Just like all living things, plants rely on water for survival. But before filling up that watering can, take a minute to think about the quality of the water coming out of your spout! Here are a few tips for understanding water quality and how to prevent plant illness and issues stemming from it:
Fluoride is a chemical added to water to prevent tooth decay; however, some indoor plants are sensitive to it. Palms, spider plants and dracaenas are just a sampling of plants that can be adversely impacted by fluoride. Although acceptable and safe for human consumption, the levels of fluoride in tap water are far too much for these plants to handle, resulting in toxicity and strong hindrance of photosynthesis and other processes.
Tap water can also contain salts for softening the water; salt is a nutrient most plants do not like. The amount of sodium that a water softener adds depends on the “hardness” of the water, or how much calcium and magnesium exists in the water. The root systems absorb the sodium and a salt accumulation builds up on the soil, creating a white crust. The absorption of the sodium in the root system creates plant injury, in turn yellowing the leaves and stems.
Levels of pH can also have damaging effects on indoor plants. Water pH is the measure of acidity (sourness) or alkalinity (sweetness). The mineral aluminum can be dissolved at pH levels below 5.0, creating a toxic level for plant growth. To be safe, nutrients are most available to plants at a pH of 5.5 to 7.0 range.
Simply put, using the cleanest water possible, such as rainwater or filtered water, will keep your plants on a healthy growth curve. By using Leafscape for your indoor plant maintenance, you can avoid water issues that could harm your plants. The Green Team at Leafscape makes sure your indoor landscaping stays healthy. It is no surprise our clientele vote us Arkansas Business’ Best of the Best Interior Plant Service year after year!
