From Monsteras with giant, green leaves to succulents in tiny terrariums, houseplant ownership is on the rise in the United States. According to the Houseplant Resource Center, many millennials may be turning to houseplants for something to nurture, for health and wellness benefits, or to bring a bit of nature inside the home. Whatever the reason, we love seeing home and office spaces with a pop of leafy green.
While we can’t necessarily speak for every aspect of caring for houseplants, we can provide some clarity on one important question: Is it okay to water houseplants with tap water? We’re here to filter out confusion and provide clarity.
Common water pollutants from your tap.
We all know that tap water doesn’t always taste great—and most common contaminants in drinking water aren’t fantastic for health. Let’s take a quick look at some common water contaminants in the United States that may affect the health of your family and your houseplants:
Chlorine and chloramines.
These chemical disinfectants are often intentionally added by sanitation departments to kill microorganisms in drinking water. While regulated by the EPA to be safe for human consumption, regularly watering with chlorinated tap water can have an effect on some houseplants. If you notice brown leaf tips on your plants, it might be due to prolonged exposure to chlorine.
PFAS ‘forever chemicals”.
According to a recent U.S. Geological Survey, PFAS are found in at least 45% of the tap water in the U.S. These synthetic contaminants enter our waterways from things we use every day, like cookware, waterproof apparel, skincare and cosmetics, and more. Evidence suggests that PFAS chemical exposure may increase several health risks in humans. A study published in Environment International also shows that PFAS can negatively affect your houseplants on a biochemical level, disturbing processes such as photosynthesis. In short, your plants may not grow as well with high levels of PFAS in their water.
Heavy metals.
Municipal water sources and private wells can be contaminated by heavy metals through old pipes, improper manufacturing disposal, landfill runoff, and more. While some heavy metals are only toxic for humans when consumed in high quantities—like iron and zinc—others, like arsenic, are dangerous even in small concentrations. When it comes to heavy metals and plants, these contaminants can compete with nutrients during moisture uptake, leading to stunted growth and negative their metabolism.
Emerging contaminants.
There are other contaminants being detected at low levels in surface water more and more often—these we refer to as “emerging contaminants”. This category includes things like pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter drugs, pesticides, microplastics, and more, which are causing growing concern for humans—and probably not what you want your houseplants absorbing either.
How does water quality affect houseplants?
Plants need water to survive and thrive. Houseplants absorb moisture at the root, and then process that water through their own vascular systems. In short, water is what helps a plant photosynthesize, grow, and bloom.
Polluted water is often the chief cause of disease in houseplants, leading to discoloration, stunted growth, or even death. If you notice your plant isn’t looking so happy, it might be time to consider a water filtration system that reduces common water contaminants to provide fresher, cleaner hydration—for healthier, happier houseplants.
Water filtration systems for plant parents.
Most types of common contaminants in tap water can be addressed with the right water filtration technology. We offer a range of countertop, under counter, and reverse osmosis water filtration systems for reducing common contaminants in water. Take a look at some of our favorites below:
Choosing a water filtration system.
Deciding on the water filtration system that’s right for you can be a challenge. If you’re not sure where to start, it’s a good idea to visit the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database to learn more about local water quality based on your zip code. You can also use our handy water filtration system comparison chart to see which Brondell systems are certified to reduce specific contaminants.
Whether you were born with a green thumb or you’re looking to take care of a house plant that you received as a gift, watering your plants with cleaner, fresher water can go a long way. While your plants are reaping the benefits of better water, you can too—and that feels better already.
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