Do Plants Like RO Water?

Reverse osmosis (RO) water is a popular choice for household use due to its purity. However, when it comes to plants, the answer on whether they like RO water or not is not a straightforward one.

What is RO Water?

RO water is created through a process called reverse osmosis, which removes impurities and minerals from water. The water is passed through a semi-permeable membrane that filters out pollutants, chemicals, and bacteria. The resulting water is free of minerals and has a neutral pH balance.

Benefits of RO Water for Plants

There are benefits to using RO water on plants. The lack of minerals in RO water means that there are fewer contaminants that can build up in the soil over time. This can prevent salt build-up that can be harmful to plants. Additionally, the neutral pH of RO water can be useful for plants that grow best in a more balanced environment.

Drawbacks of RO Water for Plants

As good as the purified water sounds for plants, it is not without its drawbacks. Plants need certain minerals to survive and grow, and RO water does not have many of the minerals that plants require for optimal health. This can lead to deficiencies that can cause slow growth and weakened immunity in plants.

RO Water and Soil pH

While the lack of minerals in RO water can prevent salt build-up in the soil, the lack of acidity in the water can also have negative effects. Plants prefer a slightly acidic soil environment, but RO water has a neutral pH, which can raise the soil pH level over time. This can lead to nutrient lockout and weaken the plant's ability to absorb nutrients from the soil.

Conclusion

RO water is a good option for household use due to its purity, but it may not be the best choice for plants. While it can prevent salt build-up and create a more balanced pH environment, the lack of essential minerals can cause deficiencies that can harm plants. Therefore, it is recommended to use RO water in combination with mineral-rich water to provide plants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth.