Water plant container, use water?

Question

Hi there, Is it OK to use the ‘smelly’ water from a water plant container, to water other plants.
I had assumed the nutrients would be good for other plants, but have read differently also.
The planter has stag irises in pots growing in it….over winter it overfills with water, and the water is smelly by spring. I hope to water the plants with it, then replace most of the water with fresh. ???

Answer 1

We don't recommend watering plants with it. That smelly water is due to sulfur reducing bacteria. This is VERY acidic and should not be used for other plants. This should be taken as a sign that your container needs more drainage, and your plants' roots may be rotting.