Things to know before you try the water culture growing method with orchids.

Summary

This video offers valuable insights for beginners looking to try water culture with orchids. It emphasizes starting with a new orchid rather than a long-kept favorite to avoid disappointment. The presenter shares personal experiences, highlighting the importance of cleaning roots and stems thoroughly to prevent rot. They also discuss the differences between full and semi-water culture, advocating for vigilance and regular water changes. The video concludes with specific advice for growing dendrobiums and catalase, recommending semi-water culture for their optimal growth.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Water culture is not the easiest method for beginners with orchids; it requires experience and skill.
• 📝 Start with a new orchid for water culture, not a long-standing one in your collection.
• 👀 Be vigilant with water culture; monitor your orchids closely and adjust water levels as needed.
• 🚿 Clean the root system thoroughly to prevent rot; stubborn media should not be forced into water culture.
• 🌿 Clean the stem of debris as well; it's crucial for preventing rot and promoting healthy root growth.
• 💧 After cleaning, simply rinse the orchid with water and let it dry before placing it in water culture.
• 🌊 Full water culture involves keeping one-third of the roots in water, with regular water changes.
• 🌤️ Wet-dry cycles are essential even in water culture; they promote root growth.
• 🌈 Semi-water culture is recommended for dendrobiums and catalase, requiring more dry out time.
• 🌟 Expect initial water turbidity after cleaning; it should clear up within a week with proper care.

Q & A

What is the recommended first step for someone new to orchid growing who wants to try water culture?

The recommended first step is to gain experience and skill with orchids, as water culture requires a good understanding of what you're looking at and managing.

Why is it advised to start water culture with a new orchid rather than a long-standing one?

Older orchids are accustomed to their growing media and may not adapt easily to water culture, which can lead to time and effort wasted on unsuccessful attempts.

What is the difference between the orchids that adapted well to water culture and those that did not, according to the speaker?

The orchids that adapted well were newly bought and immediately converted to water culture, while those that did not were part of the collection for a longer period.

Why is vigilance important when practicing water culture for orchids?

Vigilance is important because it requires monitoring the water level, adjusting it as needed, and making decisions based on the orchid's response to ensure proper growth.

What common mistake do growers make when transitioning orchids to water culture, as mentioned in the script?

A common mistake is not thoroughly cleaning the root system of media, which can lead to rot and hinder the orchid's adaptation to water culture.

Why is it crucial to clean the stem of an orchid before placing it in water culture?

Cleaning the stem is crucial to prevent rot and mold growth, as debris like old leaves and media can cause these issues and stunt root growth.

What does the speaker suggest doing after removing all the media from the roots before placing the orchid in water culture?

After removing all the media, the speaker suggests spraying the roots with water, letting them dry overnight, and then placing them in water culture the next morning.

What is the definition of full water culture for orchids, as described in the script?

Full water culture is when one-third of the roots are in the water most of the time, with wet and dry cycles to promote root growth.

How does semi-water culture differ from full water culture, and which orchids does the speaker recommend it for?

In semi-water culture, two-thirds of the roots are in water for shorter periods, followed by dry out times. The speaker recommends it for dendrobiums and catalase, which need extra dry out time.

What advice does the speaker give on maintaining water cleanliness in water culture?

The speaker advises to refresh the water after the first few days when debris is present, and after about a week, the water should be much cleaner, indicating proper water culture conditions.