Using Rice Water To Fertilize Houseplants? Avoid This Mistake That Could Cost You Your Plant - Tasting Table

"Rice water doesn't have any additional nutrients that plants need to grow - for example, the nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus found in conventional fertilizers - and the starchy residue doesn't necessarily "fertilize" your plant. However, it is still water that would otherwise just be dumped down the sink, so if you're not saving your rice water for cooking, you might as well use it to hydrate your plants."

"The important thing to make sure of is that you're using unseasoned and unsalted rice water, as salts, fats, and food residue can damage plants. Also, only use rice water once a month on your plants, as the residual starches in the water can attract pesky fungi or bacteria. The starch can also ferment, which may encourage unhelpful bacteria to take up residence on your favorite houseplant."

"Just make sure to use it relatively soon otherwise it starts to ferment and gets stinky. One individual residing in a humid climate noticed that their soil got moldy after they applied leftover rice water. Another suggested combating potentially moldy soil with cinnamon."

Rice water from washing rice before cooking can be repurposed to water houseplants instead of discarding it down the drain. While rice water contains no additional nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, or phosphorus that plants require for growth, it still serves as a water source. Critical precautions include using only unseasoned and unsalted rice water, as salts, fats, and food residue damage plants. Apply rice water no more than once monthly, as residual starches attract fungi and bacteria that can ferment and harm plants. In humid climates, moldy soil may develop; cinnamon can help prevent mold but should be used sparingly on sensitive plants. Rice water should be used promptly after collection to prevent fermentation and odor development.

Read at Tasting Table