Question
if i used tap water for the 1st watering will it die and do i have to change soil?

Answer
Hi Hank,

Unless your tap water is loaded with some unusual toxic substances, than you don't have to worry about your plant dying or changing the soil. Indeed, changing the soil is much more likely to kill the plant.

Your 'Anita' is in the Dracaena genus and Dracaenas have a reputation as being sensitive to fluoride. However, municipalities use fluoride in such low concentrations that most tap water does not have enough fluoride (or chlorine either) to damage plants.

In some areas, the local tap water is very hard, meaning it has a lot of minerals dissolved in the water. If hard water is used for plants, gradually mineral salts will build up in the soil and damage the roots. An occasional application of hard water will do no harm. If your tap water is hard, switch to filtered, distilled or rainwater.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com