People love mineral water, whether sparkling or not. But plants can also be happy about mineral water. They are not primarily concerned with quenching their thirst. The elements dissolved in the water are much more important. However, not all water is the same, and every plant has its preferences. When and in what dose can we pour mineral water into the flowerpot?
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supply of minerals
Among other things, plants need various minerals in order to develop naturally. They get these with their roots from the soil in which they grow. So, over time, the earth becomes more and more depleted. The need for new minerals increases and is usually satisfied with regular fertilizer application. But mineral water also contains minerals that are useful for plants. First of all, these are:
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- sodium
Function as a thirst quencher
Of course, not only the minerals are used. The liquid itself also serves to quench the plant’s thirst for water. This type of water can therefore be a supplement to tap and rainwater. The dissolved minerals make mineral water harder than rainwater. However, compared to tap water in many areas of the country, it is still softer. Also, not every plant owner has access to soft rainwater for their indoor plants.
Still water or sparkling water?
Both waters have the same minerals, although their concentration varies from variety to variety. The decisive difference is the dissolved CO2. It tingles so nicely on the tongue and refreshes, at least for most people. We know from plants that the gas in the water does not bother them. After all, they themselves consume CO2 during photosynthesis. Both still and carbonated water are therefore suitable for watering the plants. Of course also stagnant water, from which most of the CO2 has already escaped.
Which plants to water?
All plants need minerals, so everyone can benefit from buying bottled water. Every plant can tolerate a small dose every now and then. Especially those who don’t like lime too much. Unfortunately, the tap water in many places contains too much of this. In addition, each plant will quickly indicate whether you get watering with mineral water. If it thrives and makes a vital impression, stick with it. Otherwise you should rather use a different irrigation water and a more suitable fertilizer.
How often to water
Theoretically, a plant can only be watered with mineral water. The question of how often depends on how often a plant species needs watering. The dose of minerals dissolved in the water is usually so small that over-fertilization is not to be feared. Only types of water with a high conductivity, ie high nutrient concentration, should be used sparingly. They can increase the salt concentration in the soil, which can cause root burns. They also have a high degree of hardness and are therefore not suitable in the long term for plants such as azaleas that prefer soft water.
collect water
Anyone who regularly empties mineral water bottles by simply pouring leftovers into the pot of a plant can do a lot wrong. He risks watering that does not meet his needs. This is how most plants like it when the soil dries before they get water again. Wet roots are often acknowledged with rot. It makes no difference whether it is possibly the finest and most expensive water that the market currently has to offer. Leave half-empty water bottles until it is time for the water supply. You can also collect the mineral water residues in a watering can in the meantime.
Mineral-rich water as a fertilizer substitute?
For plants with a high mineral requirement, this type of fertilization may not be sufficient. It also becomes scarce for other plants if they are only sporadically poured with water containing minerals. Find out beforehand about the needs of the plant so that there are no deficiency symptoms. However, you should also rely on your own observations in this regard.
cost factor
Bottled water is expensive compared to tap water. Especially with regard to the fact that plants regularly require watering. If they are watered exclusively with mineral water, the “price-performance ratio” is no longer correct.
Watering with mineral water is therefore advisable in selected cases:
- no other water is available
- sensible use up of stagnant water residues
- Watering plant species that benefit greatly from it
Supply of orchids
Finally, a personal experience of the author of this text. It should not be declared as universally valid, but the results are convincing and worth imitating. She waters the orchids exclusively with leftover mineral water and blooms almost without interruption for years. The orchids do not get any other fertilizer or other irrigation water.
- Water the orchid substrate extensively
- with fresh or stale mineral water
- discard excess water after an hour
- only water again when the substrate is dry
- if the pot is very light when lifting
Of course, the mineral-rich water with carbonic acid is not a magic potion that can compensate for unfavorable living conditions. Therefore, make sure that all the needs of a plant are satisfied as optimally as possible.
