Rice Water for Plants in the Philippines
Using rice water for plants has gone viral on TikTok and Facebook gardening groups across the Philippines. Filipino gardeners have been using rice wash water (hugas bigas) on their plants for generations. But does it actually work? The short answer is yes. Rice water contains starch, B vitamins, and trace amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that benefit plant growth.
Rice water is not a replacement for proper fertiliser, but it serves as a free, natural supplement that feeds beneficial soil bacteria and provides mild nutrition. Every Filipino household washes rice daily, producing a steady supply of nutrient-rich water that would otherwise go down the drain. This guide explains how to prepare, ferment, and apply rice water for the best results in your garden.
Benefits of Rice Water for Plants
Rice water provides several documented benefits for plant growth.
- Starch feeds soil bacteria: The starch in rice water feeds beneficial microorganisms in the soil that break down organic matter into nutrients plants can absorb.
- Mild NPK nutrition: Rice water contains small amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from the rice bran coating washed off during rinsing.
- B vitamins: Thiamine (B1) and niacin (B3) in rice water promote root development and overall plant health.
- Improved soil structure: Regular application of rice water encourages earthworm activity and improves soil texture over time.
- Free and sustainable: Every Filipino kitchen produces rice water daily, making it a zero-cost gardening resource.
Types of Rice Water
Plain Rice Water (Hugas Bigas)
This is the milky white water collected from rinsing raw rice before cooking. It contains starch, B vitamins, and trace minerals. Use it directly on plants the same day you collect it. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This is the simplest and most common method used by Filipino gardeners.
Fermented Rice Water
Fermented rice water is plain rice water left to ferment at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. The fermentation process produces lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that benefit soil health. Fermented rice water has a stronger nutrient profile and promotes better root development. It has a sour smell similar to vinegar.
Boiled Rice Water
The starchy water left after boiling or cooking rice contains higher concentrations of starch and nutrients than plain rice wash water. Let it cool completely before using on plants. Dilute 1:3 with plain water as the concentration can be too strong for delicate plants.
How to Make Rice Water
Plain Rice Water
- Measure your rice as usual and place in a bowl.
- Add water and swirl the rice gently with your hand for 30 seconds.
- Drain the milky white water into a clean container. Use the first or second wash for the most nutrients.
- Use within the same day or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Fermented Rice Water
- Collect plain rice water in a clean jar or bottle.
- Cover loosely with a cloth or leave the lid slightly open for air circulation.
- Leave at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. In the Philippine heat, fermentation happens faster.
- The water turns slightly sour and cloudy. This is ready to use.
- Dilute 1 part fermented rice water with 5 parts plain water before applying.
How to Use Rice Water on Plants
Apply rice water directly to the soil around the base of plants, not on the leaves. Pour slowly to allow absorption. Use in the morning so excess moisture dries during the day. For plain rice water, use undiluted once or twice a week. For fermented rice water, always dilute 1:5 and apply once every 1 to 2 weeks.
You can also use diluted rice water as a foliar spray by straining it through a cloth first. Spray on leaves early in the morning. Foliar application delivers B vitamins directly to the plant. Avoid spraying in the evening as wet leaves overnight promote fungal diseases.
Best Plants for Rice Water
Rice water works well on most garden plants. The following respond especially well.
- Vegetables: Pechay, kangkong, lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers show noticeable growth improvement.
- Herbs: Basil, mint, oregano, and spring onions grow lusher with regular rice water application.
- Flowering plants: Orchids, sunflowers, and marigolds benefit from the mild nutrition.
- Indoor plants: Pothos, philodendrons, and peace lilies respond well to monthly rice water feeding.
- Fruit trees: Calamansi and guava show improved fruiting with regular soil application.
Avoid using rice water on succulents, cacti, and other drought-loving plants that prefer dry conditions.
Healthy Soil for Healthy Plants
Pair rice water with our premium loam soil for the best growing results. Same-day delivery across Metro Manila via Lalamove starting at just ₱75 per pack.
Common Mistakes
Using Rice Water Every Day
Daily rice water creates starch buildup on the soil surface that attracts fungus gnats and mould. Use once or twice a week at most. Alternate with plain water between applications.
Not Diluting Fermented Rice Water
Full-strength fermented rice water is too acidic for most plants. Always dilute 1:5 with plain water. Using it undiluted can burn roots and damage tender plants.
Using Spoiled Rice Water
If rice water smells rotten or putrid rather than mildly sour, it has gone bad. Discard it. Properly fermented rice water smells like mild vinegar. Use plain rice water within 2 days or ferment it intentionally within 3 days.
Relying on Rice Water as Your Only Fertiliser
Rice water is a supplement, not a complete fertiliser. It contains only trace nutrients. Continue using proper organic or inorganic fertilisers as part of your regular feeding schedule. Think of rice water as a bonus, not a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rice water good for all plants?
Rice water is beneficial for most plants but not all. It works best for vegetables, herbs, flowering plants, and tropical houseplants. Rice water provides starch, small amounts of NPK nutrients, and B vitamins that feed beneficial soil bacteria. However, avoid using rice water on succulents and cacti as the extra moisture and starch can promote fungal growth in their dry-loving root zones. Also avoid using fermented rice water at full strength on seedlings as the acidity may be too strong. Dilute fermented rice water 1:5 with plain water for young or delicate plants.
How often should I use rice water on my plants?
Use plain rice water once or twice a week as part of your regular watering routine. Fermented rice water should be applied once every 1 to 2 weeks at a 1:5 dilution ratio with plain water. Do not replace all regular watering with rice water as the starch buildup can attract pests and create mould on the soil surface. Alternate between rice water and plain water for the best results. During the rainy season in the Philippines reduce rice water applications to once every 2 weeks as plants receive additional moisture from rainfall.
Does fermented rice water smell bad?
Yes, fermented rice water develops a sour, slightly acidic smell during the fermentation process. This is normal and indicates that beneficial lactic acid bacteria are active. The smell is similar to mild vinegar or sour dough. Once diluted 1:5 with plain water the smell is barely noticeable. Apply in the morning so any residual smell fades during the day. If the rice water smells putrid or rotten rather than sour it has gone bad and should be discarded. Proper fermentation takes 2 to 3 days at room temperature in the Philippines.
