> Hi, I have a question for the experts out there.
> Is water collected by a dehumidifier safe to use
> for CPs ? I have been using distilled water for
> my pitcher plants and venus flytrap exclusively.
>
> The only problem I can forsee is the presence of
> metals and metal oxides in the water due to the
> condenser coils etc. Primarily aluminium and zinc.
> Perhaps iron also.
>
> Are these substances harmful to CPs ?
I don't know, however my sister had some whitish deposits build up and
her plants decline after growing them for some time in an aluminum water
tray. I guessed that the acidic water had dissolved some of the
aluminum into solution.
You could try several things to assess the purity of your
water.
1) taste it.
2) boil down a liter or so of water and look for the
presence of mineral deposits in the beaker. If you
do this with Pasadena water you'll find a very salty,
brick red deposit :-(. Distilled should leave the
beaker crystal clear.
3) use an ohmmeter to measure the conductivity of
the water. The actual measurement depends on the
spacing and shape of the electrodes, but comparative
measurements are possible as long as you are consistent.
Try comparing the reading you get on store-bought distilled
with your de-humidifier water and tap water.
4) use it on some "weed" CP for a period of time as a final
check.
-- Rick