I have several plants like Dracaena (lucky bamboo), Venus Fly Trap, and an Orchid all of which require distilled water because they are sensitive to chlorine in tap water. I also Have several fish tanks that require me to use a water conditioner to remove the chlorine and chemicals so I was wondering if I can use conditioned water (not tank water) instead of distilled water to water these plants. I'm kind of tired of buying special water just for a few plants. I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried this.
Anyone have any opinions or facts about this idea?
2007-08-14 15:05:30 · 5 answers · asked by Sptfyr 7 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Don't used conditioned water on your plants. It has a high saline content, and will eventually kill them. If you have a filter like a Brita filter on your tap, this is all you need to filter the water adequately for your plants. I use water straight out of the tap for my African violets, and I've been winning prizes off and on for about 30 years, so filtered water really isn't necessary.
2007-08-14 15:09:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
By conditioned water, do you mean water that has been softened? If so, I am afraid the answer is, no. Softening water does not take out chlorine.
On the other hand, there is another cheaper way to get distilled water: Find someone who uses a dehumidifier to pull water out of the air and have them save the water from their collection tank for you. The water may be a little dirtier than what you buy, but your plants won't care!
2007-08-14 15:25:33 · answer #2 · answered by gonzldjfwrrr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Conditioned water and reverse osmosis water are two different things. A water softner or conditioner uses salt which is a no no for all of the above. If you are refering to a RO or reverse osmosis, yes you can absolutely use that and stop the distilled. If you have a PPM meter (parts per million)you can tell how clean your RO water really is. RO is what I have used for years and is fine for everything.
2007-08-14 15:10:09 · answer #3 · answered by The Banana Guy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is nothing wrong with using your fish tank water on your plants.This water is usually full of nutriants beneficial to plants In a balanced aquarium the plants absorb fish waste and produce oxygen that produces good water quality. When a fish dies I burry its remains in one of my house plant pots you would be amazed at the results (this is not recomended for orchids)many fertilizers are fish based
2007-08-14 15:46:20 · answer #4 · answered by bob m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm just going to add a few things from my other 'answer'. 'Dances-' is very lucky to have naturally soft tap water, a Brita removes organics and dissolved gases but won't remove minerals. The condensate from dehumidifiers and A/C units may be low in minerals but contains many dissolved organics. Everything from cooking oil and smoke, your breath, carpeting and paint, just too many unknowns for your "delicate three". RScott
2007-08-14 16:18:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋