Hi everyone, it's Annabel, welcome back to my channel! (Time stamps below)
Today I am emerging from my behind-the-camera hiding place to talk about Phalaenopsis! When I talk about Phals or Orchids in this video, I am referring to more complex hybrid phals, but I give my species Phals the same care, some with a bit more light. This is just my take on Phalaenopsis care and an explanation of why I think my Phals do well in this routine.
I wanted to do this as a relaxed video just to share how I am growing mine, my thoughts on care, and touching on some more 'advanced growing' principles- mainly because that's the stuff I find fun to discuss! But I hope it's still accessible info, please let me know if you have any questions!
Time stamps:
Introduction 00:00
How I keep my Phals: 01:36
Wet/Dry cycles : 02:18
The need for air pockets: 03:09
Temperature: 06:40
Lighting: 08:14
Nutrients: 09:35
Growth Patterns/Flowering: 14:55
Previous videos I have done that may help cover some of the principles I have discussed here in more detail:
My Nutrient regimen, pH adjusting, nutrient mix and discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux9WzRnMZmg&t=521s
This is my 'basic recipe', I do however tend to vary this depending on what the plants are doing. Warmer months = more growth = more nutrients!
A few videos discussing Semi-hydro:
In-depth discussion, pros, cons, troubleshooting with different materials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2nmcWAz_rc&t=1s
Semi hydro vs organic phals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4AiRJJsrvo&t=653s
Converting orchids to Semi-Hydro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KBdfB5ZrEA&t=565s
Lighting setups: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTEJ6djkk_Y&t=656s
Recent orchids in bloom video:
Lots of novelty hybrid phals blooming if you want to see a few different kinds of phal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjEGcjwPG7g&t=1154s
I'll be following with a novelty/species phal video soon! I hope you enjoyed the video :-)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.orchid.room/
❀ 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
Mars Hydro TS600
❃ 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