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When an orchid grower needs to water orchids, he or she must always be careful not to water the plant too much. Over watering is a surefire way to kill an orchid plant. But there are other ways of improperly watering the plant that will also hinder its growth. One of the first considerations is the kind of water that's used. It may be easy just to turn on the tap and get the water from that source but it may contain chemicals that aren't needed by the plant and can harm it in the long run. If possible, check the chlorine level. If chlorine is not present then it's ok to use for your plants. Some water supplies are 'softened' by removing calcium and magnesium ions which is replaced with sodium. This sort of salt is harmful to the orchid plant so it shouldn't be used. There shouldn't be too much dissolved salts in the water as this will adversely affect the plant.
Aside from the kind of water and the composition of the water, its ph level also needs to be considered. It's said that the pH level of the water should be around 5.5 to 6.5. Although sometimes even if the water used is very alkaline, the orchid plant will still be unaffected. If the water is too acidic, then it can be adjusted by using water additives that are available online or in orchid care stores and distributors. Ordinarily, orchids are used to adjusting or adapting to pH levels in water. In their natural setting, orchids may need to adjust to lack of nutrition in their environment so they can usually adjust to the PH level as well. The orchid has the amazing ability to adapt to its surroundings and adjusting to water quality is just one way it has learned to survive.
Bacteria can cause disease in orchids and, like people, orchid plants get sick if there are organisms in the water that make it ill. It is important to water orchids with clean water. Rain water is considered the best water for orchid use since it has dissolved nutrients that are beneficial for them. Be careful about acid rain, and rain collected from roofing materials that are high in zinc like galvanized iron. Orchids don't need zinc. Rainwater stored in plastic containers isn't safe if the containers still have the essence of the chemicals it previously contained. Well water is alright just as long as the water isn't 'hard' or has more than 120 PPM of dissolved minerals. You know the kind of water where your soap won't lather? Don't use that for your orchid. The plant won't be able to handle it very well.
Orchid growers don't usually think much about it but the temperature of your water is important, too. Cold water temperatures that are lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit are not good for the plant. At this temperature, leaves and roots can get damaged and cause the orchid to die. The cold is also the reason why you should water in the morning before noon. If you water too late in the afternoon, the moisture will make the roots cold during the night. It also encourages bacteria and fungus growth since the water will not have sufficiently drained. Watering with hot water will also adversely affect your plants so be sure to cool it before using it on your orchid plants. When the temperatures outside are very high, it's quite likely that tap water and stored water are hot, also. Like the way you temper a baby's bath water, the water should be just right. Then again, every orchid has its own preference so figure out your own orchid's preference when you water orchids.
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Want to learn more about how to water your orchids? Visit my website at http://www.SecretsofOrchidCare.com for helpful tips and information on buying, growing and caring for many types of orchids.
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