How to Water Orchids (Phalaenopsis, Phragmipediums, Paphiopedilums, ect)

[@shellleasure9209]

Thank you for the info, I'm new at this...I was watching an orchid channel that said not to get crowns wet... because of her region..and it is tropical...so I mimicked what she did...punched hole through all my clear pots. And now I see it is a mistake, I live in Ohio and they do stay so dry...I also was using orchid mix with bark..so afraid to use moss, cause of rotting...of course that is incorrect because I live in Ohio.. where just like you said doesn't have moisture in the air. So I need to rethink some things...Should I disturb them again and add some Moss?. I just repotted them. I will try your method, treat it like my other house plants that like a good shower. Thank You!

[@HerebutNot]

I love it! Together we'll succeed with good growing advice :) I have found a lot of success just top-dressing the pots with about 1/2 inch of sphagnum moss. It really depends on the type of orchid you have, but if it's your generic phalaenopsis with big flowers, a bit of sphagnum on top is perfect. If you've got some time, I've got a very detailed post about the basics of my orchid care in this post: herebutnot.com/phalaenopsis-care-culture-tips-on-orchid-reblooming/

[@shellleasure9209]

Here...but Not Excellent! I'll check out! Watching your video, with the same dry air that I have.. I'm already feeling better about being an orchid newby...I'm already obsessed with African Violets and now Orchids, along with all my other regular house plants..thanks for the quick response..Have a great day!

[@shellleasure9209]

Hi...just wanted to tell ya, I loved the article...I took a lot of notes..I also like to watch the motes orchid video and subscribed to him as well..😊

[@HerebutNot]

Fantastic! I hope you get good results too-it makes growing orchids way more rewarding when you see your efforts make a good impact

[@shellleasure9209]

Here...but Not Thanks...I do feel a little more confident in how to take care of them now.. hopefully I'll grow my very first spike..I will shout Hallelujah! 🤗

[@luckyelfie]

You break every rule I’ve been taught, but there is no denying your results. Great video!

[@HerebutNot]

It's great, right?! What good are rules if they're so easily broken anyways :)

[@bumblebeesorchids3408]

Hi Dustin, it was great to see you fearlessly shower your orchids. I'm a creature of habit, but I think I'll have to give it a try and see how fast they'll dry. Thank you so much for your kind words, I was really surprised when I suddenly heard my name. :D

[@kevins9242]

Those are some pampered orchids! Thank you for unselfishly sharing this successful technique and the rationale behind it. :)

[@amber622]

I’ve been so frustrated at failed attempts to take care of my orchids. I love the flowers but just can’t get them to grow. I’m looking forward to trying your methods as I live in a similar dry climate as you. Thank you so much! I really appreciate how you’ve explained every step!

[@usaklein]

Excellent! Thank you for soaking the orchid all over ! I am from Thailand and never ever saw orchid died from water in the crown in the forest, in the dark !! Beautiful collection.

[@littleminna]

I've seen the blog on several occasions but didn't know there was a KZbin channel as well. Just discovered that. This thing about the watering method is just so interesting, and I gather from all the comments that many think so. The fertilizing method, wow, I have to start doing this because I was always in doubt on how to. I'd just pour it over in the sink, but after the plants has been standing in just tap water for about 10 minutes. This is the other way around. I've always been scared of using too much fertilizer because I use tap water, and figured that's already got salts and minerals etc added to it. Truth is if you can do it with hard water, I guess I shouldn't be to worried as I've learned we have soft water were I live. This method would certainly save much time in the watering, which I do one by one. But I still want to mention one thing though, I would probably still go over the leaves and the crowns with a piece of tissue to suck up excess water. Just because I have experienced problems with rot. In fact just recently with a Paphiopedilum, were water apparently got caught in between the leaves which were a bit bent sideways. Another cool thing is that although I love in northern Europe, I think we have pretty much the same conditions. The air in my house is pretty dry. Oh just one more thing: I would not be able to have one day a week for watering, simply because the orchids dry at different times. Some take longer than 7 days to dry. Especially the regular Phalaenopsis which I have in just bark and a bit of leca beads. They media can take up to 2 weeks to dry. Imagine if they'd have spaghnum moss? I think they take long to dry is because some of them don't have that many roots. The bark started to become mouldy, that's why I've mixed it with leca beads now.

[@yolyrom7233]

Wow, your orchid’s are very happy looking. Will definitely binge watch the rest of your playlist on orchid’s!

[@iliamarielugo]

I just want to say thank you. 🙏🏼 I know this is an old vid, but I’m a new sub and I’m really glad I found your channel. Started with your seedling videos while cooking and kept on watching on auto play lol! 😂 I’ve always been afraid of getting my orchid’s leaves & crowns too wet, since that’s what the experts on yt advised, when in reality, this is how they survive in their habitats. 🤦🏻‍♀️ They could’ve just said, if they get too wet just blow the excess water away. It’s a matter of simplicity, something you’ve clearly nailed and shared with us.👏🏼🌸

[@paolafromparis]

THANK YOU! I started collecting the decoration orchids that were thrown away every month at the office, because I felt sorry for them, and instead of killing them , i surprisingly had them blooming over and over despite the appartement very dry air, the tab very hard water and my total ignorance about this kind of plants. When I tried to find information on line I realized I was doing all wrong, but my flowers didn't seem to care...I didn't cut the old spikes because they were still green and I didn't want to hurt the plant, I wet the crowns, I let the sun coming in to kiss the leaves, and in three years now I lost only one plant and I never run out of flowers. I even have small oxalis colonising the bark, and apparently my plants don't dislike them. I am happy to see that I'm not the only one that does unortodox things with good results...I think feeding plants with love also helps a lot!

[@HerebutNot]

Paola Paola - very nice. Congrats on your success...I’m thrilled your plants have rewarded you with flowers and appreciation. Regarding that oxalis hitchhiker, just keep an eye on the flowers...there is a weed that looks similar to oxalis that is self fertile and the seed pods fling seeds when you touch them. It’s really quite cool...but they can spread easily. Not saying to get rid of it...just keep an eye out for babies popping up in your other pots 😁

[@paolafromparis]

@@HerebutNot Yep, it's called Oxalis Corniculata and it pops out seeds when you touch it it's very funny! I actually helped it to colonise other pots, because it looks so nice the contrast between the complicated, gorgeous orchids and the little yellow flowers. The orchids don't seem to mind, Oxalis have small roots and they don't steal a lot of 'food', moreover it helps me to know when the plant needs water. If the Oxalis looks a bit depressed it's time for a shower!

[@HerebutNot]

Paola Paola ahhhh, very cool!

[@kingwestone9149]

Loved your video and I had to laugh at what you discovered. I kill most plants because I don’t water often enough. Somehow I came up with the same way to water my orchids as you did but more out of laziness. It was just so difficult to water with a watering can and tell if I gave enough water or too much. Drenching and draining works great because I live in Montana where it’s dry like you. So many people have said how they can’t grow orchids so I must have a green thumb. No, I don’t. As long as my orchids are drenched, drained, and not sitting in water, they are fairly carefree and bloom often. My mother worked at a greenhouse once and every orchid that came back in dead or dying had been over watered and was rotting. I look forward to following your other tips. Thank you!

[@jkaimaeda]

really nice orchid channel👍🏼 i like how casual and conversational you are when explaining your growing methods

[@andredumas9547]

Most interesting, I’m a beginner and have learned a lot from Roger's Orchids and Ed's Orchids also, but yours is so enlightening and so complete in so many aspects of growing orchids, I’m flabbergasted :-) !!! You are a wonderful teacher and most of all your growing conditions are similar to mine, I’m living in Ottawa in a condo. Thanks

[@MrZuniboy]

LOL the part about not getting your plants wet... YES!!! THANK YOU FOR SAYING THAT!

[@klake4773]

I just started getting into orchids about 2-3 months ago and I heard the same about getting the tops wet can cause crown rot. I also thought this was bogus horse shit as these plants typically come from tropical locals that receive rain on a frequent basis and live in high humidity. I've been watering my plants, leaves and all, without any issues. Even though it's only 2-3 months in, several of my phals are making new leaves and one even has a new spike growing. The issue i've been trying to deal with is under watering because I thought I had to let the substrate dry out completely (using sphag moss) to simulate "dry periods". So now I'm making adjustments with that. I just can't imagine doing your method with 200+ plants though and it not taking all day long. That's some serious dedication. lol.

[@catalinacazacu9014]

Hi Dustin, I’m growing orchids for 13 years, in a condo placed in a hard water area. I’m using the same method for watering my orchids and I confirm it works all the way. Also is the most “humane” method to water them without killing your back. :)

[@HerebutNot]

Awesome Catalina! I love it. Thanks for checking out my vids

[@FreckledFoxx]

Im new to your channel but so glad i stumbled into your corner of the internet! Hey from your Northern Alberta neighbor. 🙌 Also, your cat is freaking adorable.

[@wendynovilla1217]

After I watched this I grabbed my orchid and watered it the way you do, I live in Edmonton and since I got this I didn’t water the leaves because of crown rot. I’m excited and honestly one of the leaf is turning yellow already thanks Dustin!

[@HerebutNot]

Wendy - that’s great! I would recommend you read this post too (maybe you have already?) but it has some good info about how I’ve grown them in Calgary which I didn’t mention in the video - stuff about potting media and fertilizers: herebutnot.com/how-we-grow-orchids-in-calgary-alberta-canada/

[@olimpiagambacorta5176]

I love your videos Dustin. I’ve learned a lot from you, and by watching the videos a couple of times, I pick up things that I missed the first time around. Thanks so much , Olimpia

[@hannahcole6498]

Ahhhh this is so crazy!!! I'm a little too scared to water like this as of yet but you have amazing results and a good point!!!

[@ofhismercy109]

Such helpful information! You turn out my favorite videos, content wise....thank you so much

[@angelaman536]

Very helpful for a dry climate . Thank you !

[@ShyDog827]

This was great info. I can totally see how the orchids would love this kind of watering. I’m going to start bathing mine in water as well, although I’ve been using spring water because I’ve seen what my tap water does to my sensitive plants .

[@annann2909]

just found your video. so happy. hope my orchids will be happy soon after watering.

[@susanpeery1997]

Hi Dustin, Thank you so much for this video. I'm new to Calgary and have a few different types of orchids. After watching this, I realized I'm watering too little. A few plants are trying to tell me this, but I've been terrified of overwatering. (Still getting used to this dry climate, having relocated from Victoria!)

[@HerebutNot]

Welcome to Cow Town! haha Yes... I understand your pain with all of this. I hope the tips in this video and on the blog help you. If you haven't read it already, check out this post: herebutnot.com/how-we-grow-orchids-in-calgary-alberta-canada/ I suspect this is probably how you found this video, but if not...it's got some good tips for YYC growers. Also, if you're a Facebooker, join facebook.com/groups/OrchidLoversAndGrowersofCanada/ - it's an online support group...of sorts haha.

[@joannejereza3340]

I'm so mindblown 🤯 I thought about what you said about crown rot too...how are these growing in tropical areas where it always rains, but we can't get water in the crown?? I'm in SoCal and it does get dry out here too. I've lost a couple leaves on mine but it is beginning to bud again. Will try your method and see what happens! 🤞

[@manalani3724]

your video is helpful...and you are awesome to take care of these orchids

[@slaanesh9996]

Water on the crowns?!......my orchids could never but it's nice to see that some people can do that

[@NCM6027]

From Asturias Spain here it is usually cold and humid especially in winter, and I did exactly the opposite, first I watered and then I fertilized because it was what I had heard in other forums, that if it burned the roots, or that they did not absorb the fertilizer without moistening Before but I always thought that if you fertilized after watering the plants they would absolve less fertilizers and watching your video I think, it is better to fertilize at the beginning and clean later with clean water so the roots do not burn, greetings from Spain

[@polianekv]

Loved your video and all the tips! I recently moved to Calgary and I'm struggling with this crazy dry weather to grow orchids. I'm from Brazil, a very humid place, perfect for Orchids - and even there I was used to basically shower my orchids every week =) So, yeah, growing plants in general in Calgary is a royal challenge haha I'll try the same process as you and see if it'll overcame this dryness. Thanks for your video =)

[@barbfroede1343]

Brilliant! I agree soaking the entire plant is great! I prefer foliar feeding. Easy peasy! So, have you seen Ed’s orchids? He’s into Paphs and phrags and he says an occasional epsom salt flush is good to remove salts. 🤔 Wonder if orchids might like bacon fat? Your videos are always so informative!!

[@HerebutNot]

Yes! I love Ed's channel. I mentioned him in my phragmipedium video. His plants are so lush and clearly happy - great grower.

[@marimsld]

You have a pointI actually did like what I saw from you and it did work thank you

[@HerebutNot]

Thanks maria-glad it’s working!

[@MissyR2538]

I was just wondering, if you water your orchid w/fertilizer and THEN flush out the pot w/tap water, don't you flush out all the fertilizer or nutrients you just gave it? I'm learning a ton from your vids and will absolutely take your advice because of the results you get. Thanks for sharing your knowledge w/us n God bless!😇

[@caedanteng5417]

Takeaway container helps. Have being using it for the other plants that neess roots monitoring

[@mrzredbadger7848]

Thank you for the vid I love enjoy watching everyone else's way of growing and clearly you plants love ya...Keep on Growing

[@radymendoza6185]

Thanks again. I enjoyed watching your videos. You're awesome! I will check out SVO. Happy growing.

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

I LOVE your shirt!!!!

[@lorenzoor3177]

I've just discovered you and really like you're way and how nicely you explain everything to a neophyte like me! By the way long does it take you to do that "super watering" to your 200 plants????

[@jesseward9723]

Thank you very much for your wonderful content. I really enjoyed the propagation from dry seed series. I’m curious, what fertilizer do you prefer. I tried searching the channel for this, I’m sorry if I’ve missed it. Couldn’t find it. I’ve even using 1/4 strength miracle gro with distilled water with my small orchid collection. It’s worked well with my propagated cuttings of lilacs and hydrangeas. But I question now if the stuff that’s working for you may be a better way to go. Thanks again.

[@jesseward9723]

I’m sorry, I just found your recommendation on your blog/website. Thanks for all of the articles too.

[@mendsaikhanmunkhnasan8472]

Thanks. It was good tutorial. 😀

[@radymendoza6185]

Thanks for sharing. Cool! You have varieties of orchids.... What's your favorite orchids. I grow mostly paph but would like to try catesetum. Can you tell me where you get your catesetum? Thanks again, Randy from Winnipeg.

[@HerebutNot]

Hi Rady! A fellow Canadian grower-I love it! Catasetums I get from my local orchid meet. Normally SVO comes up here for that.

[@vitoriamendes3763]

Love watching your video on watering I do the same but not the fertilizer Iam going to starte do the same ,thanks for been there

[@HerebutNot]

Thanks so much for the support! I'm elated that my vids are helpful for you - if you want more tips on care, I have a lot of great posts on the website too: herebutnot.com

[@yurii6765]

Thank you for video ☺️

[@ivan11cast]

Yea i dont know why people dont get water on leaves and crown lol they get soaked in the rain forest. I just got back grom costa rica, orchid world , and it rained every single afternoon and the orchids i saw have been the awesomenest lol

[@resilience4lyfe331]

Ivan Cast I guess because they grow slanted or upside down in nature...

[@OrchidNerd]

I love hearing you rage about people who tell you not to get your plants wet XD

[@HerebutNot]

Oh man...I shouldn't get so fired up about shit like that but sometimes there's such a deficit of thought when it comes to plant care. I kid you not, it was only a few weeks ago that there was a whole group of people in the aroid group teaming up against this girl because she said she misted her plants. The fricken things grow in the rainiest in wettest parts of the world...but somehow getting the leaves wet in our home is detrimental? Lol - does. not. compute. I get that people think it's because they think wet leaves allow bacteria in - but THAT comes down to the health of the plant and nutrient-related issues (which if you're blaming it on wet leaves...then you never resolve the real problem)...so yeah...it makes me a bit bonkers. #triggered - at least it's entertaining :D

[@OrchidNerd]

@@HerebutNot i totally get it, I see this sort of thing all the time as well. People believe the strangest things without having any evidence for them. It can be infuriating, especially when they then feel confident enough in their ignorance to berate other people from doing things differently.

[@silviamaria1000]

Please suggest a good fertilizer for orchids.

[@MashVB]

What type of nutrients do you give them and where do you get it from ?

[@ntherar7771]

please do an aroid potting video!!!

[@normd8800]

How oftern do you water and fertilize your orchids?

[@DieDieEla]

I have hard water too. And i don't understand the flushing process. I hydrate them in tap water with fertilizer and than rinse them also with tap water to get ride of builtups that was caused from the hard water? And don't you get stains on the leaves because of the hard water? Don't you rinse the fertilizer away?

[@rhw7879]

What fertilizer are you using?

[@RajaGSD]

What is MSU 20-20-20…? When I search for that it doesn’t bring up any product. I tried to read all the comments so I wouldn’t have to ask, sorry! Newb question

[@marygorchidsmore2058]

Hey Justin, do you still water your orchids this way? How long does it take to water everything?

[@HerebutNot]

I do! Takes at least 6-8hours over the week. I tackle individual grow areas at a time. About the only thing that’s changed is that I water with acidified water (using citric acid) every 3rd or 4th watering

[@southpark5555]

I do agree that getting the crowns of orchids wet and trapped in pockets isn't always the end of the world. On the other hand, it could sometimes be the end of the world. It probably all depends on which part of the world it is, and what the environmental conditions are, and what kinds of organisms are hanging around. Various factors. So, the main thing here is to know what works well for the conditions. Understanding and knowledge and experience is handy.

[@HerebutNot]

Kenny - I’ve heard low Calcium makes phals susceptible to rot. It makes sense-my water is alkaline so they have ample access to calcium. That said - I have over 50 types of phals...and over individual 100 phal plants...I have never in 10 years gotten crown rot. They need good airflow, and sometimes people grow them at too high of humidity. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@southpark5555]

Thanks for sharing that very nice information. Looks like your system and growing conditions are working excellently for you over there. Very nice effort. Your plants certainly look 100% healthy .... more than 100% healthy.

[@samanthabarrett6511]

Just started watching but love your channel and variety of plants!! What fertilizer do you use for phalaenopsis??

[@HerebutNot]

Hi Samantha, I'm just going back through my comments and noticed i missed a reply to your message. I use MSU fert sometimes, I use organic fert (something called Gaia green all purpose 4-4-4 fertilizer), sometimes i use a nitrogen heavy fert (20-8-8) and sometimes I just use a standard 20-20-20. Generally in the fall is when I dose the 20-20-20. Hope I didn't catch you too late. Happy growing!

[@satnin12]

So would you recommend just start doing it or would you give a few waterings like I normally would but with extra calcium first? I’m a little timid to try this but yours look so beautiful and mine are just surviving. Just lost one to crown rot (sigh)

[@samyeong654]

Thanks for the video, Dustin. I'm wondering why you don't check the solution pH when preparing it?

[@samyeong654]

Happened to come across your video and is an eye opener to me. So many questions on my head to re-think your method. Of course, you are always supported by your beautiful and happy orchids. We learnt that flushing pots should be done after 2 or 3 fertilizing, not immediately as what you're doing in the video. Well done!

[@samyeong654]

250ppm water to flush your orchids? Wow.. we were told not to use tap water for orchids as it contains harmful chemicals.. and yours is 250!!!

[@samyeong654]

Dustin, seeking your advice how to grow new roots for phals with little or no roots after repotting. The leaves are growing and lengthy but no new roots :-(

[@samyeong654]

Sorry I don't have Instagram and I don't think I want to trouble you too much. I live in Singapore and the humidity here is about 65 to 75% all year round. Lighting is not an issue as I place them at the South window and evening I place them under an artificial light.

[@samyeong654]

Noted Dustin. Thanks again!

[@christmassnow3465]

Did you ever grow them hydroponically with expanded clay pellets? How often do you replace the water, and would you treat it differently to balance pH?

[@HerebutNot]

Christmas Snow - no I don’t. Didn’t have much luck with it. If you want to know more: herebutnot.com/side-semi-hydro-sh-full-water-culture-fwc-orchid-care/

[@marysmith86]

Hi, as a relatively new orchid enthusiast is it ok to use fertilisers when they are flowering. Mary

[@HerebutNot]

Hi Mary! I do. I water and fertilize all year unless I have a dormant plant. Just don’t over do it-“weakly weekly”, which is generally about 1/4 tsp of fert per gallon of water

[@samyeong654]

what fertilizer are you using, Dustin?

[@HerebutNot]

It depends. I use MSU, regular 20-20-20, an organic mix (with bloodmeal and kelp) and what ever else I happen to come across

[@ladyorchid3190]

@@HerebutNot I guess you add fertilizer with each watering (cca once a week), only change in dosage may be, right?

[@katherinenoblet6567]

It makes no sense to me that water is going to rot the orchid...The problem is if the water sits in the crown for a long time. Mine dry out within an hour using this watering method. I have no problems with crown rot.

[@katherinenoblet6567]

I use filtered tap water and balance my pH to around 6 before I water all my orchids by the soaking method but I do NOT flush after I fertilize every time.... I water without fertilizer about once a month to flush. Do you think that is really bad and messing up the pH in the medium?

[@littleminna]

Do you also fertilize once a week then?

[@motherofheelers8818]

If my tap water starts out at 50ppm and then I add fertilizer to raise it to 120 to 150 ppm. I don't usually rinse them but do you think I should? I don't have hard tap water but with the fertilizer it adds salt. About once every couple months I rinse the leaves like you said because it gets rid of any dust. I blow in the crowns or use a paper towel to get rid of any sitting water. I dont have any crown rot issues in a long time. I keep good air movement though too.

[@HerebutNot]

I would say it’s good to flush the medium really well at least once every month. If your water at each watering is 150ppm and you water 4 times (without a good flush) then you essentially have 600ppm salts that have accumulated by the 5th watering. So yeah, I’d flush the pots at least once a month.

[@motherofheelers8818]

That makes a lot of sense! I do tend to do one soak with just my regular tap what that I lowered the PH to 6PH. I will still flush next time. Especially with how much I have to water right now

[@HerebutNot]

Awesome. Can I ask, what do you use to lower the pH? and have you noticed a substantial difference in the health of your plants? I've been considering testing out the effects of pH modification on a few of my plants. I struggle with all of this stuff I read and see online about pH, because I would expect that plants like mine wouldn't do well with high pH...and yet they look pretty good to me. It makes me wonder if they'd look EVEN BETTER if i mucked around with pH...but it's a hassle in my opinion.

[@motherofheelers8818]

I use earth juice natural PH down. It is just citric acid crystals. I mix it with water in a small cup and then add it slowly to my bucket of fertilized water or unfertilized water. It doesn't raise the PH at all. I have had some burned roots here and there so I am hoping this will help. I am just beginning to start doing this. I have watered with 8PH water for like 3 years now and mine seen to do fine. I just read that they prefer to have lower PH water so I figure it cant hurt. So far they seem to be doing very good. My species phals are recovering nicely from transport. One came to me from germany.

[@jq1996]

do you think if your flushing with 150ppm or whatever your tap water is, isn't this just adding more at each flush. I feel like I'm replacing one 150 rpm with another flush or fertilizing. also I have heard hard water is t about 170 ppm and not recommended for orchids.

[@evemay4048]

Dear Dustin, I've been following your blog for a while now, your experiences mean a lot to me and we also have a similar climate. I wanted to ask you, have you ever had problems with burnt roots? My tap water measures 8 pH and 150 ppm. My Phals are potted in bark topped with sphagnum moss (I don't let them get bone dry), I flush the pots when watering and use only half the dose of fertilizer (to reach 350μs/cm) . But the top roots always have a severe burn … Do you know what causes this? Thank you!

[@HerebutNot]

That can happen from mineral buildup in the root. I try to water with fertilizer water or flush these days. I kind of cycle: fertilizer water one week, regular tap water the next week. If that still isn't working for you, you may want to consider going to RO water...but I've seen many growers do fine with orchids that just have burnt roots too!

[@GrungemanBaby]

@@HerebutNot does the cycling seem to work better for you Dustin than the fertilizer water and then the immediate rinsing as you are showing here in this video or about the same?

[@HerebutNot]

@@GrungemanBaby - it’s just more manageable from a time perspective. When I had less plants, fert and flush worked well. But I have hundreds of seedlings now, so I needed something more manageable. For example: instagram.com/p/CZ7U7dvP24i/?

[@GrungemanBaby]

@@HerebutNot makes sense my man thanks!

[@libbyslittlegarden9514]

I wanted to ask you you did not comment on what kind of water you have you just took it out of your tab. Does your water have chlorine in it or calcium in it or fluoride in it? And then what kind of fertilizer are you using? And does your water let that fertilizer be absorbed by your plants? When people talk about getting the core of the phalaenopsis wet what they mean is if you keep it wet at all times then it will start rotting. Because I live in Florida my orchids that I have on my kitchen window during the winter when I do water them I keep a tissue and then I kind of just dab the middle but because I know my orchids are all bug free I put them all inside one Great Big Bin and do 8 at a time. You have to be careful with your water. Watch some of "Rick L" on KZbin. he is the best of the best! I learned so much from KZbin that I started to grow my orchids in 2016 they were all rescues that I bought for two and three bucks and this year they have given me the most gorgeous blooming show you ever want to see all of them! yes I do live in Florida. My growing medium is rocks either lava rock or river rock. on my orchids that were in really bad shape like the oncidiums I put them in bark and charcoal. My inside phals I have in pots and rocks. My pathiopedulums I have in bark in plastic containers full of holes except for the bottom inch where it always has a reservoir of water until it dries out and when that dries out I water them again. high water them always with RO water 1/4 tsp of all the following: calcium , seaweed, 14 -35 -12 orchid fertilizer and Epsom salt. I fixed 6 gallons of water fix them all up and then put them all away in the closet until needed. my orchids outside I sprayed them every single day with that same mixture and then I flush them once a month with my water hose. I hope that helps.👉👵👈

[@HerebutNot]

Water Parameters: 7.9pH, 250ppm; chlorinated: yes; floridated: no; Alkaline Water (high in Calcium Carbonate): yes; humidity: 18-40% Fertilizers: 20-20-20, 20-8-8 in spring; MSU sometimes if I have it available (currently out). If you'd like to know more about my conditions and how I grow, check out this post: herebutnot.com/how-we-grow-orchids-in-calgary-alberta-canada/ I also encourage you to read this post about getting phals wet (herebutnot.com/getting-leaves-crown-phalaenopsis-wet-isnt-end-world/)...If you're battling crown rot, you either have a calcium issue, or too little airflow. And with regards to Rick L...I stopped watching his videos because of the number of false statements he made about orchids and their care.

[@libbyslittlegarden9514]

@@HerebutNot I am so sorry I was trying to be nice and try to reach out. So sorry to have bothered you.👉👵👈 and as far as Rick is concerned, I would put his Orchid up against anybody's. There's not a blotch on his leaves they're green they're beautiful they're healthy and they bloom like crazy. And if he says anything wrong will you know what I'll do it wrong his way because my orchids have proved to be wonderful beautiful just as green just as Flawless and each one of my phalaenopsis have 10 leaves on them and give me over three spikes each.

[@HerebutNot]

@@libbyslittlegarden9514 Well...what you did was comment on my video, attempt to correct my advice, and then suggest I watch another KZbinr :) I'm thrilled your plants are doing so well, but given that my largest phal has over 16 leaves...I'm not concerned with the advice of other growers. They tend to have bad advice for growers like myself who live in a completely different climate... Proof is in the pudding...check out my JUMBO phal - 17 leaves, 3 spikes, 33 flowers: instagram.com/p/BuDSzPBBN66/ Happy Growing!

[@libbyslittlegarden9514]

@@HerebutNot I guess things have changed. And I'm just an old fart now. But we've always exchanged ideas with one another on our videos and they were not meant as a criticism or I know more than you do kind of thing and that's not what I meant at all. Because if I wanted to teach someone what to do I would have continued with my channel but when I had my channel I was learning because I didn't know a phalaenopsis from a dendrobium all I know is that I bought them at the corner store for three bucks and they were more dead than alive. so I went and getting advice from everyone especially Ed in England and Rick and Todd. And Ed lives in England his growing conditions are different than mine but we all did by trial and error but mostly for those people that are very intelligent (not myself )they know chemistry. One even work as a chemist in research in at a university here in the US. Sorry I got under your skin. I won't bother you.

[@HerebutNot]

Libby's Little Garden - all good! I follow Ed and Rodger...love those guys. I even wrote a post about the best Orchid KZbinrs. Check out the list: herebutnot.com/orchid-youtube-channels-follow/

[@samanthabarrett6511]

Thanks

[@laurencameron4398]

Hi Dustin - I’m kind of new to orchids and was previously following the advice of orchid growers in totally different regions than me (not smart) and my orchids were not happy. Using your advice now for the last few weeks and they already look so much happier. My question is - I’ve top dressed them all with Sphagnum moss - and some of their bottom leaves are touching the moss just based on how low they are on the crown and in order to cover the roots, they need to be touching - is that okay? Maybe this is a dumb question - type A here, everything has to be perfect, ha.

[@HerebutNot]

No worries - many of my phals have their bottom leaves in contact with the moss. I’ve even sandwiched some moss between leaves (though I don’t recommend that necessarily). Doesn’t cause any issues for me. PS-it’s great to hear your plants are perking up 🥰

[@laurencameron4398]

In your experience, if a dehydrated Phal has droopy leaves and it becomes rehydrated - do those leaves ever stand/perk back up to straight? I’ve read starkly conflicting information. Two of mine have droopy leaves (one is my fault, one bought that way) and if I should never expect them to perk back up then I want to give up on that goal.

[@HerebutNot]

Mmmmm; It depends... I have had many new phals regain their turgor (that's the technical name), but generally there is still a bit of droop or weight to the leaf - and I have never had a phal in a REALLY BAD state (so hard to say). Generally, the wrinkles go away if you're really diligent about watering and get that plant on to a perfect watering path...rarely will the leaf "lift" like a new leaf does if it was severely dehydrated. But like I said, it depends on how badly dehydrated the plant was My recommendation to you - rather than focusing specifically on the recovery of the old leaf, look for signs of overall health and hydration. Look for active growth of biomass (leaves/roots/etc), ensure the roots are "swollen and round", not shriveled like prune fingers (unless they're very old and nearly dead). I have found that freshy-watered and happy phals (a few hours later when fully hydrated) sort of have a luminescence, glow, or vibrancy to their leaves. If you're seeing this, you're in good shape...if you're not, just keep an eye on the roots as an indicator for hydration. I hope that helps and isn't more confusing for you

[@laurencameron4398]

That makes perfect sense. I know the root system on one of them is not great since I bought it from a discount grocery store and never repottted it for two years. I’ll have to pay for my orchid sins someday, I’m sure. Any recommendations for how to encourage healthy root growth? Any fertilizer or nutrient that helps with this? Sorry I ask you so many questions but I can’t find anyone else that grows in similar conditions to me!! 🤣

[@HerebutNot]

Root stimulators include: superthrive and kelp extract. You don’t need much - 1/4 strength is fine. When you apply, spray the leaves and the roots. I only do a couple applications in spring to help give them a boost. I wouldn’t use it all the time or the plant can develop a dependency (or so I’ve heard)

[@sz66037]

Would you recommend to water the same way dendrobiums, cattleyas, miltonias and zygos?Thanks

[@HerebutNot]

If they were mine, i would water the same way. I have a cattleya guttata that I put in the shower every week. That said, I don't have much success with most cattleya other than my guttata, which I think is due to my cooler temps and lower light (in Canada our daylight hours are as short as 7 hours during the winter) - I don't like Cattleya because they are space hogs and sprawl...so buying lights for them is a lot heavier cost than buying lights for my smaller orchids. Dendrobiums, zygos, and miltonias - same thing... I have seedling zygos that I water from the top...and dendrobiums too...but again, like cattleyas, I dont' consider my success with those to be "AMAZING" so I am hesitant to give advice to others about their care.

[@lisanewport9230]

Hi Dustin I just found your website and came here. I saw you answer this already but I can't figure out what it is. The fertilizer you use is MSU ? What does that stand for? Thank you!

[@orchidgarden3124]

Lisa Newport Michigan State University. Look up MSU orchid fertilizer on Amazon.

[@Jaenara_GP]

Hey, may I know what is your ppm fertility is? My polychilos is growing under full spectrum led light. I’ve been playing it safe with 1/4 of fertiliser probably around 100ppm in sphagnum, lava rock, charcoal & pumice mix. Since it’s received slightly stronger light, I’m afraid it’s gonna do harm if chlorophyll decreasing.

[@HerebutNot]

My tap water is 150-250ppm out of the tap. I add 200-400ppms

[@GrungemanBaby]

@@HerebutNot Damn bro that's high af in the ppm! I guess flushing immediately after a liquid fertilizer or just a pure biweekly flush does the trick

[@Marvelious1]

Then how do you dry out them?😱

[@marla5137]

I've been using rain water to water my orchids. Do I still need to flush them with water after fertilizing them? Or is it only when I use tap water?

[@HerebutNot]

More important when using tap water because it often has many minerals. If you're using rainwater and fertilizing, it's likely still smart to flush every 3rd or 4th watering to prevent the fertilizer salts from building up. I'm also a big fan of drenching plants because it helps oxygenate the media...but see what works for your plants. Try experimenting with a couple plants and see if they perform better or worse

[@vincentsquare]

How hard is your water? Your phrag leaves looks nice and doesn't have any tip burn from your water. So it's probably not hard at all?

[@nguyen200536]

Cute

[@ayanbose4739]

Brother your videos are super helpful & descriptive. Can you make a video on how to pot seedlings, how to take care of them, how often to water, how to fertilize them etc. Thank You Ayan 🙂

[@malina837p]

Bardzo proszę o przetłumaczenie filmiku na język polski

[@HerebutNot]

Możesz dostosować ustawienia napisów na KZbin dla tego filmu, klikając koło zębate, a następnie „CC”, a następnie „automatyczne tłumaczenie”. Wybierz swój język z listy.

[@malina837p]

@@HerebutNot spróbuję to zrobić

[@malina837p]

@@HerebutNot ale to koko zębate w ustawieniach telefonu ? Czy gdzie ?

[@malina837p]

@@HerebutNot nie ma języka polskiego na liście czy można jakoś dodać ?

[@胡美娟-k4u]

👍👍

[@goldseraph7051]

I use a large plastic bin and put about ten or so all at once.

[@HerebutNot]

That’s cool-if you’re getting new orchids, be careful with this. Plants can carry viruses and pathogenic fungus/bacteria that transmits via water. So one infected plant can destroy your whole collection

[@NYCOrchidQueen]

OMG YOU have over 200!!! Damn

[@NYCOrchidQueen]

I don't envy you there. I hope they grow and thrive for you ♥

[@samanthabarrett6511]

Omg I almost fell out when you wet the crown?? Do you have a fan? Im new to this how long have you been doin that? Have you ever lost one to crown rot?

[@HerebutNot]

I have a couple small fans, and I run A/C in the winter. My home is quite dry overall though; residual water dries often within a few hours. How are your plants doing? Have you had much success with your orchids?

[@cooalbrecht5045]

😍😍😍😍😘😘😘😘

[@OrchidandKitties]

wow, so many orchids.all looks very nice and healthy.I think I'm watching your videos for 1st time and I like it.did subscribed.you may check on my channel. will appreciate.

[@libbyslittlegarden9514]

Leave them soaking! Watch a movie then drain 👉👵👈

[@HerebutNot]

It's hard to soak 270 orchids :)