what is the best water for my orchids

[SlipperGirl]

Hi

I want to know what is the best water to give my plants, other then rain water. RO or distilled or something else. I dont trust my tap water or I would give them that, and I dont always have rain water to give.

[thediaTOMaceouscity]

Hey! Have you looked up your water quality rating on your city or town website? They'll usually tell you how your water is rated in ppm of different minerals etc. I do use distilled H2O found at my local Market Basket and rain water for my Nepenthes species, but I've heard that orchids need the trace minerals in tap water etc etc.

[james mickelso]

I use Perrier or ........just kidding. Call your local water provider. They will give you an analysis of your water for free. I use the RO water out of the machines you find in front of supermarkets. My water sucks. The end of a 300 mile long concrete aqueduct. 700 ppm. I dunk all of my plants as it is the best way I've found to water without wasting a lot of water. I know this is anethema to what a lot of people say but I have no ill effects. I did it with 400+ orchids and now have only 50. I use a 5 gal bucket and dunk them all. Some once every couple days in winter and some once a week to once every two weeks. Summertime sees once a week for most and every day for the mounts and small phals/catts. The RO works very well. If you have a smallish collection you can get an under the sink style RO unit. Saves tons of money.