We just moved into a home with a water softener. How might this impact my plants? The leaves on some of them are turning yellow and falling off. Any way to test for this?
2006-07-25 13:36:32 · 7 answers · asked by Anne M 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
the last i heard was to not use a water softener... something about it taking away ions that the plant needs... sorry don't know the specifics...
2006-07-25 13:46:05 · answer #1 · answered by kayakakas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water softner removes, breaks down chemicals and trace elements including lime, calcium, etc.
Some of these chemicals are needed by the plant in order for them to remain healthy. Not only that, but the chemicals that soften the water can harm some plants.
2006-07-25 14:37:35 · answer #2 · answered by urbanbulldogge 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If possible, use water that is untreated. Softened water is not ideal for houseplants. You may be able to pull houseplant water out of your system before it goes through the softener -- usually outdoor spigots are routed separately or you may have a drain valve near the bottom of your pressure tank. Trace pipes from where they enter the house. You can tap in to install additional pipe of untreated water to a convenient spot to fill containers for the plants.
2006-07-25 13:58:52 · answer #3 · answered by laurel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The primary "ingredient" in softners?..... Salt. Salt is a natural enemy of plants, that may be one of the reasons that your plants are not doing so well. In order for a water softner to work correctly you must regularly add rock type salt to it. I would try to save rainwater by afixing collection containers to your downspouts or sometimes as others have said, the outside spigots are not connected to your water softning system.
2006-07-25 15:38:48 · answer #4 · answered by cowboy'swife 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I buy bottled water for my inside plants.
2006-07-25 14:03:30 · answer #5 · answered by Carol H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Way to much to list, would be here all night... BUY the book ( 1001 Gardening Secrets ) FC&A PUBLISHING 103 CLOVER GREEN, PREACHTREE CITY, GA. 30269 Boy it tells you anything you EVER want to know about plants... I havent done it but try seeing if they have a web..FC&A PUBLISHING.COM ???Your Friend in Tennessee...ROB
2006-07-25 13:56:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you use a dehumidifier in your house, use the water in the tank when it fills up to water plants
2006-07-25 14:34:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋