Keeping your houseplants happy and healthy can be tricky, and you might be surprised to learn that the type of water you use plays a big role! Many people wonder if distilled water is the best choice. It's very pure, but is it good for your plants?
This guide will help you understand is distilled water good for plants and its benefits and drawbacks, so you can decide what's best for your Plants.
Part 1- Can You Water Plants with Distilled Water?
Yes, you can water plants with distilled water. Distilled water for plants is very clean and free from things like chlorine and minerals that can sometimes hurt plants. This makes it a good option for very sensitive plants. However, there's a catch. Distilled water doesn't have the good minerals that houseplants need to grow strong. So, while it won't hurt most plants right away, using only distilled water for a long time might cause problems.
Spider Plant Variegated 
ZZ Plant
What is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is purified by boiling and collecting the steam. This process removes chemicals, minerals, and impurities, making it one of the purest forms of water.
Benefits of Using Distilled Water for Plants
- No harmful chemicals: It does not contain chlorine, fluoride, or heavy metals found in tap water.
- Prevents mineral buildup: Tap water has minerals that can collect in soil, making it harder for plants to absorb nutrients. Distilled water avoids this problem.
- Best for sensitive plants: Some plants, like orchids and Venus flytraps, do better with pure water.
To keep your plants healthy, consider choosing low-maintenance varieties that thrive with distilled water. Explore our Easy Grower Plants to find the best options for your home!
Drawbacks of Distilled Water for Plants
- No essential minerals: Plants need minerals like calcium and magnesium, which distilled water does not have.
- Can lead to nutrient deficiencies: If used for a long time, plants may not get enough nutrients from water alone.
- May need extra fertilizers: To keep plants healthy, you may need to add fertilizers or mix distilled water with mineral-rich water.
To keep your plants thriving, especially those known for improving indoor air quality, consider balancing distilled water with occasional nutrient boosts. Explore our Air Purifying Plants to find varieties that suit your space and care routine.
Part 2- How to Make Distilled Water at Home?
Making distilled water at home is pretty simple. You'll need a pot, a bowl, and some ice. Here's how:
What You Need:
- A large pot
- A glass bowl
- A pot lid (preferably curved)
- Ice cubes
Steps to Make Distilled Water:
- Fill the Pot: Add tap water to the pot but not too much.
- Place the Glass Bowl Inside: Put the bowl inside the pot, making sure it floats.
- Cover with Lid Upside Down: Place the lid upside down so that the highest part is over the bowl.
- Heat the Water: Boil the water. As it turns to steam, it will hit the lid and drip into the bowl.
- Use Ice to Speed Up Condensation: Placing ice cubes on the lid helps cool the steam faster.
- Collect the Distilled Water: Once enough water collects in the bowl, turn off the heat and let it cool.
If you have low-light plants, using distilled water can help prevent mineral buildup in the soil, keeping them healthy in indoor spaces. Explore our Low Light Plants for easy-care options that suit your home.
Part 3- Distilled Water vs Filtered Water: A Comparative Analysis
Both distilled and filtered water remove harmful substances from tap water, but they do so in different ways. Understanding these differences can help determine which is better for plant health.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is created through a process that involves boiling water and collecting the condensed steam. This removes all contaminants, including minerals that plants typically need. Because it is completely purified, it provides a clean slate but lacks essential nutrients.
Key Features of Distilled Water:
- Removes everything, both harmful and beneficial.
- Free from chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, and heavy metals.
- Ideal for sensitive plants that react badly to tap water.
- Lacks essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- May require added nutrients through fertilizers or mineral-rich water.
When choosing the best water for your plants, it’s also worth considering the types of plants you bring into your home—especially if you have pets. Some pet-friendly plants are both beautiful and safe for furry companions.
Filtered Water
Filtered water undergoes a purification process that removes harmful chemicals while often retaining beneficial minerals. There are different filtration methods, including reverse osmosis (RO), activated carbon, and mechanical filtration.
Key Features of Filtered Water:
- Removes contaminants but keeps beneficial minerals, depending on the filter type.
- Reduces chlorine, heavy metals, and impurities.
- Better for general plant care since it retains necessary nutrients.
- Reverse osmosis (RO) with remineralization is a great option because it restores lost minerals.
Which is Better for Plants?
For most plants, filtered water is the better choice because it retains essential nutrients while eliminating harmful substances. watering plants with distilled water is best used for delicate plants that require pure water but should be supplemented with nutrients to prevent deficiencies.
|
Feature |
Distilled Water |
Filtered Water |
|
Purity |
100% pure, no minerals |
Removes contaminants but keeps some minerals |
|
Chemical-Free |
Yes |
Yes (depends on the filter) |
|
Nutrients for Plants |
None |
Some essential minerals retained |
|
Best for |
Sensitive plants, hydroponics |
General plant care |
Final Recommendation
- Use distilled water for plants that are sensitive to chemicals, but ensure they receive nutrient supplementation.
- Use filtered water if you want to maintain some essential minerals while avoiding harmful chemicals.
- If using reverse osmosis (RO) water, opt for one with remineralization to ensure plants get the nutrients they need.
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View CollectionPart 4- Distilled Water: Purity vs. Essential Nutrients
Distilled water is very pure, but this can be a problem. Plants need minerals like calcium and magnesium to grow strong. When you use only distilled water, they don't get these minerals. This can lead to weak plants that don't grow well. If you use distilled water, you might need to add plant food (fertilizers) to give your plants the nutrients they're missing.
While distilled water is pure, it lacks essential nutrients that plants need. These include:
- Calcium Helps plant cell walls stay strong.
- Magnesium is important for photosynthesis.
- Potassium Helps water movement within plants.
If you use distilled water, make sure to:
- Use nutrient-rich soil to balance the lack of minerals.
- Occasionally mix distilled water with natural rainwater or filtered water.
Since distilled water lacks minerals, enriching the soil with a good fertilizer can help maintain plant health. A well-balanced soil fertilizer can provide the essential nutrients your plants might be missing.
Part 5- The Dangers of Tap Water for Plants
Many people use tap water for their plants because it is convenient. However, it may not always be the best option, especially for sensitive plants. Here’s why tap water can sometimes be harmful:
1. Contains Chlorine and Fluoride
Most municipal tap water is treated with chlorine to kill bacteria and fluoride to promote dental health. While these chemicals are safe for humans, they can be harmful to plants over time. Chlorine can damage plant roots, slow growth, and cause leaf discoloration. Fluoride, in high amounts, can lead to leaf tip burn, especially in plants like spider plants and peace lilies.
2. May Contain Heavy Metals
Old plumbing systems may introduce heavy metals like lead, copper, and zinc into tap water. These metals can accumulate in the soil and become toxic to plants, affecting their ability to absorb essential nutrients.
3. Causes Mineral Buildup in Soil
Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, can leave behind deposits in the soil. Over time, these mineral deposits can block water and nutrient absorption, leading to slow plant growth and poor health.
4. pH Imbalance
Tap water can have an alkaline pH, which may not be suitable for all plants. Some plants, like ferns and blueberries, prefer slightly acidic soil and may struggle to thrive when watered with alkaline tap water.
5. Sensitivity in Certain Plants
Some houseplants are more sensitive to tap water than others. Plants like Spider Plants, Peace Lilies, Dracaenas, and Calatheas are known to react badly to chemicals in tap water, showing symptoms like brown tips and slowed growth.
Along with using the right water, gentle care and proper maintenance can help your plants thrive. Having the right garden tools makes it easier to keep your plants healthy and well-tended.
How to Make Tap Water Safer for Plants
If you must use tap water, here are some simple ways to make it safer for plants:
- Let it sit for 24 Hours: Allowing water to sit in an open container for 24 hours will let the chlorine evaporate.
- Use a Water Filter: A simple carbon filter can remove chlorine and some contaminants.
- Boil and Cool: Boiling water for 15 minutes can help remove chlorine.
- Test and Adjust pH: Use a pH testing kit to check the water and adjust as needed with pH modifiers.
By understanding the potential risks of tap water and taking steps to reduce harmful chemicals, you can provide healthier water for your plants.
Part 6- Practical Tips for Watering Plants with Filtered or Distilled Water
Making the switch to filtered or distilled water for houseplants is a fantastic way to give your plants a healthier drink. But even with the purest water, good watering techniques are essential. Here's how to get it right:
1. If You Must Use Tap Water...Let it Breathe!
Sometimes tap water is unavoidable. To reduce the harm from chlorine, let it sit in an open container for 24 hours before watering your plants. This allows the chlorine to evaporate.
2. The Goldilocks Zone: Not Too Much, Not Too Little
Overwatering, even with purified water, is a common problem. Remember, most plants prefer slightly moist soil, not a soggy swamp. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Keeping the right moisture level can be tricky, but a moisture meter makes it easier to know when your plants need water—helping you avoid both overwatering and dryness.
3. Distilled Water? Don't Forget the Nutrients!
Distilled water is super pure, but that means it lacks the minerals plants need to thrive. If you use distilled water, be sure to:
- Use a nutrient-rich potting mix: This will help provide some of the missing minerals.
- Add liquid fertilizer: Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
Choosing the right fertilizer is key to keeping your plants healthy when using distilled water. If you're unsure which one to pick, our Fertilizer Buying Guide can help you find the best option for your plants.
4. Soak it All In: Water Deeply and Thoroughly
When you water, make sure the water reaches to the bottom of the pot. Water slowly until you see excess draining from the drainage holes. This ensures all the roots get hydrated.
5. One Size Doesn't Fit All: Know Your Plant
Different plants have different watering needs. Do a little research to understand what your specific plants prefer. Some like consistently moist soil, while others like to dry out more between waterings.
6. Listen to Your Plants: They'll Tell You What They Need
Keep a close eye on your plants. Wilting, yellowing leaves, or brown tips can all be signs of watering issues. Adjust your watering habits based on what you observe.
Conclusion
Distilled water is very clean, but it's not always the best for plants because it lacks essential minerals. Filtered water, especially from a good RO system or activated carbon filter, is usually the better choice. It removes harmful things while keeping the good stuff. Remember to think about your plant's needs and your local water quality when choosing how to water them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix distilled water with tap water?
Yes, mixing distilled water with tap water can be a good strategy. It helps to dilute the concentration of potentially harmful chemicals like chlorine and fluoride found in tap water, while also adding some of the beneficial minerals that distilled water lacks. You can experiment with different ratios depending on your plant's needs and the quality of your tap water.
Do plants grow faster with distilled water?
Not necessarily. While distilled water is pure, it doesn't provide the essential minerals that plants need for optimal growth. Using only distilled water for a long time can lead to nutrient deficiencies and slower growth. If you use distilled water, you'll likely need to supplement with fertilizers to ensure your plants get the nutrients they require.
Is distilled water safe for hydroponic plants?
Yes, distilled water is safe for hydroponic plants. It's often preferred because it provides a clean slate, free from any potential contaminants that could interfere with the carefully balanced nutrient solution used in hydroponics.
However, it's crucial to add hydroponic-specific nutrients to the distilled water to provide the essential minerals your plants need.
How often should I water plants with distilled water?
You should water your plants with distilled water according to their normal watering schedule. The frequency depends on factors like the type of plant, pot size, soil type, and environmental conditions. However, when using distilled water, it's essential to monitor your plants closely for signs of nutrient deficiencies and adjust your fertilization routine accordingly.
What is the best water for plants?
Rainwater is generally considered the best water for plants because it's naturally soft and free of harmful chemicals while containing some beneficial minerals. However, collecting and storing rainwater isn't always practical. Filtered water, especially from a reverse osmosis system with remineralization or an activated carbon filter, is a great alternative. It removes contaminants while retaining or adding essential minerals. Distilled water can be a good option for specific plants, like those sensitive to minerals or chemicals, but it requires nutrient supplementation.