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-   -   Leaf Misting (http://www.orchidboard.com/community/advanced-discussion/57445-leaf-misting.html)

orchidsarefun 03-02-2012 09:10 AM

Leaf Misting
 
I have read a lot of different opinions on the above.
I have been a little wary as I don't want to have a fungal or bacterial problem developing. Also, certain orchid species can absorb moisture through their leaves, and I have always thought that having at least 50% humidity would help that.
That said, I mist a mounted Sedirea and also a Brassavola with no ill effects.
Whats everyone's experience with this ? In nature the leaves would periodically be doused so I wonder if I should be misting my orchids in general, even if its 1x per month.

tucker85 03-02-2012 10:20 AM

It depends on what you're trying to achieve. Misting doesn't raise the humidity for long enough to make much of a difference to the plant. Misting or watering mounted orchids is essential of course. But I think they're taking most of the water in through their roots and not the leaves. Misting to clean off the leaves occasionally is fine but I would rather water the leaves more heavily to wash them off. I mist, water loving orchids like phals, but my reason is to allow the medium time to dry out between waterings while assuring the plant has enough water. When I mist, I concentrate on the exposed roots and the surface of the medium close to the plant. I don't mist the leaves although some water gets on them. I only do this when the medium is starting to get dry. If you're going to mist, you should do it in the morning so the plant has time to dry.

keithrs 03-02-2012 12:02 PM

If you can allow the leaves to dry before it gets cold, You will most likely not have problems. Worm(bactrial) teas do seem to help with rotting.... At least for me. Products like kelp, fish, and fulvic acid supplements have there benefits to being applied as foliar sprays.


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