Introduction

Most people believe that water is just water, whether we are drinking it or using it to water our plants. However, not all water is created equal. Distilled water is not recommended for watering plants, and in this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind it.

What is Distilled Water?

Distilled water refers to the water that has undergone the process of distillation. This process involves boiling the water, capturing its steam, and then condensing the steam back into a liquid form. The result is water that is free from minerals, salts, and other impurities.

Why is Distilled Water Not Recommended for Watering Plants?

Although distilled water might sound like a good option for watering plants because of its purity, it is not recommended. Plants need nutrients that are found in the soil, and these nutrients are carried to the plants through water. When distilled water is used, it lacks the necessary minerals and nutrients that the plants need to grow and thrive.

Furthermore, distilled water has a neutral pH level of 7, which can have an adverse impact on the soil’s pH balance. When distilled water is applied to the soil, it can cause the pH level of the soil to fluctuate, making it more difficult for the plants to absorb nutrients from the soil.

What Types of Water are Recommended for Watering Plants?

The ideal type of water for watering plants is rainwater. Rainwater contains the necessary minerals and nutrients that plants need to grow and thrive. It also has a slightly acidic pH level, which can help balance the soil’s pH level.

If rainwater is not available, tap water is a suitable alternative. Tap water contains essential minerals and nutrients that plants need, but it can also contain chlorine, which can be harmful to plants if it’s present in high concentrations. In this case, it’s recommended to let the tap water sit for a day or two to allow the chlorine to dissipate before using it to water plants.

Conclusion

Although distilled water might seem like a good option for watering plants because of its purity, it is not recommended. Plants need nutrients that are found in the soil, and distilled water lacks these necessary nutrients. Rainwater is the best choice for watering plants, but if it’s not available, tap water is a suitable alternative.