Do Different Detergents Affect a Flower's Growth?

Graywater

• Graywater refers to waste water produced by the home from sinks, tubs, washing machines and dishwashers. It does not include water from toilets. Household detergents should be taken into consideration when using graywater for irrigation. When collecting graywater, evaluate what household products have gone into it and at what concentrations.

Detergent's Effect on Plants

• Plants may benefit from some by-products of detergents in appropriate concentrations, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Determining the amounts in graywater can be difficult. The negative effects from using detergents can lead to plant damage where leaves develop burnt edges, premature drop, cupping, branch dieback and reduced growth. These symptoms can occur from products that contain high concentrations of boron, chlorine or peroxide. Excessive amounts of sodium, potassium or calcium salts can raise the alkalinity and salinity of soil, leaving acid-loving plants in a position where they will develop yellow leaves, reduced growth and dead buds.

Safety Concerns with Using Graywater

• Avoid household cleaning products that promote fabric or softening as they are higher in sodium. Check that phosphates are not coupled with high levels of sodium. Avoid or reduce the amount of bleach you use and watch for products that have added bleach. Eliminate products that contain boron. Finally, when looking at household cleaners, look for products that use ammonia instead of chlorine. Do not use more than the recommended amount of detergent to keep chemical concentrations limited.

Flowering Plants Sensitive to Detergents

• Acid-loving plants, such as gardenias, hydrangeas, azaleas, violets, rhododendrons, bleeding hearts and impatiens, are examples of flowering plants that are sensitive to alkaline soil conditions caused by sodium-based detergents. Consider plants exposed to detergents on leaf surfaces. Some gardeners use mild dish washing soap, mixed with water, as an insect remedy. Keep plants shaded from full sun until they are dry or all detergent has been rinsed from them to avoid burning the leaves. Avoid excessive detergent contact with the soil by placing plastic at the plant's base. African violets should never have detergents sprayed on their leaves.