Q: Hello. I am wondering if I can use soapy water from the bathroom to water my potted plants which are mostly succulents and ficus?
My guess is no but I thought it best to check in this time of drought. Thank you for your time. Iris – Fortitude Valley
A: You guessed ‘NO’…and you guessed right.
No, it is NOT a good idea to use soapy water in watering potted plants. The quantity of soil or planting media in a pot is very limited, and continuous use of soapy water will quickly make that soil ‘toxic’ with a whole host of various substances contained in soap.
I note that your pots contain ‘succulents’ and ‘ficus’. These are both VERY tolerant to dry conditions. Do you, like me, turn on your shower and let it run for a few minutes until the water gets warm or hot? Why not collect that bit of water which goes waste and THAT is clean water. This will be more than enough to water your pots, in fact, it will be too much.
Succulents and ficus will survive with a drink once every two weeks and even longer. I would suggest that you stand you potted ficus in an extra LARGE plastic saucer. Just fill the saucer once a fortnight. Your ficus will love it!
