Rainwater is a great source of water for your houseplants. Catch and bring the rain indoors, or put your houseplants outside in a gentle shower. This video shares the power of rainwater, including how it washes away salts and excessive fertilizer in the soil. When there is thunder and lightning, rain delivers a dilute form of nitric acid. Rainwater is also slightly acidic, which many houseplants like.
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Welcome to HealthyHousePlants.com, where I teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you can find in the description below.
Today, we’re going to talk about the power of rainwater. Often, at this time of year, there’s rain happening in various parts of the country. Even here in Southern California, we had a rainstorm recently, so I was able to collect some rainwater.
What’s so great about rainwater? Well, rainwater is an excellent source of water for your plants. First, it allows your plants to draw fresh water through their roots while washing away excessive salt and fertilizer buildup. I’ve discussed excessive salt buildup in another video and how damaging it can be to your plants. Additionally, during thunderstorms, rain delivers a dilute form of nitric acid, which benefits your plants. Rainwater is naturally acidic, and many indoor plants prefer this acidic environment. I like to think of rainwater as an elixir for your plants, akin to champagne—it makes them happy and healthier. It’s also a great way to recycle water.
You can use rainwater to gently shower your houseplants. I recommend using gentle showers rather than heavy rain, as houseplants aren’t accustomed to harsh weather conditions. They are used to slight breezes from open windows and doors but not strong winds or heavy rain. If you use rainwater for your plants, ensure they are out of the rain before direct sunlight hits them. Also, be mindful of dropping temperatures or strong winds. If necessary, move the plants to a safe location, let them dry, and then return them to their usual spot.
If the rainwater you collect is discolored or contains debris, you can filter it using a fine mesh screen. Even if it has a bit of soil and is slightly discolored, it’s generally fine to use. For instance, I just collected some rainwater that had a bit of soil in it, and it’s perfect for my maidenhair fern, which loves moisture and rain. This rainwater will surely make the plant even happier.
Remember, don’t store rainwater for more than about a week, as it can degrade and develop an unpleasant odor over time. Use it within a week to keep your houseplants happy and healthy.
Thank you for stopping by today. Please leave comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see, and remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video.
FAQs about Using Rainwater for Houseplants
What are the benefits of using rainwater for houseplants?
Rainwater is an excellent source of water for your plants because it allows them to draw fresh water through their roots while washing away excessive salt and fertilizer buildup. Additionally, rainwater delivers a dilute form of nitric acid during thunderstorms, which benefits plants. Many indoor plants prefer the slightly acidic nature of rainwater, making it akin to an elixir for their health.
How should I use rainwater for my houseplants?
You can use rainwater to gently shower your houseplants. It is recommended to use gentle showers rather than heavy rain because houseplants are not accustomed to harsh weather conditions. Ensure that plants are out of the rain before direct sunlight hits them, and be mindful of dropping temperatures or strong winds. Move the plants to a safe location if necessary, let them dry, and then return them to their usual spot.
What should I do if the collected rainwater is discolored or contains debris?
If the rainwater you collect is discolored or contains debris, you can filter it using a fine mesh screen. Even if it has a bit of soil and is slightly discolored, it is generally fine to use. For instance, rainwater with a bit of soil can still be beneficial for plants like maidenhair ferns that enjoy moisture and rain.
How long can I store rainwater?
Rainwater should not be stored for more than about a week, as it can degrade and develop an unpleasant odor over time. It is best to use it within a week to keep your houseplants happy and healthy.
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