Is Using Rodi Water Beneficial for Your Houseplants?

Houseplants and orchids are more than just pretty decorations—they're living, breathing members of your home and environment. To unlock their full potential, it's time to talk about water quality!

In our last article on growing aroids as houseplants we talked about setting your aroid up for success, and in this article we are going to talk about why water quality is a major factor in plant health, and why it is best to use pure water on your houseplants!

If you have the ability in your area to collect rainwater, or happen to live in an area that has a high amount of rainfall - use it to your advantage! Rainwater is the best option for watering any plant at all due to its high oxygen content, purity, and as it falls it collects atmospheric nitrogen in the form of nitrates which can help fuel healthy growth!

If you aren't able to collect rainwater consistently, or live in an area that has little rainfall consider the use of an RODI unit. An RODI unit is second best for houseplant water due to its ability to remove almost all of the impurities found in tap water. Think about it, in nature rainwater doesn't contain chlorine, floride, or heavy metals! These additives and impurities can be hard on sensitive plant roots. So let's look at what exactly RODI water is, and its main benefits.

What is RODI Water? RODI stands for Reverse Osmosis Deionized water, and it's the purest form of H2O you can get. The process involves removing impurities and minerals, leaving you with water that's practically liquid gold for your green companions. Tap water first passes through a pre-filter that removes heavy sediment, then goes through a carbon block filter which removes VOC's, chlorine, and other contaminants. After passing through the carbon block filter, water is processed with the RO membrane where 95%-98% of the total dissolved solids are removed. The final step is the DI, or deionization step whereby the remaining 3-5% of solids are captured leaving behind very pure water with little to no detectable contaminants. This ultra pure water helps control fertilizer burn on sensitive plants, and allows you to flush your plants pot to prevent salt buildup often found in tap water and synthetic fertilizers!

Benefits of RODI Water:

1. Mineral-Free Hydration: Just like we need a balanced diet, plants thrive on a specific nutrient ratio. RODI water allows you to control the mineral content, ensuring your plants get precisely what they need without the risk of over-fertilization. By using a high quality fertilizer like seaweed extract, combined with a good houseplant fertilizer you can limit the amount of other contaminants getting introduced into your plants potting medium. For aroids, and epiphytic plants high quality water like RODI water helps prevent leaf burn from mineral buildup.

2. Preventing Mineral Build-Up/Root Burn: Tap water contains minerals that can accumulate in the soil over time, leading to nutrient imbalances, burned roots, and burned leaves. RODI water prevents this build-up, safeguarding your plants from potential harm. It's gentle on the roots of your plants like Orchids, known for their delicate roots, and benefit significantly from the gentle touch of RODI water. It keeps their root systems healthy and encourages robust growth. In addition, it can enhance nutrient absorption. With a clean slate provided by RODI water, plants can absorb nutrients more efficiently. This boosts their overall health, resulting in more vibrant foliage and blooms. If you've struggled with burned leaf edges (especially with anthurium) and have been using tap water this could be a good reason why that might be.

RODI units come in several options for the amount of gallons that can be produced daily (i.e., 50GPD, 100GPD, 200GPD etc...). Choose a capacity to fit your collections needs.

All RODI systems will also have a product water and waste water output.

Product water is the water we want to use for your houseplant needs, whereby waste water can be used to wash clothes, flush drains, or be discarded. A 1:3 ratio or 1:4 ratio of product water to waste water is typical.

Q&A:

Can I use RODI water for all my plants?A: Absolutely! While some hardy plants might tolerate tap water just fine, using RODI water ensures optimal conditions for all your green buddies.

Is RODI water hard to obtain?A: Not at all! You can purchase RODI water from gardening stores or invest in a home water purification system for a constant supply. Having an at home RODI unit is extremely convenient, and can save trips to the store and your back from lugging heavy jugs into the house!

How often should I water my plants with RODI water?A: The frequency depends on the specific needs of your plants. You can water with RODI water as you water regularly. Using a pure water source consistently will help ensure success.

In the world of houseplants and orchids, a little extra care goes a long way. By choosing RODI water, you're not just watering your plants—you're giving them a VIP treatment. The benefits extend beyond aesthetics; they delve into the core of your plant's well-being.

So, the next time you reach for the watering can, consider the liquid gold that is RODI water. Your plants will thank you with lush greenery, vibrant blossoms, and an overall appearance that reflects the pure essence of nature.