Rain, Snow, Come Inside: Using Skywater for Happy Houseplants

When it rains or snows, your houseplants have a special treat waiting! Rain and snow, or “skywater,” are packed with natural benefits for your indoor garden. Skywater contains a dilute form of nitric acid, which many plants love, and its natural acidity can help support healthy growth in indoor plants. If thunder and lightning accompany the rain, your skywater is even more potent with nature’s good energy!

Watering Houseplants with Snow

Gather snow into a bucket, pack it tightly, and bring it indoors to melt. Once melted, allow the water to warm to room temperature—about 70-75°F—before using. This prevents root damage since cold water can lead to root rot or leaf spotting.

Watering with Rainwater

Collect rainwater in containers such as jugs, rain barrels, or watering cans. Like with snow water, let the rainwater reach room temperature before using it to water your plants.

Special Snow Watering Tips for Orchids

Orchids can benefit from snow watering! Shape small snowballs and place them on top of the orchid bark. The snow melts slowly, providing a gentle, slow source of water. Do this once a week during winter, avoiding direct contact with orchid leaves to prevent cold damage.

Filtering Snow and Rainwater

For the cleanest water, strain out any visible debris using a fine strainer. While optional, this step helps reduce the risk of soil-borne disease.

Winter Watering Tips for Houseplants

In winter, most houseplants need less water. Plants respond to shorter daylight hours by growing less vigorously, meaning their water requirements drop. Use a moisture meter to check the soil before watering. If it reads “wet,” hold off; wait until the soil approaches “dry.” Houseplants recover better from slight dryness than from overwatering, which can lead to root rot in winter’s colder, darker conditions.