Hi Coconut,

You may find more meaningful comments on the Orchid, Cacti or other plant growing forums. Personally, I don't understand the need to give plants, which need all the nutrients and minerals they can get, the water that lacks those nutrients. Rainwater is different. It picks up all sort of contaminants(nutrients) before reaching your plants. You spend money giving back the nutrients they will need. Extra cost to provide no-nutrient water and then extra cost to provide nutrients back. Plus when you water the soil by your plants, chemicals are reintroduce to the water. Interesting philosophy. Like serving your pets prepared gourmet meals with no nutrients to grow and then giving them vitamin supplements. JMHO. Aloha

I'm more concerned with my smaller plants and terrariums... for example a small potted cacti garden with small cacti. So, I think:

Brita reduce copper, chlorine and mercury... Â reduce lead, benzene, TTHMs and microbial cysts.

From NYC DEP: "All surface water and groundwater entering New York CityÂs distribution system is treated with chlorine, fluoride, food grade phosphoric acid and, in some cases, sodium hydroxide."

Think it's best to go with:

 Tap for my houseplants
 Filtered for misting
 Distilled for Terrariums and small potted gardens

jeff,

Do an experiment with three cactus and see which one thrives better on the three types of water. Cacti survive in the toughest environments found in nature what's a little polluted water to them. They are just happy to have water. Aloha

I agree lehua! It's just that everyone talks about distilled and rain water. I think I will take some new plants and provide them both with the same care, some with tap and some with distilled water.

Thank you!

Jeff,

Let us know what your results are please. Aloha