4 Ways to increase humidity for a happy plant

Did you know that while plants can survive in average household humidity levels, they really need more from their environment to thrive?

Many plants we choose to keep in our homes are from tropical areas that have much higher humidity levels, so of course our homes can’t offer them the ideal environment that they are used to. However, for those of you who wish to give your plant baby the conditions they long for, there are ways to increase the humidity levels around your plants without turning your house into a sauna (unless that’s your thing, no one’s stopping you)!

How do I know when my plant needs more humidity?

Good news, your plant is going to let you know that its missing something, and it will probably be in a dramatic way that is easy to identify.

Leaves are your best friend when looking for signs that your plant needs more humidity

Things to look for :

• brown edges

• wilting and drooping

• yellow leaves

• crispy leaves

How to increase humidity

Now that you’re speaking your plant’s language, you can choose from a few ways to increase humidity in their immediate area.

Misting

First thing’s first: plants with tiny “hairs” on them should not be misted. This slows down water absorption by holding water on the leaf surface. Plants that do not need much water to survive, like succulents and aloe, should not be misted.

• Some plants that enjoy misting: rubber trees, philodendrons, Monstera deliciosa, and caladiums.

• Some plants that shouldn’t be misted: cacti, african violets, aloe vera, succulents, jade plants, purple hearts, and pothos.

One thing you should remember is that misting does not take the place of watering. It should be used to supplement watering.

Frequency + Misting Tools

You should choose a misting tool that has a fine spray. The spray bottles used by hair stylists are usually very good for this! You want the mist to be very fine so there aren’t large water droplets sitting on the leaves.

While it may be tempting to shower your plant with a little love every time you walk by it, you should avoid misting them too much. Even plants that enjoy misting can get bacteria on their leaves. Misting needs will vary based on the surrounding environment. If the air is more dry, you can expect to mist your plant a little more frequently, like once every few days.

Misting isn’t the most effective way to increase humidity because it is a very temporary fix for needed moisture, so don’t be afraid to explore some other options.

Pebble Trays

Misting may not be your thing, or you may have a plant that doesn’t like to be misted. You can create a pebble tray with three easy things that you probably have or can get for cheap: pebbles, a ceramic try, and water. Spread the pebbles out evenly on the tray, and then pour water over the pebbles until they are halfway covered.

You may be concerned about the roots sitting in water, but don’t worry! The rocks keep the pot directly out of the water so they’re only getting humidity from it. The water in the tray will evaporate, which increases the humidity in your plant’s immediate area. When you thoroughly water your plant, you should empty out the pebble tray before filling it with clean water. This prevent any bacteria build up from dirty water.

Create a microclimate

Grouping plants together around a container, like a watering can, filled with water is a great way to increase ambient humidity and create a small humid environment. You should group plants with similar needs and leave out plants that do not need added humidity. Plants naturally transpire, which means they release water into the air. This increases the humidity levels around the plant.

If you have a lot of smaller plants that require higher humidity levels, you can even create a terrarium. This is just an enclosed environment, like a glass container, with soil and a few small plants. Fish tanks are a great vessel for creating your own terrarium!

Humidifier

Humidifiers are great for you and your plant’s health, especially during the winter months when the air gets much drier. They are a great option if you have a lot of plants that seem to have a higher demand for moisture. Place it on a table or on the floor a few feet away from your plants, and let it do it’s thing! They are a great option if you live somewhere that stays cold throughout the year.

When deciding where you want you plants to live at in your home, consider what room you want them to be kept in.There are places in your home that may be better for them because they are naturally more humid and warm like the kitchen and bathroom, even laundry rooms. If you have appropriate lighting in these rooms( or can keep your plants under a grow light), you should definitely take advantage of that combined with the added humidity they provide. Your plants will thank you later!