pH of water

[Tindomul]

What is the preffered pH of water for orchids? Do orchids like acidic water? How about pH 5?, pH 6????

I've heard that orchids like alcohol. Could this be because it neutralized otherwise acidic water?

Thanks

[Ray]

It varies with the type of orchid, but I find that mid-5's to mid-6's is OK for most.

Orchids do not "like" alcohol, nor does it neutralize acid. In plants growing in high-light conditions, methanol, and to a lesser extent, ethanol can enhance the transfer of nutrients through cell walls (hence the Jerry Rodder patent for "Jerry's Grow" which is no longer manufactured). It has not shown to have any effect on orchids grown in other than very bright light.

[Tindomul]

Originally Posted by Ray

Orchids do not "like" alcohol, nor does it neutralize acid. In plants growing in high-light conditions, methanol, and to a lesser extent, ethanol can enhance the transfer of nutrients through cell walls (hence the Jerry Rodder patent for "Jerry's Grow" which is no longer manufactured). It has not shown to have any effect on orchids grown in other than very bright light.

I was never very good at chemistry, but you are right. Don't know what I was thinking.

Thanks for the info though. I wasn't sure why some members were claiming that alcohol was doing wonders for their orchids.