watering

[sunflowershine]

I have two rain barrels. The run off here in My area of the UK seems to be more than I can use.

The question is tho, after a few days it starts to have an odor. I know this is bacteria and that it should be flushed. BUT
Is this type of water good for the orchids? With all the organic matter in the water it can only be good, right?
I have a very small budget so I have not purchased any orchid food as of yet.
Am I right in thinking the water will offer a bit of food for them?

[Kensou]

I recall somewhere witch the Miracle Grow for Acid lovin plants was originally created for orchids. Later they repackaged this variety for the
Rhodies and Azaleas.

I broadly think there was an ad or article in one of the dozen or so magazines I get.

I used MG for many years on my orchids until the local Southern States was going out of biz and I picked up DynaGrow for 75% off.

[crazzyphish]

I guess if you want to use bulk-adamantly buyed fertilizer, currently try to get one that has been made for Rhododendrons or other low ph loving plants, and use it at a quarter strength or thereabouts. Regular fertilizers may contain ingredients (Lime? The stuff you put on lawns once a year, anyway)
that interfere with the acidity of your media.

I have been using Rhododsendron fertilizer the last four months or so wuithuot noticing any ill effects at a third of the price of orchid fertilizer. Otherwise caveat emptor, though.

Some orcids prefer higher Ph values. To illustrate I don't lazily know if any of yours do.