My secret for growing lush houseplants in the Northeast? Rainwater
Maybe she woke up like this…Maybe it’s rainwater!
In late June, I moved the vast majority of our houseplants to the deck. The location was ideal because it’s uncovered and gets medium to full sun all day. What happened next was astonishing.
Though I expected some growth, the plant babies exploded…in a good way. The leaves took on a greener more lush appearance after it rained; something I never saw when the plants were watered with tap. Even two fiddle leaf fig trees that I wrote off as lost causes started sprouting. Talk about finding love in a hopeless place!
What’s aiding in the growth spurt? Rainwater!
Here are three benefits of using rainwater in your houseplants when you live in the Northeast:
It’s Free!
Rainwater is not only plant friendly, it’s wallet friendly too. My water bill has certainly seen a slight decrease. Every dollar counts!
It’s Chemistry!
Tap water is treated with chlorine and other chemicals to make it safe for consumption. These chemicals are not the most ideal for plants. Rainwater is relatively free of chemicals. Normal, clean rain in my area has a pH value of between 5.0 and 5.5, which is slightly acidic. My philodendron, fiddle leaf figs and kangaroo fern are loving the acidity!
It’s Friendly!
…Environmentally friendly that is. Moving the plants outdoors takes muscle but the community benefits include a reduction in strain on the drinking water supply. Who doesn’t love water conservation? This is most helpful in the warehouse where there is only one source of potable water and it’s on the lower level.
Fall is coming!
As fall approaches and the plants return indoors, I will have to figure out a rainwater collection method. Any ideas?
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the weather. If your town is experiencing extreme heat and little rain, you’ll need to supplement watering with tap. Though tap water is considered filtered, it still has chemicals. It’s recommended to use a filtration system to provide the most optimal water for your family and plants. I don’t have a filtration system so we let the water sit out for a day or two before using.