Does your houseplant suffer from dry air? Low humidity damages their leaves and encourages pests. In this blog, we’ll show you simple ways to create the perfect climate for your green companions.
Why Is Humidity Important for Houseplants?
The right humidity is essential for houseplants, especially for tropical species accustomed to high moisture levels in their native habitats. Here are the main reasons:
1. Water absorption through leaves
Many plants, especially tropical ones, absorb water not only through their roots but also through their leaves. In a high-humidity environment, plants can absorb water through structures called trichomes, helping them meet their water needs more effectively.
2. Regulating transpiration
Plants lose water through transpiration (the release of water vapor through their leaves). In dry air, transpiration increases. The drier the air, the faster the plant loses water and dries out. Higher humidity, on the other hand, reduces water loss and helps the plant maintain balance
3. Preventing stress
Low humidity can stress plants, often manifesting as brown leaf tips, wilting leaves, or a general growth halt. Tropical plants like Monstera, Maranta, or Calatheas particularly need high humidity to stay healthy.
4. Preventing pest infestations
Dry air can make plants more vulnerable to pests, especially spider mites. These tiny pests thrive in low humidity and can multiply rapidly under such conditions. In no time, they can weaken your plants by extracting nutrients and damaging leaves. Adequate humidity creates an environment where spider mites and other pests feel less comfortable, slowing or even preventing their spread. This means less stress for your plants—and for you. By maintaining the right humidity, you ensure your green companions remain healthy and vital while reducing the need for intensive pest control measures.
Unsure about what’s troubling your houseplant? Just ask Dr. Leafy for guidance; he’s always ready to help: Go to Dr. Leafy
5. Supporting photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the key to your plants’ survival and growth. This process converts (sun)light into energy that the plant uses for all vital functions. However, if the air is too dry, the plant may lose more water through evaporation than it can absorb through its roots. This water deficit causes stress, forcing the plant to focus its energy on self-protection rather than effective photosynthesis. Optimal humidity helps avoid this stress.
How to increase humidity for houseplants
Many houseplants thrive at humidity levels between 40% and 60%, while succulents can tolerate 30% to 50%. Tropical plants like Monstera or Calathea, however, prefer high humidity levels of around 60% to 80%. Indoor air, especially in winter with dry heating systems, can cause humidity to drop significantly, challenging many of our leafy friends. Don’t worry, though—with a few simple tricks, you can remedy the situation and do something good for your green roommates. Here are some useful methods to increase humidity for your houseplants, and for yourself as well:
1. Use a humidifier
An electric humidifier is the simplest and most effective way to increase humidity in a room. These devices provide consistent moisture and are especially helpful near plants like Calatheas or Monsteras, which need high humidity levels of around 60% to 80%.
2. Group plants together
Place several plants close together to create a small, moist microclimate. Plants release moisture into the air through transpiration, which accumulates in the surrounding environment and increases humidity.
3. Set out bowls of water
Place shallow bowls of water near your plants. As the water evaporates, it raises humidity levels. A variation is to fill the bowls with pebbles or marbles and place plant pots on top, ensuring they don’t sit directly in water. However, standing water can attract pests, so this method should not be used constantly.
4. Regular misting
Spraying plant leaves with water is a quick but temporary solution. Be sure to use low-mineral, room-temperature water and only mist plants that tolerate it, such as Calatheas, Monsteras, or Philodendrons. Avoid misting plants with hairy or sensitive leaves, such as begonias, ZZ plants, or Pileas, as this can harm their foliage.
5. Use damp materials
A damp towel placed on a radiator releases moisture into the air as it dries. Or simply dry your laundry in the living room instead of in a drying room. Alternatively, you can use an indoor fountain that continuously evaporates water.
6. Relocate to the bathroom or kitchen
Place moisture-loving plants in naturally humid spaces like the bathroom or kitchen. While you’re singing in the shower or whipping up culinary delights, your leafy friends can enjoy the elevated humidity. Be mindful, though, that light conditions must be suitable for the plants’ needs.
With these various measures, you can create an ideal climate for your green roommates. However, your home shouldn’t become too humid, as this could lead to mold or fungal growth. Regularly check humidity levels with a hygrometer. This way, healthy growth for your leafy friends and a long-lasting friendship should hopefully be within reach.
