Orchids Adore Rainwater

We can thank orchid and other flower fanciers, at least in part, for the burgeoning movement to make full use of the water that reaches our houses and yards, particularly that which comes down as rain. If you are growing orchids, this might be something you should look into.

Orchids, similar to other plants, have very particular likes and dislikes as to what is provided them to nourish their roots. Most of them will not thrive in hard water. Unfortunately, the water that comes out of the taps in many areas is too hard for orchids to respond as well as we might like. Most of the time, hard water won't kill orchids. It might stunt their growth, though, or keep them from ever blooming as wonderfully as they would have.

A good thing about orchids is the fact that they have thick, fleshy roots that can stand up to hard water better than many other types of plants. Woody plants, for instance, with their fine roots, are easily destroyed by water that is too hard. Nevertheless you should take measures to avoid using hard water on your orchids.

You can buy devices that fit on your water line to soften your water while removing various types of unwanted impurities. But to tell the truth nothing beats rainwater for treating orchids right! After all, this is the way nature waters wild plants the world over.

A number of companies produce rain barrels that are perfect for catching and holding rainwater until you want to use it. Many homeowners set the barrels up underneath the rainspouts coming from their roofs. With some planning and work, you could set up several rain barrels to direct water directly to your orchids. Then the watering chore, presuming you live in a fairly rainy area, becomes virtually hands off.

Whatever type of water you use, don't use it on plants if it has a chill on it. For instance, I would not use water that I got from an outside tap on a cold winter's day, without first allowing it to come to room temperature in my home or greenhouse. Chilly water can lead to spotting, rot young growths and damage roots.

Some orchids will get benefit from water with some lime mixed in it. In years gone by, people noticed that imported Cypripedium orchids often were covered with chalky lime deposits due to the plants having grown in limestone rock crevices where water trickled down upon them. So if you have a Cypripedium, you could try adding lime to its water, a little at first and then more if you determine that the plant is responding well to it.

The art of orchid cultivation is an intriguing topic. Orchid growing is not as difficult as some people make it out to be, but you must arm yourself with accurate information before plunging in to this rewarding pastime. 

The most up-to-date guidebook to expert orchid growing, in the opinion of many, is Orchid Care Expert by master orchid grower Nigel Howard, which is available to be downloaded online. Mr. Howard's guide is a comprehensive course, enlightening for novices as well as more seasoned devotees alike. As well, visit this Orchid Secrets site, which contains a growing library of information on a wide range of topics of orchid care.