Causes of Root Rot in Orchids and Prevention Part Two: Water Quality Issues Explained

Untreated water or unsuitable water pH OrchidsThe water used must be clean and free of pollution. If unclean water is used, some harmful bacteria or toxins will invade and contaminate the orchid roots, causing serious disease of the root system, stems and leaves, with the roots turning black and rotting and the orchid plant dying.OrchidsThe pH value of the water used must be between 5.5 and 6.5. If the pH value is below 5, it is on the acidic side, which will restrict the orchid roots' absorption of major elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and the orchid plant will lack major nutrients and show yellowing of the leaves. In an acidic environment, soil-borne pathogens such as root rot are most suited to growing and reproducing, harming the root system and accelerating orchid root rot and death; a pH value above 8 is on the alkaline side, and alkaline water and substrate will create obstacles to the absorption of trace elements needed for orchid plant growth, and the orchid roots and plant will gradually wither and die without the nourishment of trace elements. WateringOrchidsThe water must be clean; polluted water and unclean water must not be used. Many orchid books state that stream water and river water are most suitable for orchid growth, but most orchid growers live in cities and are not professional orchid garden operators, so meeting this requirement is very difficult. For watering orchids with tap water, based on many years of practice, the author finds the effect is also very good; if conditions permit, put the tap water in a bucket or basin for a few days to let the chlorine in the water evaporate, which is even better. If using spring water or pond water to water orchids, pay attention to using pH test paper to test the pH value; if the pH value is less than 5, alkaline substances such as lime can be added for adjustment, and if the pH value is greater than 6.5, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, etc. can be used for adjustment. (Yang Shizhang)