Discolored water

[Jenn4a]

Is yellow, brown, or reddish colored water an indication of a problem? Such as possible infection, or time to change medium

I've noticed when I water that some orchids:
The run-off or soak water is murky with a reddish brown tint. Sometimes the same orchids also have a lot of particles run out too. I figure that the large amount of particles suggest it's time to repot, but not sure if the discoloring does.

I wouldn't ask, but I couldn't find an answer. Thanks in advanced.

[Ray]

On the assumption you're using bark-based media, the discoloration is likely due to tannins from the wood, and if the bark is breaking down, it seems likely more tannins would be released.

Frankly, if your media has gotten to that condition, you're probably way overdue to replace it.

[wintergirl]

I have had some of my newly potted bark have some reddish tint run-off when watered...

[SimJam]

I always just assumed it was the bark etc in the media that coloured the water.

though if it usually ran clear and now its coloured then maybe you would want to investigate why.

[Jenn4a]

Originally Posted by Ray

Frankly, if your media has gotten to that condition, you're probably way overdue to replace it.

Thanks for the confirmation! That was my assumption but that's how some of the orchids arrived. So maybe that's why I don't like bark that much... The only orchid I have that's doing really well in bark is a cattleya in coarse bark. (Not that bark is bad, but I prefer media that doesn't break down quickly.)

Speaking of replacing media, I'm moving the phrag seedlings,which need to be repotted ASAP, into a LECA mix today.. after I receive the pH meter and pH up + down. I'm not sure how the Plant !T LECA compares, but I've read reviews stating that the pH is variable even with RO water. Better safe than sorry
If I need any specific help, I'll be back on. Thanks everyone!