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water: ro, rain water, misting, watering

15 years ago

I have a 25 gpd RO unit and have recently moved from a 2'x4' orchidarium to a 12'x12' greenhouse. I find I need much more water to raise the humidity. I also found that even with vents, exhaust fan, and shadecloth I need additional cooling in the summer. I have excellent air circulation. I do not now have the ability to collect rain water but might be able to do this in the future. So, I have several questions as follows:

1. If I mist under benches for cooling during summer, should I use RO/rain water or is tap water ok?

2. Can I also use tap water to raise humidity?

3. Can I use RO/rain water interchangeably for watering?

I will be very grateful for answers or any other relevant advice.

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Comments (2)

jane__ny
15 years ago
If your tap water does not contain salt (softened water), use it freely. Why would you be hesitant?

Save your RO/rain water for watering or mix it half & half.

Nothing wrong with most tap water.

Jane
arthurm
15 years ago
This is a very broad question. You might need a lot of humidity for some Genera, for others with a strong wet dry cycle you might need not so much.

I have two glasshouses with no misters but i grow Genera that will survive on lower humidity.

Agree with Jane, there is nothing wrong with most tap water. In fact the tap water here is great. I do water with rainwater but that is only because i want to water my orchids at appropriate times, not when allowed by the continuing water restrictions.

As for reducing the temperatures. Again, that depends on what you are trying to grow. Just looked at the max/min thermometer at head height in my warm glasshouse. Not reset for several months and it says Min 10C/Max 41.5C .

I know a few growers with glasshouses set up with misters and the plants to my eye look too sappy.

It all depends on what is in your collection. Ignore the above if you are trying to simulate tropical montane conditions.

I'm using a complete fertilizer with trace elements to make for the lack of minerals in water from my rainwater tank.
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