Some houseplants like humidity, others less so. Here is a practical guide.
Many popular houseplants come from forests with moist air and grow well when the humidity is between 30% and 40%. Many homes are drier than that – and while most houseplants can handle it, humidify the air it can help them thrive.
Curled, yellowed leaves with brown edges and tips are signs that the plant may not be getting enough moisture.
Which plants like humidity?
Some plants don’t need additional moisture, but here are some that love it: zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa), anthurium, orchids, mosaic plant, palm trees, ferns, philodendrons, peace lily, water stick (Draceana fragrans), gray maranthus, small bosslera, arrowhead plant (Syngonium), pilea, caladium, croton (Codiaeum) and begonia.
who does not spray
Don’t spray plants with fuzzy leaves, such as African violets and piggyback plants (Tolmiea) – water on the leaves will cause permanent spots. Here moisten with a tray. Fill a tray, plate or bowl with pebbles, stones, etc. and pour the water just below the top.
Leave the plant on top, making sure the water doesn’t touch the pot. Also, don’t spray plants that don’t need a lot of moisture, such as succulents, dragon trees (Draceana marginata), figs (Ficus lyrata), pothos, elephant’s foot (Beaucarnea recurvata), grapevine, and chlorophytum.
how to humidify
- Use warm water in the morning so the leaves have a chance to dry out during the day.
- Moisten the top and bottom of the leaves; it should look like there is a light dew.
- Some plants can be sprayed daily, others only once or twice a week.
- Keep moisture-loving plants away from drafts, windows, doors, and heating and air conditioning ducts.
group your plants
Putting the plants together in a small circle can also help them create moisture for each other. You can put small plants together as long as they have enough space between them for some air circulation. You can also group small and large plants.
In addition to spraying, you can give your plants a gentle bath in the bathroom or outside with a hose, once or twice a year; this will clean the leaves and help prevent spider mites.
Finally, moisture-loving plants thrive in the bathroom (provided there is adequate light).
* Via TreeHugger
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
