Why Water Type Matters With Plants

Knowing your water types isn't just important for horoscope compatibility. Water is an essential part of plant care for obvious reasons, but the type that you use can seriously affect your plant's health over time. 💧

Water Temperature

Those ice cube hacks you see on TikTok can actually be pretty harmful. Most houseplants come from warm climates. Ice cold water can actually shock and freeze the roots very easily. On the flip side, using hot or boiling water will turn your plant's soil into root stew, and not the vegetable kind. Don't cook your plants, people. Always use lukewarm or room temperature water. 

Tap Water

Depending on your zip code, regular tap water is typically okay to use, but we always recommend leaving it uncovered to settle for at least 24-48 hours before use. In most places, tap water contains harmful chemicals that can lead to leaf tip burn, especially on more fragile plants like alocasias and calatheas. 

Filtered Water

Despite popular belief, filtered water is not a fix for the harmful chemicals in tap water that will burn your plants. Sure, it takes chlorine out of the equation, but fluoride and other trace contaminants are still present. You can still use filtered water–just allow it to sit uncovered like you would with regular tap water.

Boiled Water

Boiled water actually increases levels of fluoride, so we recommend avoiding this altogether. The only time you should consider using boiled water is when crafting DIY plant foods.

Distilled Water

Distilled water is good for your plants because all harmful chemicals will be completely removed from the water, but it's not so great for our planet (or your wallet). This water is purified to the point that all contaminants and minerals are depleted, so there’s really nothing in there to harm your plants. Sounds like the way to go until you realize how much plastic is used in the production of the water containers. We won't judge you if you take this route, but we do ask that you reconsider for the sake of a healthier earth. 🌎 

Really want to try this water type? Invest in a water distiller to cut back on unnecessary waste.

Rainwater

If you live in a rainy area, collecting water may be worth considering. In fact, it's probably the healthiest option out there. Rainwater contains higher levels of oxygen than other water types, which significantly reduces the risk of root rot. If that wasn't enough, it's also jam-packed with nitrates, which is an important nutrient source for plant growth. The best part? It's easy and free. Just put your watering can or some tupperware out on the fire escape or in the yard on a rainy day, and save it for your next watering cycle. 

Using the right kind of water is crucial to keeping a healthy jungle in your home. It's true that some plants are more tolerant than others when it comes to water type, but we believe in playing it safe to minimize plant death and the resulting heartbreak and regret. Let us know what water works for you and your plants. 💦