April 22, 2021
Water, Water Everywhere
by Joey Bokor
by Joey Bokor
Water is so important. It is always the first thing we talk about when it comes to caring for plants of all kinds, inside or outside. However, we don't always talk about what type of water to use.
Chances are you are using the water that comes out of the faucet in your home. And that's probably fine, but there are a couple of considerations. First, most municipal water sources have chlorine added to them as a purifying agent to kill bacteria and germs. Plants only need chlorine in trace amounts, not in the amounts added to water sources. Fortunately, the solution here is easy. Fill your watering can with water and then let it sit for a few hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate. After that, you are ready to water.
The second consideration is whether or not you have a water softener. Water softeners remove heavy minerals from water but leave behind salts in the process. You can water with softened water in a pinch but using it on a regular basis will build up salts in the soil. Over time, plants won't take nutrients up properly and can show signs of burn on their leaves. If you have a softener, only use water from a bypass valve for regular watering.
A few great sources of water are well water and rainwater. We happen to have a well at our house, and the water is filled with iron and calcium. Bad for our bathroom fixtures, but great for plants, they love the extra minerals. Calcium can leave white marks on leaves, so we are as careful as possible to only water at the roots.
Rainwater is also a really great water source. Capture it in a bucket or rain barrel, for pure water that is really great for plants. And if you can, set some of your water-loving plants outside during a drizzly rainstorm. It will wash the leaves and give them a thorough soaking from Mother Nature.
Finally, if you have sensitive plant babies, unusual plants that are known to be fussy about care, you can use distilled water. There is certainly an extra cost to this, but the purity of the water can be really good for your most prized plants.
You know watering is important and that watering consistently is key. Now make sure you are using water that is good for plants too.
Chances are you are using the water that comes out of the faucet in your home. And that's probably fine, but there are a couple of considerations. First, most municipal water sources have chlorine added to them as a purifying agent to kill bacteria and germs. Plants only need chlorine in trace amounts, not in the amounts added to water sources. Fortunately, the solution here is easy. Fill your watering can with water and then let it sit for a few hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate. After that, you are ready to water.
The second consideration is whether or not you have a water softener. Water softeners remove heavy minerals from water but leave behind salts in the process. You can water with softened water in a pinch but using it on a regular basis will build up salts in the soil. Over time, plants won't take nutrients up properly and can show signs of burn on their leaves. If you have a softener, only use water from a bypass valve for regular watering.
A few great sources of water are well water and rainwater. We happen to have a well at our house, and the water is filled with iron and calcium. Bad for our bathroom fixtures, but great for plants, they love the extra minerals. Calcium can leave white marks on leaves, so we are as careful as possible to only water at the roots.
Rainwater is also a really great water source. Capture it in a bucket or rain barrel, for pure water that is really great for plants. And if you can, set some of your water-loving plants outside during a drizzly rainstorm. It will wash the leaves and give them a thorough soaking from Mother Nature.
Finally, if you have sensitive plant babies, unusual plants that are known to be fussy about care, you can use distilled water. There is certainly an extra cost to this, but the purity of the water can be really good for your most prized plants.
You know watering is important and that watering consistently is key. Now make sure you are using water that is good for plants too.
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The Weekly Special
Just for Mom - 20% Off All Plants
Mother's Day is getting close (it's May 9th). You could get her another scented candle or you could get that special person in your life something that will grow and thrive. They'll remember you every time they see it in their home. Don't forget to leave a special note at checkout to make her smile and we'll include it on a card in your order. Use the code ilovemom at checkout to receive 20% off all plants through 4/30/2021.
Orders must be placed by April 30th for Mother's Day shipping.
Valid Through 4/30/2021
Code must be entered at checkout. Discounts will not be applied on past purchases.
Cannot be combined with other discounts.
Discount valid online only.
Mother's Day is getting close (it's May 9th). You could get her another scented candle or you could get that special person in your life something that will grow and thrive. They'll remember you every time they see it in their home. Don't forget to leave a special note at checkout to make her smile and we'll include it on a card in your order. Use the code ilovemom at checkout to receive 20% off all plants through 4/30/2021.
Orders must be placed by April 30th for Mother's Day shipping.
Valid Through 4/30/2021
Code must be entered at checkout. Discounts will not be applied on past purchases.
Cannot be combined with other discounts.
Discount valid online only.
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Featured Items - In Stock Now
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Polka Dot Plant Red
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Dwarf Red Congo Philodendron Cute and Compact Shop Now 4" Pot - $49.00 |
Neon Algerian Ivy Bright and Sunny Shop Now 6" Pot - $15.00 |
This Week's New Arrivals
Click to Shop the Collection
Collection link will work at 12pm EST, when items go live.
Alocasia Polly
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Pothos Pearls and Jade
Sansevieria Starfish
Syngonium Allusion
Syngonium Ice Frost
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Syngonium Tri-leaf Wonder
Tradescantia Purple
Click to Shop the Collection
Collection link will work at 12pm EST, when items go live.
Alocasia Polly
Epipremnum Amplyssum
Euphorbia White Ghost
Ficus Microcarpa
Hoya Australis
Hoya Burtoniae
Hoya Chelsea
Hoya Densifolia
Hoya Kerrii Variegated
Hoya Krimson Queen
Hoya Rosita
Hoya Splash Pubicalyx
Hoya Sunrise
Ivy Neon Algerian
Ivy Sweetheart
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Peru
Monstera Pinnatipartita
Peace Lily Domino Variegated
Peperomia Cupid
Peperomia Frost
Peperomia Napoli Nights
Peperomia Piccolo Banda
Peperomia Rosso
Peperomia Schumi Red
Peperomia Watermelon
Philodendron Birkin
Philodendron Bob Cee
Philodendron Brasil
Philodendron Dwarf Red Congo
Philodendron Fat Boy
Philodendron Heart Leaf
Philodendron Linnaei
Philodendron McColley's Finale
Philodendron Melinonii
Philodendron Micans
Philodendron Red Emerald
Philodendron Silver Sword
Philodendron Subhastatum
Polka-Dot Plant
Pothos Marble Queen
Pothos Neon
Pothos Pearls and Jade
Sansevieria Starfish
Syngonium Allusion
Syngonium Ice Frost
Syngonium Pink
Syngonium Tri-leaf Wonder
Tradescantia Purple
