Bonsai Media for Orchids? Maxillaria variabilis - Kyodama, Pumice & LECA | 7 Month Update Semi-Hydro

Hey everyone, it's Annabel, welcome back! Today we are taking a look back at three Maxillaria variabilis that I purchased and repotted back in February, after purchasing three small plants from a local garden centre. I used this as an opportunity to try three different media- 'S-Te' (Kyodama) , Small grade pumice and LECA for a comparison. Since my tenuifolia does excellently in semi-hydro, I knew this method was a fairly safe bet, so placed the smallest of the three plants into the LECA / semi-hydroponic setup. The largest went into the most unknown medium, the kyodama. All had the bottom of the reservoir filled with LECA, since the smaller grade media would otherwise mean lower volumes of water in the reservoir, and faster drying, which I wanted to avoid.

Original repot:    • Maxillaria Orchids | Variabilis Haul, Tenu...  

Link to the bonsai store I purchased the small grade pumice and S-Te / Kyodama from: https://www.kaizenbonsai.com/shop/bon...

Media tests 1, Sanicat, LECA, Perlite, top layers:
   • Inorganic Media Tests & Characteristics | ...  

Media tests 2, S-Te, this small grade pumice, large pumice, lava and more:    • Media Tests Round 2 | pH & Water Absorptio...  

Media test 3, Seramis, Horticultural moler :
   • Seramis Test | Seramis size, Danish Moler ...  

I hope you enjoy the video!

For any newcomers, welcome to my channel! And to everyone- thanks so much for watching!

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Summary Videos- Me as a Grower
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Semi-Hydro Overview & Modifications, dry layer fixes:    • Let's Talk: Semi Hydro for Orchids- Intro,...  
Inorganic Media:
   • Inorganic Media Tests & Characteristics | ...   (Part 1)
   • Media Tests Round 2 | pH & Water Absorptio...   (Part 2, refined)
Watering & Fertilising:
Short routine:    • My Weekly Watering Routine! Quick Video on...  
Long, detailed nutrient mixes, pH adjusting:    • Let's Talk Orchid Fertilising & Watering |...  
Phalaenopsis Advanced Care:    • Let's Talk: Phalaenopsis Care | Advanced D...  
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Instagram:   / the.orchid.room  
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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!

❀ Inorganic Media ❀
RHS Alpine Horticultural grit or washed gravel- 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
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- Besgrow
Orchiata bark
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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:    • My Weekly Watering Routine! Quick Video on...   (Short)
My Watering / Fertilising Routine:    • Let's Talk Orchid Fertilising & Watering |...   (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 💡

High Light Orchids
GEMMA Lights: https://bit.ly/34CqY7Z , 10% discount with code 'OrchidRoom'
Mars Hydro TS600 : https://amzn.to/3bagRcS

❃ Shelving ❃
Wire shelving, Hartleys direct: https://bit.ly/2REpeWl
Metal shelving IKEA Mulig

✩ Pots ✩
13cm Buckets Amazon: https://amzn.to/2V92cci (£~20 for 35)

#Orchids #Maxillaria #TheOrchidRoom