A woman has shared a surprising transformation in her plants after using distilled water instead of tap water. Kristen, 31, an instructional designer from San Antonio, Texas, wanted the best for her floral decor. She hesitated to make the switch for a while but finally decided to try it. The results were impressive.
In a TikTok video posted on her account, @plantsofk93, Kristen showed how she watered two calatheas that had brown tips and spots on their leaves. After using distilled water, she noted that the plants looked “healthier,” with vibrant colors that were “almost perfect.”
Kristen told Newsweek, “I was surprised by how noticeable the results were after using distilled water. I didn’t expect the difference to be so dramatic. For houseplants known to be ‘finicky,’ it was clear they were much happier with the distilled water.”
In the video, Kristen first displayed a leaf with brown spots and ragged edges. Then, she filmed herself pouring distilled water into a watering can to water the plants.
A CivicScience study found that 66 percent of 1,499 U.S. consumers own at least one houseplant. The top three reasons for owning a plant include improving air quality, having something attractive to look at, and enhancing home design. Younger generations, such as Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are almost twice as likely to buy plants because they want to care for something alive.
Kristen admitted, “I haven’t been consistent with using distilled water lately. That’s more about my planning than anything else. I usually buy a gallon or two when grocery shopping. It’s not very expensive, but it does cost more than tap water.”
In her TikTok video, which has over 10,000 views, gardening expert Luke Dejahang explained the benefits of distilled water. He noted, “Distilled water is purified water that has been boiled and condensed back into liquid. This process removes minerals and bacteria, resulting in water free from impurities that can harm sensitive plants.”
Dejahang added that distilled water helps plants grow better and bloom longer, especially if it is the only type of water they receive.
However, he cautioned that using distilled water may not always be the best option. He said, “It can be time-consuming and costly to buy distilled water compared to tap water. Also, distilled water lacks minerals found in rainwater or tap water, which can cause nutrient deficiencies in some plants.”
Some plants, such as orchids, violets, peace lilies, and ferns, thrive on distilled water because they are adapted to environments with low mineral exposure.
Dejahang provided three tips for caring for houseplants:
Watering Routine: Establish a watering routine based on the specific needs of your plants. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Some plants need watering only once a week, while others may need it every other day.
Proper Lighting: Ensure your plants receive the right amount of light. Some thrive in bright, indirect light, while others need direct sunlight. Understanding their light requirements will help you place them in the best spots in your home.
Humidity and Temperature: Many houseplants prefer higher humidity levels. You can increase humidity by misting the plants, using a humidifier, or placing a tray of water nearby. Keep houseplants away from drafts and sudden temperature changes to prevent stress and drying out.
Related topics: