I'm curious about using aquarium water for my "water sensitive" plants. Is it safe to water them with water that's been treated with conditioner? I've read mixed things about whether it could lead to salt buildup in the soil or affect the plants negatively. What have others experienced with this?
3 Answers
Definitely! I’ve been using aquarium water treated with conditioner on my houseplants and succulents for years with no issues. The conditioners mainly neutralize chlorine and chloramine to make it safe for fish. As long as you're using it from a properly conditioned aquarium, your plants should be just fine. Just to clarify, you mean using the treated water, right? Not pouring the conditioner directly on the plants—because that's a hard no!
I've started using aquarium water for my calatheas too. It seems safe, but keep in mind that these plants prefer low TDS levels. If you’re worried about it affecting them, it might be a good idea to experiment a little and see how they react. Many people have had success with it!
Just a heads up, though, stay clear if you're watering carnivorous plants. They have different needs altogether. And you're right about fluoride; I've heard it can be tricky for spider plants, so watch out for that!