Hi Everyone!

[adespo]

Hi Everybody!!

I've been glued to the website all day reading everyones threads. The questions are great and the answers even better. This is the first forum Ive joined in on and I'm really excited. I have twenty three orchids and have read several books on their care but I still have more questions. The first question is how to make orchid leaves look nice and clean. I water with hose water and it leaves a white residue on the leaves that drives me nuts! Ive wiped the leaves with a lemon juice dish soap and water mixture but it isn't doing the job and as soon as I water again the spots are back. Ive also seen something about a spreader sticker but I'm afraid to use it on my babies. Any ideas would be really appriciated. Newbie

[orchid_girl]

Welcome to the forum!! Any questions you have someone will have the answer. Me personally I wipe mine down with a warm damp cloth, but I don't have mine outside. Mine are inside and it is dust that I keep of the leaves.

[jay]

adespo,

Welcome to the forum! I read many threads before joining as well. The members here are really good at making you feel welcome and answering your questions. Hope you enjoy your stay.

As for the residue on your leaves. It is most likely a residue from dissolved solids in your water like calcium, iron, etc. Do you have especially hard water? If you do, you might think about using different water because a build up of salts and too much minerals can cause problems.

jay

p.s. We love to see pictures, and if you have 23 orchids you are bound to have some good pictures to share.

[jerrymeola]

Water spots will always happen as the water evaporates and leaves the slats behind.

You can wipe them with baby oil to extend the time but unless you are bringing them to a show I would not be concerned. It will be a constant battle.

[pikevi]

welcome to the forum adespo.

I think what you have tried is a good mix. I usually don't worry about a sheen on the leaves but neem oil can be used to shine the leaves as well.

There are other products in the market just for that purpose. Just spray and wipe.

Good luck.

[Anton]

adespo could you put your location up on your profile ?

This way if in the future if you have certain questions relating to care, sometimes people in specific regions can help you with local knowledge.

Now, with the leaves, as Jerry said it is an ongoing problem and I only use rainwater on my orchids, and it leaves little or no residue.

I don't really worry about cleaning them unles I am entering them in my orchid club's competitions. When you have 50 plus plants it becomes a real chore.

[morphiii]

I use Pokon leaf shine. Just spray it on and you have brand new shiny leaves.

[adespo]

I was told that if I use a leaf shine that I should dilute it or it will suffacate the plant. If that is true how much should I dilute it? Also when gathering rainwater do you just leave a bucket out to collect and does it matter if it turns green? I was using distilled water by the gallon but the plastic kept turning green so I tossed them.

[Tobi]

I have been using tea to clean the leaves. Seems to get rid of the calcium
deposits.

[tizzycat]

welcome adespo!