Watering with Lipton's?

[Stray59]

Hey everyone -
In a recent a university alumni magazine, they interviewed a long time collector who had started a large college orchid collection. He recommended that you water orchids with brewed tea - just as you would use for iced tea. He stated that the tannic acid that is found in tea strengthens and protects (?) orchids. I can understand that it would increase the acidity and probably give some trace minerals, but has anyone else heard of this? I have been growing for 30-some odd years and have NEVER heard of anyone using brewed tea for their orc's.
Any ideas or input on this?
Steve

[RJSquirrel]

I suspect this man was british and his orchids had tastes for Earl Grey. He may have even gone as far as using a breakfast blend and afternoon tea.

I cant see where tea would hurt them. I have heard of people mixing used loose leaf tea as a compost since after all its nothing but leaf matter that's been steamed and sterilized.

People often use what they have available maybe the university didnt have an Orchid budget.



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[Ray]

I would think it might be beneficial if the water was alkaline to start with, but adding a pinch of citric acid would be easier to do.

I have seen nothing that confirms the nutritional benefit of tannins to orchids.

[tucker85]

I agree. The only benefit that I can think of is that the tannic acid would lower the pH of the water. If a grower normally used water with a high pH the lower pH of the tea might improve the health of some orchids leading the grower to the conclusion that the tea was good for the plant.

[Myrle Diefendorf]

I think the only benefit would be the tannic acid IF the media were too alkaline, however most orchids potted in bark become somewhat acidic over time and I have read that a bit of limestone is beneficial. Maybe he thought the caffeine would give it a JOG I to better performance,HAHA.

[Myrle Diefendorf]

Also around here "worm tea" is made with red earthworm droppings soaked in water, and is supposed to be very beneficial to orchids. Do you think he misunderstood the kind of "tea"?

[NYCorchidman]

Different people come up with different way of growing orchid stories.
Whatever works for them I guess.

I personally wouldn't water my plants with tea.
I would drink it myself. haha

[Wild Orchid]

This is not the first time to hear of some folks sharing leftovers of coffee and tea with the house plants. However, I'm curious to know what effect it would have on orchids.

Not british but LOVE Earl Grey tea! It's expensive here, so I'm afraid I won't share, even with orchids!

[sthh]

Next thing your orchid will ask for is a small piece of biscuit.

[CTB]

I've heard of pickle juice for your acid lovers but not tea guess it woud work the same.