Boiling Water Does NOT Make Distilled Water

Jacobo boils tap water 10 minutes for his VFTs and S. purpurea (healthy for a year) and asked if this is acceptable.

Jeff Dallas: NO. Boiling concentrates minerals—it doesn't remove them. True distillation requires steam condensation. Only three methods remove minerals: distillation, reverse osmosis, ion exchange (e.g., ZeroWater). No cheap shortcut exists. Rainwater is lowest-cost if available; RO most cost-effective long-term; ZeroWater for small volumes; distillation reliable but electricity-costly.

Follow-up: Jacobo asked if annual soil changes prevent mineral buildup, and how to test Fontana, CA tap water. Jeff shared local experience: well water with calcium/magnesium killed half their VFTs in year one; iron-heavy water was less damaging. Recommended ZeroWater pitcher (includes TDS meter)—≤50 ppm is safe. Also: aquarium store test, test kit/meter, or check Fontana water quality reports online.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
https://www.cobraplant.com