Water in San Diego, CA

[aparnamane]

Hi, I am new to orchid growing and this forum as well. Appreciate for tones of information.
Wondering any orchid grower is in this forum is local to San Diego, CA , I would like to understand basic things as what kind of water they use for their orchids, can we grow orchids outside during winter or do we need green house in winter in this environment.

[Dimples]

The answer depends on where in SD you are, what you want to grow, and what your budget is.

I’m in Fallbrook and I grow mostly phalaenopsis. They do just fine with our tap water. The biggest problem is actually making sure you’re not watering too soon. Others will chime in, but make sure you read the older threads on the board. They’re FULL of helpful information.

Welcome!

[Roberta]

Welcome!

As Dimples said, more details needed.

Also... one of the best ways to get "local" orchid information is to join a society. Depending on where in the San Diego area you are, San Diego County Orchid Society
and Palomar Orchid Society are full of friendly orchid-growers who can answer your questions based on their own experiences growing in the same area.

[Dimples]

I didn’t know that there was a society that meets in Carlsbad. I’m way more likely to go there than Balboa Park. Thanks!

[Jeff214]

I think it's supposed to get worse as you go down from North County to the border? While I don't think San Diego water is "good quality" compared to the rest of the US but as Dimples said, good enough for many orchids you might find at a grocery store. If you ever find your self wanting something specific, perhaps expensive, I would do a good internet search or ask here for advice on the specific type you're looking at. Some orchids can be a little picky with water quality.

As others mentioned, it might be nice to talk to the locals who have similar growing conditions as you. Growing conditions on the coast and inland can be quite different here in San Diego...

[aparnamane]

Hello,

I appreciate your quick response.

I am in Vista, CA. I have around 30 orchids of different types either blooming / BS or seedlings as Phals, Cats, den, Tolumnias, Oncidiums. Currently, I am using RO filtered water and most of my orchids are doing good, one phal I am trying to rescue as she has only 2 small roots. Phals, oncidiums are indoor near to window and Cats, dens are outside in the patio where they get late afternoon sun.

I am planning to move all of my orchids in a greenhouse under partial shade and install an auto misting system so was wondering if it is ok to use tap water. But will try to find out water quality in my area.

Thanks for the suggestion to join the local orchid society, I will try to find one and join.

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[Roberta]

In Vista, you are near one of the best nurseries around, Sunset Valley Orchids. If you make a visit over there, you can talk to Fred or Carlos or Peter, and get some very in-depth information about the water. (and the orchids of course) Call first, make an appointment.

[Dimples]

I was a farm manager in Vista for years. The tap water there is fine for non-sensitive orchids. Well water in the area is actually “worse” than tap water, if you can believe it.

As for misters, tap water will clog them with mineral deposits over time. You can slow the progression with regular cleaning/maintenance, but it’ll happen eventually.

We had to replace our drip tape every 4-5 years and the holes in drip tubes are much larger than misters, but the tubes were also laying on dirt, so it’s not a direct comparison.

Do go chat with Fred at SVO.

[aparnamane]

Thanks Robert and Dimples.

Conincidetly today only I visited SVO second time and had chat with Carlos regarding tap water her in Vista and yes bought some more cattlyas.

Good point regarding misting system, is there any other option or just need to do maintenance frequently.

Thanks

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