Decipher My Water Report?

[PlumCrazy]

I’ve been watering my big box store Phalaenopsis with my tap water for years and they seem to be doing fine. As I expand my collection, are there any types that would not do well with this water? Also, here is a list of my current “windowsill” orchids:

-Coelogyne mayeriana x self

-Galeopetalum Starburst 'Parkside' AM/AOS

-Miltonia Bert Field 'Eileen' AM/AOS

-Cattlianthe Jewel Box 'Dark Waters' AM/AOS

-Dendrobium spectabile ('short 2N' x '4N shorter')

-Brassolaeliocattleya Sweet Sarah 'Sweet Vision' x Eagle Island 'Sangria' AM

-Wilsonara Firecat 'King Snake'

-Phalaenopsis Mini Mark

Typically I water once a week by taking them to the sink and running water through the pots. I also fertilize once most weeks using a spray bottle, trying to wet all of the roots thoroughly without having much water come through the bottom of the pots.

Also, we just installed rain barrels, so hope to switch mostly to that when it's above freezing. Thank you!!

[estación seca]

The parts you showed aren't that important to know for orchids. If they're mentioned let us know any or all of the pH, total dissolved solids/tds, alkalinity, hardness, calcium or magnesium content, mineral content.

[Roberta]

I don't see anything on your list that would be particularly sensitive to water quality. Maybe the Coelogyne, but if it's doing OK I wouldn't worry. The orchids that are definitely sensitive are Pleurothallids (including Masdevallias and Draculas). Also Sophronitis and some highland Dendrobiums like Cuthbertsonii. (The larger, more tropical Dens aren't fussy) Phrags tend to be on the sensitive side too. Paphs are likely fine with what comes out of the tap, unless sodium is in issue. Calcium and magnesium are no problem, may even be helpful.

If you can collect rainwater, that would be great. And it would be helpful if you can find out the mineral content that ES mentioned.

[RJSquirrel]

hmmm I dont think in a few months the water is going to be your issue seeing your plants in the windowsill.

big floofy catts big floofy intergenerics big floofy plants need big floofy spaces.

go smaller next time you will be much happier with the outcome

use the right fertilizer for it and that's the best you can hope for.

Rainwater will require a different treatment for using fertilizer bec the ph is typically lower and into the acidic range.

Your tapwater should be nuetral. And why it doesnt do anything for you or your plants

[PlumCrazy]

Originally Posted by estación seca

The parts you showed aren't that important to know for orchids. If they're mentioned let us know any or all of the pH, total dissolved solids/tds, alkalinity, hardness, calcium or magnesium content, mineral content.

Hmmm... and I was excited to get the annual report this year. Well, I know from doing testing for my fish the pH runs about 7.6. And our water is pretty hard. Everything gets limescale build up on it. After awhile if you have a water cup by the side of your bed and just rinse it instead of thoroughly washing it, it will have an orangish layer of mineral build up.

[estación seca]

Given what you report, you might want to dilute your tap water with pure water. The pH isn't bad, but around 6 would be better.

[PlumCrazy]

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

hmmm I dont think in a few months the water is going to be your issue seeing your plants in the windowsill.

big floofy catts big floofy intergenerics big floofy plants need big floofy spaces.

go smaller next time you will be much happier with the outcome

use the right fertilizer for it and that's the best you can hope for.

Rainwater will require a different treatment for using fertilizer bec the ph is typically lower and into the acidic range.

Your tapwater should be nuetral. And why it doesnt do anything for you or your plants

Luckily they're not literally on my windowsill Even though I have a fair amount of space, I think you're right about it filling up! I know that Coelogyne will get big fast - it's already climbing out of the pot and just got two more leads this week. Normally I post about my miniatures in my orchidarium that get distilled water and are kept at a set temp and humidity at all times.

[Roberta]

Except when I fertilize, even my RO water isn't ph6, more like 7. (MSU fertilizer take it down to 6-6.5) For most plants (including most of my yard, which gets city water) my pH is stubbornly about 7.8 (that's where calcium bicabonate puts it, I have lots) Doesn't seem to do any harm. (Before I got the RO system, when I was also fertilizing with tap water, I got the pH down to 6.5 with vinegar just to facilitate absorption of nutrients. Did I say "stubborn"?)

[Arizona Jeanie]

My water supplier blends water from several different wells to keep the arsenic level barely under EPA recommendations. The plants don't seem to mind.
I drink r/o water.

[PlumCrazy]

Originally Posted by Roberta

For most plants (including most of my yard, which gets city water) my pH is stubbornly about 7.8 (that's where calcium bicabonate puts it, I have lots) Doesn't seem to do any harm.

Well, that is great news for me then. Your orchids (or least the dozens of them I've seen online) are AMAZING!!