What kind of water?

[Call_Me_Bob]

Does anyone know what kind of water is best for phalaenopsis?

[Izzie]

Phals are tolerant of a wide range of water conditions. A lot of people just use tap water- if their area's water isn't too hard- for most of their orchids that aren't the more touchy, delicate genera.

If you're worried, you can use filtered water from one of those water pitchers, they work great.
Or buy distilled water from the grocery store.

Or, if you want to go really hardcore, you can spend $$$ on a reverse osmosis water system. Just search it or google it.

[Call_Me_Bob]

okay, i had been using tap water. but i have a water pitcher for myself. so is it better to use the filtered water or does something in the tap help them?

[Ray]

A filter is going to remove chlorine and organic stuff only. None of the minerals that may be of benefit to the plant are removed.

However, don't think for a minute that there is enough in water to feed the plants - you definitely have to apply fertilizer on a regular basis to get the healthiest plants.

[Call_Me_Bob]

i know i need to fertilize. so it would be best to use the filtered water?

[Izzie]

You could say that it would be best.
In most cases, tap water isn't going be detrimental.

Ray has great advice- some of the best in the board.
I've actually taken to printing or writing down some of his comments.

What has really helped me immensely was just taking a couple hours a week and browsing his website before asking on here- most of the time, I found the answer to my question really quickly.
Here's his site- First Rays' Free Info

And he just happens to have an excellent page on water supplies! Hopefully this will help you.
Water Supplies

[Call_Me_Bob]

okay thanks! ill be sure to check that out

[WhiteRabbit]

If you use water from the pitcher (if it's kept in the fridge) let it return to room temp before watering your plants with it!

[Call_Me_Bob]

okay, i keep it on the counter ussually but thanks!

[Izzie]

I keep mine on the counter too- I'd never thought to warn people about keeping it refridgerated! Good call, Sonya!


Help, when I'm in a hurry, I'll use regular tap water with no ill effect. The rest of the time I use rain water or filtered water, since rain is quite sparse in CO.