What water should I use to water my plants?
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It's the easiest resource to access: you turn on the tap, and the watering can fills up. But is it really good for your plants?
Chlorine, limescale, temperature... Tap water is not always suitable for the delicate needs of your Calatheas or Orchids.
Should you invest in bottled water? Install a rainwater harvesting system? Here's the complete guide to choosing the best drink for your jungle.
1. Tap Water: Friend or Foe?
Let's be clear: drinking water won't kill your plants overnight. It's safe and monitored. But it has two major drawbacks for plants:
- Chlorine: Added to kill bacteria, it can damage fragile roots.
- Limestone (Hardness): Some plants (Orchids, Citrus, Carnivores) hate limestone which alters the pH of the soil.
The 24 Hours Trick (The Secret)
There is a simple and free solution: Let the water sit.
Refill your watering can immediately after watering, and leave it uncovered until the next watering. Most of the chlorine will evaporate naturally within 24 hours!
This is where design matters: choose a beautiful watering can that you will be proud to leave sitting in your living room during this time of rest.
⚠️ Caution: Water softener: NEVER use softened water (from a salt system). Sodium is toxic to plants.
2. Rainwater: The Caviar of Plants
This is the water that nature intended. It is soft, slightly acidic (which plants love) and at room temperature.
This is the ideal water, especially for sensitive plants like Calatheas (which turn brown with tap water) and Orchids.
How do I get it back?
- In a house: Install a collector on your gutter. It's an investment that quickly pays for itself.
- In an apartment: It's more difficult. Put a bucket on the balcony during heavy storms. Otherwise, use filtered water (from a carafe) for your most delicate plants.
3. Temperature: Avoid Thermal Shock
It is often forgotten, but it is a frequent cause of mortality in winter.
If you draw ice-cold tap water (10°C) and pour it over a tropical plant accustomed to 20°C, you will cause thermal shock to the roots. The plant will become stressed and may lose its leaves.
The rule: Always use water at room temperature . Hence the importance, once again, of leaving your watering can full at all times in the room!
And what about misting?
Beware of white residue! If you spray hard water on the foliage, it will leave white deposits when it dries, which will clog the plant's pores.
For your sprayer, always use rainwater, filtered water or demineralized water.
See the Brass Sprayer
Summary
No need to complicate things. For 90% of plants: Tap water left to stand for 24 hours at room temperature is perfect.
For Divas (Orchids, Calatheas): Rainwater or filtered water.
Choosing a nice watering can