Well water vs. rainwater vs. distilled water for orchids - Orchid Board

ElenaMarie · #1 04-17-2012, 11:11 AM

Hi Everyone!

I've found that rainwater doesn't last me nearly as long as I need--my little collection is growing and I don't reuse to prevent disease transmission--and purchasing 3 gallons of distilled water per week is getting kind of ridiculous.

The water in our aquifer was tested a few years ago by the state and I can't find the darn results! I do recall that the water is rather acidic (want to say in the 6 to high 5 range) and we have no problem at all with scale.

Is it safe to use well water on orchids? Can I use it as a last resort when I'm out of rainwater and distilled water?

Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance!

keithrs · #2 04-17-2012, 11:40 AM

Buy yourself a TDS meter and test the water. Depending on what you grow I would say <200 TDS would be ok to use. Its to hard for someone to say that your water is ok to use without test results.

Vanda lover · #3 04-17-2012, 11:55 AM

I used well water that was quite mineral, back when we lived in Ontario, with no problems. Your water sounds ideal for orchids.

ElenaMarie · #4 04-17-2012, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithrs

Buy yourself a TDS meter and test the water. Depending on what you grow I would say <200 TDS would be ok to use. Its to hard for someone to say that your water is ok to use without test results.

Hmmmm, would it be possible to rent one? I don't have a pool or other use for it and based on a quick search I'd get more use out of a light meter for the $35.

I guess it is kind of a stretch to ask without the test results in front of me. Thanks for the heads-up! If I can find one to borrow I'll take the measurement.

ElenaMarie · #5 04-17-2012, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanda lover

I used well water that was quite mineral, back when we lived in Ontario, with no problems. Your water sounds ideal for orchids.

From what I've read it seems that chlorine, flouride and other added chemicals in city water are the big issue items. Are there any other danger items you know of?

I love my well water, it's so much better tasting than the city's water, but that doesn't necessarily translate. I use the well water on all my other plants and have never had a problem. I don't even get the crusty white layer on plants in older soil.

Daethen · #6 04-17-2012, 12:29 PM

I haven't had my well water tested, but I have used it for over a year on mine.

camille1585 · #7 04-17-2012, 01:10 PM

Anywhere you can call to get the results again? Or find it on internet? But seeing as the pH is good and there's no mineral deposits, I think the chances are high that it's good water to use. I would think it's fine to use on the orchids, other than any salt sensitive ones (just in case).
Personally I have always watered with tapwater, no matter the quality. (though it's never been terrible)

Ray · #8 04-17-2012, 01:36 PM

1) The pH of your well water is perfect.

2) You probably don't have an excess of Ca or Mg in that supply, if you have that pH and no mineral buildup.

3) If you can get a clean glass bottle (baby food jar is good), you can send it to me and I'll be happy to test the EC/TDS for you. That offer applies to anyone, by the way.

keithrs · #9 04-17-2012, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElenaMarie

Hmmmm, would it be possible to rent one? I don't have a pool or other use for it and based on a quick search I'd get more use out of a light meter for the $35.

I guess it is kind of a stretch to ask without the test results in front of me. Thanks for the heads-up! If I can find one to borrow I'll take the measurement.

I'm sure a hydro shop would be nice enough to test your water for you.

Vanda lover · #10 04-17-2012, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

1) The pH of your well water is perfect.

2) You probably don't have an excess of Ca or Mg in that supply, if you have that pH and no mineral buildup.

3) If you can get a clean glass bottle (baby food jar is good), you can send it to me and I'll be happy to test the EC/TDS for you. That offer applies to anyone, by the way.

That is very generous of you Ray!
Our tap water seems excellent here. There is almost no chlorine and no mineral build up. It tastes wonderful right from the tap, and The orchids have been happy with it for 3 years now.