‘Antiperspirants’ Help Retain Water

If you’re concerned about conserving water but still want your plants lush and green, try applying a plant “antiperspirant.” Known as anti-transpirants, they reduce water loss through the leaves.

“Most of the water taken up by plants through the roots is lost through transpiration,” says Steve Hollister, a California-certified nurseryman who is manager of the Armstrong Garden Center in Irvine. “Anti-transpirants, such as the product Cloud Cover, reduce water loss without compromising plant health.”

Anti-transpirants, used for some time by farmers who have applied them by air, have recently become available to the general public through nurseries and home and garden centers.

They are excellent for plants in hot, windy areas and for hanging baskets and container plants that dry out quickly. They even help to protect plants from frost damage.