Using stained rainwater - Orchid Board

Learner · #1 06-04-2009, 09:57 AM

I have been using rainwater since January and my orchids seem to be thriving. The water is collected from roof run-off with the ususal gutter system. With the Spring growth, the oak tree catkins collected on the roof and the rain run-off was stained a dark color...probably tannins....and there was a lot of very find debris that settled to the bottom of the barrel.

I have been using this water, but I don't know if I am doing short term or long term damage to the plants. I know that the pH is about 6.5.

Does anyone have similar experience or opinions if this is a good, bad or neutral thing to do. I would rather not go back to tap water because of the solids and I don't think I need an R/O system for the 5 or 6 gallons per week that I use.

Any suggestions?

Des · #2 06-04-2009, 12:52 PM

I use a syphon to remove the leaves and other debris that wash into my rainwater tanks it vacuums (hoovers) the bottom of the tank very effectively and is a bigger version of the syphon used to vacuum fish waste off the bottom of an aquarium . I usually do this just after a good rain so that the debris does not have a chance to contaminate the rainwater. I also use a small aquarium net to remove anything that floats.

Royal · #3 06-04-2009, 02:19 PM

Great question. I've wondered the same thing about pine pollen. I really have no idea, but I'd guess that there is little risk of damage over the short term. Long-term isn't an issue since the oaks should be out of flower soon.

You could always switch back to tap water while the oaks are flowering, or just cut the stained water with tap 50/50 to hedge your bets. Just a few random ideas.

Learner · #4 06-04-2009, 03:42 PM

Good suggestions. Thank you. I hadn't thought of dilution but it certainly makes sense. I think that next year I will simply keep my barrel full during the winter and then draw it down during the pine pollen and oak seasons.

I'm still curious about any effects on the orchids. Hmmmm.

Gin · #5 06-04-2009, 04:47 PM

I have the same thing with the oaks I have used it for a long time no ill effects that I can tell . Gin

Des · #6 06-04-2009, 06:10 PM

You can also purchase a gadget that diverts the first 20 liters or so from your roof to waste.I first saw these at Bunnings in Australia . Unfortunately they are not available in SA,so I am planning to make my mine soon .

Royal · #7 06-04-2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Des

You can also purchase a gadget that diverts the first 20 liters or so from your roof to waste.I first saw these at Bunnings in Australia . Unfortunately they are not available in SA,so I am planning to make my mine soon .

This is an Excellent idea! I've heard of these too. My rain barrel project is still just a few empty barrels sitting behind my shed. I guess I need to get to work.