Hi everyone! It's Annabel, welcome back to my channel! Today I want to give you a current, detailed update on my Vanda orchids, and related groups of orchids. These were potted into semi-hydro or self-watering setups, utilising various different inorganic media tools. Here we will talk about potting them, my thoughts on semi-hydro for this group of orchids, using inorganic medium, such as LECA and Lava Rock, Light, Environment, and how this affects your watering, potting and care.
I have adjusted my care for these orchids as I have gone along, to fit in with my watering practices and lifestyle, while also tweaking setups to optimise for each individual orchid. I now pot all my Vandaceous type into self-watering/ semi-hydro setups using Ercole pots, Air pots or Orchitop pots. The generic Ercole 'root training pots' are the least expensive and most suitable option for large collections in my opinion, although not as attractive as Orchitop pots.
This allows me to water the Vandas with the rest of my collection, using the pump sprayer method to fill the saucer reservoirs. In summer they are kept constantly topped up, although with the very high humidity and cooler temperatures I am getting currently, I am allowing the Vandas to empty their reservoirs for a few days between waterings. This fits with my winter watering schedule well, as in these conditions, orchids are slower to drink anyway.
You can follow my Vanda journey in this playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL76ceLYvhJsvyhdXc3UUmDSqY_tUKUUdL
I really hope you enjoy the video!
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.orchid.room/
Orchid posters: https://teespring.com/en-GB/ludisia-discolor-alba?pid=652&cid=102774
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❀ My Orchid Room ❀
UK Conservatory
Temps- 18-35C
Humidity 30-90% (high if it's raining outside, low if warm)
Natural light in summer, LEDs in winter
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✩ 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 and purchase myself. I've provided links to try and make them easier to find, some of these are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products through the Amazon links below, I may get a small percentage towards future purchases, which really helps!
*Vanda pots* (Not affiliate links)
Ercole pots- https://bit.ly/3i5iwnP
Air pots- https://bit.ly/3llx1Fd
Orchitop Pots- https://bit.ly/3ncwNAZ
❀ Inorganic Media ❀
RHS Alpine Horticultural grit or washed gravel-l pebble top layer
LECA - Canna Aqua Brand: https://amzn.to/2Z5sPPy
Lava rock, small grade: https://amzn.to/30J3Z9y
or larger, used here: https://amzn.to/2CPXCt0
This seller in Germany has free shipping, also on eBay.
Pumice : Medium grade ~10mm : https://amzn.to/3aTCIFn Or Kaizen bonsai, small or large grade: https://bit.ly/3aeYKRW
Synthic: UK supplier https://bit.ly/2RCb4oI
US: Glassbox Tropicals : https://bit.ly/2wHy2na
Seramis : https://amzn.to/2QdyP59 or https://bit.ly/2V90RSJ (cheaper)
Perlite
❃ Organic media ❃
Sphagnum moss by Besgrow
Orchiata bark- UK Supplier: https://bit.ly/3elQItD
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💧Water & Nutrients🌱
RO system: https://amzn.to/3hz5QER
ZeroWater Filter: https://amzn.to/2KaaYjP
Rain Mix:
UK: https://bit.ly/2yaTfX5
Akerne: https://bit.ly/2XEj3W3
Silicon: https://amzn.to/2K41IxJ
Seaweed: Maxicrop: https://amzn.to/2VbQ0rv Or Envii: https://amzn.to/3fZ1bek
Magnesium
Quick Watering Day video: https://youtu.be/tqUb3PQoZBU (Short)
My Watering / Fertilising Routine: https://youtu.be/p87-HcOuRTE (Full, detailed, long)
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🐛Pest Control🐛
Pink Sun Neem Oil/Soap duo: https://amzn.to/39qyPam
Systemic insecticide Bug Clear Ultra (5g/l Acetamiprid):
Large: https://amzn.to/39nTzzS (Use at 10ml/litre)
Small: https://amzn.to/2smCUfp
💡 Lighting 💡
Lower Light Orchids
Cool white LAP '4000K' LED's- Screwfix: https://bit.ly/2V5KBlv
IKEA Tertial Lamps: https://bit.ly/2Vs492t
Fitted with 1500 lumen LED bulbs: https://amzn.to/36RnRsG
High Light Orchids
GEMMA Lights: https://bit.ly/34CqY7Z , 10% discount with code 'OrchidRoom'
Mars Hydro TS600
MARS HYDRO TS600 Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3bagRcS
❃ Shelving ❃
Wire shelving, Hartleys direct: https://bit.ly/2REpeWl
Metal shelving IKEA Mulig : https://bit.ly/3bkUjGc
✩ Pots ✩
13cm Buckets Amazon: https://amzn.to/2V92cci (£~20 for 35)
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#VandaOrchid #OrchidGrowing #TheOrchidRoom #SemiHydroponics