Do you have a plant that simply refuses to thrive, even though you’re doing everything right? While we’ve all had our share of dramatic house plants (looking at you, nerve plant!). A struggling plant could be a sign of a common problem: nutrient lockout.
Just like humans, plants need water to thrive. But what you might not know is that the quality and contents of water can have a huge impact on plant growth and ability to thrive. Plants don't just use water for hydration—they also need it to balance their pH and give them the nutrients they need. Nutrient lockout happens when a plant's protection system is activated due to contaminated water used during watering. Common water contaminants are things like bacteria, viruses, chlorine, and E. Coli - yikes! Nutrient lockout can manifest in different ways depending on your plant and location, but commonly manifests as stunted growth or brown yellowing leaves.
The best way to ensure that your plants are getting the cleanest, most nutrient-rich water possible is by using a water purification system that uses Quantum Disinfection™. These systems kill 99% of contaminants on contact, allowing more growth in plants because their natural protection system has been unlocked! In addition to getting your plants to relax, using water purified with Quantum Disinfection™ can increase plant growth up to 50%. Seriously!
.When you’re ready to unlock your plant’s protection system, here are a few tips to get started:
- Take the time to learn about what your plants need and how much of it they should have. To do this, look at the plant tag that comes with each plant; if there isn't one, check out resources like the University of California at Davis' Plant Center, The Garden Helper, or plant care apps like Planta.
- Check in with the quality and contents of your water. Your local tap water may contain chemicals such as fluoride or chlorine which can damage plants' roots even when applied in small amounts over long periods of time (such as regular watering). If this sounds like something that could be affecting you, consider purifying your water before giving it to your garden—check out products that we have to help here.
- Give your plants the best water possible. A water purifier designed to kill contaminants like bacteria and viruses is critical to the health of your plants. Look for water purifiers that connect at the source of watering, such as your kitchen sink, vs. a refrigerated water pitcher.
TAKEAWAY:
It's important to understand what's in your water so that you can make the healthiest choices for yourself and your plants. Plants experience nutrient lockout when water is contaminated with microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. Regularly giving your plants freshly purified water will unlock their protection system and allow them to thrive.