Using Filtered Water?

14 years ago

Hello!

Everything I have read regarding watering terrariums, orchids, cacti and numerous other plants advises using either DISTILLED or RAIN WATER.

There has never been mention of filtered water (i.e., Brita, Pur, etc.)

Does anyone use filtered water for the plants mentioned above?

Do the filters simply not remove enough chemicals and minerals?

Thank you!

Jeff

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Comments (5)

lehua49
14 years ago
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
Jeffrey Schneider
Original Author
14 years ago
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:

Â Tap for my houseplants
Â Filtered for misting
Â Distilled for Terrariums and small potted gardens
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lehua49
14 years ago
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
Jeffrey Schneider
Original Author
14 years ago
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!
lehua49
14 years ago
Jeff,

Let us know what your results are please. Aloha

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Using Filtered Water?

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lehua49

Jeffrey Schneider
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Using Filtered Water?

Comments (5)

lehua49

Jeffrey SchneiderOriginal Author

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lehua49

Jeffrey SchneiderOriginal Author

lehua49

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Jeffrey Schneider
Original Author

Jeffrey Schneider
Original Author