Roof runoff bad for orchids?

[Claire25]

Thanks for your insights! Nothing has curled up and died yet, so I'm going to continue using my reclaimed roof runoff!

Claire

[ezil]

Good for you. I've been using melted snow or rain water almost exclusively for 3 years now, and my plants love it. Just make sure you don't start collecting the "first" rain. Let the spout run for a bit to clean the roof somewhat, and make sure that your fertilizer regime includes the micro nutrients.

[lairdu1@gmail.com]

New here.
I had a new asphalt shingle roof put on this year... and I have started collecting rain water off of it. ALL my orchids are telling me STOP. they are sagging and looking tired. One that I keep in my shower that produces beautiful white flowers with little faces on them is almost dead. DO NOT USE rainwater off new asphalt roof!!!

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by lairdu1@gmail.com

New here.
I had a new asphalt shingle roof put on this year... and I have started collecting rain water off of it. ALL my orchids are telling me STOP. they are sagging and looking tired. One that I keep in my shower that produces beautiful white flowers with little faces on them is almost dead. DO NOT USE rainwater off new asphalt roof!!!

It might be a good idea to get the roof water tested and see what the issue is. Could be useful information for other folks as well. Also, you might want to change your user name from your email to protect privacy!