What Kind of Water Should You Use for Carnivorous Plants
Do you know what’s the difference between carnivorous plants and other kinds? Well, for starters they need pure water. Also these are much more sensitive to fluctuations in their environments so it is important that we maintain an unadulterated supply of H2O at all times!
The requirements for carnivorous plants are more complex than those of other types. They need pure, distilled water to ensure that their roots stay healthy: make sure there is no contaminants like chlorine or minerals such as sodium (salt), potassium nitrate which might damage their sensitive tissue.
Total dissolved solids can be measured in parts per million. You can make this measurement using a tool called full dissolved solids meter. It is crucial that every carnivorous plant owner has this testing meter because with it you can see if your water sources are safe.
It’s also vital to test your carnivorous plants to see if there is any mineral build up in the plant. 50 ppm is safe for most carnivorous plants. Ideally, most 0 ppm is what it needs, but anything from 0 to 50 is ok.
HERE IS THE METER I USE
Below is the different type of H2O you can use for your carnivorous plants, depending on your needs and budget. And if you haven’t already, you may also take advantage of this article; listing our recommended Carnivorous planting (shopping guide) we’ve written to save yourself from research and encountering waste of budget when planning to start caring for these kinds of plants.
Type Of Water You Can Use
Rainwater
Naturally, most carnivorous plants grow in deplorable acidic conditions, making them very sensitive to the type of water they grow in continually. Any with a large number of dissolved minerals and salts does no good to your carnivorous plants.
Concentration can build up in your carnivorous plants because they are standing in the it, and this can cause the plant root to rot, and also have a decline in its health.
It’s also important to note that this can take some time to take effect in trumpet pitcher but can be dramatic in Venus flytrap. Rain is one of the purest water we have, so make sure to use it when you can. It easy to get rainwater; all you have to do is leave empty containers outside whenever it rains. Alternatively, you can also choose to purchase a rain barrel. A rain barrel can also be as decorative, and they are portable and fancy. It’s important to note that in some U.S cities like Colorado, rain barrels are currently illegal to own. Another exciting way to get rainwater is to collect some snow and melt it for your plants.
Stream Water
Stream water can be another inexpensive alternative to rainwater. If your carnivorous plants are outdoor, then one of your best choices is stream water. Using stream water also has its downside for your carnivorous plants. One of the main disadvantages of using stream water is it has possible contaminant. Examples are fungus, algae, plant pests, and bacteria. Yes, stream water may contain some of those things. And exposing them to your carnivorous plants is risky.
Distilled or Reverse Osmosis
Distilled water is one of the most cost-effective and most manageable water you can get for your carnivorous plants, especially if you are a newbie. If your carnivorous plants are just a few, then one to three gallons will last a week for you. If you can’t find any distilled water, reverse osmosis that has no minerals will be a great option.
For your indoor carnivorous plant’s osmosis water is the safest way of watering it. Osmosis water is free of chemicals and salts, during filtration organisms that could be present are removed.
Water Refilling Stations
Water from refilling stations is ok for your carnivorous plants. You can find this type of water in grocery stores, and they are not expensive. But when buying them, you have to be careful because not all of them are the same. Thus, to be cautious, buy one and test it with TDS meter to see if it will work well for your carnivorous plants.
Distillation
You can distil your water or purchase it in a store. A distiller can distil up to six gallons of water per day, and this is good for your carnivorous plants.
Zero Water Filtration System
It is an option if your carnivorous plants don’t need a lot of water and you don’t want to purchase gallons of water. This system is small, and it is easy to store the water. It also has a TDS meter and filters.
You can allow your TDS meter to increase to 50 ppm, and your water will still be safe for your carnivorous plants. But if you are not so sure, it’s advisable not to let it go past 30 ppm.
What We Learned While Writing - What Kind of Water Should You Use for Carnivorous Plants?
It’s important to remember this; many people have a misconception about how to go about distilling H2O. Also, they believe that leaving your tap water overnight in a container will make chemicals and minerals to evaporate. Thus, it is vital to note that this method doesn’t work.
If there should be any evaporation, then it is very little, and in most cases, the water will evaporate. Also, any remaining liquid will be very salty. Now you know the types of water that you can use for your carnivorous plants and were to find the base on your location and environment.
Here’s another one of our articles you may find helpful as well to your Carnivorous plants’ journey: How to Make a Carnivorous Plant Bog Garden at Home
