How Filtered Water Helps Indoor Plants Thrive

When we think of plants, we think of how many shapes, sizes, and environments they come in. Indoor plants can be as tall as a tree or as small as a succulent and with their variety of sizes comes a variety of needs like sunlight, water, fertilizer, and more.

One of the essential elements your plants need is water, and they depend on you to provide it at the right times and in the right quantity. Not only that, but the type of water you use to care for your plants can make or break their ability to grow and thrive. In this article, we’ll talk about plant care basics, discuss whether filtered or tap water is better for plant health, and offer a DIY plant spray recipe to help keep bugs at bay and promote growth.

Plant care basics

Whether you’re new or a seasoned plant owner, the learning curve for plant care can be steep. Fortunately, all plants–from a cactus to a tree–can benefit from these tried-and-true practices to keep them healthy and well.

• Water your plants wisely. Research your plants’ water needs and ensure they’re getting water that’s free of excess minerals like fluoride or sodium to keep them healthy (more on that later and how a 5-stage filtration device can help).

• Be mindful of lighting. While some plants do well in low light, others require full sun to thrive. Double-check which direction your windows face and position plants accordingly to ensure their light needs are met.

• Think about humidity levels. Some plants do well in drier conditions while others prefer more tropical and humid environments. Be sure to choose plants that fit your home’s humidity levels.

• Keep temperatures stable. Not all plants can tolerate a sudden rise or drop in temperature. Keep your plants at a stable room temperature to ensure they can thrive in your home.

• Don’t forget to fertilize. Everytime you water your plants (hopefully with a ZeroWater 5-stage filtration device), they lose minerals in the process. Keeping fertilizer on hand that replenishes nutrients and promotes growth ensures your plants can replenish what’s been lost (check out the plant growth recipe at the end of this blog!).

Which water is better for plants: filtered or tap?

It might be hard to believe, but plants are just as sensitive to water quality as humans. High levels of salt, minerals, and metals (also known as total dissolved solids) have an effect on plant growth and development.

In fact, tap water can contain several chemicals that are harmful to your plants. Fluoride, sodium, and lead are just a few. In fact, one study found too much fluoride in tap water can build up in plant fibers and inhibit photosynthesis, causing once vibrant green leaves to turn yellow and droopy. This isn’t coincidental. Fluoride is a common element in many U.S. municipal taps and although it’s not harmful to human health, it can be toxic to plants.

In the same vein, large amounts of sodium can also be toxic to plants. Sodium is added to municipal taps to help soften hard water. But when it comes to plant care, it can cause major damage to their growth and development.

That’s why we always recommend using filtered water with houseplants. Our 5-stage filters remove elements like fluoride and sodium. You’ll probably notice a huge difference in your plant’s health after switching to filtered water.

Conclusion

Plant care can be easy when you’re mindful of the water you use and the conditions you keep your plants in. Choosing filtered water can help remove the excess minerals that are toxic to your plant’s health like fluoride and sodium. Our 5-stage filters are a wonderful choice for your plant’s water needs. They are the only filter certified by the NSF to reduce lead, chromium, and PFO/PFOAs in water. One filter is enough to make 300 cups of purer-tasting water for your plants and the entire family. Give your plants water that they’ll grow to love with a ZeroWater 5-stage filter.