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Watering Plants with Discarded Water: Keeping Leaves Green and Flowers Radiant

Many people often overlook these types of water without realizing how beneficial they are for houseplants.

24 February, 2024

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Caring for houseplants not only requires ensuring water and nutrients for good foliage, but also avoiding fertilizer smells. That’s why it’s important to take advantage of these types of water to water plants, helping them thrive without worrying about unpleasant odors.

Rice water

This is the most wasted water in many households. Rice water is extremely versatile, from beauty to plant care. Rice water is rich in nutrients, which is good for plant growth. Especially plants like roses, mint, paper flowers… love rice water. So instead of pouring it down the drain, keep the rice water to water the plants. If you don’t have many plants, keep the water and use the settled water underneath to water them.

Aquarium water

If you have an aquarium, remember that the water in the aquarium is good for plants because it contains nutrients from the fish waste. So make use of this water to care for your plants.

Boiled egg water

When boiling eggs, calcium from the eggshells dissolves into the water. This water is also good for plants. Even the eggshells are beneficial for plants. So keep the water used to boil eggs and crush the boiled eggshells before adding them to the plant pot.

Soaked banana peel water

When you eat bananas, keep the peels to fertilize your plants. Banana peels are rich in nutrients and fiber, which not only provide nutrition for plants but also improve the soil’s texture. You can soak the banana peels to ferment the water and then use it to water the plants, or finely chop the banana peels and bury them in the plant pot.

Soaked bean water

Do not throw away small dried beans, soak them to ferment into sour water and use it to water your plants. This is an ideal source of nutrients for healthy plant development and prevents yellowing leaves.

Leftover beer and soda

If there is leftover beer in the household, don’t waste it. Beer contains many vitamins that promote plant growth. Therefore, use the leftover beer to water the plants for better growth. Similarly, soda can also be used to water plants.

Leftover tea

Leftover tea is also excellent for watering plants. Tea contains many nutrients that are beneficial for plants. So when you have leftover tea, don’t throw it away. Let it take care of your plants. But be careful when watering to avoid staining the plant pot with tea color.

Frequently asked questions

Watering plants with discarded water, such as leftover water from boiled eggs, cooked rice, or soaked beans, provides a natural and nutrient-rich alternative to plain water. This practice can enhance the health and vitality of your plants, promoting greener leaves and more radiant flowers.

Discarded water contains essential minerals and nutrients that are beneficial to plants. For example, water used to boil eggs is rich in calcium and can help strengthen a plant’s cell walls, leading to improved overall health. Similarly, water from cooked rice or beans contains vitamins and trace elements that support plant growth and enhance flower blooming.

While all plants can benefit from the additional nutrients in discarded water, certain types of plants are particularly responsive to this practice. Flowering plants, such as roses, marigolds, and petunias, often display more vibrant and colorful blooms when watered with discarded water. Additionally, vegetables and herbs like tomatoes, peppers, and basil can benefit from the extra boost of nutrients, potentially leading to improved yields and flavor.

The frequency of watering plants with discarded water depends on the specific needs of your plants and the type of water being used. As a general guideline, once or twice a month is a good starting point. Observe your plants’ response and adjust the frequency accordingly. Some plants may prefer more frequent feedings, while others thrive with less. Always ensure that the water has cooled down to room temperature before using it on your plants.

Not all discarded water is suitable for plants. It’s important to use water that is free from salt, oil, and other harmful contaminants. Avoid using water that has come into contact with raw meat or fish, as it may contain bacteria. Also, be mindful of the pH level of the water, as some plants prefer slightly acidic or alkaline conditions. Test the pH of the water and adjust it if necessary to suit the preferences of your plants.