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Safe Well Water Sodium Level For Watering House Plants #539765

Asked December 28, 2018, 4:32 PM EST

I have softened well water in my house. I recently had the sodium level of my well water tested. The total sodium level is 190 mg/L. Would this level of sodium in the well water damage my house plants if they were watered with it? We've lived in the house for 2 years and have been using bottled water to water our household plants. Life would be much easier if our well water could be used. However, we are concerned that the sodium level in water may be too high for the plants. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Livingston County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello,

Thank you for using the Ask an Expert service.

It is best to avoid using softened water to water houseplants. The exact level of soluble salts that would be harmful to an indoor plant depends on the type of plant and the conditions in which it is being grown. In other words, a harmful sodium level in the water depends on the specific situation in which the plant is placed. 

Please refer to the below articles for more details:

Water and Soluble Salts - Houseplants from U. of Maryland Extension

Softened Water Can Cause Hard Times for Indoor Plants from Penn State

Please let me know if you have further questions!

Regards,

Irene



An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 02, 2019, 2:56 PM EST
Hi Irene. Thanks for the information. Just a follow-up question. If I install a reverse osmosis water system on one of my kitchen faucets, would the RO water be safe for house plants?   Ed
The Question Asker Replied January 02, 2019, 3:46 PM EST
Ed: the following article indicates that the percentage of sodium removal depends on the unit, whose specs you should be able to obtain from the manufacturer: http://web.sahra.arizona.edu/programs/akyw/RO.html
An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 09, 2019, 10:47 AM EST

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