Is Distilled Water or Filtered Water Good for Plants?
Image description: An arrowhead vine and a pothos n’joy being watered with a metal watering can.
Do you have a preference when it comes to water? Maybe you enjoy a nice cold glass of flavored water, seltzer water, tap water, or bottled water. Whatever it may be, you probably have a favorite that you grab when grocery shopping. But did you know that plants have a preference for water, too? That’s right. If you wouldn’t put your fish in it you probably shouldn’t be giving it to your plants!
We are often asked what kind of water is best for plants, and distilled is frequently mentioned. However, there are plenty of options! Truly, we just want you to choose the kind of water that works best for your lifestyle (and budget) and can help you remember to water your plants.
Best Water for Plants
While it might not be possible to collect rainwater for everyone (if you can, that’s amazing!), we’re here to discuss the pros and cons of different types of water and which water is best for your plants. Check our extremely scientific Wild Interiors Water Score, factoring in plant benefits, ease of use, and environmental friendliness, to rank each type of water.
Distilled Water
Pro: Distilled water is purified through an intense boiling process that condenses the water vapor. This removes contaminants that could harm your plants, making it a great option to water them with.
Con: While those contaminants are removed, some minerals that could be beneficial to your plants are also removed. If you only use distilled water to water, there could be nutrients missing that your plant needs. Distilled water can also be costly, since it does need to be purchased at the store.
Wild Interiors Water Score: 3/5
Tap Water
Pro: Tap water has added minerals in it, so you can worry less about fertilizing your plants. However, different waters have different minerals and chemicals, and you may want to test to make sure it’s what your plants need before immediately pouring it onto your plant.
Con: Tap water often has additive chlorine in it which can be very harmful to your plants. Cities also have differing water qualities and some can be very low quality. If you use tap water, you may notice that your plants are not growing as tall and strong to the best of their abilities.
To reduce the risk of harmful chemicals in your water, allow your tap water to sit out for at least 24 hours before using it to water your plants. This allows the chlorine to dissipate.
Wild Interiors Water Score: 3/5
Filtered Water
Pro: Using a charcoal filter (like faucet-applied filters, filter pitchers, and fridge filters) can remove harmful additives such as chlorine from the water.
Con: These can add an extra cost, and it isn’t necessary as long as you let tap water’s chlorine dissipate up to 24 hours.
If you’ve already got a filter installed, go for it!
Wild Interiors Water Score: 3.5/5
Softened Water
This type of water is softened with added sodium carbonate, so you may be unsure if soft water is safe for your plants. The extra salt content cannot be handled by most plants and can throw off their water balance by tricking them into thinking they have taken in more water than they have.
Basically, it’s best to keep your plants away from softened water.
Wild Interiors Water Score: 1/5
Rain Water
There is a good reason why this is by far the best water source for your plants, as this is what they would receive in their natural habitat. We collect rainwater to use in our facilities in large retention ponds. The average amount of rainwater in our ponds at any given time is about 28 million gallons!
Pro: It is natural, clean, and easy to source. It also has good minerals that aid in plant growth. You can collect rainwater in retention barrels or just in buckets. Not to mention- it’s free!
Con: Some cities have ordinances against collecting rainwater, so it is best to do your research on your local regulations.
Wild Interiors Water Score: 4.5/5
Bottled Water
Pro: Bottled water can be a great alternative to tap water, if the local water is not safe for plants. If bottled water is the easiest option for you, try to use bottled spring water as it contains natural minerals that help plants grow.
Con: This method can get very costly over time, and it is not very eco-friendly.
Wild Interiors Water Score: 1.5/5
Aquarium Water
If you have fish, using the water from the fish tank when you clean it out can be amazing for your plants! Dirty fish tank water has many of the same nutrients as fertilizers such as potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, and beneficial bacteria.
Pro: Fish tank water provides fertilizer, and it has already been purified of chlorine.
Con: There really are no cons for this method. It is an excellent way to reuse your fish tank water if you have fish!
Wild Interiors Water Score: 5/5
Overall, the healthiest water for your plant babies includes rainwater, aquarium water, and spring water. All of these water sources include natural elements that aid in plant health and growth. Your plants will thank you for a nice clean drink! What kind of water do you use to water your plants?