Watering your houseplants: What's the best type of water for plants?

Rain Water is the best water you can give your plants

What nutrients can be found in rainwater? 

• Sodium 

• Potassium 

• Magnesium

• Calcium

• Chloride 

• Bicarbonate

• Sulfate Nitrogen (ammonia, nitrate, nitrite).

Grey skies, please don’t clear up: Lightning storms give plants a boost of nitrogen

I always get extra excited when there is a lightning storm with the rain because lightning will turn nitrogen into a form that can carry down to our plants via the rain and give them a boost. ️⚡️

This is especially important because your leaves are amazing at absorbing this nitrogen which goes straight to its tissues. 

Rain water is so amazing for plants and if you ever want to see a huge boost in health/growth, I recommend giving it a try for your indoor green babies.🪴

Collection and Storage:

Rainwater should be collected and stored in a clean, food-grade container to prevent contamination. Ensure the collection system is free from debris and contaminants.

Can seem to collect enough rainwater? Add nutrients to your plants is using our plant products. 

I can't collect rainwater, what should I water my plants with? 

Rainwater availability is dependent on weather conditions. If you live in an arid region or during extended dry periods, you may not have a sufficient supply of rainwater for your plants.

Using tap water

Tap water quality varies by region. In some areas, tap water may be perfectly suitable for most houseplants. In other regions, tap water can contain high levels of minerals (especially calcium and magnesium) or other impurities. Some minerals are beneficial for plants, while others can accumulate in the soil and lead to problems like mineral buildup, also known as "water hardness."

Watch out for these three points when using tap water for watering your houseplants:

1. Chlorine and Chloramines: Many municipal water supplies contain chlorine or chloramines to disinfect the water. These chemicals are generally safe for humans but can be harmful to some sensitive plants. You can remove or neutralize chlorine and chloramines by letting the water sit for 24 hours before using it or by using a water conditioner.

2. Mineral Content: If you have hard water (high mineral content), you may want to consider using a water softener, filtering the water, or using rainwater or distilled water for your plants to prevent mineral buildup in the soil. Some plants, like succulents and cacti, are particularly sensitive to mineral accumulation.

3. pH Level: Some plants prefer slightly acidic or alkaline soil. Depending on your tap water's pH level, it can affect the pH of the soil over time. You can adjust the pH by adding soil amendments or using pH-adjusted water if necessary.

Using Filtered or Distilled Water to Water your Houseplants

Filtered Water
Using filtered water, such as water from a water filter pitcher, can be a good option if your tap water has a high mineral content or you want to remove impurities.

Distilled Water
Distilled water is purified water with most of the minerals and impurities removed. It can be used for sensitive plants, but it lacks the beneficial minerals found in tap water. If you use distilled water exclusively, consider adding a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to ensure your plants get the necessary nutrients.

Can't beat natural

In summary, rainwater is often a great choice for houseplants due to its natural purity, neutral pH, and minimal mineral content. However, it may not always be readily available, and it's essential to handle collection and storage properly to maintain its quality. If rainwater isn't an option, you can use other sources of water, like filtered or conditioned tap water, depending on your plant's specific needs and your local water quality.