It’s pretty safe to say that most people understand that plants need water to survive. But water quality varies widely and can affect the health of houseplants. While tap water is usually fine for most houseplants, it depends on the plant and the quality. The quality of tap water varies, and some plants may be sensitive to minerals and chemicals in tap water. To inform indoor plant owners about which houseplants don’t like tap water, Fiona Jenkins at myjobquote.co.uk, lists her top six.
1. Dracaena Plants
The expert said: “You should never pollute your dracaena with tap water for the right reason. Contaminants in tap water harm dracaenas. In particular, fluoride and chloramine.
“Dracaena plants can react adversely to tap water as they are sensitive to fluoride and salts. Yellow spots and brown tips on leaves are signs that your dracaena plant is unhappy with the water you’re giving it.
“Brown leaf spot or brown leaf tip is one of the most frequent issues that can develop when you water your plants with tap water.”
Instead, the expert recommended using purified water, distilled water or rainwater because these three types of water would make dracaenas the “healthiest.”
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2. Spider Plants
For good reason, one of the most popular indoor plants is the spider plant. They are generally easy to maintain, can thrive in a variety of environments, and produce many attractive baby plants.
Clean water is essential for spider plants to thrive. However, Fiona warns: “Due to the dangerous chemicals in tap water that can discolor plant leaves, you shouldn’t use them to hydrate.
“Sensitive to fluoride, which is often present in tap water, are spider plants. Fluoride should be avoided if possible as it can cause brown spots on the leaves of spider plants.
To avoid chlorine, fluoride and other contaminants present in tap water, the expert said: “You should use distilled or rain water.” Water the plant once or twice a week throughout the summer and allow the soil to dry out between applications.
3. Tea Plants
Ti plants are tropical houseplants that lend vibrant foliage and lucky charm to homes and offices. While these plants are fairly simple to care for, “giving them the right type and amount of water is important” to ensure their success.
Fiona warns: “Fluoride and other substances in tap water can cause sensitivities in plants. These chemicals can damage plant leaves, causing them to turn brown and discolored. That’s why they need to be exposed to plenty of sunlight.” It is better to give and irrigate them with rainwater or distilled water.
Then, to give the plants rest, draw the curtains during the afternoon sun in extremely sunny weather.
When the first inch of soil is dry to the touch, irrigate the plant with rainwater or filtered water. Water thoroughly until moisture escapes through the drainage holes in the pot. To keep the plant well hydrated, water it on average once a week.
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4. Calathea Plants
According to Pro, despite how much Calatheas are adored, they don’t enjoy tap water. Fiona said: “It can even be harmful to them. Calatheas are extremely sensitive to strong chemicals, including tap water. Therefore, an excess of these substances can damage the delicate leaves of this plant.”
Calathea plants may start to turn brown around the edges because they prefer to drink filtered or chlorinated water, not tap water. Instead of spending money on bottled water for Calathea, owners may prefer leaving the water out overnight, allowing the chlorine and other chemicals to dissipate completely, the expert advised.
He adds: “Never use tap water to water plants because the chlorine burns the leaves and turns the tips brown. Instead, use distilled, cool or boiling water as a substitute.” .
5. Prayer Plants
Prayer plants require potting soil that is regularly moist but not saturated or soggy. Be sure to have a suitable pot and soil supply, and check the soil periodically so they don’t dry out between waterings.
According to the expert, prayer plants will “fight a lot” if given tap water, as they prefer distilled water. Additionally, they react negatively to chlorine, chloramine, and other common pollutants in tap water.
Instead, water the area when the top inch of soil feels dry and the layer beneath it feels slightly moist. Then, to allow chlorine and other contaminants to dissipate, Fiona instructs to use lukewarm, distilled water or leave tap water out overnight to use on them.
6. Carnivorous Plants
Fiona claimed, “There is no doubt that you should not use tap water to water carnivorous plants”. In general, caution is advised when watering carnivorous plants as they require a bit more gentle care as they are less durable than other plant species.
The expert said: “You can ensure your carnivores stay healthy and happy by avoiding tap water. Instead, use reverse osmosis, dehumidified, distilled or deionized water to water your carnivorous plants. Carnivorous Plants For, unsuitable soil can be quite harmful.”