Is rain water good for plants?
In this blog article, we’ll answer this question as well as explain whether or not rain is good for plants.
Keep reading to learn more!
When rainwater is used to water plants, it provides nitrogen in the form of nitrates, which plants employ to develop green leafy foliage. The pH of rainfall fluctuates between 6.2 to 6.8, allowing plant nutrients to be released from the soil.
Using Rainwater for Plant Growth
Rainwater is considered an alternate source of water since it does not need to be treated before usage.
There are no chemicals in it. Although it may include silt, it is not harmful to plants.
However, rain barrels may harbor germs and algae, thus rainfall kept in this manner should not be considered drinkable.
In other words, since it is unsafe for people to drink, it should not be used to irrigate food plants.
Use rain barrels to water only non-edible plants in your garden, such as decorative shrubs and flowers.
Why Is Rainwater Good for Plants?
If you have a garden in your patio or backyard or plants in your home, it is advised that you take advantage of this rainy season by rehydrating and refreshing your plants with rainfall.
When outside gardening does not need additional effort, you may conserve rainwater and utilize it to water your indoor plants.
Here are several significant reasons why rainwater is good for plants.
Rainwater is Soft Water and Hence, Safe for Plants
Is rainwater good for plants?
Rainwater is pure hydration because it is free of salts, minerals, treatment chemicals, and medications in municipal water, groundwater, and surface water.
Salts and pollutants accumulate in your soil over time, and the residues harm plants.
This impact is amplified in potted plants, where the buildup is more noticeable.
Rainwater may help wash these contaminants away and revitalize the soil’s health.
Rainwater Matches the Right pH Needed for Plants to Grow
According to green gardeners, most organically produced plants have soil pH values between 5.0 and 6.0.
The pH range for rainfall is specifically designed to be on the acidic side of the neutral pH scale, which is 7.
While having a pH of up to 8.5, city water is alkaline-treated to stop metal pipes from corroding.
Greywater (spent home water from a washing machine, shower, or bathroom sink) begins with the same pH as tap water but may reach a pH of 10.5 once.
It reaches the garden, depending on the sorts of soaps and detergents in it.
Irrigate with rainfall to flush out your soil and assist in maintaining the pH of your soil in perfect equilibrium!
Stored Rainwater Contains Some Organic Matter
Rainwater collected from your roof includes traces of biological substances.
While the water is quite clean and should flow clear, it has come in contact with anything on your roof.
We’re not referring to pollutants that are pre-filtered out before entering properly designed rain barrels.
But rather to contact exposure to pollen, leaf litter, bird droppings, and other contaminants, all of which are beneficial to your plants.
A rain barrel contains beneficial organisms that help keep the water alive. Every time you water, it’s like a little fertilizer treatment.
Rainwater Contains Nitrogen
Nitrogen is one of the three essential macronutrients for plant growth and is required to form luxuriant foliage. Plants do not absorb some nitrogen.
Plants need nitrogen to produce proteins, hormones, amino acids, vitamins, chlorophyll, and enzymes.
Nitrogen is taken up by certain plants via their roots, while others take it up through their leaves.
Plants take nitrogen from the air through their roots and leaves; therefore, plants can absorb nitrogen in precipitation regardless of the watering technique.
The nitrogen concentration of rainfall varies depending on location.
Rainwater Contains Carbon Dioxide
It includes carbon dioxide, which is required for plant development once again.
Rainwater has a pH of 5.6 to 6.8 in locations with high CO2 levels, making it acidic.
According to one research, plants thrive in neutral and slightly acidic pH environments.
The presence of carbon also aids in the release of micronutrients from the soil surrounding the plants.
Zinc, manganese, copper, and magnesium are examples of micronutrients. These essential micronutrients help plants develop quickly.
Rainwater Protects Plants Against Chlorine Toxicity
The tap water may include trace levels of fluoride and chlorine in the purifying process. This water may have an impact on the plants.
Rainwater, on the other hand, is devoid of these chemical contaminants.
As a result, when plants are irrigated with rainfall, they are protected from the toxicity of chlorine and fluoride.
Rainwater Contains Oxygen
Raindrops are also oxygen-rich, which acts as a safety net if the soil is extremely wet after heavy rain.
Rainwater Frees Up Critical Soil Components, Allowing Plants To Grow
Rainwater soaking the soil liberates the nutrients and minerals available, allowing the roots to absorb them more readily and develop quicker.
This may be simpler for plants planted outdoors in flower beds, but plants cultivated inside may not get much rainfall unless situated on a terrace or balcony.
You may also use rainwater irrigation systems to guarantee that the trees you plant in giant planters and the plants you place in tiny indoor plant pots receive the same nutrients and water to flourish.
Rainwater is Simple to Collect and Store
You may save rainwater with a simple rainwater irrigation system or rain barrels to water your plants and in-home activities.
By making the greatest use of available rainwater, you are also conserving water and contributing to an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle.
How Should You Collect and Store Rainwater?
Rainwater may be collected and stored in a variety of ways. A roof-mounted barrel may be used to collect rainwater.
It’s simple yet not long-lasting. Prefabricated tanks may be preferable if it rains a lot.
How Long Can Rainwater Be Stored?
It is likely to become contaminated in roughly seven days.
However, you may keep it clean for as long as possible by keeping it free from insects and light.
Rainwater that has lost its purity might potentially be damaging to plants.
But how can it deteriorate in quality?
Its quality degrades when it becomes contaminated by air, light, and other causes.
Because algae need sunshine to thrive, it is quite probable that if you leave stored water in indirect sunlight, it will begin to grow.
Additionally, the rainwater becomes exceedingly contaminated and useless if you live in a densely populated location with many automobiles and industries.
This is the source of acid rain.
How To Water Your Indoors Plants with Rainwater
Is rain water good for indoor plants?
A misting system is an excellent method to irrigate indoor plants with rainwater.
This technique sprays water directly onto the plant’s leaves, preventing evaporation and keeping the soil wet.
It also adds humidity by feeding your indoor plants with the necessary quantity of rainfall without risking overwatering which is necessary for good development
Can Indoor Plants Be Exposed to Rain?
Is rainwater good for house plants? Indoor plants need moisture to thrive. Their leaves will dry up and perish if they are not watered regularly.
Plants need air movement to avoid being excessively hot or cold. These things are possible if they are placed outside during wet weather.
Indoor plants can be placed in the rain depending on the weather.
Heavier rain is inappropriate, whereas lighter drizzles will provide enough water for plants in a short time.
The weather can be unpredictable, and leaving a plant in the rain for too long can cause soil damage from leaching.
It is not advisable to leave plants out in the rain during periods of heavy rain.
Notes To Take Into Consideration
- Keep your plant out of the way for long periods (it can stress sensitive leaves).
- An equal distribution of light showers is ideal. Damage might occur if it is stormy.
- Heavy rains might destroy sensitive young foliage, so be cautious!
- Allow your plants to dry in a well-ventilated place to minimize fungal infestations.
Final Verdict
Is rain water good for plants?
Rainwater is one of the finest water sources for plants. This is due to its lower pH and mineral concentration.
The greatest thing is that rainwater is free and simple to collect and store in watering plants at any time.
When irrigating both indoor and vegetable garden plants, rainwater is a viable alternative to tap water.
Thanks for reading!
