Adding "Egg Water" to orchid watering

[nynighthawk]

Hi folks,

I am wondering if it'd be beneficial to add some of the water I use for soft-boiling eggs (Ok, now you know what I have for breakfast!) to the water I use for my orchids. I use New York City municipal water that stands for a few days prior to use, to off-gas any chemicals.

I'm just thinking that there is probably some calcium and other minerals dissolved in the water after boiling a couple of eggs in it.

Any thoughts on whether this is a good idea or not?

I know this is not very scientific. But, I was just wondering if anybody's tried this..............

[Bud]

I put broken bits of eggshells on the surface of my media mix for my outdoor orchids to deter snails and slugs.... I don't know about water from boiled eggs. First time I heard of it. But you are correct about calcium being present in egg shells.

[Ray]

Jess, I seriously doubt that a few minutes in boiling water are going to add very much calcium to your water, and even if it was an appreciable amount, using it as an additive is probably a waste of time.

Secondly, NYC water is some of the purest tap water out there, so you will need to provide pretty much everything via your fertilizing regime, AND, since the water doesn't have any significant buffering capacity, you really ought to be using a fertilizer made for pure water supplies.

[Chatbud]

Oh, I read about this at the British growsonyou forum. This fella suggested to pour water boiled off eggs to your plants. The calcium would be good apparently. Just like how some ppl pour diluted coffee (no sugar) and/or coffee grounds to those evergreens.

[NYCorchidman]

Well, most of the stuff in the tap water do not leave through the air no matte how many days you wait.

Two, egg shells do not dissolve in the water even if you boil them.

So, I would just use tap water with some good fertilizer added to it, which is what I do.

[nynighthawk]

Thanks for your good thoughts, folks.

I was just thinking it might give the 'chids a little extra calcium in addition to the normal fertilizing regime.

Ray..I've been using the Solo the past few months for their regular fertilization.

Nice to hear the kind words about NYC's municipal water. We New Yawkers think it's mighty tasty, too! LOL

I really appreciate the feedback, everyone.

:-D

[orchidsarefun]

I was told by a NY vendor that the bagels are so good because of the unique taste of NY water. I didn't know this but bagels are boiled a little first and then baked.
I don't know if its true but they ARE different to other bagels.
If its good enough for the NYers, then its good enough for their orchids...

[nynighthawk]

I've heard the same thing about our bagels.

My brother lives just outside of Washington, DC. When I visit, my assignment is to bring him a couple of dozen bagels from here. I'm really lucky to have a good bagel shop around the corner from where I live. Their cinnamon/raisin and their pumpernickel bagels are delish! Old style, dense and very intense flavor. But, I'm seeing more and more shops that are selling big, fluffy bagels that are almost tasteless. Like everything else, good quality can be hard to find.

:-D