Sonya! Thank you for watching ❤️

[@ji94552]

Thank you so much. I’ve been growing orchids in semi-water culture for a couple of months, and I feel better after watching this video. Greetings from East Bay

[@priscillalynn3179]

Michael, this video is top notch. I have about half of my collection in semi hydro and have experienced what your video showed. You were so methodical throughout the whole process. Just this week I added to the process. I have put the latest transitions on heating mats. I'm anxious to see if that speeds up the process. I'll keep you updated. Again thank you for your contributions which benefit all of us.

[@MichaelsOrchids]

That is so kind of you to say, Priscilla! I’m glad you’ve experienced the same, things can vary so much between different grow environments. Yes, please keep me posted and thank you for watching!

[@Banana04218]

I'd love to hear about your experience with heat mats! I'm always wondering if to buy those or not. I hope they help

[@MichaelsOrchids]

To be honest, heat mats never did much of anything for my plants. As a matter fact, the more I used them, the more plants I lost to rot. But that being said, I do think that could be based off of my environment. Ray Barkalow, the pioneer of semi hydroponics, highly recommends them. It’s a personal thing, just keep a close eye on your plants and adjust accordingly!

[@priscillalynn3179]

Michael's Orchids This is something I just started with some seedlings and it's too early to tell yet, but my fingers are crossed.

[@priscillalynn3179]

Michael's Orchids I watched a webinar on American Orchid Society by Ray on semi hydro and that is where I got the idea of the heating pads.

[@erikawest4812]

Oh this WAS GREAT! Super helpful, warmth, gratitude & blessings! 🙋‍♀️

[@Essential.bee.plant.heaven]

Great video. I converted some of my phals 10 days ago and I was just about to move them back in the bark. Thanks to you I will continue to grow them in leca.

[@Ecclectic_citcelccE]

I can "stay strong" with such good advice. Thanks for this video!

[@loveunlimited616]

I just started with semi hydroponics and this has been very helpful. Thank you

[@matthewcondon1985]

Great video!!! So nice to see the whole process from start to finish and all in one video too.

[@ruthstevens3720]

Just came across your channel and I love your explanation. I have an orchard that was given to me around 3 yrs ago. I’ve only watered it and am terrified to repot it in anything. I just don’t know what to do. But, it sounds so easy your method that I will give it a try. Patience is what I will definitely need. Thanks again! 🪴🌱

[@JohnWinterhalter]

Michael this is one of the best videos you've produced. Many of the channels that I follow just do the one and done videos. This is the way to do the videos and I recommend that you do more follow-ups. I would like to see at least one more on this specific plant Even if it's several months from now

[@scottsell4182]

Michael - really great series of videos! Thanks!

[@MrJaspermyboy]

Thank you for this. I'm transitioning my phals into this media and you showed the progress and how the plants adapts.

[@spontaneouswill007]

Thanks for making this excellent and very informative video. I love the way you went to the point, step by step from start to finish. I loved your video, God Bless you for always! ❤️🙏

[@leet0809]

So clear. Straight foward. Love your video

[@konstantinachatzinikolaou7589]

Very useful info. You made me understand so many things about semi hydro. Congrats

[@MichaelsOrchids]

I’m so glad you found it helpful, thank you for watching Konstantina!

[@mariapina1755]

I ❤ this video; I find it encouraging! Thank you for taking the time to teach us Michael!

[@MichaelsOrchids]

I’m so glad you like it Maria! And of course, it’s brings me so much joy!

[@JudyGoodson]

You’ve been a big help, Michael.

[@KindaRylan]

Another awesome video. Bought a phal right around the starting point of this experiment. Definitely is a good representation of the conversion process. The 3 month mark is always the most fun in terms of root explosion.

[@MichaelsOrchids]

Thank you Rylan! Yes, I’m always eager to see the momentum begin around the third month

[@annturner7088]

The most sensible vlog experiment

[@birdluvrs]

Great informative video to explain how our orchids adapt to semi-hydro!

[@MichaelsOrchids]

Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@Amanda-nq7vs]

Thank you! I love your videos. Will try again with my next orchid and be less afraid of the transitions

[@conniebenson8828]

I have tried this so many times and failed. I panic and get crazy trying to remove what I see as decayed roots. This shows me where I've gone wrong. Thank you!

[@rigakushi6168]

Great video, now i can see all the adaptation process. Thanks !!

[@carolharrison9158]

Thank you Michael, This video was most informative and I have taken it all in, as I am new to growing Orchids and I have put some in semi hydro and some in Orchid medium, and they are all doing well at the moment. Fingers x they will continue to do so. Thanks again Michael. Yours Carol H.

[@MichaelsOrchids]

I have a feeling your plants will do beautifully! Thank you so much for watching, I’m glad you find my videos useful ☺️

[@DaniTakagi]

Thank you so much for making this video ❤️ I wanna start to change my orchids to semi hidroponics and have so many questions in my mind. Sorry for my "bad english". I'm a Brazilian that live in Japan 🇯🇵 I'm in love for you and channel, you are lovely and helps me a lot. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@MichaelsOrchids]

I’m so glad to help, Dani!

[@sportysporty3276]

np we understand your English a Canadian in USA and retired but love growing orchids... onSkype Wanda310 r

[@tinsinxtsss5309]

ONE OF THE BEST VIDEOS! very informative and straightforward thanks michael

[@MichaelsOrchids]

Thank you for watching, I’m glad you found it informative!

[@anrn5303]

appreciate your video clip‼️i wouldn’t have thought it took several months - 4 months... i wish i can convert all my collection to this media... once again, thank you 💯❤️👍🏽

[@judykhan9319]

Thank you for walking us thru this process. Quite informative. Panicker.

[@alisamuelleck7383]

That made me feel so much better. Thank you for doing this video!

[@TropicalPlantParty]

Awesome! Excellent run through and explanation of the process!

[@MichaelsOrchids]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it! ☺️

[@blinkbunny9781]

Great job, Michael. Phenomenal video, thanks for sharing this

[@MichaelsOrchids]

Thank you for watching, and for your kind words! Xoxo

[@iamkat8p]

Omg this video is so informative!! I am considering SH for my orchid and I would’ve freaked out about the rotting and gone back to bark.

[@purplewombat1923]

Thanks for sharing. I would have been very upset if my orchid roots started to rot and didn't know this was normal.

[@fificorina]

This is a great video Michael, thank you for posting!

[@MichaelsOrchids]

Thank you for watching Fifi!

[@icyhoya7301]

Great video Michael. I've converted my Phals into full water culture about two months ago. Let's hope the adaption span is the same like with semi hydro. :)

[@MelissaWalker82]

Icy Hoya hi there! I am super new to water culture but I do watch Danielle’s orchid ranch and she says very similar things about the water culture conversion that Michael does about semi hydro. Just to give you somewhere to check out if you are looking for a little reassurance. Happy growing! :)

[@7YBzzz4nbyte]

Really good videos, I've finally started to like my orchids!

[@JudyGoodson]

A really GREAT video, Michae! It’s encouraged me to keep on trying, one plant at a time. I’m finding thatI have the best success with young orchids, who are freshly out from being grown as seedlngs. Their roots just adapt easier. Of course I have to wait longer for them to bloom, but at least I don’t have to repot so much from rotting.😊

[@bluebt25]

Can you show us one that gets to the flowering stage?

[@nashuwareneemiller6501]

Hey Micheal, thanks for such an informative video because I have recently converted my orchids and I notice that, but the days of worrying myself to death over my orchids I stop that shit because it was giving me unwanted grey hairs that I don't need my professors do that with extreme expertise.But I ensure that they are not staving, cool and more.Ty for another great video

[@MichaelsOrchids]

Hi Nashuwa! I’m so glad you found it helpful. I totally understand, when I started growing in SH, I was CONSTANTLY panicked about what was going on.

[@willajohnson8577]

Thanks for the month by month info. I have a few new ones that need this. It will be warm soon and I can take this operation outside😄

[@alessandraagresti6873]

Hi Michael, very interesting to me as a newbie in SH. Could you please tell me how you safely make holes in a glass pot? Thanks in advance

[@adamtettran7471]

Thanks aloot best explain. And I like the pots 👌 where we can find class pots ?

[@marvanbee]

Awesome information! Most through video on anything (lol) I've seen in a long time. Thanks!!

[@mariakarathanasi9799]

Hi Michael, this is a excellent video thanks for making it. It really puts my mind at ease.Thanks again Have a great day.

[@MichaelsOrchids]

Hi Maria, I’m so glad this has helped! I was certainly freaked out in the beginning, but it’s good to know things pull through.

[@gracelilyyoshua328]

Thank you Michael 😊 when does it flower again? 🤔

[@wendychodoriwsky3599]

I really like all your video,s This one is helping me greatly to under stand Hydroponics more. Thank you.

[@lindahellyer6261]

Your videos are excellent. Thank you. I’ve got a problem dendrobien. I’d like to start getting these to rebloom. I’m good with phaleonopsis

[@dianeparker2075]

Recently converted all my phals to leca. Some took right to it, others not so much. Your video explained that 4 months is about average to adapt. I am impatient for some action

[@dianeparker2075]

Sorry, didn't mean to end that! But have learned from you and will try to be more patient!

[@madelaine3209]

Great,great,great video. Thanks a million!!!!!

[@yliberal6355]

Excellent information, thank you Michael!

[@lorrifrogget911]

Hi Michael, I have a rather large mini-oncidium (13+ bulbs at various stages of growth) that I put in semi-hydro 14months ago. Aside from the slight initial setback after re-pot into semi-hydro (some smaller pseudobulbs), it has done very well and has made lots of new growths with long meandering roots throughout the pot. But I noticed a strong mushroom odor when I water it. I decided to remove it from the plastic deli container I’d put it in in order to clean out any old decaying matter and replace the old leca with freshly sterilized leca. However, the fine oncidium root system is so extensive that it has entwined and held fast to nearly all of the original leca in the shape of the container and I cannot loosen or remove the leca to get at the center of it to clean up any old decaying roots without doing extensive damage to all the roots. I already soaked it thoroughly with Thiomyl and then fresh water, as well as doused it in hydrogen peroxide. Nevertheless, I can still see the mushroom filaments of gauzy threads throughout the leca mass as well as detect the odor. What should I do? Leave the old leca and overlook the mushroom smell, or rip apart all the healthy roots to clean out decaying matter and replace with fresh leca? I have not had a problem with algae in this pot so far.

[@MichaelsOrchids]

Wow, thank you so much for sharing this experience Lorri! I always wonder if at a certain point the old roots would get trapped and create that problem. Hmmm, it’s a personal call. But here is what I know of oncidium types: they are the most resilient of all the orchids in my experience. Especially if it is healthy and doing well, it can withstand the setback of a few (or quite a few) broken roots. Many of mine have had no roots whatsoever, and managed to fuel themselves from their pseudobulbs. It’s up to you, I’m afraid to say yes or know! 😬😬😬

[@lorrifrogget911]

Michael's Orchids Thanks for your reply. Upon reflection, I remember I had bought it in bloom 14mos ago and didn’t see any new blooms this year, so I was hoping to get some blooms once it had fully recovered and was making larger bulbs again. So I’m a little hesitant to set it back again so soon. I think I will pop it in a slightly larger pot adding more leca and not disturb the roots. I’ll put up with any mushroom smell when watering and take notes, give it another year to show me some blooms. Then perhaps I’ll be ready to dig into the roots, clean it up, and chance a setback. Thanks for the forum and discussion. I love your videos!

[@MichaelsOrchids]

I totally support you! Growing orchids is so contingent on providing yourself personal satisfaction, and if another year of blooms brings you that, I say go for it! Thank you so much for watching ❤️❤️❤️

[@fortuneflux]

Probably only thing I can add is many times the leaves will look like they are shriveling but you have them in semi hydro and you're like how are you dehydrated. From my experience, this is generally a good indicator that very soon the phal will push out a new root or leaf. Not 100% of time but not to panic when this happens. If some of the leaves are green and just shriveled probably ok, but if ALL leaves are also going yellow then yeah maybe not so good.

[@yuri1202826]

You are so awesome to do this video. I love you for this. Could you please do other types of orchids please!please!

[@janeborish7468]

Great video! I learned so much, thank you! My orchids always crump with the care I get when I am away, and I am away longer now. Almost ready to quit the addiction. I am looking at SH to try to move forward. I would be helpful to know if your orchids are windowsill orchids (mine, now) and your general growing conditions, e.g. ambient humidity. Thanks again!

[@marijajovic1901]

Dear man, I think I love you! I transferred my yellow phal 20 days ago and almost entire root system rotted, I think I was near to panic attack when I remembered I saw this video. You saved my mental health today 😉 one question: I suppose I should now cut the flower stems to help my phal adjust and recover? Thanks!

[@HeythereMya]

Thank you for making this video Michael! Very informative for beginners transitioning phals over to water culture! Thanks so much🌱 I promise I won’t panic when I see mold now lol

[@MichaelsOrchids]

Haha, good! I don’t blame you though, I’ve spent a lot of time freaking out while I learn about SH culture. LOL

[@rorygk]

I'm a year late but LOVING this video. Where do you get/how do you make holes in your glass jar?

[@kaiffeinated]

I'm going to watch this over and over so I can stop freaking out about the decaying roots.

[@hamstertrails917]

This video is FABULOUS! I just started experimenting with semi hydro and purchased a $3 Phal from Lowe’s (discounted because her flower spike was broken off) for my experiment subject. I melted the hydro holes in a plastic pot (like Danny’s setup). Sad thing is I cannot see into my pot, so I will have to smell if things start to go through the rot phase. My concern at the moment is that the pellets at the top become dry after a couple days and I hope the new root tips do not burn by being against a dry pebble before they grow enough to get down into the pot where the moisture is. Also 95% of my orchids are Phals... I sleep best at night when it’s cooler so in the winter I let the temps drop to 60 degrees, do you think this will be to cold for my Phals if I pot them in semi hydro? These temps have not harmed them in the past but they have been in a bark medium. Your thoughts would really be appreciated. :)

[@MichaelsOrchids]

I do think that temp might be a little too low, especially because evaporative cooling occurs within the container, which makes it even colder!

[@tanyaidarlye]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🤩 I would like to know if you were changing the water during those 4 months, you were fertilizing, because I do not see green matter on the walls of the glass

[@matthewcondon1985]

Oooo...I like that thermometer

[@Gwenny89]

It isn't a good one . Had a very similar one. Also not expensive. It was broken very fast

[@franmclachlan9120]

Hi Michael. I have just bought two phalaenopsis with stunning flowers. One of them has a lot of branches on the flower stems with many buds, and I can’t wait to see it in full bloom! I would love to repot it in semi hydro (looks like the roots are packed solid with moss) but I hate to risk losing the blooms. Should I go ahead and repot? If I wait, it may be months before the blooms fall

[@barbll000]

This is very helpful information. Thanks very much for sharing.

[@tiajewels2820]

I have wild orchids from Caribbean and am unsure how to save them. The dogs grabbed them and decided to make them toys!

[@ericsgranny8933]

Amazing process!

[@stuartkaufman6131]

Why do you choose drilling holes in glass instead of putting a transparent plastic orchid pot with holes in it, into a larger transparent pot and adjust the water height by filling the outer pot to the desired height?

[@Mrs.GreenThumb]

such a helping video! thank you for the well explained steps, this calms my soul :D

[@MichaelsOrchids]

I’m so glad Monika, that’s exactly why I made it! It used to really stress me out, haha!

[@iansmom1950]

Love your videos. I need a " how to " to adapt my orchids to semi- hydro. Please advise. So appreciative. MG

[@latricebyrd313]

Enjoy several of your videos. New subie thank you for all the information. Looking forward to a healthy happy orchid. I only have one and starting this venture with tips from you. Going to look into hydroponic. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@likemeng]

This is freaking cool! I am still waiting for my orchid to bounce back.