The Plant Wisdom Journal

watering grass with pool water

watering grass with pool water

Spotting the signs: when your green friends look unhappy

Ever looked at your beautiful houseplants and thought, "Something's just not right"? Yeah, me too. in fact, it's like they're trying to tell you something, isn't it? Sometimes, the issue isn't some exotic pest or disease, but something much simpler, and honestly, a little embarrassing when you figure out. well, i remember one particularly dry summer in Phoenix, and my poor fiddle-leaf fig started getting these sad, brown edges on its leaves. I was so confused!

Pro Tip:Your plants are pretty resilient, but they can't tell you when something's off with their drink. We have to be their detectives!

So, what could be causing those tell-tale brown spots or a generally lackluster appearance? here’s the thing, it might just be the water you're giving them. Yep, I learned this the hard way!

  • Wilting leaves
  • Yellowing foliage
  • actually, brown tips or edges
  • Stunted growth

in fact, the pool water predicament: what you need to know

Okay, let's talk about that liquid from the pool. While it keeps us cool on hot days, it's not exactly a spa treatment for your greenery. — to be precise The chemicals, especially chlorine and that lovely salt if you have a saltwater pool, can super do a number on your plants. Think of it like us drinking slightly-too-salty water all the time - not ideal, right?

It might seem convenient, especially if you're giving your outdoor plants a little spritz on a warm afternoon, but trust me, it's a short-term fix with long-term consequences for your plant's health.

Why is this such a big deal? Well, these chemicals can build up in the soil, making it harder for your plants to absorb the nutrients they need. It can mess with their root systems, leading to those dreaded brown spots and a generally unhappy plant. I've seen friends' prize-winning roses struggle because they were using tap water that was a bit too hard, so imagine what pool water could do!

Signs of trouble: decoding your plant's distress signals

So, you've been diligently tending to your plants, giving them sun, and… well, maybe you've been topping up their pots with a little too much enthusiasm after a swim. What are the red flags? between you and me, besides the obvious brown spots, look out for:

  1. Leaf Browning:Often starts at the tips and edges, looking like crispy paper.
  2. Yellowing Leaves:Can be a sign of overwatering or a nutrient deficiency caused by the water's impact. — if that makes sense
  3. Leaf Drop:Plants might shed leaves as a stress response.
  4. Slowed Growth:They just seem to stall, not putting out any new leaves.

I think, i once had a monstera that started looking actually sad, and I couldn't figure out why. It wasn't until I noticed my watering can had a faint chlorine smell that I put two and two together. I felt like such a silly goose!

Comparing Water Sources for Your Plants
Water Source Pros Cons
Tap Water (Chlorinated) Readily available. Chlorine can harm beneficial soil microbes. Let it sit for 24 hours to evaporate chlorine.
Rainwater You know, pure, excellent for plants. Requires collection; can be affected by air pollution.
Distilled Water Free of minerals and chemicals. Can leach nutrients from soil if used exclusively. — like, you know
Pool Water None for plant health. High chlorine and salt content damages roots, causes leaf issues.Avoid at all costs!

sort of, what to do when you've gone (pool) water wrong

Don't beat yourself up if you've accidentally used pool water on your plants. It happens! The good news is, you can often fix it. The first step is to stop immediately. sort of, ditch the pool water and grab some fresh, clean water. by the way, for outdoor plants, a good, thorough watering with fresh water can help flush out some of the excess chemicals from the soil. anyway, for indoor plants, it's a bit trickier.

Here's what I'd recommend:

  • Flush the Soil:here’s the thing, for potted plants, take them to a sink or outdoors and water them deeply until water runs freely from the drainage holes. listen, this helps wash away accumulated salts and chemicals.
  • Check Roots:If your plant looks totally stressed, gently remove it from its pot. no kidding, if the roots look mushy or brown, you might need to trim away any damaged parts.
  • Repotting:In severe cases, repotting with fresh, good-quality potting mix can give your plant a fresh start. — sort of
  • Monitor and Adjust: or ratherKeep an eye on your plant for a few weeks. Adjust your watering schedule based on its needs, and ensure good drainage.

I had a poor little succulent that got a bit too much of the "spa treatment" from my kid's kiddie pool. It looked like it was melting! I flushed it, let it dry out thoroughly, and thankfully, it bounced back. was a good lesson in paying attention to what you're giving your plants!

Prevention is key: smarter watering habits

The best way to avoid issues like leaf discoloration is to be proactive, right? Think of it as setting your plants up for success from the get-go.

Here are some simple habits to adopt:

Watering Can Icon

Use the right water

Rainwater or tap water that has been left out for 24 hours to let chlorine dissipate is your best bet.

Soil Moisture Meter Icon

Check soil moisture — like, you know

Don't just water on a schedule. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water., to clarify

Drainage Hole Icon

Ensure good drainage

Pots with drainage holes are non-negotiable! well, soggy soil is a recipe for root rot.

I think, it's amazing how much happier your plants will be when you're mindful of their needs. look, you'll see them thrive, producing vibrant new leaves and maybe even flowers. It's so rewarding!

Frequently asked questions

  1. Why is watering grass with pool water a big deal for indoor plants?

    anyway, watering grass with pool water is a big deal because it can weaken indoor plants, especially in dry or low-light conditions.

  2. How can understanding watering grass with pool water save my plants?

    Understanding watering grass with pool water helps you catch issues early, like root rot, to keep your plants thriving.

  3. if you ask me, how does fixing watering grass with pool water improve my gardening?

    Fixing watering grass with pool water means healthier plants, fewer losses, and more confidence in your gardening skills., in other words

User comments

Moonlit asks:

Is leaf discoloration hard to fix for indoor plants?

StarGazer replies:Not too tough! Keep the soil from getting soggy and mist the leaves sometimes, right?

Henry clark asks: — kind of

Ugh, I'm seeing brown spots on my plant-any quick fixes? 😕

TechTrek replies:I've been there! Try cutting back on water and moving it to a brighter spot. Worked for me!

Pixelpanda asks:

Any good places to learn more about fixing leaf issues?

Henry Taylor replies:kind of, there are tons of free plant care videos online-check gardening forums too!