water - Page 2 - Orchid Board

herfy · #11 02-12-2009, 12:40 PM

Thanks again

Cym Ladye · #12 02-12-2009, 01:09 PM

Herf,

I hope that you are not using the same soaking water for more than one orchid. Repeatedly using the same water for several orchids is potentially a way of spreading virus and unwanted critters.

CL

camille1585 · #13 02-12-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cym Ladye

Herf,

I hope that you are not using the same soaking water for more than one orchid. Repeatedly using the same water for several orchids is potentially a way of spreading virus and unwanted critters.

CL

That's true, but once you collection gets to a certain size it's hard to soak them one by one because it's way too time consuming. I arranged mine in 'soaking groups'. I always make sure it's the same 4-5 orchids that go in the bucket together at the same time. If there's a disease problem one day, it normally will be limited to that group only.

But that's a good point to bring up!

herfy · #14 02-12-2009, 02:27 PM

good point thanks for bringing that to my attention

nhman · #15 02-12-2009, 09:36 PM

Water that is at the same temperature that the plants are growing at is the best. They will tolerate this temperature without insult the best. Water that is too warm or too cold can damage the plant by either shocking it from the cold, or causing thermal damage from the heat.
Therefore, best to let any water stand in the growing area for at least 24 hours (dependent upon the size of the container - the larger the container the longer it takes to get to "room temperature") (dependent upon the water's actual temperature - the greater the difference in the water versus room temperature, the longer it will take to equilibrate or reach that room's temperature).
Hope that this helps!

Ray · #16 02-13-2009, 02:45 PM

Agreed.

Don't be fooled into thinking that water kept in the growing area will be the same temp as the air and plant, either. It will typically be several degrees cooler due to evaporation.

Even though I keep my GH at a minimum of 60°F, I heat my RO tank with an aquarium heater to 70°, and I can definitely see an improvement in the plants' overall growth. Using cold water slowed them way down.