Phalaenopsis blooming, and lower leaf drop

[@Jansinspirationpts]

Rick if you ever decide to publish a book on orchids...I know I would be the first to buy one. You always have a wealth of information that is just not readily available. I could see you doing a series on various types of orchids and their different needs. I think several of your subscribers would feel the same. I am not sure you have the time for writing a book...or ebook, but I am sure you would have followers who would be interested. Regardless of what you decide...I want to thank you for the gift of videos that you have worked on and made with such thought for others who share your passion for this hobby. Your plants are beautiful. To visit and tour your place and have a chance to chat with you and your wife would be a dream come true. Hope you and your honey have a wonderful week.

[@rickl.orchids]

……...your very kind, thank you for the kind words...…...not only would I would love to write a book on growing orchids ….. its something I actually started working on recently....Notes are being put together and a outline has been started...…..would be my pleasure to send you a signed copy if it comes thru....thanks again.

[@Jansinspirationpts]

@@rickl.orchids Awesome news! I will look forward to hearing about the completion date. Take some pictures of your orchids as they flourish. I know many would love to look at them as examples of well taken care of plants in your book.

[@thedignator]

Woohooo!!!!! I'm very happy to read this! (a bit mixed emotions though.. it will be your legacy..) I cannot describe how thankful I am for your present here online, for your kindness and your huge knowledge. Thank you!

[@doreenseelye]

I am sure your book will be a best seller! You are my go to guy for all my orchid information. Hope you offer signed copies to all your followers. ❤

[@Undine-ck4ku]

I was thinking the same, please put me down for one when it gets published! I love watching your videos and have made copious notes, would be great to have all the info in orderly sections. Struggling to find info on watering needs for all the different types of orchids - so much to learn! Thank you Rick for sharing your knowledge with us. God bless you and your family.

[@minette305]

Absolutely Amazing... as a new and amateur orchid grower you have taught me so much in such a short period of time. I think everyone can agree that we truly miss your videos but pray and hope you and your Beautiful wife are doing well. There is no doubt that you have changed the path on orchid growing for all of us. It has been a great pleasure watching all of your videos. Much love from Sunny South Florida!!!

[@A33C1A89]

I went right out and did cal-mag, sprinkle mag, and orchid plus. Did my oncidiums, Phals , catts... thanks so very much. My phals and oncids have spikes due to your videos and teaching.😃. Hello to Jan; hope alls going okay; it can be challenging I have a bro that beat stage 4 stomach cancer- now 5 yrs out this march🙏🙏 Best to both of you😃💞.

[@rickl.orchids]

wonderful news on the blooms and spikes...and such a powerful testament to your brothers healing...….I wish you all a healthy 2019.....

[@taranfoster1269]

I adore your channel. You are a wonderful teacher and I’ve gotten so much more from your videos than I have anyone else. Thank you, thank you!

[@rickl.orchids]

…...your so very kind...…..I love sharing my findings as my orchids respond...….

[@tracieneffendorf2990]

Thank you for all the great information! My Phals have multiple spikes this year simply because I have applied what I’ve learned from watching you!

[@leanacecelia9201]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on orchids with us! Mine have been doing 100xs better since I've been watching your videos 🌸🌱

[@lyndaengland349]

Hi Rick, a newbie here, thanks so much for explaining the Phals feeding needs. a very clear explanation. Much appreciated.I will act on this information..

[@liverocks62]

Hi Rick, just wanted to tell you, I' ve been catching up on your channel, watching every episode, learning so much from you. This episode blew me away again😱🤓 I thought there is nothing more to learn from you but today this episode about blooming is essential. Thank you. Also saying hi to your wife, I hope you are both doing well🍀🍀🌻🌻💐💐

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

You prove so many points by the quality of the plants and sheer number of spikes. I've always said that 'natures way' is to feed often - that way, the levels don't build up as it all gets used. Last year, the CalMag made a difference. This next season, the CalNit will be used and some seaweed now and again. When I see results, I'm happy to change and try things. I bet there is no other collection of home-grown Phals with that number of spikes and buds per plant!!!

[@rickl.orchids]

…...very kind Roger, thank you...…….its been a wonderful lesson filled year with growing orchids......and I think 2019 will be even better yet...…..

[@paulareeveslmt]

Just what I needed to hear today! Thanks, Rick, for treating us to a great lesson on nutrients and a view of a fantastic collection of Phals. Sending you and Jan love and keeping you both in daily prayers.

[@petermolinari2877]

Happy New Year Rick, best of health to you and your love ones. Because of your growing techniques, I manage to save a phal my local post office people "dump" on me - that plant had no roots, all rotted, some genius plant it in soil!!! yes dirt/soil. They didn't know what to do with it, I specialize in cymbidiums, I didn't know how to deal with butt naked root orchids. I managed to grow it using your methods and now a flower spike is about an inch long, I bow down to you sir.

[@rickl.orchids]

your very kind...…..Ill trade you Phal info for some Cymbidium info.....mine is growing....but slowly and not strong.....

[@petermolinari2877]

You're too modest, you have the best both in root and flowerings of plants not even some of the commercial growers can match, like many things, I have a feeling that commercial growers or even the fertilizer manufacturers are hiding many of the know-hows you're breaking to the mass public, otherwise how do you explain the missing calcium volume in almost all the NPK fertilizers on the market? unless calcium burns roots, yet base on your experience, calcium does not, so what s up what that?

[@chasehubbard5303]

Yes Rick your plants are getting excellent care and show it. Looking at your orchids, planted in/on various mediums, give me something to work towards. I’ve got a lifetime of plant care, Ag degree and career, and it’s obvious you’ve got this down. Like you I usually read, KZbin isn’t as info dense as I’d like, and being impatient I’m often reading and watching KZbin at same time. Enjoyed your discussion of nutrients in Phal growing, I’m also using low 100ppm nutrients. I’ve been at this since late summer, and like you , I’m pushing my plants under lights this winter trying to get some vigorous plants that will support blooms in the future. They’re all Trader Joe’s or clearance orchids too. Happy new year, thank you for your efforts. I really enjoy your videos and seeing your orchids. It’s educational and entertaining. Infotainment at its best. All the best to you and (Jan?) in 2019.

[@kathleenmurphy2379]

@@chasehubbard5303 I just bought some more clearance orchids at the supermarket. The Minis instead of being $9 were reduced to $2 they were all healthy with good roots just not blooming so I bought all five. Then they had a couple that have been dyed blue but the flowers were gone on the spike so I bought them for about 6 bucks instead of 30. I'm kind of interested in is there enough dye in the stem if they rebud to turn the flowers blue. But I don't care I like the white ones. Then there were a couple for five bucks one of them still had 5 blooms on the stem. I always report mine and bark and Clay Orchid pots. I would love to put them in rocks like Rick does but I don't think my hands could handle the weight the clay pots are bad enough maybe I should get plastic pots and put rocks in might be the same way. Rick has helped me fine tune how I take care of the orchids I just started to collect a year ago. I also like Carolyn station named after her husband Jack and her name Carolyn. And it's spelled j a c o l y n s orchids. She's very good very knowledgeable down to earth but has a different way of going about feeding her orchids than Rick. But she was the first I started watching and help me keep my orchids alive. I've lost a few it's the old all the roots are rotted either because of change of media or because they were bad to begin with.

[@jerzgirlnfl]

Thank you for the important nutrient info. Prayers for you both. Keep up the great orchid info.

[@FernandaNascimentoOrchids]

Fabulous, all Phals with spikes showing how right you are. Thank you so.much for sharing, I always listen to your advices several times to make sure I do not miss a thing. Your knowledge has been helping me a lot. Big hugs to you and Jan. And a happy new year to both of you and family.💟💟

[@rickl.orchids]

…….a big hug and even bigger thank you.....you have always been so kind and a dear friend...….I love growing these plants along with everyone....

[@karenc5023]

Great job with those spikes. Looking forward to seeing all the flowers! ♡

[@dgatez73]

Thanks for the vital information that you share with us Rick. Since watching your videos I changed a lot of my feeding habits on my orchids and what a huge difference for the better. Once again .. thank you so much!!!! Hope you and yours a wonderful new year!!!

[@MelodyOrquideas]

All you’re orchids are beautiful 😍

[@christrinder1255]

Spikes galore! This definitely seems to be the Phal blooming season! Beautiful Ricky! A very Happy and a Healthier New Year, Love and Hugs to you both from across the pond 😘😊

[@wendykrick8897]

Thank you so much. I have learned so much from you.Even my phals are thankful and spiking like never before.

[@rickl.orchids]

thank you Wendy...…..love to hear that....

[@LUCKEY11202.]

Rick,thank you,thank you, for speaking directly about Phals. I began watching your channel ,when my mother was in the hospital and someone gifted her a blooming orchid, but upon bring it home the plant began to die. Like you,I love to research all I can about my hobbies,but I haven’t found much on the actual nutrient for phals. I am currently trying to save mom’s orchid which has floppy lower leaves and no roots,but the crown has a new tiny leaf. most of the roots were brown and slimy,from siting in soggy moss, but I did repot the plant in bark media. Again, thank you, for sharing your knowledge with others. God bless and may the New Year continue to keep both you and Jan happy , healthy and strong for each other.

[@rickl.orchids]

….thank you Gracie.....everything you describe …...sounds like it needs calcium...

[@sharonholmes4444]

Abundance amount of quality info. I need to watch this again. Your take or not it's very obvious you're doing it right and I've learned a lot. Thank you so very much! From, the Arizona high desert.🎋😎🎋

[@rickl.orchids]

…...very kind ….thank you Sharon

[@cyrilabiog6756]

Definitely healthy Phals. You will have Phal flowers galore in no time! Happy New Year to you and your wife!

[@elaineplant8058]

Mr. Rick, it's good to see you on here more often. I know your Christmas was a good one with Jan's great news. Praise God! Your friend and neighbor in Georgia.

[@rickl.orchids]

thanks Elaine...….

[@Twigarati]

Thank you for sharing all your wisdom with us this year! You have made a huge positive impact on the orchid growing community, thank you 😊Have a very Happy New Year... health, joy and peace to you, your loved ones and that includes all pets ... you are truly appreciated in Spain 💫

[@rickl.orchids]

your so very very kind......Thank you so much my dear friend.....Happy New Year...

[@OrchidsforDummies]

Great video Uncle Rick. Thanks for explaining potassium and nitrogen to us. I am going to start watering twice a week

[@rickl.orchids]

…….thank you my dear friend....let me know if I can ever answer questions or assist.....Jan and I both.... wish you guys a very Happy holidays...…..

[@juliethompson8888]

Orchids for Dummies Is there a commercial fertilizer mix that has all these ingredients in the proper proportion? I am new to orchids and I love Your videos. I live in the Pacific Northwest.

[@OrchidsforDummies]

Hey PhalPal Julie Thompson, I’m assuming you were talking to Uncle Rick but to answer your question, I use different fertilizer for different seasons. I use just better Gro and epsom salt in the summer and I’m using these supplements in the winter because it’s cooler so the fertilizer doesn’t maintain the right PH level. I’ve lost roots and set some back so I’m playing catch up by using these supplements.

[@FineschiDamiano]

Thanks Rick, very interesting and informative video. I listened to every word you said!

[@PipienSukasaOrchids99]

healthy all over.. roots and green leaves.. awww

[@patsfreund9164]

WOW! You surely have a way with the phals. They all look so healthy. So many blossoms. Enjoyed listening to your observations about nutrient effects on them. Thanks for sharing. May you and your family have a happy, safe and healthy New Year.

[@likowahine5825]

Wow! Awesome spikes and roots! My phal that I worked on with your help is with a spike now. I lost a bottom leaf on one plant, after I transplanted it. Thank you for sharing.

[@rickl.orchids]

…..thank you...…..Im still loosing a few lower leaves...….but not like before.....

[@Banana04218]

Brilliant. Loved every minute of this video. Can't wait to see the blooms on these incredible phals. Sending you and Jan best wishes for the new year. 🌸🌱

[@marygorchidsmore2058]

Your phals look very healthy and happy. Looking forward to see them all in bloom! Most be colourful display.

[@rickl.orchids]

thank you Mary.

[@patricialux1221]

IMPRESSIVE. I'm going to watch this again. Amazing phals, happy happy plants...all 26!!! 😁 Great nutritional info, like the nitrogen experiment. I need to order supplies, and will be getting seaweed for first time, yay!

[@rickl.orchids]

…..Patricia.....you will love the kelp/ seaweed supplements...….they will give the orchids so many important things.....

[@ThePalmGuy]

Hmmmmm interesting Nitrogen you say!! this will be in my next watering schedule. Thanks for the information Rick

[@patriciawong8927]

Hi Rick, Thank you for sharing your orchids and wealth of knowledge - this is very much appreciated. I viewed your video on the tea bag method as I am trying to rescue an 'ice cube" phal. discount purchase, that has root rot. I've converted to fwc and am hopeful. Your video on nutrient mix (explaining ppm) is very helpful - I have subscribed to your channel and will be binge watching :) I am also ordering a PH & TDS meter. Again, thank you for sharing your research with us. Good health, joy and Blessings to you and Jan. for 2019. Happy growing.

[@rickl.orchids]

thank you Patricia…….give that phal some calmag and some kelp/seaweed if you can...…..it will get it growing roots again......

[@OrchidNerd]

Super interesting discussion on nutrients and blooming. It's it possible for you to let us know which research papers you are referring to? I'd love to read them. And the discussion about Keiki growth was great. One of my phals grew a spike in spring, and suddenly decided to grow a Keiki on the end of the spike instead of flowers. Looking back, this happened shortly after we had a major heat wave - which would qualify as one of those temperature spikes you talked about.

[@sherrysorchids7647]

Incredible. I can’t wait to see all the flowers. Happy New Year to you and Jan!

[@mysticshining]

Thanks so much for passing on such great information... Wow, proof is in the pudding :D I've been implementing some of this already from watching you and Orchid Whisperer and I got a double spike for the first time since I've been growing! (only started a few years ago but still ;) Also, this made me think I need to be even more consistent with nutrients because I have been losing leaves on that same phal and am left with 5 now. I think like you said, I need to feed everytime, esp. now, or I start to see a leaf yellow right away. Makes so much sense... I was confused with the double spike and asking "why am i continuing to lose bottom leaves on a healthy plant??!" Especially with the spikes looking really strong. Thank you! Glad Jan is doing great ;) Happy New Year.

[@rickl.orchids]

....Bingo.....it makes me smile so big when I see someone really gets it.....you made my day, thank you.......

[@mysticshining]

@@rickl.orchids Aw, I'm glad I can do something for you too! :D

[@gcarson]

Yeah, I stopped fertilizing for a bit and I saw the effects on my phal javanica. Great info as always and have a happy new year!

[@rickl.orchids]

thanks Gabrielle…...

[@TY-ob7fz]

Hi Rick. Thank you for so much information and great seeing you’re doing well. Happy New Years to you and Jan and family around you. Looking forward to another season of growing with you and many many more and seeing you both healthy and strong.

[@rickl.orchids]

thank you my friend

[@blinkbunny9781]

Impressive spikes, Rick. Love them

[@tracylovisone5874]

Amazing! Your videos are the best. So much information that is not found in books. I look forward to every one of them. Happy New Year to you and Jan. Prayers and hugs from Oregon.

[@rickl.orchids]

thank you very kind.........

[@jacolynsorchids1361948friends]

Nice tour to see your beautiful orchids! I have about 29 no name phals, and 26 in spike, the temperature I found so important also! Happy New Year from another reader, I think online when I see something most say you have been here before :0) Carolyn

[@planete-saturne58]

Hello Carolyn, I am one of your followers. I am from Montreal, Quebec and love your channel. Can't wait to have a coffee while listening your videos 😉 🌺🌼🌸

[@rickl.orchids]

......thank you Carolyn....26 from 29......you have the touch with Phals no doubt.....have a wonderful New Year.......Rick

[@blinkbunny9781]

I agree with you about the keikis =) great points

[@hanam1828]

Thank you for the tips on growing these guys...they looks amazingly 💐

[@shawnpower6206]

Happy New Year Rick! Hope all well with you and your wife. You have awesome plants! Love the video.

[@ashleymarquez7630]

So beautiful and great to see each one are blooming 👍 Have a great new year full with blessings for you and Jan and each one of your family 🙏❤🎊🎄🎉🎄🎉

[@rickl.orchids]

thank you my dear friend...…..I was thinking of you this morning as I wrestled the huge Hoya into the kitchen sink to water it...….lol...….I wish you many blessing's this New Year......

[@nateferguson4612]

Thank you for a great (informative) video, Rick! That I took notes of your recommendations is my highest compliment. Like you, I am in the southern US and have two phals growing in vanda baskets. By dumb luck, they have survived and even thrived because of the super high humidity all summer. Why are some of your phals in baskets? I appreciate you succinctly synopsizing your research, while not bothering with edits, graphics and music. Here is to keeping it all natural, from a middle aged man in Tampa.

[@rickl.orchids]

……..thanks Nate.....growing orchids is simple.....no need to complicate things.....I love simple and easy.....some are in baskets to see how they respond......Im still new to orchids so I try different things...….in my opinion.....Phals do great mounted …..which is my preferred method of growing them...

[@kareliagarcia4819]

Awesome video. Great information. Thanks so much for sharing tips and experience. Happy New Year.

[@willajohnson8577]

Thank you Rick...information I was definately needing. I need to feed more often. Moved some around so I could get to them..had to lean over my desert rose Collection without falling over..lol a Happy New Year to You and Jan and doggies.💝💞🐩

[@rickl.orchids]

thank you my friend......Happy New Year

[@willajohnson8577]

@@rickl.orchids as always💝💝🐩

[@miche7032]

Thank you for the tips. Happy growing!

[@renukadave5570]

Loved that video Rick....and all the valuable information and tips about nutrition and feed ...thank you!!! Good to hear your wife is doing well. A Healthy and Happy New Year to you both.☺

[@barbfroede1343]

I agree, little info on orchid nutrition and where are the pix of the plant vs bloom? Desperately need both, but thankful I have your channel! Continued prayers for you and Jan. Miss you lots!

[@monaazar6082]

I believe all what’s matter first light and air . I enjoyed the time and work the patient love ❤️ and surprise. I get from my poor collection, unfortunately I live in any apartment facing north , can’t do miracles I learned to be patient ... Is your plants outside ,is looks bright room .lucky keep on the good work .thank you

[@thedignator]

Wow that's amazing! Look at those Phals! I always think Phals are so underrated! Evn the NOID's can be absolutely beautiful. By the way.. funny, I think we've read the same studies :) I concluded that my Phals are already having a good amount of K, because I use the Peters 15-5-15 CalMag. I add mono calcium and Epsom salt, all total around 210 ppm. I never have a root burn and my Phals never loose a leave. I have one Phal that looks like a miniature Vanda right now, lol! I also add calcium nitrate sometimes since a few months. It's a very cheap product and the combo Cal & N is perfect. Thank you for this video and I wish you and Jan a healthy 2019 with lots of flowers and growths!!

[@rickl.orchids]

wonderful feedback.....thank you my friend.

[@roxanneparker9126]

Hi again Rick, I thought maybe my leaves were to green but, looking at yours mine look the same shade of green. We keep our home temp. At 72% but the room they stay in the temp reader always says 68% is that warm enough. I have a good humidity level all the time. We have a thing that we had installed on our furnace in the basement that controls the humidity in our home in the winter time. Great video. Awesome spikes and all over phals P.S. I can only feed twice a week with the medium I'm using which is a orchiata bark mix, AAA New Zealand sphagnum moss, sponge rock and those little clay balls is what I call them. It's a premium grade mix I buy from repotme.com. They make their mixed up fresh everyday. Thanks for all your video's. I've learned alot from watching them. Roxanne P. S. I'm not loosing any lower leaves anymore because of your great informative videos. So Thank you so much. Roxanne

[@rickl.orchids]

…...68*..is ok.....on the cool side....but ok.....just remember …...they will only grow as fast as the environment will allow and encourage..at 72* they will do much better......at 68 they will do fine just grow slower.....

[@roxanneparker9126]

@@rickl.orchids Ok. Thank you Rick.

[@bobirceaveronica]

Beautiful plants indeed ! And so healthy ! So vigorous ! I hope mine will become like that one day...

[@A33C1A89]

Put me on that signed book list too 😃👍

[@Boffymom]

Great vid Rick! Here’s to a Happy and most importantly Healthy 2019! 👏🏻👍🏻🎉👌🏻

[@kathleenmurphy2379]

I read or watched somewhere the reason why the drop in temperaturecauses bloom. When it gets cold the starches produced by photosynthesis are stored instead of used for growth. So those stored starches are used to firm spikes and bloom

[@rickl.orchids]

…..yes and no...…..your close...…."Hormones"..... are what tell plants to bloom or grow vegetative matter ....and hormones are influenced by temperatures or light,...…..cool temps trigger hormones that in turn tell the plant to bloom or start growing again....some are triggered by cool temps and some by warm temps...….and some by increasing day length or shorter day length.....

[@kathleenmurphy2379]

@@rickl.orchids thanks again Rick for your Insight

[@terryklemesrud758]

Your phals look terrific! I have a few blooming but most of them are just coming into spike. Have a great New Year!!!

[@rickl.orchids]

wonderful news Terry........have a Happy New Year.

[@martinospanagiotou3597]

Τα λατρεύω είναι πολύ ωραίο και δύσκολο για να ΤΑ έχουμε όλα από Κύπρο

[@kathleenmurphy2379]

I can't wait for a video when all these beauties bloom

[@planete-saturne58]

Hello Rick, (Please excuse my mistakes in English, I am French speaking from Quebec, Canada). I am new since April in growing orchids. I have now 16phal (but 3 in ICU for rotten roots). There is so many people now making videos on orchids and I think I watched most of them and went almost go crazy (lol). An example: another youtuber said that it’s normal for phal to loose the 2 bottom leaves after blooming . I finally decided to choose only 3 and you are one of them. I would greatly appreciate if you could explain the difference between : watering, soaking, flushing, spraying… I know the meaning of these words but Gee when am I supposed to soak them or just watering, etc. . Spraying my orchids ? What about water in the crown ? And now I am trying to understand the ''ppm" stuff and how you decide the number of your fertilizer, etc. Ouch !!! When you buy an orchid they say soak them for 15 minutes every week and that’s it .Help ! (btw I battled a breast cancer and won. I am sure that your wife will win also. I have also a degenerative bone disease and growing orchids made a huge difference in my life. So hang in there Rick, for me, orchids are the best medication for any health problem.)

[@rickl.orchids]

…...Lorraine.....very happy to hear of your success in battling BC, and wish you the very best in health for the new year....some coffee and a few chairs and we could talk about growing for hours…..Anyone that tells you …."you cant get phal crowns wet"....or ..its normal for phals to drop leaves......or... to spritz or spray your orchids...…..is only repeating those orchid myths and really doesn't understand orchid nutrition.....Orchids need watering deeply...….that means when they get watered they are allowed to completely hydrate....as they would in nature. Giving them a spray or a spritz with a water bottle will only get you dehydrated orchids, and poor growth......When you water them......let them soak.....till they are fully hydrated, and learn to watch the roots for signs of water loss,....not the leaves. If you feed large amounts of nutrients or use media that has a tendency to hold onto salts.....such as bark or moss, and Leca.....you need to flush the pots and media often.....to remove excess salts and nutrients...….. …...When I water mine...…..I let them soak for 30 minutes or more...…..some over night...….they seem to love it...Phals require lots of calcium and they are prone to crown rot when they don't get enough......how do they survive when they get rained on in nature...

[@planete-saturne58]

@@rickl.orchids thank you so much for taking the time to answer my "few" questions 🌺 May I bother you again? (If you don't have time it's quite ok) I use tap water and my orchids grow in Montana bark, bit of moss and perlite. I finally bought a PH meter and a TDS. My water has a PH of 7.1 and my TDS shows 148. Can you recommend me what kind of nutrients/products I should use ? ( I promess not to bother you ..... at least for a while... if you can help me again ) 🌼🌸🌺🌞

[@rickl.orchids]

@@planete-saturne58 …...no worries.....I love the questions...I want everyone to be able to grow these incredible plants,....your water isn't very good for orchids......the 7.1 PH is perfect.....but, ….at 148ppm its great drinking water but on the high side for orchids....I only feed 125-140ppm when I feed them now...…..I want my starting water to be under 15% of the mix total......I don't use water on my orchids that has a TDS/ppm over 25ppm...….unless its for flushing only...ask all the questions you want, I love questions.....…..I try and answer quickly...

[@kathleenmurphy2379]

@@planete-saturne58 you could save rain water or snow water and that would be low in parts per million. If you have access to a dehumidifier that would work because that water as long as you clean the tank out should be pretty low in parts per million I know Rick sprinkles Epsom brand pelleted lime once a month or so on his orchids and their media. I think that helps neutralize the pH and help keep it from getting acidic and breaking down because I use bark just like you. I try to save rain water but I also use the dehumidifier water. Every once in awhile is a special treat for your orchids you could buy distilled water and use that to put in a Tucker tote and mix up your solution. I know Rick has a video on how long he uses his nutrient solution or I should say reuse it's his nutrient solution so if you bought distilled water you could store it in a Tucker tote for a couple weeks and reuse it after the orchids soak. I don't use the parts per million thing I just mix it up and half the recommended dos on the various ingredients I'd use. I use better Gro orchid fertilizer and also use Miracle-Gro fertilizer that has the last number higher and I think that's the potassium the third number. Rick talks about potassium in one of his videos as the nutrient that the plant recycles as it drops a leaf it doesn't recycle the nitrogen or phosphorus. So are you some kind of fertilizer at least half strength I add the Cal magic or calcium magnesium liquid at more than half strength. I add micronutrients liquid at half strength I add a teaspoon of Epsom salts per gallon and my nutrient solution and I use seaweed emotion for the hormones for the plants. I then reuse that water to water my house plants and gardenia trees so my orchids get fresh solution with nutrients every time I water them. I started a KZbin channel to keep track of my orchids but then I've also added my houseplants to my KZbin channel. If you just click on the blue K you'll find my KZbin channel my first videos were on my orchids and I'm going to start videoing them again because they're now spiking and I'm all excited about that

[@kathleenmurphy2379]

@@planete-saturne58 I always worry when I mention I have a channel on somebody else's Channel. I worry that I'm stepping on toes and that maybe they'll think I'm trying to steal their subscribers that's not my intent. I just feel that my knowledge is expanded with more subscribers that I think will add to my channel. I don't mention it to everyone just some people. I found your comment I think because I went back to one of the first couple videos Carolyn made. I went back to view some of her other videos that I had never watched. I live in Maryland and I grow my orchids in bark just like Carolyn. But a lot of what Rick talks about mobile and immobile nutrients Carolyn doesn't talk about. And I think those kind of things matter no matter whether you're growing orchids and whatever media and they matter with your other plants. For instance I was watching one of Rick's videos last night and he talked about Orchid Growers doing research so they can make more money. Obviously they're in a business so they did testing on these older leaves that an orchid gets rid of the turn yellow. They wanted to find out which mobile nutrients were missing from the leaf was it nitrogen phosphorus or potassium was it all three that the Orchid needed that's why they didn't old leave and on and on. They found out the nitrogen wasn't recycled and the phosphorus wasn't recycled it was the potassium the k that was recycled out of that leaf so that the Orchid could form new leaves or flower spikes. So the conclusion of that experiment was if you see your leaves starting to Yellow they need more potassium because that's what the Orchid is eating out of that older leaf. Brick school has always been to figure out how to keep an orchid from losing an older Leaf because the orchid needs something in that older leaf that it's not glad it getting and it's nutrient feed and he feels that if you leave the spike on the plant and it doesn't eat that Spike then it's well fed and well taken care of. Some of my orchids kept their spikes on I know Carolyn Cuts hers off this is my first year with orchids so some of the spikes were eaten some of them weren't. It's already extended its energy to make that Spike so it's not going to spend any more energy to keep it alive it just has nutrients stored in it in case the Orchid misses a feeding or something. It's a real shame you lost your orchids while you were in the hospital how sad. I was really worried about my orchids because it has been over two weeks since they have been watered and it has been two weeks since they've been watered the last time I have about five that the leaves are wrinkled and I'm working on trying to get them to plump back up but they probably won't the new leaves are plump. And the way I can write a book for a comment teehee is I use the microphone on my cell phone keyboard and all I have to do is talk and my cell phone does all the typing! Really neat but sometimes I don't get it edited and there's some strange words that it's thought it heard me say. Cuz I can only see four lines as I talk and if I talk too fast I don't see them fast enough to edit. Thanks for subscribing to my channel Lorraine! I guess fate brought us together New Year's Eve

[@jeanneluddeni5159]

Oh wow beautiful

[@roseneiger1251]

Thank you for your advice on my phalaenopsis lots of cal mac & seaweed !! Rose in ohio

[@edflinchum869]

Happy New Year! So jealous of all the blooms....just beautiful! Mine in bark are not happy since bringing inside. I now have cal mag & liquid fish fertilizer to try your methods.

[@rickl.orchids]

......very Happy New Year Ed........be careful with fish fertilizer.....its different than Kelp/Seaweed supplement...Kelp/seaweed is 0-0-1 usually.....fish fertilizer's can vary......they are more for soil type plants......that's a lot of organics for orchid roots to deal with.....

[@kathleenmurphy2379]

Rick is right he doesn't recommend fish emulsion he recommend seaweed emulsion. Seaweed emotion has all the hormones in that help the plant grow roots leaves and Bloom. Besides that fish Emulsion stinks. Fish Emulsion is great for plants outside but it's not so great to use inside and I don't think it's the proper source of nitrogen for orchids. I started my own KZbin channel when I started to collect my orchids a year ago but it now also includes not just orchids but my house plants and my outside container gardening this past summer

[@hillbillyorchids]

Awesome brother! It’s time for new watering video! 😁

[@martinspijker9661]

i am with you on the nitrogen story.. i keep feeding 20-20-20 with lost of calmag..and my plants are doing great.. i have 4 phals and the have still have all there leaves..

[@rickl.orchids]

…..wonderful feedback...…..its amazing how much feed they really like.....

[@ericaolmos3446]

What a beautiful collection

[@sandiecaldwell5486]

Love your videos, Rick. You are a Godsend. I am loosing some lower leaves on my Phil’s & now I know why. How much cal mag do you feed, say per gallon? I need to do more for sure . Have ordered seaweed extract, but it hasn’t come in yet. No spikes yet either. Guess I need to watch this and more of your videos. My 17 phals are doing a LOT better than they were, but still have a long way to go to compete with yours. Thanks again for the wonderful info. God bless you & Jan & keep you well.

[@nanetteorchid6680]

Happy New Year Rick and Jan! I am so happy you are doing well in this New Year! We are sending our love and best wishes to you both! and pups too! We just rescued a puppy from Puerto Rico this Xmas, so I'm quite busy being sleep deprived and chewed up! LOTs and LOTs of sweetness, too! LOL If ever you find time to film your winter feeding with calcium nitrate, I would be so grateful. I'm not so sure how to use calcium nitrate and what it can be mixed with...what Ph you use...is it separated from your other nutrients...etc.? Are you mixing it with your seaweed extract? I'm having very good blooms and keeping my lower leaves,(mostly). But it is always nice to use and have knowledge with another source of food. I also sprinkle the garden lime and they LOVE IT! Thank you Rick for ALL of your Tried and True wisdom! XXOO from us in NY!

[@rickl.orchids]

…..I have a video coming soon for using calcium nitrate....thank you

[@nanetteorchid6680]

@@rickl.orchids THank YOU!!! Cant wait! Well, yes I can, but you know what I mean!

[@rickl.orchids]

…...and congratulations on your new puppy, and you rescued him, so wonderful to hear.....the puppy stage will be gone so fast......I pray you have so many happy healthy years together...….

[@nanetteorchid6680]

@@rickl.orchids Thank you so much! He is a little treasure! Our 11 year old female is being a great big sister, too! Much Love your way!

[@nanetteorchid6680]

@@rickl.orchids Oh Thank YOu Rick For this!!!!! xxxooo!!!!

[@mathie2037]

Happy New Year Rick. Wishing you and your family all the best.

[@rashaquinto7459]

Wow nice 😍😍happy newyear...😊😍😍

[@marilynyearwood9123]

First time viewer . Thank you

[@mrzredbadger7848]

I just need to keep working at this...…….

[@allenferry1268]

Holy moly your plants look good. I hope you and yours have a great New Year. Have you ever noticed a plant reversing itself once it's started eating itself and green back up? Also l find myself having to leave for a month while all my Phals are spiking and my wife will have to baby set my collection. Do you have any suggestions to simplify the maintenance process? She can kill a silk plant.

[@rickl.orchids]

....great question....yes Ive had several plants....Dens, Phals, Cattleya, etc. that had yellow leaves and they turned green again....I think there is a point of no return also.....If I was leaving my wife to care for my collection.....I would premix nutrients, and give some good written instructions.......some flowers and or candy for herself ....lol...wouldn't hurt either...

[@dinahhughes7020]

Thanks again for wonderful, informative video, I love phals too and have over 30(as well as other genera) for me they are more reliable bloomers and I have most in spike or bloom at the moment apart from the rescue ones I have or those recovering from a horrendous thrips infestation in the summer (they keep coming back!) I’ve taken advice from a previous video of yours and bought some Dolomite lime, I thought I’d leave it until maybe March to start that and the seaweed feeds, it’s currently mild here for December ( I live in East Yorkshire UK) but we can expect very cold weather until well into March. This season I have continued to feed my orchids with a very low dose of orchid food, I also use Cal Mag and Epsom salts at every watering, this is because they are growing leaves roots and flower spikes so I see no reason to stop feeding them because of the calendar. BUT, would you give them a pinch of dolomite lime each watering in the warm weather and seaweed feed as well I the fertiliser I’m giving or drop that and just give the cal mag and Epsom salts with DL and seaweed? Or start your regime now? Hope this makes sense. Thanks again

[@rickl.orchids]

great questions...….I agree...whether its a new leaf, new roots, canes bulbs......or flower spikes …...that's growth and they need food to support and grow it properly....sprinkle the lime on them now, and thru out the year...…. repeat once a month....less if you still see some in the pot........The kelp/seaweed.....since they are inside and cooler...I give them about once a month now...….as it warms up I will give it more till.....Im adding it every other watering..

[@dinahhughes7020]

Rick L. Orchids Thanks Rick, I’ve made a note of that and will start this week, regards to you and Jan, here’s to a happy, healthy new year!

[@sarahissac6118]

Thank you! Great news! 👍

[@ferncrafts993]

Wow, those phals look very happy! Its going to be quite the show when they have all bloomed! Wish you a very Happy New Year Rick with good health to you and yours!

[@GardengalAAA]

261 comments. Wondering if anyone can tell me how Rick waters his mounted phals? I haven’t watched all the videos yet but I’ve learned so much here and I hope life is treating Rick and his family well. Wishing you all the best.

[@heronguyen100]

Very nice and green orchids you got, pls could you share experience in using fertilizers for blooming or it blooms naturally ?

[@Zapton5]

Another amazing video. My only question and I don't think they did but I'll ask anyway. Did they brake N down into its parts or just talk about it as one unit N in the papers? Am just trying to figure out if plants prefer ammonia/ammonium or nitrate. I have heard people say it both ways but never with anything to back up the argument. I know most orchid growers have no reason to care but because of how I choose to grow it would be helpful info to consider.

[@rickl.orchids]

……..very good question Victor......urea breaks down into ammoniacal…...and then into nitrate form.....its not so much that plants have a preference......its more about absorption...and availability...Urea in natural form as well as ammoniacal nitrogen isn't absorbed as well as Nitrate....nitrate is like pre broken down food for plants...…...they can absorb it very fast and in large quantities......urea and ammoniacal need to be broken down more before being easily absorbed.....

[@fishyplantman4982]

@@rickl.orchids I happen to be on my phone so you will have to forgive my KZbin name. As i record on the phone its just easier to leave it on this account. Anyway thats rhe best answer I have gotten yet. I wish I could explain it so well. My channel would probably be doing better ohwell its still a good place to keep records. Even if i loss the account ill still be able to watch old videos that are posited.

[@ChristosChristos]

Unbelievable awesome informative videos you create there. I am really amazed. Thank you very much. I switched to your 165ppm fertilizing method this year and atm all my 63 Phals are blooming, it's my first year I'm getting multiple branches on the flower spikes and I even count 38 buds on one of my Yukidians. I may have missed this, but can you make a video with your annual feeding routine? I replied on the previous video as well. I want to learn if you use this 165ppm solution all year long, if you increased the Ca quantity after this video, if you downgrade the ppms to 130 in winter, and how you treat with that downgrading fertilizing change the summer blooming Phals vs Winter blooming Phals (or maybe it doesn't matter). And one more question. How about hanging Vandas? 165ppm is also good for them? Can we have some Vanda "science"? I see my Vandas for example now in Winter to stop growing. Is this normal? The 165ppm solution doesn't help them if you soak them in a bucket for 30mins daily? Etc etc. Really really thanks for your videos. Keep it up!

[@rickl.orchids]

thank you for the kind words.....I love hearing of your success 63 phal's blooming......incredible ….in cooler months....I drop my feed down to around 125-135ppm.....as it warms up and growing season gets underway......I up my feed till its around 200ppm...….during the cooler months.....I keep my N levels around 40%......and increase them to 50-60% in heat of summer....with Phal's because they need food so often....it wont make any difference with spring or winter bloomers.... .Vanda's are calcium hogs..and since they don't have any bulbs canes to store reserves in.....they need feeding like phals....they also have very strict light needs......under lower light they slow growth...….they also require a lot of humidity...….Vanda's love a good soak in some pure water with calmag.....

[@ChristosChristos]

@@rickl.orchids Thank you very much for this info! Just one more question. Do you ever get fertilizer residue stacking on top layer of your media? I'm using your solution on the LECA Semi Hydroponics system to grow my orchids and as I said before it works really well. The thing is that every 4 weeks, I get the need to water just with clean distilled water so that the top LECA layer with the non-absorbed fertilizer particles soak and reach the media back at the bottom. Then, orchids absorb this and I start fertilizing with your solution again. Also, once a month I soak all pots for salts. My question here is if these non-absorbed fertilizer is normal or not? What would you do? Decrease the ppm values because this indicates they don't absorb it 100%? Or I'm making a mistake in your opinion by stopping fertilizing for a week just to soak the top particles back to the bottom?

[@rickl.orchids]

@@ChristosChristos ......remember....orchids don't have multiple thin fine hair type roots like soil plants do......orchid roots only absorb what is actually on the root or right against it....nutrients that are 1/2" away or even 1/4" away can not be absorbed....it takes moisture to bring the nutrient's to the roots...as in rain fall...Those unabsorbed nutrients will dry on the Leca and collect.......once the dry on the Leca they are many more times harder to flush out....if you use Leca flush it after about 24-48hrs......to remove the unused nutrients and move other ones around so feeding can continue.......feeding low amounts often with regular flushes is key with Leca or Hydroton media........the stone, gravel, that I grow in does the same thing.....only it doesn't hold onto any nutrients........never needs flushing if fed correctly...

[@ChristosChristos]

@@rickl.orchids That explains it. You are right. Didn't think of the distance created between LECA balls and the roots. Thank you so much for taking some time and replying to my questions! You really helped me and our hobby in general move forward :-) Keep up the good work! Cheers!

[@ChristosChristos]

@@rickl.orchids Happy New Year! I was just thinking of this particular video you made and I was wondering: I had one of my Vandas drop a single yellow leaf from the bottom. Watching your video, I assumed that this is due to lack of nutrients. I soak them (Vandas) in a bucket in your 165ppm solution for 30mins every morning. Would you reduce the amount of this daily fertilizing solution in general or you would search for "other causes" of dropping these bottom leaf? (FYI: It has no rotting or anything. Perfectly healthy plant that blooms yearly). I just want to understand the logic.

[@ritabeitz487]

Amazing Rick! You have done your homework and it has really paid off! One question, My plants are in mainly rocks, some woods chips and rock combinations, but I feel that maybe it doesn't matter so much that the plants totally dry out between waterings. I try and water them at least once a week, sometimes every 5 days. But the smaller ones dry out sooner. Do you think that it is vital that the plant drys out between waterings? And if so, when you say often, do you water your smaller more delicate orchids more often, like every 3 days or so? I am trying to pay attention to each one, as there are subtle differences in each orchid. Happy New Year to you both! Blessings your way! Rita

[@rickl.orchids]

.....always wonderful to see your words Rita...….my plants roots ….do dry off between watering's....The more often they dry out, the more often they can be watered and fed...…...I think like you said …….subtle differences between some orchids.....its more important to not just water them …..but let them soak and fully hydrate...….when fully hydrated......they wont dry back as fast....

[@normamorales6856]

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Great video, I love to read about your excellent research, but where can I get the nitrogen? We are doing much better, praying that you and Jan will have a healthy 2019 and to all your followers too.

[@rickl.orchids]

your fertilizer should contain enough.....just feed them if they are growing in any way.....including blooming..

[@tobiesmom]

Wonderful video as always, Rick. You have some amazing root growth ...those phals really do love the clay pots and river/lava rock, don't they? I predict that you're going to have some transplanting to do in the spring! :) Do you cut back on the amount of nitrogen that you give your orchids when they are in bloom? Or do you feed them the same mix all of the time? I wish you and Jan a happy and healthy New Year! I am certainly looking forward to seeing a video when all of those phals are in bloom! Love Caro

[@rickl.orchids]

Caroline….sorry for the slow response...I have cut back the total amount of feed...…`125-135ppm......vs 185-200ppm in summer....and I have changed my N% in the mix...…..in the summer my mix was 50-60% N ….vs...…. 35-40%N now....I hope that makes sense...…...thank you for all your kind words and prayers.....I wish you and your family the same for 2019...….keeping good thoughts for an end to your situation...…..lots of love from Alabama...….P.S.....you have pkge coming...

[@tobiesmom]

@@rickl.orchids Thank you! That information is going to be added to my "Notes About Growing Orchids From Rick." :) Hope you are enjoying this warm start to January! My orchids certainly appreciate the higher humidity (than is typical for this time of year)! I promised you some pictures of my Latouria type dendrobiums (they are all in bud now!!!) and I haven't forgotten - I'm just waiting for the buds to fully open. That's another benefit from the warm weather - I don't have to worry about bud blast so much (it can be a challenge to keep it warm in my grow room!). I appreciate you SO MUCH! I'm looking forward to seeing some more videos in 2019 as time and health permits. With blessings and prayers to you and Jan from Caro! :)

[@greenirin3018]

Happy New Jear ! Great Video!

[@flowercat812]

Hey Rick, great collection I am blown away w/ the spikes and blooms, so one question! How do you feed/water all these do you soak each and every one and if so how long or do you just run water w/ the fertilizer thru them? Appreciate the help I am in the process of reviving a very neglected collection.

[@rickl.orchids]

…..that's a great question...….I use those big plastic containers I've shown before......I mix up nutrient's with rain water and let the orchids soak.....I can soak about 20 or so at a time and I let them soak for 20 - 45 min...…..sometimes longer and I've forgotten them before and left them over night...….they loved it...…...It allows them to stay fully hydrated, and feed as much as they want,....and in turn they can go for several days before needing water again…...In the wild.....even a small rain shower would keep things damp for several hours and allow orchids to hydrate the entire time.....Give your struggling orchids calmag and good water......and they will start to grow roots again....as they gain more roots they can start feeding more....good luck

[@flowercat812]

@@rickl.orchids Thank you, I watched so many of your videos now I saw the one of you watering and fertilizing but thanks for the response! Between yours and the Orchid Whisperer I did buy the cal mag and the sea weed extract and low and behold one of my pathetic phals with 1 root and 2 leaves is spiking haha, it's amazing what a little, well actually a lot of TLC will do. I always watered with my hose and I live in Central Florida we have the worst water in the US so now I try and collect rain water and buy bottled water if I don't have that and use that to feed my orchids and they are loving it! I am super excited about reviving my collection and adding a few new ones! Thank you for sharing your time and talent w/ us! Chomp Chomp!!!

[@cindyd.2882]

You are the master...

[@lexilin3574]

Beautiful plants and thank you for sharing what you have learned. Do you use the 165 ppm with the hydro nutrients that you showed in one of your videos ? 15-20 epsom , 30- 40 cal mag and 100 Bettergrow?

[@kellyduguay3368]

Hi Rick and Jan! Happy New Year! What a fabulous way to ring it in with all those phalaenopsis blooms! They are outstanding! As far as the nitrogen goes, what type is it? I have calcium nitrate 15.5-0-0....but I'm a bit Leary to use it, directions say root drench, and my leaves tend to get wet in the pans I use to soak, would it harm the leaves if they get wet ? Or should I use a different type, and if so what kind do you recommend? Thank you so much for all your knowledge, I read those papers and I get a bit overloaded with it all (lol yesterday I was reading a discussion about paphiopedilum and growing them in/on limestone...it went way deeper than I needed, but I thought about you and how you probably would have enjoyed it). Best wishes for you both..... Kelly D.

[@rickl.orchids]

Happy New Year Kelly........Calnit 15-0-0 is great stuff......but I recommend never use it by itself.....it can cause bad growth and even worse...it needs to be used with a balanced fertilizer.......Calcium Nitrate has to have all the other micro and macro nutrients along with it...or it can cause all sorts of irreversible damage.......FYI......I would have loved that Paph/Limestone talk.....

[@kellyduguay3368]

@@rickl.orchids ah, it never mentioned that! I am glad I hesitated and asked you first, thanks for saving me a bunch of setback and strange problems I didn't need 😊. Ok, this is the discussion I attempted to learn from....it's above my pay grade....😉. www.slippertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29465

[@brooklyncondoqueen]

The red and yellow is called papagayo. I am looking all over the place for it but no luck so far. Beautiful collection.

[@kathleenmurphy2379]

Thanks for this wonderful video! I have a question... why don't you put a stake in the pot for the bloom spike?

[@rickl.orchids]

….on some I do.....but on some I let them go naturally...…….its mainly due to my shelfs that they sit on....very vertical upright spikes don't fit very well on the shelfs......so I let them droop over....

[@kathleenmurphy2379]

Thanks for letting me know.... i thought if they weren't staked they would break...since they have been staked since i bought them i am worried they might break since they have been staked from the beginning at the greenhouse. Another question for you can i water in the evening after the sun has set right now in the winter?

[@ArtistBrianSheffield]

Could you imagine a ten crown plant? it would have so many flower spikes on a single plant. Do you plan to remove the keiki or leave it?

[@rickl.orchids]

……...I will leave it my southern neighbor......I want it to grow into that 10 crown plant...…..

[@stuartkaufman6131]

Rick, I now have 6 phals that were sad when I got them and are still sad... no roots and wrinkly leaves. I have them in semi hydroponics, mainly stones from my yard. I feed them once a week cal-mag 40 ppm, cal-nitrate 50 ppm, Better Grow fert. 100 ppm, and kelp 20 ppm with Epsom salt once a month 20 ppm. But little root growth in 5 months. What would you suggest??

[@mayhk3930]

Very nice ,👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 happy New Year 🥳

[@samanthabarrett5200]

So Rick when I miss watering all my roots have died should I repot everyone and start over? And do I have to wait for warm temperatures outside to do this even though none of my plants have spikes and I'm inside with dry heat? I'm going to get a huge humidifier to match my commercial fan and start regular watering this spring. I'm changing watering set up to match yours. (Rain barrel and long container for holding watering mix) I'm trying but need more mentoring from you please?🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@rickl.orchids]

…….you can repot anytime you want...….consistent watering is key for proper growth....letting them soak is such an easy way to water them...….they really get fully hydrated....

[@cindyd.2882]

Do you use the same nutrition formula for all your orchid types? Getting that you feed phals more often.

[@rickl.orchids]

……..great question...…….yes I do...….in hindsight...….my phals need a different N level mix...

[@GailHarrell]

Hello Rick! I'm new to orchids but have been studying you and Orchid Whisperer Amy. Right now I have 5 phals. The first one was a gift a couple years ago. It did fine until I put it in bark and it lost a lot of roots. Moved to moss...mold...It's hanging on in water culture with frequent soaks. I can tell it is having hydration issues. It's lost some lower leaves but the uppers are looking stable for now. I do believe the lava rock and clay are going to be the best for it. I have been studying how you make clips. I want the most stability-this poor thing is just flying free so to speak. Finally, to ask the question, I have lots of copper wire. Is that safe to use with orchids? I understand it will kill bromiliads. Thanks for any help.

[@GailHarrell]

Amazing what you might learn if you pay attention...I checked the formula of the BetterGro orchid fertilizer that just came. It has copper, zinc and boron among other things. Those three will kill bromiliads but I must assume they are safe for orchids. I was going to use the BetterGro on the air plants...sure glad I looked closer! Thanks again and keep the videos coming. Now off to play with clips! Happy new year.

[@rickl.orchids]

…...great question......copper is toxic to some orchids......don't use copper wire with them...….your Phalaenopsis sounds like a typical calcium deficiency.....give it calcium and it will grow crazy roots and rebound quickly...

[@rickl.orchids]

......very good comment.....tiny micro amounts of copper are usually ok...….but your correct copper can be toxic for some plants...….research ….research

[@GailHarrell]

@@rickl.orchids I am not going to use the copper wire. I'm all set with the galvanized and have soaked my pots and lava rock. Studying your clip info again and going to get to it today. I am using CalMag and seaweed extract with every watering. I have great expectations for it to take off once it has some stability. Our local hydroponics store is owned by someone who lived in Hawaii for a long time and has seen how great orchids in the wild do in the native lava rock there. He's been great to talk to. Thank you again!

[@A33C1A89]

HelloRick, quick question; do you find the frequent cal-mag feeding firms up the oncidium leaves or do they remain droopy? Lol. I want ‘plastic sounding’ leaves. Thx. Bobbi

[@rickl.orchids]

…...yes, the calmag does that and more....firms everything up......I love the term "plastic sounding leaves"....lol...…...tough leaves don't get pests, and hydrate better...

[@cbeauty3619]

Where can I buy calcium? you are so informative. I really enjoy your video.

[@rickl.orchids]

Calmag and calcium supplents are available at Amazon, local Garden centers, Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart.....I use Garden Lime as well...

[@cbeauty3619]

@@rickl.orchids Thank you.