Semi Water Culture and Full Water Culture: What's the Difference?

Can you grow orchids in water? It's Hydroponics, right???
There are many ways to grow orchids in water, and in this video, you'll learn about growing them in water, specifically SEMI and FULL water culture.
*Note: In this video, I explain the difference between SEMI and FULL water culture. yet this is just ONE of the definitions of SEMI WATER CULTURE. To some authors, it's not the amount of water that is added, but SEMI means that something other than water is added, such as leca pebbles or marbles. So if you see the word SEMI WATER CULTURE being referred to LECA PEBBLES, that is not incorrect, but it's not the definition I use.
I will make another video about LECA, but in this one, the definition used to separate the 2 methods is the amount of water and the interval of watering.
The best orchids to transfer to a hydroponic culture are ones that you have newly acquired or are still young. If you have orchids that you’ve kept for years in the potting medium, and they’ve adjusted well to this, I wouldn’t try to change the medium. To do this, would be to force them to adapt to new surroundings and radically change what they have done for years already-talk about a mid-life crisis! Choose orchids that are new or just picked up from the store.
Epiphytic orchids the species that most adapt to hydroponic growth since their thick, spongy roots are exposed to air in their natural habitat.
Terrestrial orchids will not adapt as well to this method, since their roots are designed to pick up nutrients in the soil, and not through the air.
If you want the full explanation of this video in writing, go to orchideria.com...
On Orchideria.com, you can find more in-depth guides and all the access to our information, tutorials, guides, and much more... all for free!
Happy Cultivating!
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DISCLAIMER:
This KZbin Channel is the by-product of extensive research on how to recreate that environment inside my home.
By no means do I consider myself an expert, but I'm an avid learner and willing to share the little I know with others. There are thousands of different ways to care for orchids, and the more we share, the more we learn.
What started out as a hobby has now grown into a passion, producing an online resource of quality information on how to connect with nature.
If you'd like to see the uncommon story of my life and how I ended up overseas in the first place, check out my memoir on Amazon, Shattered Sanctuary.
( amzn.to/3oFnt99 )
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[@Fortnitekidplayer]

I bought 12-15 orchids last March and transferred them all into glass with 1/3 roots in water. Never lost a bloom and I have never given them a drying out period. I use tap water and only fertilized twice with weak liquid. They all have prolific roots and all rebloomed this March. It seems crazy but I’m sticking to it!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Mindy, If it works, then keep doing it!

[@Fortnitekidplayer]

@@Orchideria I hope it’s sustainable! I love your videos. I’m going to the Chicago Botanic post sale and am going to pick up some more. I want to experiment with some other medium too 😊

[@waldenli5750]

Thanks for sharing, may I know how often do you change water? Mine keep grow white molds in the water, they are in glass on a very sunny window, around 4 days, I spot white hairy molds around roots, oh, they had white molds from previous bark potting setup, then I trim almost all roots , hydrogen peroxide them, change to glass setup, but I still get white molds

[@Fortnitekidplayer]

@@waldenli5750 i think they like indirect light. I change it probably once every 7-10 days. If you get mold, try a container with a wider mouth so that it can get more air flow?

[@waldenli5750]

@@Fortnitekidplayer thanks, I agree to too light, also because I soak all roots in water.

[@harlynjm]

I am not sure what site on orchid care I got this idea but wanted to share. My orchid was in an orchid bark, think too big and dry. I thought WC would be good. The orchid had many dead roots. Only 2 left. The end 1” was green. I took a chance and cut them off cleaned the stem several times removing bits of dead leaves still attached little by little. This site recommended slicing garlic very thin placing the slice on each leaf next to the stem. Did that. 10 days or so later I see a new root. Another 10 days more tiny new green pumps appearing. Initially it sounded crazy but worth a try. At the moment the orchid is in a dry phase. I love plants and learning is so rewarding!!!

[@marlinramirez2652]

I loved this video because I always wanted to try this but was afraid to do it, now after watching this I can try it. Thank you for sharing it.

[@tuyetvo4353]

I have about 10 orchids in water - all blooming in May - June …. I keep my orchids in tall vases + filter / drinking water. Change water every 2-3 weeks. Dont let water touch the leaves. Check the roots often. Easy care …. Last for years .

[@Malibusunrise]

Do you ever add liquid orchid fertilizer? Do you recommend that??

[@praxediscortina4260]

I put a cattleya and a baby vanda in semi- water culture with Leca pebbles. I did this because they have few roots. I hope they grow roots.

[@rociosolorzano9639]

By the way I’m a beginner on orchids and your video is very explanatory easy to understand, I’ve watch other videos and I get lost in the middle, but yours is very understandable, thank you for your help😃😃

[@Orchideria]

Hi Rocio, Thank you for that comment. I appreciate it so much. 😊😊 If you have any questions during the videis or if there is anything I can help with, please ask.

[@pearlinerich97]

Me too when it comes to instructions, easy to understand you. Thank you, I'm new to Orchids, will try the water method

[@jennifermacklin3804]

I inherited an orchid that was my mothers. I’m not sure exactly how long she had it but it currently has over 25 flowers on it and oh so many roots so I know it’s quite mature. I was thinking about full water culture but after hearing your thoughts, I don’t think I’ll risk it with this beauty. I’ll get another and give it a try! Thank you for all the info. 🙂

[@jennifermacklin3804]

I counted.. 51 flowers💗

[@markanderson3852]

I am going to try this. I think this is what my orchid needs. Thanks Amanda.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Mark, Thanks for watching!

[@biancajacobo7366]

I bought a phalaenopsis that was dehydrated and used the black tea soak method to rehydrate it. I was going to put it back in potting media afterwards but its already putting out new healthy roots so I think I might just keep it in water culture since she's already putting out roots 🤔 thank you for this helpful video. I didn't know orchid water culture was actually a thing

[@Orchideria]

Hi Bianca, I'm so glad the video helped! Thank you for watching.

[@Kris_BloomingPlants]

Thank you for such a concise explanation. I've heard people grow orchids in water culture but always pictured some form of semi hydro. Now I understand what's going on 😁.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Kris, Thank you for your comment. I apprecaite it. :) Most people have a semi hydroponic set up but they mean in leca pebbles and with a self watering pot. So it can have the other meaning, too. I have a video in the works about that set up. Since both systems are called semi hydroponics, it gets confusing. I'm glad the video helped.

[@saprinaart2915]

Thank you. You are so sweet. Today I transferred three orchid plants to a glass container containing a little water after watching this video.

[@glendablackwell1890]

Like how you tell in English how to take care of orchids thank you😊

[@Orchideria]

You're welcome. I'm glad the videos help.

[@andredumas9547]

Good morning Amanda, great video at the right time for me, I have been growing orchids for the past 18 months and I am looking for a growing method better adapted to my needs. Water culture might be exactly what I need. I am subscribed and will keep in touch. Thanks Amanda.

[@andrea-wk3gu]

Hi amanda I think water culture is suitable for dry air enviroment. Here in Indonesia with high humidity air and constant sunlight, people are seldom to do that but since i plant my phalaeopsis keiki to 29th floor apartment balcony from my land garden this methods gonna be work i think because high floor building got low humidity air and i think keiki is more adaptive in this method than the big one which have grown well with traditional potting mix. Nice video because even indonesian orchid expert are not familir with it. Sincerely edwin

[@Orchideria]

Hi Edwin, Thank you for commenting. As long as it isn't too dry and the humidity is still high on the 29th floor, then it will work. I assume the wind is probably going to dry it out fast though, being so high up. Just watch it closely and if it starts to wrinkle, you may have to mist it.

[@andrea-wk3gu]

Gonna tell you.my progress.with 3 keiki. Thanks miss

[@monicakearsey8041]

Thank you so much for this valuable information. I love your site as you take time and explain everything one needs to know. Thank you😊😊

[@cynthiar1795]

Thank you for this video!! I really like all the info you've explained. I'm currently dealing with an orchid that I've left for 2yrs and water and just recently has grown black all over the roots and stem. I'm hoping it's not too late for it. I had no idea I had to give it a break from water!!.

[@mandysmith7619]

To be honest, this is the first orchid grower I've heard mention this out of other videos I've seen from other orchid hypo growers ... In fact even another lady replied to this video saying how she's never done a dry period and her orchids are doing well. So I guess it can depend on type of orchid and the natural humidity within your home 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@ancyta100]

That's a super video Amanda.. Really really appreciate it... I'm just a beginner in orchids and was getting confused in Fwc n Swc all this time.. But ur explanation was superb.. Congratulations..🎊🎊 Regards from Dublin...🙂

[@Orchideria]

Thank you Ancy! :) You made my day!

[@galeocean4182]

I just got 2 orchids at the dump. Someone had tossed them. My snake plant was struggling so I put it in water and it is much better, so I'm going to try these in water too. Thanks for the advice.

[@lovepeaceandhappiness]

Best video on water culture. Thank you very much 🙏🥰

[@marcoc348]

First of all, I want to say good evening good afternoon or good morning because I don’t know what part of the world you live even though you said Kansas. I have watched so many videos on how to kill of orchids, Yes I did said it I live here in Arizona which the weather is so dry but I bought a humidifier just for orchids ❤, thank you for the time you have taken to explain how simple things could be …. 🤗

[@user-xs1od6ko7n]

THANKS !!!

[@williamrouleau2732]

Amanda, love your videos because you explain everything very clearly. I've just started transferring some Phals & Vandas into water culture. WHERE DO YOU BUY THE BEAUTIFUL CURVED, CLEAR GLASS VACES?? Thanks Bill R, Ft Lauderdale

[@evasilvalayton758]

I have watched your video lots of times ❤️

[@jonowarok2605]

VERY BEAUTIFUL AND NICE ORCHID FLOWER👍👍👍 🙏🙏

[@asmrtpop2676]

Oh my gosh you’re in Kansas too! ❤

[@lyndanicolas5046]

Thanks for this link information. I really learned a lot.

[@grampsinsl5232]

I have a Phalaenopsis that's been in water continually for many years now, no problems at all. So the drying-out days may not be an absolute necessity after all.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Gramps, I have also heard of people placing their phalaenopsis over aquariums, with the roots in the water continually ,and they seem to do fine. I wish I could do that, but it doesn't work for me.

[@markdale278]

Hi Amanda , hope you’re having great thanksgiving.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Mark, Thank you! May you also have a great Thanksgiving.

[@kathleenrobistow8770]

Very helpful! Thank you.

[@zeenadia7283]

Thanks a million you’re amazing hugs

[@prishitachoudhary3611]

Thank you so much for the information

[@charleyarchuleta4932]

Your channel is great

[@mlentirlentir6498]

I love and value your advice, I am wondering if this can be done with the fire roots of a Psychopsis? 🤔🙏

[@kobaltocr6927]

Great tips lovely facts greetings from Costa Rica

[@Orchideria]

I'm glad the video helped

[@juansexton9774]

Well water in Kansas can have high ph. Like you said always test the ph of the water you use.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Juan, Thank you for commenting! I didn't know that about the well water here. It's great to have another grower from Kansas with tips!! :)

[@diannemckenzie2356]

My orchards stay in water all of the time. Reblooms and is healthy

[@allieprivate4013]

Great video! Thanks so much! 😊

[@Orchideria]

HI Allie, Thank you so much! I appreciate it.

[@aida087]

Thank you for sharing Amanda!! I wanted to start one of my Orchids in water culture for some time, now I can! What fertilizer do you recommend for water culture, and what is the name of your lady slipper looking Orchid?❤️🥰🙏🏼

[@xocheenahox]

Does this water culture method apply to other plants too or just orchids 😊

[@stevenflattery706]

Hi. Watched this show about three weeks back and one of my orchids was ready for change over. Did the 5 on 2 off deal and it worked well for the three weeks. Yesterday however I noticed a sort of algae floating about the roots. The water was just two days old. A. Is this dangerous for the plant? B. How can I prevent it? I was thinking a complete rinse and a two day dry, then fresh water with a half clove of garlic? Thank you. Your shows are great.

[@matinachatz7146]

Hello,i discovered your channel last night and I am so happy about it because you expain everything nicely,expecially for us who English is not our mother tongue!!! After a good thought and doing some research i put 6 of my orchids in FWC.What i dont understand is how long we put them in drying season and water season?Do we continue doing this after orchid's adjustment?Do we ever stop doing the whole process or it lasts forever?Omg i hope you understand my English!!Kisses from Athens,Greece!!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Matina, Thank you for commenting! I appreciate it. 🙏 Your English is excellent. If you hadn't said that it's not your native language, I wouldn't have known. It's perfect! As for the water culture, you need to keep the process going on forever. There is the dry days and the watering days and that really depends on your climate. Some people use shorter days others use longer intervals. Independent of how many days you use for the drying out period, you'll have to repeat this process, turning it into an on-going cycle.

[@matinachatz7146]

@@Orchideria thank you very much for the compliment :D and for the answer.I thought it was easier to use FWC because a couple of friends just add some water without drying with excellent results which i think is high risk for me.However I am looking for an easy culture that allows me and my husband to leave home for a month,for business,and let someone else taking care of my orchids without killing them.I hope I will find a solution,those girls require great commitment which is difficult for me.Thank you very much,sunshine!!!

[@silvaniagoncalvesferreira8702]

Que lindas 😍 gostaria que vc colocasse os videos pro português si tiver como ?? .Sou do brasil e achei lindo o cultivo em vidro na agua mas nao acerto o cultivo .

[@silvaniagoncalvesferreira8702]

Pena que nao tem tradução pro português 😢😢gostei tanto do canal ,amo orquídeas e tenho dificuldade com elas .Mas vou curtir mesmo assim

[@fernandorrogrigo3406]

Simplificando pra você. Quando você for plantar uma orquidea nesse método aquático é preciso que você não coloque muita agua cobrindo totalmente a o orquidea. A agua deve tocar somente um terço das raizes. E você deve trocar a agua pelo menos 3 vezes ao dia

[@mandysmith7619]

​@@fernandorrogrigo3406nooo....3 times a day is just to make sure all moss has gone, once this part is finished...you no longer do this... otherwise your orchid will go into shock.

[@mandysmith7619]

encha o copo apenas até cerca de 1,5 a 2 polegadas e certifique-se de que apenas cerca de 1,5 centímetros das raízes da orquídea estejam imersas nesta água, mantendo a maioria das raízes secas. a senhora então sugere que em sete dias, esvazie a água por dois dias e depois repita o processo, MAS a última parte é a primeira que ouvi fazer isso, a maioria apenas segue os passos principais.

[@andrea-wk3gu]

I use destiled water from aircond it gives me ph 6.5. I think this methods is suitable for me because i dont have to pull the orchid when checking the.root.system. lolz. Sometimes i can be overcorious

[@Orchideria]

Hi Edwin, 6.5 is the perfect pH for most orchids. That's a great idea. Thank you for leaving this comment. I appreciate it.

[@janainarogerio1030]

Hello! Awesome, really to the point video. Thank you for that. Do you have any miniature orchids on full water culture? I'm thinking Capanemia superflua.

[@nirmalalal6356]

How do you fertilizer the orchid using water culture? How often do you fertilize the orchid using water culture?

[@user-gc2jy5dh9j]

Hello, Amanda! 😊 I have watched several of your videos and they are always helpful and informational! ❤ Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise w us. I have dcided to try water culture w some of my struggling orchids. 👍

[@cairoinc]

What is your recipe for distilled water and plant food? I have a phalaenopsis that I've started my water culture with. It has good roots, but only one leaf. Two of its good roots are quite long, so I'm using a clear glass root beer stein! (I've not watered it very religiously in its bark pot. 🤦🏻‍♂️)

[@desnygrace7058]

Loved yr video but u didn't mention how or what you fertilise the water with ?? Thanks

[@traciejones3375]

When you first do this, do you add ferts to initial water or wait till water change?

[@gggsar223]

Is the drinking water brand texas Ozarka water, ok to use for orchids and do you have to use fertiliser

[@MrWelfarehater]

I wonder if watering an orchid by soaking it 2 days with half in water, then 5 days drying out is much different than an orchid in sphagnum moss. You really soak the moss, then wait another week until the moss is soaked again. Thanks for the video, I am going to Lowes and buy me a Phaenolopis off the budget rack.

[@jafloa847]

So i kept my orchid in a full jar of water for 1 whole year, no drying period, and it is happy and blooming 😅

[@waldenli5750]

Thanks for sharing, I’m saving some of them from white molds, because I cut most of the roots, so I have to soak the whole trunk in water, but whit molds keep coming around 4 days , what can I do

[@lsgoh2357]

Amanda, your video is very informative. May I know for water culture, how do I clean the vase and the roots? I am concerned about disturbing the orchids. Thank you

[@ogeebe2979]

Can you grow tomatoes like this?

[@SUNDOLLHIPPIE]

My orchids keep dying, I’ve tried moss and bark. I’m not sure what to do anymore. The roots have slowly died and I’ve trimmed so many that the leaves have become too heavy for it to stand in moss or bark without tipping over. Idk what to do

[@Dea311]

Where do you acquire those plastic slotted baskets?

[@ayannafit2441]

Lol. I've been keeping in water up until where the roots start. You know, so that the new roots get some water as well.

[@BlackGirlInfoTech]

awesome video! what are that phrag orchid species? it's so beautiful!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Fee Bolden, I’m sorry it took so long for me to write you back about your comment. I was on vacation and didn’t log onto my KZbin. Thanks for commenting on my video. I appreciate it and was glad it helped. The Phrag is called Phrag. Memoiria Estelle Getty (longifolium fma. album x fischeri). It's one of my favorites.

[@helenfritzie]

I am trying this semi-hydroponic method on a phalenopsis that I received from my daughter! This was probably the teenest plant anyone has ever seen! It was in a 2 1/2 inch tall pot and it did have a flowering spike!? I have tried a couple of methods of potting, but it hasn't had anymore flowers and nice green leaves that are bigger and a few more since the beginning! 😊 It has very roots...maybe 4 and not very long!? My question is...in the drying days of this method do the roots need to be sprayed a little with water? Thanks for all the help!

[@Orchideria]

HI Helen, that will depend on how humid or dry your climate is. If you live in a very arid climate, spray the roots often.

[@michellevansandt8707]

If I transfer my Orchid to water can I use the little brown pebbles round apples in the pot?

[@ann5376]

What type of water do I use?

[@rociosolorzano9639]

What kind of fertilizer do u use for the orchids? Also I changed to water culture about a month ago but the part of the roots that are not touching the water are a silver gray color is that normal?

[@Orchideria]

Hi Rocio, I use the normal fertilizer that I use with my potted orchids but the method is a little different. I made a video about the kinds of orchid fertilizers that are out there and maybe that will help with your choice: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXnShWSNe8aIsM0 I haven't made a video about it yet, but this article might help too, since it's more specific to answering your question: orchideria.com/fertilize-orchids-in-water-culture/

[@Dea311]

Can other kinds of orchids be raised the same way?

[@elbeem20001]

I tried to grow a phalaenopsis in water culture ... failed miserably!! Thankfully the phal survived!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Lyn, I'm glad the Phal survived. Some orchids just don't like it... who know why.

[@krismaraquel08]

hi! how many months to grow new rootsin WC? I had 1 water culture and all leaves dry off and the bad thing... it's rootless but I'll never give up! thank you for this infos, just love it! ❤️ God bless! ☺️

[@Orchideria]

Hi Mia, Thank you for your comment. If it's the 1st time in watwr culture, the orchid will feel it and some orchids react badly by losing the roots. These will grow back in time, usually 2-3 months.

[@krismaraquel08]

@@Orchideria ok☺️ thank you so much! I'm from philippines

[@Orchideria]

Oh wow! Such a beautiful place. You have the perfect weather to grow orchids both indoors and outside.

[@mauriceaudreyblog9629]

Hi good day Amanda May I know the vase size you are using with that orchid in your video?

[@pearlinerich97]

What kind of fertilizer to use???

[@masbadass]

Does it work with vanda orchids? Also, does the vase need to be clear?

[@broduscrowell537]

Beautiful young lady

[@Froggle9745]

Can this be be done indoors in cold climates?

[@dianeparker2075]

Is it ok to switch from semi water culture in the north east winters to full water culture in the warmer months? Thanks

[@Orchideria]

Hi Diane, Your orchid is going to tell you which is better. Some people have success with changing systems all the time, others don't. You also can have one orchid that will react better, and other who detest the constant change. Start slowly and gradually change the water levels and drying out periods to see what works for each orchid.

[@dianeparker2075]

Thanks so much, love your videos ☺️!

[@dianeparker2075]

Thanks again

[@agnesmui7292]

Thank for this very educational video I have learned a lot!! I have been doing water culture for a short while now, and the roots are healthy and beautiful… BUT then the leaves start turning yellow and black one by one until all fell off… then I noticed the crown has rotted and turned black and yellow What did I do wrong? Please help😎

[@Orchideria]

Hi Agnes Mui, The leaves turning yellow and then Black may not have anything to do with water culture. It sounds like a fungus got inside the leaf. This may have been caused by several things, like misting to heavily, or being near an air current that had the fungus. It can be cured with a fungicide or Physan 20. Without pictures, it's hard to tell what's wrong, but that would be my hypothesis.

[@agnesmui7292]

@@Orchideria thank you so much!! Possible to email you a picture of the yellow leaves?

[@Orchideria]

Yes, my email is [e-mail]

[@ouridatagnit8820]

Which kind of water.and fertilizer

[@elenamorosoff5219]

Traducir al Español por favor!! gracias

[@Orchideria]

Hola Elena, yo no hablo español, solo português y Ingles.

[@poppyfoutoulis198]

I rescued my orchid with this method despite my orchid expert neighbour saying it wouldn't work.

[@Orchideria]

That's great!

[@nonikhall]

Can i use filtered water?

[@marysunshine389]

I’d like to put my jewel orchid in water culture or semi hydro. What are your thoughts?

[@Orchideria]

I haven't grown jewel orchids hydroponicslly, just in terrariums... but my first thoughts would be to not do it. Since jewel orchids are terrestrial they need the soil-like substrate. It might work, it might not, but I'd be really surprised if it did.

[@daniellekatsounakis5533]

My roots get mushy after 1 day?

[@Orchideria]

Hi Danielle, The roots shouldn't get mushy. Maybe if you trade out the potting media and try something that doesn't absorb as much water. You could use more bark and less sphagnum moss. That should help.

[@zoeygaudet688]

I put mine in water as soon as I got it and it was in full Bloom :(

[@kadertufekci8477]

hello, can you add an explanation in Turkish, thank you

[@Orchideria]

Hi Kadriye, I'm sorry, but I don't speak Turkish. I have looked into adding different languages, since I speak Portuguese and Spanish, but even those were too expensive even with me translations them. Maybe one day when I'm a big channel, I can afford the translations. So far, I just post these videos as a hobby.

[@allanhansen481]

It looks like an interesting video, but the auto-generated English captions are horrific. Cannot watch it.

[@markdale278]

Idaho is so dry , I’m doing 5 in and 2 to dry

[@Orchideria]

Hi Mark, That's an excellent idea

[@markdale278]

@@Orchideria your in Kansas right ? Dry there too

[@Lord_Nemesis8]

I can’t stand any organic medium…killed like 12 of my orchids. I use only FWC or Lava Rocks and misting