Help interpreting water report
 

I need help interpreting my water report. We just moved and as my collection grows, I'm starting to wonder if I should be using distilled or rain water. I looked up my water report but I have no clue what it means. Is it okay to use my tap water to water my orchids? http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...01cdc9ca61.jpg


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At 124 ppm your water is moderately hard, but not entirely unsuitable for orchids. I certainly wouldn't use it on sensitive high altitude species like Oxyglossum section Dendrobium species, but wouldn't hesitate to use it on hybrid Phals, Stanhopea or Catasetum hybrids.

Thank you for the info I mostly have Dendrobiums. Formosae and Latouria section. They seem to be doing fine but I only moved here a month ago.


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They don't tell you the pH, which would be helpful to know. You can buy pH test paper or a meter, or liquid test kits at an aquarium shop or swimming pool supply.

Orchids mostly prefer pH somewhere around 6.5-7 and many municipal water facilities are closer to 8. Fertilizer intended for use with pure water has chemicals to provide the proper pH when used with pure water; fertilizer intended for use with well or harder tap water also has chemicals to lower the pH, but in greater quantity than in fertilizer for pure water. If well water fertilizer is mixed with pure water the pH may be too low. So it would be good for you to know your water pH. They may be able to tell you if you contact them.

Your supplier gets water from several different sources and may mix it, so the water may vary some day to day.