Hi everyone, welcome back to my channel!
Today we are going to talk about converting orchids to semi-hydroponics, focusing on the stages I go through for converting warm growers, things that I may do differently and suggestions for good conversion success.
We are using the lovely Phalaenopsis Ludde-star x gigantea as an example to convert here.
Topics Covered in this video:
New Orchids, Root trimming, Selecting a Suitable container, Reservoir Placement, Repotting, and Speeding up Adaptation following this process.
Hope you enjoy the video!
Previous New Orchid Treatment Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAwy3-jVM2M
Nutrient Mix Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux9WzRnMZmg&t=481s
Semi Hydro In-Depth Discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2nmcWAz_rc
Inorganic media updates- more info on pumice https://youtu.be/YxVPh7jfVcY.
Products in this video:
Bulk pack of 13cm 1L Semi-Hydro pots: https://amzn.to/2spIu0u
Nutrient Mix:
Maxicrop Seaweed Extract Original: https://amzn.to/36S8Vuu (As directed, ~ 30ppm)
Or with Iron: https://amzn.to/2QPqaY1
Rain Mix: http://www.akerne-orchids.com/shop/index.php?route=product/category&path=40 ( 200-300ppm, depending on orchid/ growth)
Or UK Seller: https://orchidsupplies.co.uk/Akernes-rain-mix-orchid-food-fertiliser
Silicon: https://amzn.to/3axEU5F (As directed for soft water)
Water used - Zero Water Filter: https://amzn.to/2REdH8O
Media Used Linked Below
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabel.minton/
❀ My Orchid Room ❀
Temps- 18-30C
Humidity 60-75%.
Artificial lighting supplemented with daylight.
✩ Plant Products I Use & Love ✩
Quick Disclaimer - These are products I genuinely love, buy and use- I wouldn't list something I didn't use regularly. However, some of these links are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products through the Amazon links below, I do get a small percentage towards future purchases. If you choose to not purchase through these links though, I totally understand! I would never recommend products I don’t genuinely love ♡
❀ Inorganic Media ❀
RHS Alpine Horticultural grit- non wicking pebble top layer : https://amzn.to/2PDzPQA
LECA - Canna Aqua Brand: https://amzn.to/2Z5sPPy
or IKEA
Pumice : Medium grade ~10mm LAVA-LITE : https://amzn.to/34C14PY
Synthic: UK supplier http://www.dartfrog.co.uk/epiweb/
Seramis : https://amzn.to/2QdyP59
❃ Organic media ❃
Sphagnum moss by Besgrow
Orchiata bark
Perlite: https://amzn.to/2Z3PBY7 (mixed heavily with moss)
🐛Pest Control🐛
Pink Sun Neem Oil/Soap duo: https://amzn.to/39qyPam
Systemic insecticide Bug Clear Ultra (5g/l Acetamiprid):
Large size, better value but lacks dosing: https://amzn.to/39nTzzS (Use at 10ml/litre)
Or smaller size with clear dosing: https://amzn.to/2smCUfp
💡 Lighting 💡
Lower Light Orchids (Phalaenopsis, Oncidiums)
Cool white LAP '4000K' under cabinet lighting- Screwfix https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-ykt5bf1-l110-t5-led-linear-linkable-cabinet-striplight-cool-white-15w-1112mm/5137r#product_additional_details_container
IKEA Tertial Lamps: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/tertial-work-lamp-light-green-30447221/
Fitted with Amazon Basics 1500 lumen cool white LED bulbs: https://amzn.to/36RnRsG
High Light Orchids (Vandas, Cattleyas)
GEMMA Lights:
GEMMA 50w LED modular COB grow lights: https://www.gemma-led.com/cob-grow-light-50w-watt
GEMMA 100w LED COB plant light: https://www.gemma-led.com/cob-plant-light-100w-watt
GEMMA have kindly provided a 10% off discount code for anyone who is interested in purchasing any of their lights! This is valid until 01/01/21. Just pop OrchidRoom in at the checkout :-)
Mars Hydro TS600
MARS HYDRO TS600 Amazon Links:
US:https://amzn.to/2Jolq7s
CA:https://amzn.to/2MSn3MI
UK:https://amzn.to/2lXpH91
DE:https://amzn.to/2BLoPJn
❃ Shelving ❃
Wire shelving, Hartleys direct: https://www.hartleysdirect.com/hartleys-180cm-5-tier-adjustable-wire-shelving-unit.html
Metal shelving IKEA: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/storage-furniture/shelving-units-systems/mulig-shelving-unit-white-art-60224163/
✩ Pots ✩
DIY Self watering pots:
15cm (White outer) made with IKEA Nekjon outer mask https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/decoration/plants-pots-stands/nejkon-plant-pot-white-art-80285792/
and various 15cm clear internal orchid pots
Larger made using elho brussels outer pots: https://amzn.to/2QxPhwT (20cm)
with orchid focus inner pots: https://amzn.to/2ZAW0KX (21cm) Or larger.
Wick for self watering pots: https://amzn.to/2sMuWM7
DIY semi hydro pots, various brands or vases
Self watering pots with water level gauge:
Lechuza mini deltini: https://amzn.to/2sKHuny
or other brand: https://amzn.to/2S5o4UL
Mini USB fans from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Z9zpon
Vanda baskets purchased from Roellke Orchideen and Peter White Orchid accessories