Nutrient deficiency in orchids

[@sheiselwilliams1]

Thank you so much for this video! I believe it has given me the answer to my orchids wrinkled leaves even though it is very happy, hydrated and healthy. You are a huge help to me since I am fairly new to growing orchids. Keep up the wonderful videos!

[@BradsGreenhouse]

A few of my Phals look the same, I really started with the Magnesium again. I never had this problem before and after slacking off with using it, the yellowish blotches started. I'm also trying and iron fert for the orchids as the symptoms are similar. It is to soon to tell the results yet.

[@MissOrchidGirl]

I thought of iron as well, I know the yellowing occurred in my aquatic plants that needed iron. But for orchids it appears Magnesium is required in greater quantities than iron so I took a guess with it :) we'll see what the results are.

[@helleasc]

In Denmark tapwater should contain enough iron, if I add a little to the rain water. Perhaps it's possible to measure the tapwater? I don't know. Each community has a website with measurements of the tapwater - plain easy.

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Helle Ascanius Jørgensen Hi Helle, indeed there is some iron in the tap water. Brad however is using filtered water :) you are correct about the water bolletin, just checked mine, I'll see what the recommended iron quantity should be for orchids. Sadly it doesn't specify the quantity of magnesium, just general hardiness.

[@senchalhatton9690]

I have a similar mottling issue and decided it could be a few things. My friend said she had it after a few drastic temp changes, and although I grow inside under lights, (and she grows outside) mine are in an unheated room. Next possibilty, my expert said it could be a toxic reaction to Neem I sprayed reacting with the grow lights. Next possibility is what you said...a magnesium or nitrogen issue. I was using a fairly weak fertilizer, and I switched to a stronger one, and Epsom salts. We will see how it goes!

[@KarenSchuk]

Great video i have a few Miltonia's and a Phal with the same discoloration, guess i'll give it a try.Thanks again!!

[@yumyumlolly]

I was thinking what is wrong with my repotted phal. Leaves are droopy but not wrinkled. I couldn't google about it. Now I know. New orchid bark/moss mix has slow release fertiliser so I have been watering with just filtered water

[@hobbiesorchidgirl3272]

hi Danni i am just wondering on update about this video Magnesium Sulfate so intrested about the result thank you

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Rachel Alic I do have an update here kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX7WiolvhtWYnsU

[@sissyp3541]

I'm so happy I found this video, my species phals look exactly like this and I've been so worried about them! I'll start treating them and hopefully they'll bounce back.

[@riposte334]

The blotchy yellowing of the leaves is called "chlorosis". Epsom salt is a great remedy for the condition, but it may take a month or so for the discoloring to clear up. I personally have to use epsom salt a lot in poinsettia culture. Btw, I love your videos and channel! Keep up the good work, Miss Orchid Girl!

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Thank you Ross :) yep the patches have started to fade actually, I started using epsom once a month and also switched fertilizers. I am guessing it really was a nutrient deficiency after all :)

[@mitch201211]

Would you use it alongside fertiliser

[@emyoblea793]

Hi Danny! Great videos btw! Thank you for all your helpful tips. I’m learning something new everyday! How do I use Epson salt to water my orchid? It’s been repotted with leca medium, flush every week & using Orchid fertilizer but the leaves looks so limpy!

[@fortuneflux]

Ahh good old "chlorosis", it's the bane of my life with potted plants. Yellowing leaves is usually the indicator of the plant's inability to produce chlorophyll (which is what make leaves green). In the past, I've corrected this in my potted fruit trees with Epsom salt for the magnesium or Iron Chelate for Iron. Usually, they leave different patterns on the leaf but I'm not experienced enough with orchids to determine which one it is so I'm just going to supplement both.

[@NSX00000]

Moisture and high humidity environment are good for orchids but also causes mold and mildew. Phal orchids are a clean specie, they don't like potting soil, or any kind of soil. They just want clean medium such as wood bark or moss, but lime stone bits and pebbles are actually very beneficial for them as a source of mineral. The last time I ran out of wood bark while repotting my orchid and I mixed some potting soil(which is mainly wood chips) with the orchid barks. Well, big mistake; the pot starts to get mold and pretty much look like what Miss Orchid had. My orchid did the same thing as in the video. So, I went to the nursery and they recommend their special mix which has bits of lime stone to prevent mold as well as helping the mineral problem for the orchid. Guess what? My orchid bounced back in just 1 week. Well, just sharing my experience.

[@MissOrchidGirl]

good to know, it's important to know that the use of filtered or rain water has its downsides if used incorrectly :) so if limestone helped it was a case of calcium deficiency? what were the symptoms?

[@GarrettSpring]

Really interesting I had a phal that I rescued Last year but after some orchid plus all of the sudden it bounced back. Could you do a video on tattered leaves? I picked up a brassia orchid today with some tattered leaves and wrinkled pbulbs.

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi Garett, I do have a video on this subject here Why do Orchids get wrinkled leaves and curly flower spikes? Part 1. it has 2 parts, maybe it will help you :)

[@wanbhashullai6338]

Madam can we spay npk to cattleleya plant

[@tamaraprevitali1990]

So glad you did this video Danni, I have some orchids that have that discoloration and I knew it wasn't mite damage or bacteria. I recently got on a better fertilizing schedule so hopefully that will help me out ;)

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi Tamara, I hope you'll get some good results :) it might also have to do with the water you use, I can say that my water has some minerals but it really isn't hard water. I fall in the category of 100 mg dissolved salts so it should be okish, still needs fertilising though ;) rain water would be even worse at showing deficiency, so I would use full strength fert with rain or distilled water.

[@KrookedOrchids]

Thank you for making the video! I have a couple phaleasnopsis I've been questioning. .I thought they were lighter feeders ! I will amp up their food ! Thanks again for sharing !! You may have saved alot of orchids !

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi Anna, well orchids in general are lighter feeders than other plants, but among them I tend to believe some like more nutrients than others, usually the ones with thicker leaves or fast growing pattern. Also in the summer time they require more food since they grow faster, the temperature is higher and day is longer. If you want to increase fertiliser dosing, make sure that you don't overdose :P just stay within the limits that the label of your fertilizer show.

[@susansprairieorchids2573]

How much magnesium do you use when you water your orchids. I have never used it and I don't want to do it wrong. Also, how do you fertilize you Vanda's. I really appreciate your videos. I watch them over age at several different times when I have a problem come up. You always have such good advise. Thanks so much

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi Susan, well apart from the magnesium from the fertilizer, I started using epsom salt half a teaspoon in 5 l of water. I am not yet sure of the benefits, there needs to be more time as orchids grow slow :) I dose epsom in water with no fertilizer once a month.

[@akosisenen19]

Miss Danny, I would like to share to you what I did to my orchids because most of them are Dendrobiums. After I bought them, they are mounted in charcoals and I transfered them into clay pots and I also filled it with charcoals. I am just wondering if that media is okay.

[@emyoblea793]

Hi Danny! How much Epson Salt do I use when watering my orchid?

[@lisa97897]

I have white dry spots the size of my finger nail seen on 2 leaves on the same orchid and also on one of the canes it seems to be drying out towards the middle to bottom on the same orchids cane. Wish i could send a photo. I am not really sure if this is lack of nutrient deficiency or sun burn however, the sun does not directly shine on my orchids. Any ideas that might help? Thank you, and have a great day! ;-)

[@andrewusher6442]

Hi Danny I'm back and I recently purchased some new orchids I was able to identify one using your system but I can't find the other would you be able to help me

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi Andrew, sure just upload the pic on an image hosting website, like flickr or photobucket, and send me the link :)

[@martingrimes3203]

Just to let you know Epsom salts are for upset stomachs. Epsom is just outside London

[@MissOrchidGirl]

martin grimes hah thanks for the info, never knew what Epsom salt was good for :P

[@carpediem.9]

Great video Danny. I wonder how you use the Magnesium sulfate? Do you dilute some in the water before watering, and if yes, how much approximately please? I am thinking to give it a go as well, in a tiny amount to see if it helps. Thanks

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi, yes I diluted it in the water that I used for watering. I will make a video on it, but as an idea, the recipe would be a teaspoon per gallon of water. Since I used tap water I only used a half of a teaspoon per 5 litres, better start low :) I diluted the salt in a small cup first to better mix it and then poured it into my 5 litre container. Hope this helps!

[@carpediem.9]

thanks, will try that with a few of my orchids too :))

[@MissOrchidGirl]

ThoseLittleThings ThatMakeUSmile good luck! so far after a few days there is no ill effect on my orchids, so that's good :)

[@carpediem.9]

great :))

[@ashleyjones3551]

Hi Dani!! So I have about 10 orchids, I have never fertilized them before. Never knew how important it actually was to actually feed them till I started watching your videos, which by the way I am completely obsessed with now!! How often should I do it since I'm just starting out. I don't want to freak them out by introducing something they've never had!! Thanks! Ashley

[@87coops]

have you looked into bat guano its got alot of different nutrients in it but in small amounts so its not over kill. just started using it myself so only time will tell ...im using the powder form, just dusted the damp bark befor potting and will prob ad abit to the top substrate layer in a few months.

[@MissOrchidGirl]

87coops Hi, yes I did research a bit bio fertilizers, for now since I am growing my orchids right next to my house window, I'll stick with odorless nutrients, we'll see in the future ;)

[@87coops]

cool, just to let you know theres no smell to powdered guano, i use it in all my soil mixes, but only just started on the orchids. the one i use is called Guanokalong. check it :)

[@MissOrchidGirl]

87coops ok thanks for the tip!

[@87coops]

personally i think its a good extra thing to add to your substrate/soil/compost/bark.. as u know most substrates come nutrient/goodness free. happy growing

[@itsme516]

I know your comment was from a year ago but how did the orchids react to the guano?

[@cnpf312]

I have a Phalenopsis which suffered a lot I am ashamed to say. I forgot it in my old apartment when I moved out. It stayed there for a month without water. But still, before I left it behind, it was already behaving strangely. It's leaves grew very very long to the point that I nicknamed it Basset Orchid. Also the leaves are floppy and have an irregular surface. I think it have a nutrient deficiency at some point followed by a water deficiency. The new leafs are absolutely normal: thick and shorter. I am using fertilizes and semi hidro on it now. I am incline to cut the old long leaves in the middle. Do you think I should? What if this particular hybrid is supposed to have long leaves?! Thank you!

[@susansprairieorchids2573]

Thanks D, I tried it today. I have a question about a mini phal I have. I mounted it on Malaysian driftwood about 1 1/2 weeks ago. The leafs are a little droopy. Do you think it is just the shock of being mounted or does it need more water? I have it on Spanish moss and long fiber coconut husk. I haven't had this problem before on other phal mounts. What do you think? Appreciated your help.

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi Susan, if the roots are in good health and are not rotting, then I think it is a moisture issue. It depends how fast the roots dry out but they will dry fast. Also, it is the shock of coming from a more humid environment (the plastic pot) into the airy mount. Keep it hydrated and water whenever her roots are dry, even daily. Good luck!

[@dragonflywhisperer6412]

HI DANI can u update us on this video how are they doing with change... maybe do a video on what u have discovered on leaf feeding good or bad does it work....thnks

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi irma, I will make a video when I can draw some more conclusions, so far no dramatic change :(

[@martharobertson8070]

hi Dany what is the result using Epson Salts, my Bellina is getting faded?

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi Martha, it helped but I combined it with a higher N fertilizer and that pretty much solved all my troubles :)

[@frzzlfry66]

Doesn't the orchid fertilizer you use include magnesium? What ratio are you planning on using when you begin with the MgSO4, 1 tablespoon per gallon of water? Thanks for the video, Dani... and good luck.

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi, yes it includes some magnesium but as I said, I didn't fertilize all summer long when the orchids were growing full speed :P since I am using tap water I plan on using just a half of a teaspoon per 5 litres of water. I am not looking for a shock dose but just a slight boost :)

[@frzzlfry66]

MissOrchidGirl Ah, got it... so you're not necessarily going to incorporate it into your permanent fertilizing schedule (but you might, depending on your results, I presume). The Dyna-gro that I use also has magnesium; but since I'm seeing that both you and Brad are trying this, I may add a pinch or two to my mix. The only orchids I have are of the "heavy feeder" variety, lol.

[@MissOrchidGirl]

frzzlfry66 yes I will start by dosing it once a month to see how the new growth develops, if it looks better and also if the old leaves gain any color back. If I observe some major difference I might incorporate it in my routine :P for now I am not sure what to expect :P

[@deannaallen4670]

Hi Danni. I am still new to caring for my orchids and you mentioned feeding them... what exactly do I use to feed them? I have regular fish fertilizer and miracle grow but I have a feeling that is the wrong stuff. Please help? I love that I found your channel and love your videos. I have sent them to my mom for her few orchids as well. Thank you so much!!!!

[@MissOrchidGirl]

+Deanna Allen Hi, well I never used fish emulsion, but from what I hear it lacks calcium. The choice of fertilizer is yours, but the basics are that you need to provide NPK (macro nutrients) and micro nutrients like Ca, Mg and others. You can opt for a regular orchid fertilizer and use both the fish emulsion and the fertilizer, or you can go with bio fertilizers, it is a personal preference and there are many opinions on it. Personally I use regular orchid fertilizer and dose it as prescribed on the label.

[@sheenajohnson1834]

just saw this video Dani, you did on epsom salts and i got curious.....do you still use it? What were the results of using it? What are any of the dangers, if there were, that you found? and did you use it one a variety of your orchids or just one type?

[@MissOrchidGirl]

+Sheena Johnson Hi, yes I still use it, I see no damage so far really, but a bit of an improvement. I used it with all my orchids and no damage really :)

[@sheenajohnson1834]

Ok i must give it a try, thanks!

[@AnimeShinigami13]

just to let you know in human first aid epsom salts taken internally are used as a laxative. Poured into the bath they help relieve pain as the magnesium is absorbed into the skin. I use plain epsom salt water from the bath on my plants in general but i'm new to keeping orchids so i can't tell you whether or not that will work for your orchid plants. The reason why magnesium is used to relieve pain in animals and humans alike is because it plays a part in nerve function. I use a magnesium drink for my own health or high quality magnesium pills and it helps my general winter complaints just fine. Gardeners frequently mist epsom salts as a foliar spray and like humans plants can absorb it through their own surfaces, in us skin in them leaves. The magnesium is one of the components in chlorophyl, and the greening of the leaves is because of increased chlorophyl production.

[@wadehollenbach2816]

Epsom salt is fine for plants that are lacking in Magnesium. There are quite a few fertilizers that include it. Most of these are called "complete" fertilizers. The only precaution in using it is to be sure to flush your plants with clear water periodically.

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi Wade, yes indeed, nothing used excessively is good and flushing the pots is a must ;)

[@lisapitman3572]

How much Epsom salt to water is called for watering the orchids? Lisa

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi Lisa, I used one tea spoon to 5 l of water and not every week, maybe once a month or even more :)

[@lindabaker6034]

Epsom salts can be used for a variety of uses, plants being one of them. Stomach ache is the least of them

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Linda Baker never used it for myself and probably never will.. so I should be fine :P

[@ElizabethNinanDr]

thanku for all the details very useful please tell me how to use magnesim sulphate

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Thanks for watching I will keep you updated :)

[@helleasc]

I think, you're right that epsom salt could give your orchids some better colour. I have tried it, too - as a leaf fertilizer - and I think, it's giving me better, stronger and better looking leaves. How much ES to us is another matter. Some say one thing, others double that dose. But a couple of teaspoons pr. 10 liter is what I tried - for spraying the leaves. That worked just great. I wouldn't be afraid to use a stronger dose, as it's for the leaves. Watering with it is something else, and I used it with rainwater. Tapwater has a lot of salts, so the dose should be lower then - probably.

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi Helle, indeed I agree, since I am using tap water I didn't use the high dosage recipe, I used half a teaspoon to 5 litres of water. It was guess work but better safe than sorry :)

[@kellymccracken7261]

Wrinkly leaves is a response to low humidity

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Kelly McCracken yes but as I say in the video it can be a response to some nutrient deficiency as well, at least some sources state that

[@orchidlover9537]

Great video, :) clears things up a lot, one of my orchids had this and I wasn't sure what was going on. :)

[@kareneyescream4339]

The background music reminds me of old facts verse

[@kausalyajoshi4290]

Their relationship with fungi ??????

[@stanleygagner]

use green jungle

[@MissOrchidGirl]

+Stanley Gagner Hi, products availability differs from one region to another, thus green jungle is not available in Europe :) the good news is there are plenty other fertilizers with a very similar composition, just need to find them ;)

[@stanleygagner]

To bad I like it allot

[@icemancometh8679]

You were trying to figure out what was going on and I think it was a classic case of WE MISSED OUR MOMMY SYNDROME! (Note to self, check orchid girls dumpster for throw away orchids.)

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Bhahaha ow dear no don't look in the dumpster, it's a crime scene :(