How critical is water type?

[AmandaTom]

Wow! Thanks everyone for the information. I conclude that RO will probably make a difference for me but perhaps not huge. Time to conduct an experiment methinks.

Amanda

[maitaman]

One thing about water that years of research taught us is that chlorinasted "city" water seems just fine for about a year, then your plants begin to decline and many can't be saved. Please do NOT use chlorinated water on orchids.

[katfemme89]

Wow, I didn't know that.

Good info, maitaman. Thanks.

[Ross]

I found the same thing in reverse. After years of chlorinated city water, adding anti-chlor meant for aquariums and then switching to RO water I have seen remarkable growth just as Ray says as well. I do add fertilizer every watering though.