Question
Hi, Is it OK to use gray water to water houseplants? Will my plants get bacterial infections or bugs or other nasty things?

Answer
Hi Maggie,

There are some risks in using gray water on houseplants. Certain soap chemicals can build up over a period of time and reach toxic levels in small potted plants, especially. This is not a problem with outdoor plants where the gray water becomes much more diluted by the earth. Gray water can also affect the soil pH (acidity) and that will affect the availability of essential soil nutrients to the roots.

I fully support water conservation efforts and recommend using gray water for outdoor plantings. But due the risks cited above and the relatively small quantity of water that potted plants use, using gray water indoors may not be such a great idea.

Bacterial and fungal infections and pests are not an issue when using gray water.

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