Paul Bouleau inquires about the application of lime water to Paphs. I suspect there is some confusion here between "limestone," which is calcium carbonate and rather insoluble in water, "lime," which is calcium oxide and is converted to "slaked lime," which is calcium hydroxide, by contact with water. Many Paphs grow in limestone rich soil and grow well in potting mixes with added limestone, which is a very mild alkalinizing agent, especially if the water and fertilizer used is on the acidic side. Lime water, a solution of calcium hydroxide, is strongly alkaline, easily reaching pH in the range of 12 or higher, and I question whether any form of life is compatible with this. I would not recommend that OGDers start applying lime water to their Paphs or any other orchids. Bert Pressman
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