A Simple Guide to How I Grow My Orchids in Semi-Hydroponics

Hi all, In today’s video I’m going to show you how I grow my orchids in Semi Hydro. I’ll share some of the pros and cons and the basics, so you can get a better understanding of how this grow system works, and what I’ve learned along the way. References to Check Out: First Rays (Ray Barkalow’s Website): https://firstrays.com/semi-hydroponic-culture/general-semi-hydroponics-information/semi-hydroponics-basics/ YouTube Channels That I’ve Learned From: The Orchid Room: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheOrchidRoom Ninja Orchids: https://www.youtube.com/c/NinjaOrchids Rick L: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY_TGXULB-XfO6g_IAKl3Iw 00:00 Intro 0:39 Resources & References 1:34 Basics of Semi-Hydroponics 3:35 When to transition Orchids into Semi-Hydroponics 4:20 Preparing & Cleaning Leca 5:00 Preparing Orchids for Semi-Hydroponics 5:44 Difference between Semi-Hydroponics & Self Watering with Leca 6:45 Orchid adapation to Semi-Hydroponics 6:58 When to Repot In Semi-Hydroponics 8:00 Watering Orchids in Semi-Hydroponics 8:45 Feeding Orchids in Semi-Hydro 10:11 Altering PH of water for Semi-Hydro 11:04 Flushing 12:03 How Long do Water Reservoirs Last? 12:55 Repotting Orchids already in Semi Hydroponics 15:04 Semi Hydro is not a one size fits all solution Orchids that Don’t Work Well for me in Semi Hydro 15:57 Dealing with Top Dry Layer 17:09 Semi Hydro in very dry environments 17:39 Leca has a cooling effect 18:24 Semi-Hydro is not suitable for all orchids 18:50 Algae issues 19:32 How I Grow my Orchids in S/H 20:18 Outro & Recap IG @nicoledeannaorchids Growing Conditions & Climate: Almost all orchids grown indoors Eastern Exposures (4-5 hours direct early morning sun) & LED Grow Lights - Most orchids grow under the lights - Only cool growers & orchids in bloom grow under my Eastern facing windows - Grow space doesn’t get any additional sunlight other than the LED’s Zone 7a - Humid Subtropical All of the products I use are linked below. *Disclaimer* I may earn a small commission on any of the Amazon Links that you use. Thanks for your support! ~Pots I use~ Self Watering / Leca: 7.5” Self Watering Pots (New): https://amzn.to/3saQiPH 7” Self Watering Pots (New): https://amzn.to/36zr9G7 5” Square Self Watering Pots (New): https://amzn.to/334Y5kR 4” Square Self Watering Pots: https://amzn.to/337Uh2a 6” Round Self Watering Pots: https://amzn.to/3aXsjdH (Fits 6” Repotme Inner Pot) 4” Round Self Watering Pots: https://amzn.to/3eLKswm (Fits 4” Repotme Inner Pot) 4.5” Round Self Watering Pots: https://amzn.to/2RfN25I (Fits 5” Repotme Inner Pot or Small Deli Container) 7” Round Self Watering Pots: https://amzn.to/3nF7eKc (I add S/H holes for flushing - No Inner Pot) 6” Round Self Watering Pots: https://amzn.to/3aWLXqm (I add S/H holes for flushing - No Inner Pot) Inner Pots: 4” Clear Inner Pot: https://amzn.to/3xIAMvh 3” - 6” Clear Inner Pot Assortment: https://amzn.to/3e7hkAp Cheap Swap: 16oz Deli container is the same size as 5” Repotme pot, just shorter Organic / Non Self Watering: 5” Pots With Saucer (New): https://amzn.to/3h7amMx 5.75” Pots with Saucer (New): https://amzn.to/35km8jR 4.25” Pots with Saucer (New): https://amzn.to/33FEj35 3.5” Round Ceramic Pots: https://amzn.to/3vx4aTh (Fits 2” & 3” Repotme Pots) 5.5” Round Ceramic Pots: https://amzn.to/3vy4zoo (Fits most 5” Inner Pots) 4.7” Round Ceramic Pots: https://amzn.to/2QRufO1 (Fits most 4” Inner Pots) ~Materials I use for Repotting~ Self Watering / Leca: LECA: https://amzn.to/3aStSth Pebble Top Layer: https://amzn.to/3nD4s8q Wicks: https://amzn.to/337Bcgt Organic: All Purpose Monterrey Bark Mix: https://amzn.to/3tgAic1 NZ Sphagnum Moss: https://amzn.to/3aTVhv0 Coconut Husk: https://amzn.to/36HkHJQ Horticultural Charcoal: https://amzn.to/3riqXRE ~Fertilizers, Supplements & Pest Control ~ Naturalyte Insect Control: https://amzn.to/3o0NLFh Bloom City Clean Kelp: https://amzn.to/3vElju3 SuperThrive: https://amzn.to/3vBhAh3 Neem Oil: https://amzn.to/3xDQAPL Calmag: https://amzn.to/3vAezxl MSU Fertilizer: https://amzn.to/3uFsG7c MSU Slow Release Fertilizer: https://amzn.to/3uDcEKP PH Control Kit: https://amzn.to/3vBY2ce (I use the test vial to measure the PH) ~Lights & Equipment~ Wifi Smart Plugs: https://amzn.to/31smm72 Power Strip with Timer: https://amzn.to/3gW1hHC Levoit Humidifier: https://amzn.to/3eMcBn1 Shelf Liners: https://amzn.to/2SaiH8T Shelves (3 Foot): https://amzn.to/3gUV0vH Shelves (4 Foot): https://amzn.to/3Fawv6p Monios Lights: https://amzn.to/2Sk12vI (Have bloomed Cattleyas for me) Kihung Lights: https://amzn.to/3eLyPW4 (Good for Medium & Low Light Orchids) Continuous Water Mister: https://amzn.to/3nHG3ON Orchid Hobbyist Lights: https://botanicalleds.com/collections/store