Water Quality Concern

10 years ago

I'm relatively new to keeping plants, I've acquired all of my plants in the last 6 months (except for one I loved dearly for over a year that a friend killed while plant sitting, but I digress). Currently I have five house plants including a large succulent garden, a coffee plant, silver philodendron, golden pothos, and gold dust dracaena. I keep them all near windows and so far they have all proved to be happy and healthy. However, I water them all using tap water and I find my college campus tap water to be quite questionable (possibly alkaline). Would it be advisable to switch to filtered bottled water? The water hasn't caused any apparent damage but I'm concerned about eventual particulate buildup in the soil. I would like to avoid the need to repot in the future if possible. I'd appreciate any input. Thanks!

Featured Answer

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

If you don't mind me commenting on your succulent container - it looks very nice right now.

The plant in back - the biggest one - wants to grow quite large (1-3'). If you keep pruning it to keep short, it won't bloom. It is very hardy succulent, suitable for outdoors. Same with the trailing one. They will not be very happy indoors. Other 2 are good for indoors. But they all need lots of light, otherwise they will grow very etiolated. Not sure what light you can get for them from windows alone, perhaps you should consider supplemental lighting. And keep blinds fully open.

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Comments (6)

Lauren (Zone 9a)
10 years ago
Hi, they look beautiful. If you are concerned about the water you could use distilled water or simply leave the water out for 12-24 hours for the chlorine to dissipate. I believe it's called "off-gassing."
Lantana zone 5b/6a thanked Lauren (Zone 9a)
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Lantana zone 5b/6a
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the input! I'll be sure to try that Lauren!

Rina - I wish I had more time prior to purchasing the succulents to do research, however I bought the garden as an auction item at a local fundraiser. I'm in a bit of a predicament because I live in a college dorm and don't have any personal outdoor space such as a patio or balcony. For now I think I'll just provide as much filtered light as possible until I graduate in a few months. I've already seen amazing growth from the green and red succulent (name?), so hopefully that's an indicator that they'll hold up! (Wishful thinking!)

This picture below was taken today, compared to the previous one I shared which was taken just 3 weeks ago when I purchased them.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Lantana

I don't blame you for purchasing the arrangement, it really looks nice, including the container it is in.

Looking at the original photo, what you consider 'amazing growth' is most likely etiolation - plant wants much more light and it is stretching, trying to reach some. It also lost the red coloration, which many succulents will have if in sufficient light. It looked like a rosette, but now there seem to be few individual stems. Would you have close up of the plant when bought? Also, could you take close up of it now? I can't ID it at this time - 2 pics look very different.

Try to give it more than just filtered light. Plants will get very lanky, and possibly start drooping. It will not kill them, but it will weaken them and they won't look that great. Can you get at least a floor lamp with at least 23W (that is equivalent to 100W incandescent) or higher CFL bulb? That extra light will help a bit. Keeping blinds open would be good too. Is there enough light coming in thru the window?

BTW, off-gassing may or may not work, it depends on what is used to chlorinate the water...
Lauren (Zone 9a)
10 years ago
Yes, I'd really go for the distilled water if I were you. If i wasn't using such fast mixes, I'd use distilled water rather than off-gassed water.
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
10 years ago
Nice looking plants! Agree that the succulents need as much light as possible. They are plants that would be in direct sun most/all of the day outside.

Distilled is much less expensive than bottled drinking water. Condensate from a dehumidifier or A/C are other sources of additive-free water. Or catching rain water.

Most municipalities no longer use a form of chlorination that can evaporate, and other substances like fluoride and lime do not evaporate. Letting modern tap water sit does little or nothing to lessen the other substances in it. Your water company can provide you with a report on the local tap water. Not all tap water is the same.