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  #1  
Old 07-19-2009, 12:13 AM
nutgirl nutgirl is offline
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Default 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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  #2  
Old 07-19-2009, 12:30 AM
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King_of_orchid_growing:) King_of_orchid_growing:) is offline
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vinegar
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  #3  
Old 07-19-2009, 12:59 AM
nutgirl nutgirl is offline
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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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  #4  
Old 07-19-2009, 01:31 AM
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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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  #5  
Old 07-19-2009, 02:13 AM
Becca Becca is offline
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Glad I stumbled upon this thread! I have a misting system on my umbrella on my deck and I had the orchids under it while watering outside. I could smell the chlorine in the water and was wondering if I would see any residue left on the leaves from the hard water. Now I know how to get the stuff off!
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  #6  
Old 07-19-2009, 03:50 AM
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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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  #7  
Old 07-19-2009, 01:47 PM
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hard water residue on orchid leaves Male
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Scroll down to the "Leaf Shine" here: First Rays' Home Remedies
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  #8  
Old 07-19-2009, 10:47 PM
nutgirl nutgirl is offline
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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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  #9  
Old 07-20-2009, 11:08 AM
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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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  #10  
Old 07-20-2009, 11:54 AM
nutgirl nutgirl is offline
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Now that's something to think about. I may have to reconsider vinegar.

Thanks
Maureen
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