Harvesting rain water ideas

TheNorthStar

I should probably add that we base what we’re doing on results, not just advice. I’m always happy to try different things, but if something works in practice, I stick with it.

It was the same with the scale inhibitor we fitted I was incredibly sceptical at first (it sounded far too much like voodoo to me), but it’s been in place for many years now and the results speak for themselves. Before, we were replacing taps, showerheads, and washing machine heaters every couple of years because of limescale, but since fitting it we’ve had no build up. It’s tried, tested, and working here, so I can’t argue with that.

That’s the same approach I’ve taken with watering the plants. I know boiling isn’t usual advice, but in our case the orchids have thrived on it, so I’m happy to carry on until I get a good small rainwater setup in place, I was just looking for idea on how to catch the water

twopenny

Are they specialist orchids? The uncommon ones?

As you've established a really good way of dealing with your house water why not use it? But if boiling makes a difference can you not store the remains of a kettle when boiled, cooking water etc.
Otherwise a small waterbutt and use a muslin cloth in a small sieve or some elastic in it over the tap to ensure it clean of debris.
I doubt there's a rain water catcher or filter for it.

It may be an idea to ask on a specialist orchid forum where people are dealing with a variety of orchids and will have specialist experience.
There looks to be a good choice each with particular interests 

I only have experience of the orchids common in supermarkets. I personally dunk the pots in my jug of saved water adding a little baby bio sometimes. The dunking removes air bubbles in the compost.
Mine, small and huge, have been flowering regularly for years. They are 'rested' in a tray by the patio doors where they get plenty of light and semi shade when flowering.
I knew someone successful who swore by a little tea on them now and then.

TheNorthStar

It's more of my partner's passion who is always on the orchid forums. I'm just trying to do my own research before offering a solution to boiling water. 

Sapindus

QrizB said:

Boiling does very little to remove calcium or other minerals. Are you n a hard water area?

Where did you get this poor advice?

I'd argue boiling water does remove some calcium by sticking it to the inside of the kettle instead! 

Farway

Sapindus said:

QrizB said:

Boiling does very little to remove calcium or other minerals. Are you n a hard water area?

Where did you get this poor advice?

I'd argue boiling water does remove some calcium by sticking it to the inside of the kettle instead! 

It certainly sticks to mine.