Temperature of water when watering

[RNCollins]

When watering my orchids (Phals, Paphs, catts) I use room temperature water, which is about 70 degrees F. But to the touch it feels on the cool side. Should I be using warmer water?

Thanks for your help.

[dounoharm]

well, I think you must be doing a great job! I just get mine from the tap, lol.....never paid much mind to it over a 35 year time frame....

[Dendy83]

I'd like to think they appreciate room temp water/lukewarm water over cold water. Keep in mind that our bodies are around 98 degrees, so of course water at 65-70 degrees will feel colder. As long as it's not ice cold water it's not a big deal for most orchids.

[Bill U.]

I agree with Dendy83, I would like to think that they prefer slightly warmer water than cool water. When I water all of my orchids from the tap, I make it so it juuust feels slightly warm to my hand. I do this in thinking of warming the root system slightly but not cooking it. I don't use heating msts to stimulate root growth, so I use the warm water treatment instead. So far, so good!

[Bud]

I use water from the sink with the hot and cold at full then I turn on my garden hose on mist mode....but I guess the water takes the temperature of the air when it leaves the hose.

[tucker85]

I think 70 degrees would be fine. Very cold water can sometimes damage sensitive orchids.

[orchidsarefun]

I warm up water in a 2 gallon watering can with an aquarium heater - doesn't take long at all and ensures that the water temp is consistent all year-round. You cannot rely on touch as on warm days water from tap feels colder than it actually is - and vice-versa.