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07-19-2009, 12:13 AM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: chico, ca
Posts: 706
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hard water residue on orchid leaves
Hi All,
I grow in a small greenhouse and because of 100+ temps the fans and misters are going all day. I'm getting frosted orchid leaves from the hard water and I'm guessing that's not a good thing. (It's either cook them or coat them).
I've used lemon juice to get some of it off but will that damage the plant over time? Is there a better method?
It doesn't look like the weather is going to change anytime soon.
Maureen
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07-19-2009, 12:30 AM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Zone: 9a
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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vinegar
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07-19-2009, 12:59 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: chico, ca
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Hi King!
I had thought of that, it's easier and cheaper to get but will the acid damage the leaves?
Maureen
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07-19-2009, 01:31 AM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Zone: 9a
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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I don't think so. Rubbing alcohol is much harsher than lemon juice or vinegar, and it doesn't harm the leaves.
You can always dilute them in RO/DI water.
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07-19-2009, 02:13 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2007
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Location: Meridian, ID
Age: 46
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07-19-2009, 03:50 AM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Zone: 9a
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Chlorine isn't the thing that leaves the residue. It is more of a disinfectant.
Calcium carbonate/bicarbonate or other minerals in the water does. With the calcium carbonate/bicarbonate being the major contributor.
If the water has a high mineral content, eventually over time, the residue will build up. Once or twice will not usually leave a heavy enough residue to be concerned about.
Although plants (and people included) can be prone to irritation (burning) due to very high levels of chlorine in the water.
Fortunately chlorine dissipates from the water by letting the water sit in a container for 24 hours or more.
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07-19-2009, 01:47 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: Oak Island NC
Posts: 15,252
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Scroll down to the "Leaf Shine" here: First Rays' Home Remedies
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07-19-2009, 10:47 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: chico, ca
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King: The vinegar is working quite well, Thanks!
Ray: That is a great link, Thanks also.
Maureen
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07-20-2009, 11:08 AM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: Oak Island NC
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I am wary of vinegar, as full-strength, I have sometimes used it as a herbicide to keep grass from growing in my paver walkway.
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07-20-2009, 11:54 AM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: chico, ca
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Now that's something to think about. I may have to reconsider vinegar.
Thanks
Maureen
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