apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

if this is really blogworthy, we're in worse shape that we thought when it comes to conservation and recycling...

Does anyone know what this chair is? I found one in a salmon color at a local thrift store. Thinking of repainting it something vivid and lively.

i like this idea.

careful with your more delicate houseplants, rainwater is usually acidic.

Ditto succulents- they don't need very much water at all, do they?

My mom taught me the same thing. Haul out the house plants when it starts raining. She said it helped wash the salts out of the soil, and was better for the plants because of the lack of chlorine, and rinsed the dust off the leaves to help it "breathe". Moms (and grandmas) know best.

One houseplant to maybe avoid doing this with is a Ficus Benjamina. Here in CA, they do well planted outside or inside, but HATE the transition from one to the other. Fluctuations in temperature make them drop many their leaves.

SourApple - this is the chair, and here's the patent. I'm seeing them everywhere now.

I do that sometimes, but only when I'm home to make sure they aren't clobbered by an unexpectedly harsh storm. I also sometimes pour a little aquarium water on them when I'm doing partial water changes. However, you have to be careful with that. Don't put really dirty aquarium water on your plants, and don't use it if you've put chemicals or aquarium salt in the water!

we are not allowed to collect rain water here in Denver. Here's what I do, get one of those orange buckets from Home Depot and put it in the shower when you turn it on. Then once the water temp is to your liking jump in the shower and take the bucket out. Then you'll have about one-quarter of a bucket for watering.

i agree that collecting rain water for your plants is great; they don't like tap water any better than we do!

i think this a great idea... and it's ecological and free

It's a good idea, though I have to laugh at the timing of this post because it unexpectedly hailed for a short period of time today here in Pasadena. And my little orange tree ~just~ started blooming today. I did run outside and catch a half a cup of melty ice balls. Yay!

A bit obvious... at least here in Australia. We're in severe drought and in the area I live we have water restrictions- not allowed to use water for anything other than the necessary(showers, laundry, cleaning dishes etc.) Pot plants aren't going to get watered unless you use rainwater and excess water collected from the sink/shower.

My grandmother, who had real green fingers, also swore by putting house-plants out in the rain every now and again. Her plants always looked great and lived long lives. And as this was in Ireland, water shortage was not a factor - and nor was having to wait too long for some rain!