Did you know that hard water could creep up on unsuspecting plant parents and cause trouble?
Tap usually gives you hard water - and that's just water that contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium. Not poisonous and totally harmless right now, but it could result in some buildup. Over time, they could form white crusts on pot rims and soil surfaces. They can even cause your potting mix to have a higher pH level. Hard water matters because many nutrients, iron in particular, become less available in alkaline conditions.
The result is the familiar chlorosis, where new leaves yellow between the veins while the veins themselves remain green. Some house plants shrug this off, but others, especially the more exotic and fussy house plants, will sulk and clearly show it in their leaves.
This isn't your run-of-the-mill plant watering guide. This is hard water - discussed!
Hard Water: Don't Panic!
We must reiterate that, though hard water issues are somewhat common, they should not cause alarm. There are many ways to 'soften' your water and even work with the water you've got. A lot of these options aren't even hard to do or to obtain!
There are simple, low-cost strategies that protect your plants and keep them thriving. The first is to change the water you use for the most sensitive specimens. Collecting rainwater is a classic solution - though, best to check if it's legal. Some states don't allow gathering over certain amounts of rainwater. If rainwater is not practical or doable for you, a filter jug or a bottle of distilled water from the supermarket will do the job for the plants that need it most. Note the last part - for plants that need it most. For the rest that can make do with hard water, don't stress about it!
How you water matters as much as what you water with. The single best way to work with the hard water you have is to adopt the deep soak and drain method. Water until it runs freely from the drainage holes, then let the pot drain completely. This flushes salts from the root zone and prevents them from concentrating at the surface.
When Does Hard Water Become a Concern? What Do I Do?
If you notice white deposits on the pot rim, hard water may be the cause. Scrape them away gently with a spoon and wipe the pot with a damp cloth. If the soil itself is heavily crusted, repotting into a fresh mix is often the fastest route to recovery. Use a free-draining, high-quality potting compost and consider adding a little horticultural grit or perlite to improve drainage.
For plants that prefer acidic conditions, such as azaleas or some orchids, a specialist ericaceous compost will help maintain the right pH even if your water is on the hard side.
A Note On Fertiliser
Don't go overboard with fertiliser. Excessive feeding, when paired with hard water, adds to the salt problem, so use a balanced houseplant feed at half strength and only during the growing season. If you suspect salt buildup, flush the pot with low-mineral water before applying any feed. Over time, top dressing with fresh compost or replacing the topsoil will refresh the root environment and reduce the need for heavy feeding.
Other Ways to Soften Your Water
If you need more than a few bottles of distilled water for your plants, a better solution might be in order. A quick fix would be to install a water softener. While some can get a little pricey, you yourself can benefit from soft water! Because soft water lacks minerals, soap tends to lather easily and rinses away cleanly, preventing buildup on your skin and even hair.
Do note that traditional softeners exchange calcium and magnesium for sodium. That's because it works through a process called ion exchange. That same sodium can build up in soil and harm plants, so do not use softened water for watering houseplants that don't necessarily need it.
And remember our rainwater suggestion? Again, if it's legal, collect rainwater and use the water you collected for your plants. Sure, it may be seasonal, but at least you can save a few bucks from time to time.
Watering Plants Shouldn't Be Hard
Bloombox Club is home to many a watering solution - if you know where to look. Plus, we always have plants in stock, waiting for new homes. If you're new and don't necessarily want to fuss over hard or soft water, browse for easier, beginner-friendly plants!
