We can thank orchid and other flower fanciers, at least in part, for the recentpush to recycle the water that reaches our homes, particularly that which comes down as rain. If you are starting out with orchids, this could be something you should look into.
Orchids, similar to most other plants, have specific likes and dislikes as to what is provided them to nourish their roots. Most of them dislike hard water. Unfortunately, the water that comes out of the faucets in many places is too hard for orchids to respond as well as we might like. Rarely will hard water out-and-out kill them. It might stunt their growth, though, or keep them from ever blooming as wonderfully as they would otherwise.
A saving grace about orchids is that they sport thick, fleshy roots that can hold up to hard water better than many other types of plants. Woody plants, for example, with their fine root system, are too easily destroyed by water that is too hard. Nontheless, you should try to avoid putting hard water on your orchids if you can possibly avoid it.
There are filters that you can buy to install on your water line that will make your water softer while taking out many impurities that would be bad for humans and plants both. Nothing, though, beats good old rainwater when it comes to doing right by orchids! After all, this is the type of water that nature supplies to plants the world over.
Several companies produce rain barrels that are ideal for collecting and holding rainwater until you want to use it. Many homeowners set up the barrels beneath the rainspouts coming from their roofs. With a little planning and work, you could set up a bank of rain barrels to channel water right to your orchids. Then your watering work, presuming you live in a fairly rainy area, becomes nearly hands-free.
Whatever kind of water you use, don’t put it on plants if it has a chill on it. For instance, I would not use water taken from an outside faucet on a cold day, without first allowing it to come to room temperature in my home or greenhouse. Chilly water can lead to spotting, rot young growths and damage roots.
Some orchids will get benefit from water with a little lime mixed in it. In years gone by, people noticed that imported Cypripedium orchids often were covered with chalky lime deposits due to the plants having grown in limestone rock crevices where water trickled down on them. So if you have a Cypripedium, you could try adding lime to the water, a little at first and then more if you determine that the plant is thriving on it.
The art and science of orchid cultivation is a fascinating subject. Orchid growing is not as hard as some people like to make it out to be, but you must arm yourself with accurate information before plunging in to this rewarding pastime.
The most accurate and clear guide to today’s orchid care, in my opinion, is Orchid Care Expert by master orchid grower Nigel Howard, which is available to be downloaded from the Internet. Mr. Howard’s ebook is a comprehensive course of study, useful for beginners as well as more experienced devotees alike. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets site, which features a growing database of postings on a wide range of topics of orchid care.
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