WATER BALANCE (HARD): Hardness and Fertilizing

Culture Orchid Doctor

by Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler)

Originally published in The Orchid Doctor in 1980 and 1988

Posted by Sys Admin almost 8 years ago.

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The suggested dilutions on one patented fertilizer container varies according to the hardness of the water. OR81-184
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Water Balance (Hard) Comments
WATER BALANCE (HARD): A Problem or Not? Hard water is not usually a problem, the calcium in it is often helpful to the plant, but if sprayed on leaves the calcium film can reduce light availability. A85-1232 0
WATER BALANCE (HARD): Characteristics It has a concentration of either calcium or magnesium salts; It is considered "hard" with 150ppm. of CaC03, but 300ppm. has been used successfully with plants; keep it off the leaves or it will reduce the available light; has some possible advantages in the potting medium; for a review, antidotes and softeners, refer to AH86-96 0
WATER BALANCE (HARD): Classification Less than 175ppm. is best; 175 to 525 is good; 525-875ppm., use it with caution; over 875ppm. find a new source. AH86-95 0
WATER BALANCE (HARD): High in Iron, Calcium and Carbonates In Indiana, the old answer was "Drink it first" to make it suitable for plants, otherwise put in a de-ionizer or use a fertilizer formula that does not contain those minerals, and the iron should be beneficial. OA80-80 0
WATER BALANCE (HARD): Poor Quality Menace Hard water is a slow and dangerous killer, and sneaky, if derived from a well with 470ppm. of soluble minerals; symptoms, effects on mounted plants, pH of water as a contributing problem; the remedy is to collect rainwater in a cistern; specifications supplied. A82-836 0
WATER BALANCE (HARD): Soluble Salts Content Less than 125ppm. is excellent for use, more than 800ppm. should not be used. Hort. revs. 1983-291 0

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