Phrags and wet feet

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You mentioned tap water. Slipper orchids, and especially Phragmipediums, are known for doing best with extremely pure water. These are definitely plants you want to give only rain or purified water, unless your tap water is extremely low in dissolved minerals. Here in the desert, using our highly alkaline and mineral-laden water on slippers leads to their decline and death.

You can find information about your water online at your water utility's Web site; search for their water quality report.