Why using tap water on these succulents could kill them? Read along to kill this confusion before it kills your plants!
Succulents are usually not so dramatic that they complain about using tap water on them! But still, there is a teeny-tiny possibility that it could cause harm. So, let’s learn which one of these is so sensitive and why!
Is Tap Water Safe For Succulents?
Tap water for plants is generally safe and is a common practice among every other gardener around the globe. However, the quality can vary depending on the location (especially in most urban cities) and the type of plants.
Additionally, hard water often has high mineral content, and using it leads to acidic buildup in the soil. It also contains added—chlorine and fluoride, which are used to kill bacteria and other harmful organisms. While these additives make the water safe for human consumption, they can potentially harm plants.
A Fact: A research study discovered that more than 80% of tap water supplies in the UK are unsuitable for long-term use with succulent plants because excessive calcium and sodium salts accumulate to toxic levels in the growing medium.
9 Succulents That Dislike Tap Water
1. Adromischus
Botanical Name: Adromischus cristatus
Adromischus is a genus filled with 28 species that showcase attractively diverse patterns and features. There is one popular variety for its velvety green leaves and delicate pale pink flowers that appear in spring-summer. Similarly, other varieties feature intricate spots and patterns on their green foliage.
When these succulents are grown as houseplants, they perform very well when provided with RO-purified water instead of tap water. So, many gardeners believe that RO water works best for their overall development.
2. Haworthia
Botanical Name: Haworthiopsis attenuata
First of all, Haworthias hate wet feet, and if you’re growing them indoors then you might consider using distilled water for watering them. Because the slightest content of minerals like calcium, chlorine or fluorides can cause to the early demise of this houseplant!
If you notice random root rot, browning of the tips, or similar issues while growing them, tap water might be the culprit! You may want to consider switching to a better alternative like RO or distilled water.
3. Zebra Plant
Botanical Name: Haworthiopsis fasciata
The favorite houseplant is admired by many plant lovers, but some fail to keep it thriving in their homes because of its susceptibility to pests and diseases. Furthermore, the zebra plant is also sensitive to tap water in urban cities. Later it is seen to result in leaf spotting or browning due to the use of too much chlorinated water.
Before this happens to your beautiful houseplant, switch to a different watering method and protect it from such dangers!
4. Living Stones
Botanical Name: Lithops species
Aren’t these the cutest most adorable succulents on Earth? Living stones are very tiny plants and their colorful nature seems to steal the heart of many gardeners! So, as you plan to bring some home make sure a good porous potting medium is ready and the pH ranges between 6-7.
Otherwise, the minerals in your tap water can disrupt their delicate water balance, leading to splitting or root rot quite easily.
5. String of Pearls
Botanical Name: Senecio rowleyanus
Do you notice sudden discoloration and shriveling in your String of Pearls even after taking proper care and maintenance? Try this life hack of using your RO-purified water or rainwater for your trailing succulent.
Else, you can also allow your tap water to sit overnight which helps the chemicals like chlorine to evaporate. Use this while watering your succulents and see the difference.
6. Christmas Cactus
Botanical Name: Schlumbergera x buckleyi
If too much chlorine and fluoride are present in your tap water, your favorite holiday bloomer could suffer! Yes, the Christmas cacti are very sensitive to the chemicals in tap water. It leads to leggy growth, browning, and drooping leaves along with poor flowering in the active period because that is when it needs watering the most.
Did you know that there are more of such moisture loving cacti. Discover some of the amazing ones that love to grow in moist soil right here.
7. Mistletoe Cactus
Botanical Name: Rhipsalis baccifera
Similar to the Christmas cactus, the Mistletoe cactus is also an epiphyte with trailing, pencil-like foliage that mostly prefers to grow on trees in its native habitat. Additionally, it requires more water than other desert cacti!
So, when too much tap water is used, its chemicals accumulate in the growing medium. These harsh chemicals slow down healthy growth and cause thin, wrinkled leaves that eventually turn brown or black.
8. Moon Cactus
Botanical Name: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Are you a fan of this colorful dwarf cactus? It is famous for its bright-colored tops such as red, yellow, pink, and orange, known as “moon cactus.” This globular top cactus is actually a mutant seedling of the Gymnocalycium mihanovichii and is grafted to a host cactus which is typically, Hylocereus undatus.
Additionally, it can be sensitive to the mineral content (especially fluoride) present in tap water, which may cause discoloration of its colorful heads and gradually affect its overall health.
To ensure the health of these sensitive succulents, you can use rainwater, distilled water, or filtered water. These alternatives will help prevent the buildup of harmful minerals and chemicals in the soil. Cheers to a healthy and happy growth of your succulents.
