Watch Me Mix Up My New Orchid Fertilizer!

[@michaelmccarthy4077]

You can skip adding the CalMag since they are already provided in the part A and B. If you're using 40 ppm, increase both parts by 20, so 120 ppm calnitrate and 80 ppm 5-12-26.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thank you so much for your input, Michael! Since the Jack's has magnesium, the CalMag is just going to be an unnecessary step. (Plus, it makes things easier, and easier is good!) 😊 I always appreciate your expertise! Now what to do with my bottle of CalMag. Lol

[@yolilopez1992]

Would different locations and temperature affect which amounts are used.⁉️

[@michaelmccarthy4077]

@@yolilopez1992 indeed. How much light and warmth they receive affects how much feed they can utilize. 200 is a good middle ground number.

[@yolilopez1992]

@@OrchidWhisperer I also have a 3/4 of a quart left and half of a pint bottle of seaweed extract. We have a very popular orchid nursery down here in Bradenton Fl. It’s Palmers orchids,they have their own fertilizer and I was told by an employee it is same formula of Jack Peters. Is this Jack’s fertilizer the old Jack Peter’s fertilizer that was so popular it was like miracle grow is now⁉️

[@OrchidWhisperer]

@@yolilopez1992 if the numbers on the fertilizers are the same, it might be. Or this could be an improved version. It's really good.

[@tinapope8504]

Along with few other’s, have had magnificent success also using this fertilizer! Couple years ago made the change after watching Rick’s use in a video… I too use the same ppm in winter and increasing it in spring/summer. I still use the CalMag, despite it having it in the Jacks. Rick explained once how the calmag binds differently to the fertilizer (reason you always add to water first before adding fertilizer) liquid form of the CalMag allows better intake. Rick really had a grasp on molecular uptake of the orchids, explaining it on a level even I could understand! Lol. My recipe, I use is 30 ppm CalMag in warmer weather and 15-20ppm cooler times of year. I will have to go back to my notes to see Ricks recipe, but think you are spot on for our weather. He was in Alabama and had much warmer weather. Before using Jack’s, I used msu with good results, however, in spagmoss seemed to create less root growth and orchid’s just seemed not as happy…. So glad though to see you and other’s using Jack’s also! Thank you Amy!

[@lynnmoody2170]

I’ve been using Jacks and your other ingredients since watching Rick L Orchids 2 yrs ago. I’ve got PPM recipes of his for summer and winter recipes, but, it was really quite a pain to mix each time. I’m liking your new measuring method, and thanks for the great video explaining it. It’ll be very helpful when mixing smaller amounts! And, I may see if I can figure out exact amounts for my watering bins. Have a blessed day!

[@OrchidWhisperer]

I'm so glad this video was helpful! Thanks for letting me know! 😇⚘🌺

[@LA-xj3tz]

What happened to Rick L Orchids? I have not seen any new videos from him.

[@lynnmoody2170]

@@LA-xj3tz Hi! During the 2-3 yrs of Rick’s videos, he occasionally talked about his struggle with Lewy Body - Parkinson’s Disease. You could tell he really struggled knowing he was losing himself to a terrible killer. He often was unable to communicate, sometimes spent a day completely frozen. Other days the tremors in his movements and voice were palpable. His main reason for starting the videos on orchid and African violet care was to leave instructions for his family to continue to care for the orchids he loved. During the last year of videos, they became further apart, because he had fewer good days. He always said he’d do it as long as he was physically able, but, he knew it wouldn’t be long. And then they ended. It breaks my heart to think he is either trapped in a body that can no longer communicate or move, or, he’s gone from this earth and totally free from his frozen body and mind. He lived about 50 miles from me, and I wanted to visit, but was never able. I gained so much knowledge from his encyclopedia mind of hydroponics, and his laid back teaching methods. His voice was soothing and cathartic when I needed some sanity in life. I miss him immensely. It’s hard not to cry from the loss.

[@motled]

I took copious notes. Thank you so much! Hope you have a lovely day as well! 🌸

[@OrchidWhisperer]

You are so welcome!

[@haylinmilsam]

Hi, Amy - aka Miss Einstein! 😉 I’ve been waiting to hear about your new feed schedule. In the meantime, I bought Jack’s Orchid Bloom Booster and Jack’s Classic Orchid plant food, both in concentrated liquid form. I’m experimenting with these at the moment, and so far, so good. Between the new feed and the new humidifier, my plants seem pretty happy! Thank you, Amy - have a wonderful day! 🤗

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Mary Ann! I thought about our Einstein comments while I filmed this! Lol! That's exactly how I felt! 🤣 I'm glad your fertilizers are working well for you. Blessings to you my friend! 😇💖⚘🌺

[@haylinmilsam]

♥️

[@haylinmilsam]

@@OrchidWhisperer 🧡

[@ellenschmidtchen8422]

Hi Amy, I’m new to Orchids and just found your KZbin channel . Can I use tap water with the Jack’s recipe? I’m a little anxious about the Meter pen.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Ellen! I use reverse osmosis water with my orchids. Tap water contains chlorine bleach that isn't good for orchid roots, and can contain contaminates. You can buy a Brita or Zero pitcher type filter if you don't have a r/o system. Happy growing! :)

[@wonderwomanx1268]

Ooh I haven’t even been using fertilizer out of fear of damaging them. Now I’ll have to use it. Thank you! BTW mine are flourishing like crazy in a west window in Boca Raton, FL.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi! I'm using MSU orchid fertilizer now. It's so easy to use. You can start with half the recommended dose on the package since they're not used to being fertilized. Happy growing and thanks for watching! Amy 😇⚘️

[@bltperky]

Another wonderful orchid video, Amy! Blessings to you! 😊

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thank you Barb! Always great to hear from you! 😇🌺

[@georgiabarth2066]

Thanks for this recipe. How often do you fertilize with this solution? I remember Rick L orchids using these 2 fertilizers too.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

I use this every time I water, and I flush with reverse osmosis water once a month. 😇💖⚘

[@SharonRowland-yt8ot]

Love your channel and advise. I'm confused. I thought you grew many of your orchids in water culture, and now you're talking about bark and moss. Could you explain when you grow orchids in bark, water, and moss, and why you make these differences.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Sharon, I have a playlist on my channel about water culture, explaining my journey with it and why I don't grow with that method anymore. If you're just starting to grow orchids, I highly recommend using Orchiata bark. It's the easiest medium to grow in. Happy growing! 😇

[@lenorepeloso2378]

WOW!!! What a great informative video! Thank you so much. We love you, Amy, and always learn so much.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thanks so much, Lenore! Your comment made my day! Many blessings to you! 💖🙏😇⚘

[@sharonholmes4444]

💚 Wow 😲 Very interesting ☺️ Thanks for sharing Amy. Think I've learned my issue with my non blooming Vanda's. Will chat later. Blessings sent from the high desert 🎋🌵🎋

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Sharon! I cant wait to hear about your Vandas! Blessings from East TN! 😇💖🌷⚘

[@faith042179]

I am a beginner, now with that mixture you made, how do you use it? Put the whole jug in a basin and let roots soak for an hour?

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Yes, that's exactly what I do! Happy growing! 😇🌻🌺😊

[@cjtank2001]

sounds perfect

[@ingridfoessl1075]

Very interesting Video, thank you for sharing it.

[@tameracoelho87]

Hello and I am so grateful to you for your fantastic videos. I have been using repot me orchid time release fertilizer but my results are no where near your results in fact I am losing several orchids. Not sure why but when I brought them inside last fall (New Jersey) they were not happy and are waiting for spring and more sun. Still trying to assess the problem but clearly wish mine looked like yours!💕

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thanks for your sweet comment! I have MSU time release fertilizer, but I'm waiting for the temps to go higher before I try it on a few of my orchids. It releases at temps above 70 degrees. That means I'll just use it in summer here in East TN. 😇

[@noushi8659]

Hi Amy, just a question. What is the size of your Pippet. It seems at least 7 ml to me or even larger. Thanks!

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi! It's a 5 ml pipette. Happy growing! 🌺

[@marychavez9165]

My mother in law bought me a beautiful white orchid for my birthday but I’ve never had an orchid before just house plants so I have no idea how to take care of it jut the instructions that came on the tag of the orchid it has been fine since May when she gave it to me but I just noticed two of the flowers withering she gave me her orchid because it was dying, but the instructions on her orchid that is planted in mulch or some type of little wood shavings says to water with four ice cubes and I’ve been doing it and it’s still alive and just roots so I have to water it differently and it has been doing fine until now. I googled what to use to fertilize it and feed it but I’m confused because I don’t know if I can use that solution on both the orchids since you’re supposed to water them differently so my question for you is, if you can, please help me do I water both of them the same with that feeding and fertilizing solution or differently? If you could please help me, I would really appreciate it because I don’t want them to die on me. Can I buy those fertilizers at any Lowe’s or Home Depot or just through Amazon?

[@OrchidWhisperer]

@@marychavez9165 welcome to my channel and to the orchid world! 😊 I have a beginner playlist that gives lots of tips and info that will help you. I use MSU fertilizer and I like it better than any fertilizer I've tried. Start with with half the recommended dose in reverse osmosis water. Don't use ice cubes, water them with room temp water. I wish you lots of growing success! Amy 😇🌸

[@marionwoody1217]

I can’t wait to try this new recipe. I was wondering though if when it gets time to start fertilizing my Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter cactus in March, may I use the run off water from this new recipe to water/fertilize my cactuses? Blessings to you.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Yes, I'll be using the runoff water from this recipe in the spring on my cacti! 🌺🌷 Blessings!

[@tammyinnalabama]

Hi Amy. Have you changed your fertilizing system for the spring? Happy April. 😀🌱

[@JohnKoz123]

Hi I’m new in ur channel and little confused. Your goal here was 100 ppm of 15 0 0 And after adding cal magic and seaweed of50ppm then calcium of “100pmm” your reading was 105? Second question is what would be your starting ratio in winter and summer? Thank you

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi and welcome to my channel! My goal was 200 ppm. The breakdown: 50 ppm CalMag andseaweed extract...100 ppm calcium nitrate 15-0-0...50 ppm of the 15-12-26. This past winter was so cold, I had to decrease the amount of calcium nitrate to about 70-80 ppm. I have a fertilizing playlist on my channel, and it has a video for how I change the fertilizer for summer. Happy growing!

[@nancyreese80]

Thank you! What brand is your TDS analyzer? I need a new one but many have bad reviews. I look forward to using your new fertilizer recipe!

[@OrchidWhisperer]

It's from Health Metric. I've had it a long time, and it's a really good one. Happy growing! 😇🌺⚘

[@nancyreese80]

@@OrchidWhisperer Thank you so much!

[@Mimi-63]

Way to go Amy, you really have it down!! That’s so informative, thank you for sharing 🌸. Will you be using this recipe for your Christmas cacti? I’ve been missing the Bible reading, I hope everything is ok💗

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Aww, thank you my friend! I'll be using this on my Christmas cacti, too. I've had to put a pause on my Bible readings. I've had an eye infection and need to slow it down a bit. I plan on doing more of them in the future. Thanks for supporting me and my channel, dear friend! 💖🙏😇

[@Mimi-63]

@@OrchidWhisperer Aww I’m sorry to hear that! I’ll be praying for total, fast healing! Take care friend 🌸💕

[@OrchidWhisperer]

@@Mimi-63 thank you! 😇🙏💖

[@suethompson6497]

🤗Hi Amy🤗🌷I have been waiting to see your new fertiliser mix and use😀Looks like an easy mix to work with..Bet your Phalaenopsis are going to get even bigger! Don’t you need to check the PH of your feed solution before use?. I use RO + Rainmix feed and am always having to adjust my PH to between 6.30-6.50 for bark and slightly higher for moss. Maybe your feed is different? Stay warm and well, tons of love and blessings to you and family.🌼❤️😘

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Sue! This pH of this mixture is 6.3 without any adjustment! 😊🎉 The results I'm seeing are amazing...I'm really pleased! Always look forward to hearing from you, my friend. Sending many blessings your way! 😊💖⚘🌺

[@Karenm6899]

I have an RV filter, can I use that water? or should I just use my rain water that falls from my roof?

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Yes! Filtered water is great!

[@tameracoelho87]

Do you know if you can get a smaller package of Jack’s A and B anywhere or could you recommend a simpler starter orchid fertilizer please?

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Tamera! These 2.2 pound bags are the smallest packages of Jack's A & B. A good fertilizer I just started using is MSU. It's easier. Use small amounts similar to what I show here till warmer weather. Happy growing! 😇

[@susankolb354]

Can you use soft water to water the orchids we have water softener in the house is it good for the orchids ?

[@tinapope8504]

NO, don’t use softened water, the salts will kill your plants inside and outside. I turn my softener off when watering my outdoor plants, and use RO or distilled water you could buy at grocery store.

[@yolilopez1992]

Well I have the 5-12-26, the meter, but it seems part b is out of stock in the 2.2 lbs size. Both Amazon and Jack’s itself is out of stock. So can’t start, I am a little nervous using meter. I’m getting very high counts and screen turns red. So I must be doing something wrong🙃🤔

[@kaylenetibbetts3010]

Hi there, I found your channel by searching for 'brown orchid tips' and what it means. You put out that video a few years back. Do you have any updates or new findings on why the tips of dendrobiums, catts, and vandas turn brown? Have you found that your new fertilizer makes a difference? I have whole house RO water. Do I need to do any additional supplementing, or can I follow your amounts in this video? Thank you and nice to meet you :)

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi and welcome to my channel! The new fertilizer has made a big difference in the overall health of my plants. I do a monthly orchid tour, you can see what my orchids look like. Happy growing!

[@lynnkazwell6189]

Where did you get your water tester from? I’m from North Carolina 😊

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hello, neighbor! 😊 I got these meters from Health Metric. 😇

[@tammyinnalabama]

Great video Amy! Will you still alternate with just the CalMag and Seaweed mixture? It's sunny and 51 degrees here for one day! Pixie was happy to go on a walk with me. More cold is heading our way. Stay warm my friend, and I hope your eye is feeling better. 🙋‍♀️😎☀️💐

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Tammy! I'm using this every time I water and I'm flushing once a month with plain water. Btw...I got a beautiful trellis for my queen of the night. It's growing like crazy! Yay! 🥰🌷😊💖 Blessings to you my friend!

[@tammyinnalabama]

@@OrchidWhisperer That's awesome. I don't know what I'm going to do with my Queen and these incredibly long shoots she's put out this winter?! My babies rooted but have done nothing since I potted them. I'm so glad yours are thriving. 🥰🙋‍♀️

[@OrchidWhisperer]

@@tammyinnalabama I just found out that queen of night grows 10 feet tall!

[@SS11660]

Is there an easier , more cost effective option of feeding for those of us who only have a few orchids? I would not need a gallon of any fertilizer to feed mine, .. thanks

[@JulieBraswell]

Is this same receipe OK to use on African violets?

[@OrchidWhisperer]

@@JulieBraswell yes, you can use it with AVs too! 😇

[@JohnKoz123]

Hi Amy, quick question do you ever go over 300 ppm in summer with temps being 90’? Is the ratio always:100%~75% 15-0-0 and 5-12-26? Thank you

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi, I actually started using MSU because I wanted to be able to fertilize at a higher rate this summer. I did a summer video on Jack's last summer tho...I did adjust the rates up on it. That video is included on my fertilizing playlist. Happy growing!

[@marcvandesande6180]

@@OrchidWhisperer Hi Amy, are you now saying you stopped the Jack's and gone back to MSU?🥰 Thank you for clarifying.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

@@marcvandesande6180 yes, I switched to MSU.

[@JohnKoz123]

how is msu working for you?

[@OrchidWhisperer]

@@JohnKoz123 I like it, my orchids are growing really well. The only thing I dont like is that I have to adjust the pH. But I really like using one fertilizer without adjusting ratios.

[@yolilopez1992]

Can I use the part A without part b,till I find the smaller size. Maybe use cal mag and seaweed ext as substitute till I find it

[@OrchidWhisperer]

I would wait till I have both parts. They work in tandem.

[@violet2I8]

@@OrchidWhisperer Do you mind posting the link of which Amazon seller you purchased the two Jack's Nutrients from? I'm having a hard time finding a seller with good reviews. Thanks!!

[@misstorresivette]

Hi.i placed a few of my orchids inside my garage for 2.5 days due to the cold weather. Now, they have black spots. Anything I can do for the black spots? Please help. Thank you ☺️

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Once they have black spots, they're usually there for the duration of that leaf. You can use copper fungicide, but you cant use it on Dendrobiums. 😇🌺⚘

[@lenorepeloso2378]

I just ordered the two system Jacks.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Lenore! I'm so impressed with how mine are doing! Keep me posted! :) Amy

[@lenorepeloso2378]

@@OrchidWhisperer i will. It arrives this week.

[@felis_catus_girl1565]

Hello I'm a new subscriber and I love your channel. I found your channel because I was doing research on why the tips of my phals' aerial roots turn brown and then a video of yours came up...so far your channel has been helpful to me. You said this recipe is for winter or colder temperatures. Do you have a spring/summer recipe? Thank you!

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hello and welcome to my channel! Yes. I just released a video about spring and summer fertilizing a few days ago. Happy growing! 😇🌺

[@felis_catus_girl1565]

@@OrchidWhisperer I'll check it out. Thank you! ☺️

[@yolilopez1992]

How do we know lock off,there are some Jacks in plastic containers with name on it

[@OrchidWhisperer]

The bags I show in the video are the right ones to buy.

[@lidasheppard4968]

Love it❤️ Thank you

[@OrchidWhisperer]

You’re welcome 😊

[@cjtank2001]

what should be the final pH of the solution ?

[@OrchidWhisperer]

I like to use it at pH of 6.0 to 6.2

[@plantyhappyandneedcoffee]

Do you take into account PPM you starting with in plain water?

[@plantyhappyandneedcoffee]

My tap water is super hard...800 ppm. My RO comes out at 145 ppm...before adding ANYTHING 😖

[@OrchidWhisperer]

@@plantyhappyandneedcoffee I use reverse osmosis water, so I start with a ppm of about 10.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

@@plantyhappyandneedcoffee oh wow, 145? That's quite a bit lower than what you're starting out with at 800...but still high. Have you thought about running your r/o water through a Zero water pitcher? That's a lot of filtering!

[@plantyhappyandneedcoffee]

@OrchidWhisperer I am considering other options at this point...maybe zero water is a way to go. I was looking into countertop water distilling system...but so expensive 😵‍💫

[@OrchidWhisperer]

@@plantyhappyandneedcoffee you could use half r/o water and half Zero or distilled water...that would put your ppm around 74. That's not bad. Just curious, what's the pH of your r/o water?

[@yolilopez1992]

Amy, is this also good for blooming

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Yes!

[@comprometidaconlaverdad8380]

I have a question, can I convert my orchid into a water culture on winter? I'm at Florida abd right now is in between 40s to 60s° so the water will be pretty cold and can I cover them with a plastic to keep them a little bit more warm environment 🤔?

[@richardlawton1023]

What is the ph you start with?

[@fishyplantman5254]

Interesting a little complicated but interesting.

[@LizE2654]

Are you still using this fertilizer?

[@OrchidWhisperer]

No... I'm using MSU orchid fertilizer for R/O water.😇

[@1954evelyn]

I was given a 50+ year old Christmas Cactus that belonged to a family member, I know nothing about Cactus I wish I could afford these fertilizers so I can keep this cactus going

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi! I have a Thanksgiving/Christmas cactus playlist on my channel that will help you! Happy growing! Amy

[@remaeburney832]

Rick L strikes again 😂!

[@yolilopez1992]

Did you buy on amizon

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Yes! 😇

[@yolilopez1992]

@@OrchidWhisperer 😊

[@besottedorchids3605]

Am I missing notifications on your bible readings? I don't see them anymore

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi and thanks for asking! I plan on doing more in the future! Blessings! Amy