Noticing some problems with your calathea? Stop, don’t change the entire routine. Modify the materials used in it and see the difference.
Is your calathea going through a rough patch lately? Is it unhappy, moody, or developing brown and crispy edges? Then there is something that is not suiting it right. Perhaps, the water. Since calatheas are loved for their foliage, many plant parents preoccupy themselves with ensuring they get the right conditions, forgetting water quality most of the time. For today, let us talk about the water they love drinking.
This article lists some Amazon products to help you revive your calathea and bring it back to its fullness.
Using Rainwater on Calathea
Trust us, when we say this, rainwater changes everything. Let us understand how.
Unlike tap water, rainwater is naturally soft. It has low levels of dissolved minerals, salts, chlorine, and fluoride. These substances are harmless to humans but can slowly build up in the soil and stress our sensitive plants. Over time, this mineral accumulation can interfere with nutrient absorption and cause brown tips.
Bonus: Rainwater is also slightly acidic, which is something calatheas naturally enjoy. It helps them absorb nutrients more easily.
Do You Wish to Know Something Amazing?
Take this as a secret. In their natural habitat, calatheas grow in tropical forests in South America, where they receive pure rainwater filtered through layers of organic matter. And that is how they evolve and thrive. Not amidst water containing chemicals and heavy minerals.
This is why many plant parents notice greener leaves and fewer brown tips after switching to rainwater.
Now, let us talk about some plant physiology. Excess fluoride can damage the leaf tissues of plants, and our calatheas can get seriously affected. And hence, the symptoms accompany. Which is why, if you and your friend have the same routine, you both can get different results based on your water source.
But How Do We Get Rainwater?
It is relatively easier than what most people assume. Grab a clean bucket, container, or barrel placed outdoors during rainfall, which can provide enough water for weeks. Just ensure that the container is clean and covered to avoid mosquito breeding and contamination. And hey, watch out, do not overwater.
If you collect extra rainwater, store it in a cool and shaded place to keep it fresh for longer.
Not sure when your snake plant actually needs water? A soil moisture meter takes the guesswork out of watering and helps prevent accidental root rot.
Not raining enough? Try distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or filtered water to help reduce mineral buildup. However, there is something about rainwater that no other water source has.
Caution: Rainwater cannot replace a proper care routine for your calatheas. Take care of their light, temperature, humidity, and soil requirements.
Sometimes, the smallest and most non-noticeable things can cost us our entire plant. And if the water quality was something you didn’t even realise was acting problematic for your plant, it is time you change it. Let us know how your calatheas reacted to rainwater, and by that time, give a read to this guide on smart plant care, especially for calathea.
