Quale acqua usare per annaffiare le piante?
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It's the most readily available option: turn on the tap and your 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 collection system? Here's the complete guide to choosing the best drink for your jungle.
1. Tap Water: Friend or Foe?
Let's be clear: tap water won't kill your plants overnight. It is safe to drink and its quality is monitored. But it has two major drawbacks for plants:
- Chlorine: Added to kill bacteria, it can damage fragile roots.
- Limescale (water hardness): Some plants (orchids, citrus plants and carnivorous plants) dislike limescale, which changes the soil's pH.
The 24-hour trick (the secret)
There is a simple and free solution: Leave the water to stand.
Fill your watering can right after watering, and let it sit in the open air until the next watering. In 24 hours, most of the chlorine naturally evaporates!
This is where design matters: choose a beautiful watering can that you will be proud to display in your living room while the water stands.
⚠️ A warning about water softeners: NEVER use water softened by a salt-based system. Sodium is toxic to plants.
2. Rainwater: the finest choice for plants
This is the water nature intended. It is soft, slightly acidic (which plants love), and at room temperature.
This is the ideal water, especially for sensitive plants such as calatheas (which develop brown leaves with tap water) and orchids.
How can you collect it?
- In a house: Fit a rainwater diverter to your guttering. It's an investment that quickly pays for itself.
- In a flat: It's harder. Put a bucket on the balcony during heavy thunderstorms. Alternatively, use water from a filter jug for your most delicate plants.
3. Temperature: Avoid Thermal Shock
Water temperature is often overlooked, but it is a common cause of plant death in winter.
If you draw ice-cold water from the tap (10°C) and pour it on a tropical plant accustomed to 20°C, you cause thermal shock to the roots. The plant becomes stressed and may lose its leaves.
The rule: Always use water at room temperature. Another good reason to keep a filled watering can in the room!
What about misting?
Beware of white marks! If you spray hard water on the foliage, it will leave white deposits when drying, which clog the plant's pores.
For your plant mister, always use rainwater, filtered water, or demineralized water.
View the Brass Mister
In summary
No need to complicate things. For 90% of plants: Tap water left to rest for 24 hours at room temperature is perfect.
For the divas (orchids and calatheas): rainwater or filtered water.
Choose a Beautiful Watering Can