Rice water is often presented as a natural remedy for plants, but is it really so beneficial or do you risk doing damage? Here find out everything you need to know to use it at the right time … and without surprises.
There are those who pour it into the vases without thinking too much, those who discovered it by chance by shaking on Instagram and those who look at it with suspicion. The idea that a simple residue of the cuisine can help plants makes many turn up the nose, but underneath it intrigues. After all, it is a simple and free gesture, and in some cases even effective. Especially for those who take care of houseplants with a few means but a great desire to experiment.
It is not a secret: in some cities it is even used in urban gardens projects. But like all do-it-yourself things, here too there are sides to know well. Because if used badly, rice water can become a boomerang. It is worth deepening before doing damage to the Ficus that has been fine for months.
The benefits of rice water for plants
What makes rice water interesting is its composition. Inside there are starcha little B vitamins, potassium and some trace of ferro. Nothing miraculous, but enough to give a push to certain plants. The trick? Use the water of the first raw rice washing, never that of cooking. Some plants seem to like this treatment more than others. For example, Pothos, Felci and Sansevieria often react with more turgid leaves. Even basil and mint, if well hydrated and healthy, do not disdain a sip of this lactic white liquid.
Clearly, miracles should not be expected. It is not a real fertilizer, but it can help when you don’t use specific products. And then let’s face it, it’s always better to throw everything in the exhaust without thinking about it.
When to use it (without exaggerating)
The idea of using rice water for plants may seem trivial, but it is not to be taken lightly. First of all, it must be clean: no salt, neither oil nor cooking residues. It is essential to use only that of the first raw rice washing.
Once collected, it should not be left there for a long time. Better to use it within the day, before it starts to ferment. Sometimes it is enough to forget it on the kitchen surface and the next day … well, the smell speaks alone.
Using it makes sense, but without excess. Too much confidence in a natural remedy can have the opposite effect. We need balance, and maybe some initial tests on less sensitive plants.
Here are some ways to use it safely:
- Water the plants every two weekswithout exaggerating with the doses
- Spray it on the leavesbut only if well diluted with clean water
- Pour it into the compostto feed the soil microorganisms with a little starch
- Mix it with other water To irrigate aromatic or ornamental plants
- Use it at room temperaturenever cold of fridge, to avoid thermal stress at the roots
Finally, attention to fermented water: in theory it has more nutrients, but in practice it risks bringing mold and bad smells. In the house, it is often not worth it.
When it is better to let the rice water lose
Not all plants react in the same way. Indeed, some suffer a lot if they receive too much humidity or unbalanced nutrients. This is the case of cactus, orchids, fatty plants: all species that prefer dry and well drained soils.
Se noti yellowed leaves, too compact soil or even Unpleasant odors in the vaseperhaps it is appropriate to suspend immediately. The presence of mold or mushrooms is also a clear sign that something is wrong.
And then there is the risk of exaggerating. Put too much rice water, even if natural, can unbalance the soil, change the pH and create imbalances that plants struggle to manage. Better to go slowly, especially with the more delicate ones.
In the end, everything is in trying without forcing. If there is a more robust or not “value” plant, it can become the perfect test.
Maybe find that with a little more care, even a simple gesture can make a difference.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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