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Thirsty Camelia

SidcupLyndySidcupLyndy Posts: 6
in Problem solving

Due to prolonged spell of sunshine and no rain my rainwater butt is completely dry.  I use the contents for my potted camellia.  Is it safe to water it with bottled mineral water as I do not want to use tap water although I have heard you can add vinegar to tap water to reduce its alkalinity but not sure of the ratio.  Can anyone help?

Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    I don't think vinegar removes the lime . I think I'd go for distilled water, if the mineral water comes from a limey area it will be as bad as tap. 


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited July 2018
    I have been watering my potted camellia with hard London tap water and it seems just fine. Healthy leaves, large plant.
  • BigDog AlBigDog Al Posts: 9
    I purposely over water all year round, especially once flowering has finished and I find this produces mass of blooms next season, I use tap water and occasionally feed with Tom feed 🌸
  • Kitty 2Kitty 2 Posts: 5,150
    I think I've read that plants like camelias, azaleas rhododendrons etc. need to be kept well hydrated during the summer months as that's when next years flower buds are formed. Also that tap water is best left to stand for a few hours before using to water plants.

    Awaits getting shot down for spreading urban myths😧
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    "Tap water is best left to stand for a few hours before using to water plants."

    I think that maybe true for some plants but many of use a hose straight from the tap. If adding tap water to pond, it can be good to leave in a bucket overnight to let the chlorine offgas, or use a waterbutt / rainwater.
  • Mark56Mark56 Posts: 1,653
    Camellias will tolerate neutral conditions, i’ve been watering mine with hard southern tap water for months, all fine. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Mark is right - I keep saying this onhere - Camellias [and rhodies/azaleas etc ] do not need acidic soil. They just don't like alkaline soil.
    Plenty of water in late summer is correct, as Kitty said. They are forming their new buds for the following year. It may be harder for people this year than normal to keep them well hydrated. We don't have to worry about tap water up here - our water is very soft, but it's better to water them with tap water, than not be watering at all. A really good bucketful every few days, will keep them on the right track.  A good mulch after a watering will help too. 
    As it's in a pot - make sure it's not in the sun S.Lyndy  - keep it shady.   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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