Watering Phrags/Paphs With Distilled Only?

[Nepenthesis]

Can I water phragmipediums and paphiopedilums with only distilled water? My greenhouse is full of carnivorous plants and Sphagnum moss, which require distilled water, and water often gets splashed around and drains down into other lower plants.

Do they need lots of nutrients, like from tap water? Or is distilled fine if I fertilize?

[801229001]

Phragmipediums would like distilled/RO water but i suggest that you fertilize them every other watering.

Im not sure about Paphiopedilums though as i have no experience growing them.
just wondering, do you grow Nepenthes?

[ALToronto]

Distilled is always a better option for orchids. You can always add what they need. Paphs can handle hard water, but no plant likes chlorine or road salt.

[hagfish]

No. My phrags and paphs all get very hard water but I allow it to drain out of the pot. Some paphs like P. niveum live in limestone. I have a 15 year old which is potted in peat with limestone chunks and has bloomed repeatedly. My phrag (uranus) has always been kept constantly moist but paphs can get completely dry for days and survive, at least the species I have encountered. There is even a species of Mexican cypripedium which is a genuine xerophyte.

[Nepenthesis]

Thanks guys! That's good to hear.

Originally Posted by 801229001

Phragmipediums would like distilled/RO water but i suggest that you fertilize them every other watering.

Im not sure about Paphiopedilums though as i have no experience growing them.
just wondering, do you grow Nepenthes?

Yes, I do. If you grow CPs as well, you may be interested in my YouTube... Nepenthesis - YouTube

[jeremyinsf]

Fertilize, but do so lightly. Especially on the phrags.