How Does Rice Vinegar Neutralize Water Quality? A Discussion of Usage Methods

For orchid growers in the north, water quality isorchid plantsa major issue determining whether they can be grown well. I do not know much about the water quality in the Northeast, but in the Northwest the water is generally alkaline and contains a lot of calcium. In the past, some northern orchid growers used rice vinegar to neutralize water quality, and I tried this method for several years too, but over the past two years I have gradually discovered its drawbacks - the soil tends to become compacted, affecting aeration. The reason is that the acetic acid in rice vinegar forms calcium acetate with the calcium in the water, and calcium acetate is what causes the potting soil to become compacted after long-term use. If granular potting medium is used, the effect seems to be slightly better, with only a layer of white powdery substance on the surface of the potting soil. But as calcium acetate accumulates, the potting medium must be replaced every one to two years. If mountain soil or similar potting medium is used, the compaction is especially obvious. Not long ago I consulted colleagues in a hospital laboratory department, and they proposed two solutions: one is to water the flowers with purified water, which can reach the required pH and is pollution-free; the other is to neutralize tap water with low-concentration hydrochloric acid, which can avoid the calcium acetate problem. Watering flowers with purified water is fine for two or three pots, but for several dozen pots or more the cost is too high. I am still testing neutralization with hydrochloric acid. Of course, the best option is rainwater, but the Northwest has little rain, so this method is hard to sustain. I am posting this now to offer a modest spur to induce valuable opinions, hoping that northern orchid growers can discuss togetherorchidsthe water used for them. (Tang Liang)