Hi everyone, welcome back to my channel! (External Links Below for Further Reading)
In this video we are going to be discussing semi-hydroponics as a growing method for orchids, how this works and the theory behind it. I'm also going to talk about some observations regarding root adaptation and survival, and some of my theories about this. Overall, this video will give an introduction to semi-hydro and then my take on it, with ways of modifying it to suit environments where the dry top layer may be an issue!
I hope you enjoy the video! Links below to videos that will give you a bit more background, history, and more info on my use of pumice and non-wicking pebble top layers:
SH for orchids:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLBzZgv6xmQ&t=1103
Inorganic Media Series:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL76ceLYvhJsue7RVoR3DdbkQCoXz_sArB
Rhynchostylis Retusa Potting, where I talk about the Aerides x retusa:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb2WZ10b_YI&t=8s
Inorganic media trials: Updates with Pumice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxVPh7jfVcY&t=132s
Let's Talk: Orchid Nutrients! Discussion on pH and nutrient absorption:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux9WzRnMZmg
Link to Rick's Channel, Rick L. Orchids:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY_TGXULB-XfO6g_IAKl3Iw
External Links, more detail on topics discussed in this video:
More Info on maintenance of Dissolved Oxygen in water:
https://www.fondriest.com/environmental-measurements/parameters/water-quality/dissolved-oxygen/
More info on aerobic respiration vs photosynthesis:
https://www.ck12.org/biology/cellular-respiration-and-photosynthesis/lesson/Connecting-Cellular-Respiration-and-Photosynthesis-MS-LS/
Aerobic respiration in orchid roots:
CO2 fixation in Aranda Roots:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/009884729190057U
Great resource for orchid biology and metabolism:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137271/
Simple, good discussion on root respiration:
https://www.toppr.com/guides/science/respiration-in-organism/respiration-in-plants/
Here they discuss why lack of oxygen kills roots- because the roots then have to respire anaerobically, producing alcohol which kills the roots.
Very detailed discussion on general root respiration:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/root-respiration
Products Used + More Information Below:
Check out my Teespring for Orchid Print Clothing + Merch!
https://teespring.com/stores/the-orchid-room
My Orchid Room
Temps- 18-30C
Humidity 60-75%.
Artificial lighting supplemented with daylight.
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 (I mix heavily with moss)
Lighting
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
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 for Vandas/ High light orchids
MARSHYDRO 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, DIY Semi hydro pots
DIY Self watering pots 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 pot
Wick for self watering pots https://www.amazon.co.uk/watering-Self-watering-Automatic-Watering-Irrigation/dp/B07D22DFH5
DIY semi hydro pots, various brands. Square pots used from https://www.oasishomeandhobby.co.uk/searchanise/result?q=acrylic+cube with semi hydro holes drilled in for reservoir.
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
Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/annabel.minton/