Why Climate Matters to Your Houseplants

Find out why and how the climate you live in affects your houseplants. If you live in a dry or humid climate, it will affect your houseplants, even though they are indoors. If you live in a dry climate, for instance, it helps to provide your plants with humidity using a humidity tray.

Video Transcript

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Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors.

Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you’ll find in the description below. You’ll also see in the description any links to videos I mention in this video.

Today, I’m going to talk to you about why climate matters for your houseplants and how the climate where you live affects them. While it may not matter hugely, because most homes are kept at a relatively consistent temperature and lighting throughout the year, it does affect your houseplants, particularly when it comes to humidity.

If you live near a desert, such as in the Southwest United States or Egypt, the air will be very dry. Conversely, if you’re near the ocean or in a tropical climate, like Georgia or near a rainforest, you’ll have lots of humidity. Different plants have different requirements for humidity, so it’s essential to consider where you live.

There are ways to help solve issues like low humidity. One effective method is using a humidity tray, and I have a video on how to create one. A humidity tray contains water, but the bottom of the pot doesn’t sit in it, creating a little humidity around the plant. To monitor your indoor humidity, you can use a hygrometer. There are plenty of options available online. A hygrometer shows both temperature and humidity. Right now, my humidity is at 45%, which is pretty good. The ideal range for most houseplants is 35% to 60%. If your humidity is on the lower side, consider using a humidity tray or other methods to increase it.

Your outdoor climate will also impact your indoor climate to some extent. The same goes for extreme temperatures. If you live in an area with very cold winters or hot summers, that will affect your houseplants as well. The closer your plants are to windows, the more they will be exposed to the outdoor climate. Some plants love bright light, but you must balance this with temperature considerations, especially during extreme weather.

For example, in the summer, plants close to windows could get leaf burn, and in the winter, they might suffer from frostbite if the windows get too cold, even with storm windows. Moving your plants a few feet away from the window during extreme weather can make a significant difference. For instance, moving a plant just four feet away from a window can increase its temperature by about four degrees, which could be just what it needs.

If you’re concerned about lighting, especially in the winter months, consider using full-spectrum lighting. These bulbs can be placed in various lighting fixtures and simulate daylight, helping to prevent issues like frostbite or sunburn on your plants.

As mentioned, while climate may not be a huge factor, it’s still something to keep in mind. You wouldn’t put your pothos, dracaena, or philodendron out in a snowstorm, but a little of that cold can make its way into your home and affect your plants.

Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Also, click the bell if you’d like to be notified when we upload new videos.

FAQ's Why Climate Matters to Your Houseplants 101

Why does climate matter for houseplants?

The climate where you live affects the humidity and temperature inside your home, which in turn impacts your houseplants. Different plants have varying requirements for humidity and temperature.

How can I increase humidity for my houseplants?

One effective method is using a humidity tray. The tray contains water, but the bottom of the pot doesn’t sit in it. This creates a bit of humidity around the plant. You can also use a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity.

How does the position of my plants affect them?

Plants close to windows are more exposed to the outdoor climate. In the summer, they could get leaf burn, and in the winter, they might suffer from frostbite. Moving plants a few feet away from the window during extreme weather can help.