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Watch Me Mix Up Orchid Fertilizer! Fertilizer Recipe for Large & Small Batches.
Here are my fertilizer recipes for a full gallon (3.78 L) and half-gallon (1.89 L). For growers who have smaller collections, or for growers like me who fertilize a few orchids a day, smaller batches are really convenient. Watch me mix up one half-gallon (1.89 L) of my fertilizer recipe. I also included a discussion on water quality and the importance of using the right kind of water.
For more information on how I fertilize, and the TDS of each fertilizer and supplement I use, please watch my video:
• Pros & Cons: Orchid Fe...
Happy growing and thank you again for watching my channel!
Пікірлер: 137
Thank you! Love the information! This was wonderful!
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Lucy! I'm so glad this was helpful...thanks for letting me know! Happy growing! :)
@valjalava1951
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much I’ll look to see if we have that here in canada
@patricialee7509
3 жыл бұрын
I had been following you for 2 years and my orchids are thriving. Thank you.. In regards to the new update fertilizer is that for winter, spring ,summer and fall? Thank you for all the info, your orchids are beautiful!!
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
@@patricialee7509 so glad to hear this! I just released a video today on late winter fertilizing. :) Happy growing! Amy
@patricialee7509
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Amy, thank you for the informative video. I’m from Colorado, got almost 40 Phaleanopsis orchids. Most of them are in bloom and some are in spike. I was very surprised they start to thrive and bloom after following your fertilizer regimen. Thank you for sharing..
I go back and watch your videos again and again, trying to absorb your knowledge a little more each time I repeat the videos. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and it's a joy to listen to your soothing voice!
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for sharing that with me, Suze! It made my day! 🌺
Wow look so amazing orchids
Thank you for the peace and joy you give me any time I see your videos. Greetings from Italy !!!
Thank you very much for showing and simplifying instructions on how to fertilize our orchids. As a beginner, I get overwhelmed when I see meters and parts per million being discussed. Thank you. I bought a Brita pitcher for watering my orchids. I’ve learned so much from you, now watering and fertilizing my orchids is no longer a scientific experiment.
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Amy! Thanks so much for the awesome feedback...I'm so glad to hear this helped you! That's why I have my channel! :) Blessings to you! Amy
Thank you so much for the Orchid advice, I am a beginner so I found the best teacher. I want my Orchids to grow beautiful like yours. Thank you
@OrchidWhisperer
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching and for your sweet comment, Victoria! 😇⚘🌺
Thanks for showing a written recipe.
💚 Brush-up course's are always needed. Thank you! Cal-mag is amazing! You've brought my thoughts back to one of Rick L s videos, "a little bit, little bit...all the time, all the time." He really knew how to grow orchids just like you do. Miss him. New beautiful green root tips grow off of what I had thought were non viable. Orchids never cease to amaze me. Blessings🎋
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
I agree with you totally! Every time I do a "basic orchid care" video, I learn something. It makes me think about why I do what I do. And as I was filming this, I could hear Rick saying, "a little bit, all the time.." Funny how these things stick with you. Orchids never cease to amaze me too, as well as the friendships that are formed by them. Blessings to you, sweet friend. I appreciate you so much! :)
@sharonholmes4444
3 жыл бұрын
@@OrchidWhisperer Friendships are most always formed by at least one mutual interest. I cherish ours🤗how I wish we were neighbors.🏜️🌄
I watch and learn so much from your wonderful videos. I needed help, I had no idea what my phalenopsis needed so I purchased these products and mixed these according to your recipe and now my beginning orchids look stronger and more healthy and vibrant. Thank you so much! 🤗 You are a blessing to us all and I am so grateful for your videos!
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for letting me know, Kathleen! This makes my day! 💖
Paula from Mexico. Thank You. This answered some of my questions. I have 70 orchids. It is hard for me to believe. Some are babies. 15 are Plalaenopsis. I have only them on a heat mat, now. I have 7 orchids that grow out on the tree. They bloom every year on there own.
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Paula! Thanks for sharing! That is amazing!
@momepenni
3 жыл бұрын
@@OrchidWhisperer It is now 82 outside, I put the heat mate away. It is 10 pm and it is 72 outside. So I put my orchids outside on the porch on shelf racks, about a week now. This is my first year putting outside. I hope they will like it. They get a little early morning sun and late at night, a little as the sun goes down some blotchy sun. Question now that spring is coming for you, are you going to change your winter feeding amounts of fertilizer????
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
@@momepenni I just released a video today on late winter fertilizing. It's warming up here, but the highs are in the 40s...so I explain in that video when to use the full dose of fertilizer again.
Beautiful handwriting!
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! 😊
Beautiful orchids 💞🍃🌺🌿
Thank you for always sharing your valuable knowledge of orchid care! May Our Lord bless you and your family always❤️
You are a blessing Amy !! Thank you so much for explaining everything so well I’m always learning with your videos . May God bless you also and thank you so much for taking the time to explain everything so well.❤️
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for being such a blessing to me, Esmeralda! So glad this was helpful! Have a great day! :)
I always follow her and exactly like she said I fertilize my orchids, just that I use distilled water and it works excellent.
@NU2UTX
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Gricelda. I have been using half distilled and half tap water. I think I am going to switch to all distilled.
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Gricelda! :)
Thanks for including the Nov 20, 2020 video link with the tds readings of you mixtures. It was helpful for my reviewing. 🥰
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful! :)
Thank you for your blessings
Great information! Thank you! Your fertilizer recipe made such a difference in my orchids!!! They are thriving! 🙏
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Debra! Thanks so much for the awesome feedback! I'm so happy to hear your orchids are thriving! That makes my day! :)
This has definitely helped me. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! It's so easy to understand. Love your videos!
I just received my seaweed extract, I bought the exact one you use! Lol.. so I'm going to follow your measurements exactly!
Thank you for sharing all your knowledge!!! Very helpful, so blessed to have found your channel. God Bless!!!!
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Regina! Thanks so much for your awesome comment! It made my day! :) Blessings! Amy
Thank you Thank you Thank you I so needed this!
Good morning Amy! I SO appreciate and love watching your videos, I'm learning so much from you!! I plan to get some mini Orchids come Spring because I want to try your recipe!! I want to have my own collection like your GORGEOUS Orchids and I really don't have room for large Orchids, plus my cat will not stay away from any of my plants so I have an indoor greenhouse which will keep them safe lol!! Have a blessed day Amy, God bless you and stay safe and well!!💖🥰🙏🏼🙏🏼
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Aida! Oh wow, I'm excited about you getting some mini orchids in the Spring! I love growing minis! :) I think it's awesome you have an indoor greenhouse! They will like that! lol! Please keep me posted on what you buy...I can't wait to hear! Blessings to you! :) Amy
@aida087
3 жыл бұрын
@@OrchidWhisperer Aww SO sweet of you Amy!! I sure will, it's a mini greenhouse but yes, I love mini Orchids because I tend to favor small plants so I can watch them grow based on how well I care for them!!🥰🙏🏼
I love your fertilizing videos!!!!!!🥰🥰 I just got all my tools from Amazon today. My orchids were dying I’m sure because I didn’t have cal mag. I’ve learned so much from you and Rick L ☺️☺️
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
I'm so glad this was helpful...thanks for your feedback and your sweet comment! :) You'll see a big difference in your plants once you start using CalMag.
Will you please talk about your humidifier sometime? What to look for in buying a small one for the room where I have my orchids. Thanks, Amy. I've learned so much from you and your orchid plants are healthier looking than any I've ever seen...even the foliage!
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Linda and thanks so much for your sweet comment! I did a video at the beginning of this month on my sunroom setup and equipment I use. I showed a closeup of my humidifier...I use a CVS ultrasonic desktop model. Have a great day!
Very well done. I always use cal mag also. It sure does make a difference. Thanks for sharing, and Shalom.🙏🏻🤗
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your sweet comment, Shirley...many blessings to you!
love your video and the recipes thankyou
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Vivien!
❤🥰🙏🏾🕊 THANK YOU FOR THE BLESSING AND THE SAME TO YOU; The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26 KJV ❤🙏🏾❤🙏🏾❤🙏🏾❤🙏🏾❤
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Your comment made my day! :) Many blessings to you!
I love your orchids and your helpful videos. Would you mind sharing how you water/fertilize? Ex. Do you do a full soak of the pot? Thanks. 😊
Thank you for your videos,I love seeing all your plants..What do you fertilize the african violets with? I have them living among my phals.
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for your comment! I did a tutorial on my AVs, that includes what I use to fertilize them. Here's the link: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eZWFldGAh7m2gdY.html I'm probably going to do more AV videos in the future, I really enjoy growing them.
I have been following you for a year and I want to thank you for all of your videos, advice, your experience, and explanations for what has worked and not worked out so well in the past. Previously you were suggested using Organic Garden Lime scattering a little around your orchids when they were in spike. Do you still do this?
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Yvette! Yes, I still use the Espoma pelleted garden lime with my orchids that are growing in bark, and they do very well. But I found out that moss doesn't like the garden lime. So I stopped using it on my orchids growing in moss. Thanks so much for watching...happy growing! Amy
Thank you so very much for the recipe and for the instructions on how to use it. I had 28 orchids but got very sick in 2018 and I was told they were being watered per my instructions. By the time I was well enough to take care of them, 24 were dead and beyond saving. I live in Southern California and mine are outside year round. Thank you for all that you do and the information that you pass on to us in your videos.
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Deborah! Thanks so much for your sweet comment. I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better, and I'm sorry about what happened with your orchids. I'm hoping you can add to your collection soon. Thank you again for watching and for all your support and your encouragement...I appreciate you! :) Amy
@deborahfromdcspetersoncity9213
3 жыл бұрын
Orchid Whisperer ....your welcome.
just wondering , how long can we keep the fertilizer solution once it's mixed. Thanks.
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
I mix the fertilizer and use it in a day or 2...I've noticed my mixture gets alkaline if I keep it any longer. Happy growing!
Love your orchids. Are you not using epsom salt anymore?
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Carmen! No, I'm not using epsom salts anymore...this supplies enough magnesium. And using calcium and magnesium together in this proportion is what works. Happy growing! :) Amy
Dear Amy, thank you for sharing! Can you tell what's your water inbetween the fertilizing? I mean Osmosis pure or do you add anything to it? Thank you an have a very nice Sunday 🌺🌺🌺
@by_m6741
3 жыл бұрын
She adds 5 (or 10-for 1 gallon) drops of Cal Mag. She always mentions that when talking about flushing pots. 🙂
Would you use the seaweed extract to promote root growth? I am fairly new to orchids and a few have rotted roots that I did remove. Also,m you recipe says 1/2 tsp per 1/2 gal of water. You said use 1 tsp. Which should use. I am going to use your recipe. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Paula! I have a video from Oct 2020 that explains the benefits of using seaweed extract as a potassium source. It helps with many things...including root growth. I use 1/2 tsp per 1/2 gal of water, or 1 tsp per gal of water. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for clarity.I see on some places, PH of 5.0-6.5 is best for most orchids. I have tap water,so must adjust it. What do you think of this? Thank you!
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
I use reverse osmosis water. You can buy a Zero or Brita canister if you dont have a RO system. Happy growing!
I really enjoy your videos and always look forward to each new one. I have a question in earlier videos you used 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of Better Gro what led you to increase the amount to 1 teaspoon per gallon
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
That's actually how much the Better Gro instructions say to use. Since I'm using the CalMag and the Epsoma garden lime, I thought I'd try the recommended amount and see what happens. You have to use both together, or it doesn't work. My orchids are growing and blooming now better than ever before as a result.
Thank you for Sharing this tip I will order the seaweed extract my beloved I really appreciate you so much, you take care to explain everything 🌹 God bless you and your family and thank for the blessings 🙏 I receive it in Jesus name 🙏 May his peace 🕊️ rule and reign over you and within your walls. Have a blessed night 🙏
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Elinor! Thanks so much for your wonderful comment...I receive your blessing as well! Peace be with you!
Hello, I enjoy your videos and thank you for the information. I am confused. I may have misunderstood, but I thought for 1/2 gal of fertilizer, you would use only 1/2 teaspoon of Better Gro Orchid Plus. I believe you used 1 teaspoon. Will that cause any problems? Thank you so much and have a great day!
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi! You're exactly right, 1/2 teaspoon Better Gro for 1/2 gallon of water. This was a 1/2 teaspoon I was using in the video. :) Thanks so much for watching and have a wonderful day! Amy
Good morning. I'm a little late to watch this but pulled it up while I was mixing a batch of fertilizer! ☺️ This is such a great video and I plan to share it with a friend. She wants to get herself an orchid. 😉💕 Have a wonderful day Amy. Tammy in N AL. 🙋♀️🥰
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Tammy! I'm so glad you liked this video, and thank you for sharing it with your friend! So sweet of you. I appreciate you, my friend! Blessings! Amy :)
Thank ma'am for this video. I'm a new orchid grower and I've learnt so many things. Please tell me how many times I should use the fertilizer mix in a week . I shall be grateful. From northeast India nagaland.
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi and welcome to my channel! I use this fertilizer once a week, and I alternate fertilizing and then watering with only the CalMag the next time. I live in East Tennessee, and we have 4 distinct seasons. Right now it is quite cold and snowy where I live. Happy growing!
What are your thoughts about using distilled water? Thanks!
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi! I don't use distilled water...it can oversaturate the roots. Also the pH is completely neutral, and orchids like slightly acidic water. But some people use it, and if you get the results that you want, that's the most important thing. Happy growing!
I have 5 phals now and all are doing very well thanks to your videos. However one on my mini's are in New Zealand Moss and the moss is growing in the pot. Getting lots of green, my question is will it hurt the orchid to have the moss growing in the pot as well ?
@OrchidWhisperer
2 жыл бұрын
The moss has sprouted and that is a very good thing for the orchid! Sprouted moss is very expensive when you buy it and it's wonderful for the orchid to grow in!
I love to watch But how often u fertilise it Thank you
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi! I fertilize every other time I water. :)
I can't get calmag here in Australia, what else could I use???
Iam not able to find the stuff you use ,I have Schultz orchid food so how much can I use of this I have one small orchid that just has a green leaf nothing else had for a year now so not sure if it will grow flowers or not
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
I use the weekly amount of the Better Grow, but I use it every other week. You might try that with the Schultz.
Hello Amy! I bought a PUR filter canister the other day for drinking purposes and I tried to measure it with my tds but it had a high number similar to my tap water. Do you know why that may be? I've stuck to distilled water for the orchids due to that reason. Thanks in advance! Blessings!
Hi Amy! Can you please explain reverse osmosis water. Sorry i dont understand it. Ive been watering my orchids with just boiled tap water. Is that bad? I have a filter on my refrigerator water is that reverse osmosis? They never bloom but, they do get new leaves and they seem healthy descent roots too. So happy your back....
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi! A reverse osmosis system is referring to a series of filters...mine has 3...that water goes through to filter and purify it. The filter on your refrigerator does this as well, so this will be a really good choice for you to use with your orchids. Just warm up the water before you use it on your orchids. If your orchids aren't blooming, try putting them in a brighter location...morning light (eastern exposure) is best. Happy growing and I'm so happy to be back! :)
What is the name/model of your reverse osmosis system?
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
I use a Whirlpool triple reverse osmosis filtration system that goes under my sink. :)
I have filter in my faucet ...can I use this?
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Yes! That will work.
Hi. I just got all my fertilizers from amazon. Fast question the better grow orchid plus there's so many hard chunks in it.. Is it normally hard and chunky?
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi! No, it's not normal for the Better Gro to be hard and chunky like that.
Hi, great video. I am having issues with my phals, bone dry roots or rot I dont know. Few months ago I moved them in my terrace, since it is screeaned they got dry so quick I believe they werent getting water as often as needed plus little air circulation. To be honest I dont know what the issue was but I lost a few. Now I relocated them outdoor again and they are pulling new roots. Is it ok to use same amount of CalMag and Seaweed if I use 20-20-20 fertilizer?
@OrchidWhisperer
2 жыл бұрын
Hi and thanks for watching! I've never used a balanced fertilizer on my orchids. I recommend staying with an orchid fertilizer...it's always worked for me! 😇🌺
@babyashy0802
2 жыл бұрын
@@OrchidWhisperer got it, thanks 💗
Can you use distilled water? Also can you use Epsom salt instead of the seaweed extract.
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Reverse osmosis or filtered water is better. Seaweed extract isn't the same as Epsom salt.
I do semi water culture .... do I have the roots soak in this mixture the whole 2 days everyother week?
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Mary! I have a playlist about water culture on my channel. I went over how I fertilize when they're in water culture in the latest, most up-to-date of those videos. (I published them in Oct and Nov 2020.) Happy growing! :)
There was 18 drops of seaweed i think by mistake, I hope it will not be a problem for the orchids
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi! Oops, I was talking instead of counting! Using 18 drops of seaweed is not a problem. Each drop of it is only 1 ppm. But extra drops of CalMag is a problem...it's 10 ppm per drop.
😍
Thank you for this beginner's video I have the msu fertilizer that has 8% calcium in it can I use cal mac or is that gonna be to much
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi and thanks for watching! If you use MSU fertilizer, you don't need to use CalMag...it will be too much calcium. Happy growing! :) Amy
How much fertilizer do l need for 2 orchids 😊
@OrchidWhisperer
2 жыл бұрын
You could easily mix up a quart for 2!
I am using well water. I suspect it is slightly alkaline. I don't have a ph meter. My question is- will the water ph decrease after adding the npk fertilizer ?
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, the pH will decrease after adding this fertilizer.
@ganh222
3 жыл бұрын
@@OrchidWhisperer thank you
Can we fertilize orchids now in winter?
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, I fertilize my orchids in the winter. Mine also receive plenty of sunlight in the winter. I did a video last month about light, specifically issues about light in the winter months. Happy growing!
I use distilled water. Is that good?
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Reverse osmosis water is much better. Even if you buy a Zero or Brita pitcher, that will work.
@vickitaber4680
3 жыл бұрын
@@OrchidWhisperer I have a Brita pitcher so I will run the distilled water I have through it and then my normal home filtered water through the Brita
@vickitaber4680
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for your wonderful videos and orchid knowledge!!
I've been trying to send a comment to your most recent video and it doesn't show up.🤔 I even wrote it out twice🤔My comments show up on other people's channels🤔 Don't know what's wrong?
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
I even saw part of the first comment you sent, and it disappeared! 🤔 Mysterious! Lol! I was really looking forward to reading it! I want to hear your story, my friend! 😍 Okay...I just checked it on my comment history. It's hanging there in cyberspace somewhere. It will probably download soon. And yes. This has happened to me lots of times.;)
@sharonholmes4444
3 жыл бұрын
@@OrchidWhisperer wow, so weird huh. I thought maybe you deleted me by mistake. We'll wait on cyber space 😂 too funny!
Do you need to add magnesium in the water? Like Epsom salts with the Calmag?
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
You don't need to add extra magnesium...it's in the CalMag. This recipe covers all the bases. :)
@tonygray9174
3 жыл бұрын
@@OrchidWhisperer Yeah too much magnesium will begin to lockout calcium.
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
@@tonygray9174 exactly! Thanks for your comment!
Then what? Let it sit in that fertilizer water for 15 mins and drain?
You said 1 teaspoon but the spoon you used said 1/2 teaspoon. Just want to get it right!
@OrchidWhisperer
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Denise! I did a video last week with my fertilizer recipe and lots of information. Happy growing! :)