Many times when orchids aren't doing well it has to do with the way people are watering their orchid, or the type of water they are using.
Are you using city water with strong chemicals like chlorine? Do you use a water softener in your home and if so is this bad for your orchid? What about the water temperature does this make a difference? In this article I will answer these questions and give you some other tips as well.
Rainwater.
Rainwater is the best water for orchids.
As rain passes through the atmosphere, it dissolves and absorbs many substances such as pollen, dust, and other organic material.
This enriched rainwater is very nourishing for your orchids.
If you own a home you can easily set up a rain barrel underneath a gutter downspout.
Rain barrels have a simple water spigot at the bottom that can be used to attach a hose or be used to fill a watering can.
For keeping out debris and insects you use a simple screening device.
You will be surprised how little rain it will take to fill up the barrel.
Is Tap-Water Okay? Since tap water has been chemically treated, usually with chlorine, it should be used with caution.
If you're going to use tap water it's a good idea to put some in a pitcher and let it stand for hours, or even overnight before using.
This does two things that will make your orchid much happier.
First the chlorine will dissipate out of the water and the water will become room temperature.
Orchids don't like cold water, and will do much better with water close to room temperature.
What About Softened Water? If you use a water softener at home it depends on how the water is softened.
If the softening is accomplished by an ion-exchange method then it's okay to use on your plants.
Unfortunately most water softeners use salt.
This method works by replacing calcium and magnesium ( two nutritional components needed by plants) with sodium which is toxic to plants.
Bottled water can be a problem to because most of them have been softened and you don't know which methods they used.