What Happens When You Water Plants with Distilled Water

Distilled water is a type of pure water that contains no minerals, salts, or other impurities. Because of its purity, you might think that using distilled water would be beneficial for watering your plants. However, while distilled water has its advantages, it can also have some unexpected effects on your plants.

Distilled Water and pH Levels

One potential issue with using distilled water to water your plants is that it can cause the pH levels in your soil to become more acidic. This is because the lack of minerals in distilled water means that it has a neutral pH of 7.0. When this water is introduced to soil that contains minerals, it can leach those minerals out of the soil and lower the pH level of the soil, making it more acidic. If your plants require a certain pH level, this could be a problem.

Distilled Water and Nutrient Absorption

Another issue with using distilled water is that it can make it more difficult for your plants to absorb the nutrients they need to grow. This is because some of the minerals that plants need to grow, such as calcium and magnesium, are found in the soil, and are often made available to plants through the use of fertilizers. When you water your plants with distilled water, it can reduce the levels of these minerals in the soil, making it more difficult for your plants to absorb them.

Distilled Water and Plant Health

Despite these issues, however, there are also some potential benefits to using distilled water for your plants. For one thing, distilled water is free of any contaminants, such as chlorine or fluoride, that might be present in tap water. Additionally, if you live in an area with hard water, which contains high levels of dissolved minerals, using distilled water could make it easier for your plants to absorb the nutrients they need.

Another potential benefit of using distilled water is that it can reduce the risk of root rot in your plants. This is because distilled water contains no minerals or other contaminants that could build up in the soil and cause it to become stagnant. When soil becomes stagnant, it can prevent oxygen from reaching the roots of your plants, which can eventually lead to root rot. By using distilled water, you can keep the soil from becoming stagnant and reduce the risk of root rot.

Conclusion

So what happens when you water plants with distilled water? The answer is that it depends on a number of factors. While distilled water can help to reduce the risk of contaminants and root rot in your plants, it can also make it more difficult for your plants to absorb the nutrients they need to grow. Additionally, it can lower the pH levels in your soil, which could be a problem if your plants require a certain pH level. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use distilled water for your plants will depend on your own individual needs and preferences.