Some people argue that rainwater is better for watering plants. Is this really the case? Tap water is purified anyway and is itself suitable for human consumption, while rainwater is not, in my opinion. Are there perhaps useful micronutrients in rainwater?
Answer
Dear Ann,
Rainwater is indeed better for some plants, such as for tropical Orchids in the living room, because these plants do not tolerate the large amounts of lime that are usually present in the drinking water in our country. However, most plants, especially in the garden, tolerate hard water quite well. Another disadvantage of pouring with hard water for plants in a stone pot is that a white lime deposit often forms on the pots. Finally, rainwater is free and you can simply collect it through the gutter of your roof.
Answered by
drs. Marc Reynders
Biology, systematics and evolution of seed plants. Specialized in tropical Cyperaceae.
http://www.ugent.be
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