Keeping pre mixed orchid water warm!

[greenpassion]

I just want to share with people how I water my orchids through the cooler months. I read on this forum at one point about concerns watering orchids, specifically phalaenopsis with cold water. To remedy this I purchased a windowsill heat mat, and put it on the Shelf below my life Garden, where I store the pre-mixed gallon jugs. It is a wooden Shelf, and I'm able to plug in the heat map easily where it is placed. The jugs sit on top of the heat mat warming up nicely . Now rather than having to water them with cooler than I would prefer water Temps, I can water them with slightly warmer than room temperature water. So I always have four gallon jugs with week MSU fertilizer ready to go. Maybe this is kind of ridiculous but it always bothered me pouring the pre-mixed solution that I felt was really too chilly. Any thoughts?

[Ray]

When I used to meter fertilizer concentrate into RO, I had a 1000W aquarium heater in the RO tank for the exact same reason. It really makes a big difference to warmer-growing plants.

[greenpassion]

Yes! So I'm not the only one☺

---------- Post added at 02:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:37 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Ray

When I used to meter fertilizer concentrate into RO, I had a 1000W aquarium heater in the RO tank for the exact same reason. It really makes a big difference to warmer-growing plants.

I also keep all my phals on heat mats year round, on a very low setting through the warmer months, and on medium through winter. Both set ups, the 'light garden' one that divides my kitchen and living room, and the one in my living room window (east) have small fans to circulate the air.

---------- Post added at 02:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:16 PM ----------

I have a question for Ray. Do you think that because I have them on these heat mats, that could be why they have thus far been so happy despite me keeping my house at 64 through winter? As I had said in another post, this past spring was my absolute best turn out regarding flowering that I've ever had. The year before was very good too, but this past spring was really super. I started keeping them on heat mats 2 years ago.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by greenpassion

I have a question for Ray. Do you think that because I have them on these heat mats, that could be why they have thus far been so happy despite me keeping my house at 64 through winter? As I had said in another post, this past spring was my absolute best turn out regarding flowering that I've ever had. The year before was very good too, but this past spring was really super. I started keeping them on heat mats 2 years ago.

1) Most phalaenopsis are truly HOT growers. Fortunately for us, most are reasonably tolerant of the lower temperatures we prefer. (In my book, bellina and tetraspis/speciosa are exceptions, preferring to be as hot as possible.)

2) By you keeping them on heat mats year round, you are better catering to their preferences.

3) Also by keeping them warmer the rest of the year, it is probably easier for them to be exposed to a definite cool spell as winter comes on, and that's what's needed for reliable blooming.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by Ray

1) Most phalaenopsis are truly HOT growers. Fortunately for us, most are reasonably tolerant of the lower temperatures we prefer. (In my book, bellina and tetraspis/speciosa are exceptions, preferring to be as hot as possible.)

2) By you keeping them on heat mats year round, you are better catering to their preferences.

3) Also by keeping them warmer the rest of the year, it is probably easier for them to be exposed to a definite cool spell as winter comes on, and that's what's needed for reliable blooming.

Yeah! It's good to know I'm doing something rifht! And hearing it from someone with so much knowledge feels pretty good!!

[Leafmite]

Cold water is not good for tropical plants as it causes stress. I once brought in rain water to water my plants and did not realize how cold it was. Usually, I would put it in jugs and let it warm to room temperature but I was in a hurry. The results were not good. Some plants dropped leaves and one that I had grown for ten years completely died. I make certain my water is room temperature now.

[greenpassion]

Room temperature at my house during winter is too cold for my phals, which is why I have them and their water warming on the heat mats.

[Leafmite]

Originally Posted by greenpassion

Room temperature at my house during winter is too cold for my phals, which is why I have them and their water warming on the heat mats.

Yes, that is quite perfect. You want the water to be the same temperature as the roots to cause the least amount of stress.