Most houseplants come from the jungle floor, so they require high humidity to thrive. Many homes tend to be low humidity, though. This leads to unhappy plants that have burned leaf tips and are less likely to thrive. This video shows you three easy ways to immediately increase humidity for houseplants. These are easy ways that only take a few minutes. The three ways to increase houseplant humidity include misting houseplants, grouping houseplants and creating a humidity tray. Houseplants grouped together humidify each other. So it’s good to have as many houseplants as possible. Misting is also a temporary way to humidity houseplants. But it needs to be repeated throughout the day. Placing houseplants on a humidity tray is also effective. Keep the humidity tray filled with water, and you can provide extra humidity to your houseplants.
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Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today, we’re going to talk about how to humidify your houseplants. There are actually three main ways to do this, and I’ll also mention a fourth method. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you can see below.
So, why humidify your houseplants? One of the main reasons is that most houseplants are native to jungles, where the jungle floor is extremely humid. However, most homes are not nearly as humid, and humidity levels vary widely depending on your location. If you’re in a dry region, such as the Southwest United States, it’s likely very dry, while the southern U.S. and South America are more humid. Houseplants growing naturally in the jungle floor, where humidity is close to 100%, may struggle in a house with just 30% humidity. Adding extra humidity is key, as some plants are more sensitive to low humidity than others. Signs of insufficient humidity include brown leaf tips, although this can also indicate other issues like high salt buildup or inconsistent watering.
First, it’s helpful to know what the humidity is in your home. A hygrometer, like the one I’m showing here, is a great tool. The top number indicates temperature, while the bottom number shows humidity. Right now, it’s at 63% here in Southern California, likely due to incoming rain. Normally, my humidity is around 40%, but it can drop to 20% when it’s hot and dry, which can cause issues for plants. Hygrometers are affordable and helpful for monitoring humidity levels.
One way to raise humidity is by grouping houseplants together. When plants transpire, they release moisture, which can help humidify each other. This is especially effective if you have a lot of houseplants. For example, grouping plants like this can create a nice humidity level, which supports healthy growth.
Another way to raise humidity is to mist your houseplants. Misting is a quick way to add humidity, but you’ll need to do it multiple times daily. Use a spray bottle with a fine mist; large droplets can make a mess and won’t be as effective. Misting needs to be repeated frequently, as its effects only last for about half an hour to an hour, especially in dry environments. Keep a spray bottle near plants that need frequent misting to remind yourself to mist them regularly.
You can also put plants in areas with naturally higher humidity, such as the bathroom. When you shower, the humidity increases temporarily, which can benefit your plants. However, ensure there’s adequate lighting in the bathroom to support plant growth.
The third way to raise humidity is with a humidity tray. I have a video on how to make one, but essentially, a humidity tray involves filling a tray with water and placing marbles, gravel, or other materials in it. Keep the water level just below the tops of the marbles or gravel to prevent the pot from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot. As the water evaporates, it humidifies the plants around it.
If humidity is a constant issue for your plants, you might want to try all three methods: grouping plants together, misting regularly, and using humidity trays, especially for plants that need it most. By following these steps, your houseplants will thrive with vibrant, healthy foliage.
Thank you for watching this video and learning about gardening in the great indoors. Please remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to humidify houseplants?
Most houseplants are native to jungles, where the environment is highly humid. Many homes lack adequate humidity, which can stress houseplants, especially those that require more moisture. Adding humidity helps replicate their natural habitat, preventing issues like brown leaf tips.
How can I check the humidity level in my home?
A hygrometer is a great tool for monitoring humidity levels in your home. It displays temperature and humidity, allowing you to see if your home’s environment is suitable for houseplants.
What is a good way to increase humidity for multiple plants at once?
Grouping houseplants together is an effective way to increase humidity. Plants release moisture through transpiration, and when grouped, they help humidify each other, creating a micro-environment with higher humidity.
How often should I mist my houseplants?
Misting houseplants can be beneficial, but it’s usually necessary to mist several times a day for optimal results. Use a fine mist spray bottle and avoid large droplets to prevent mess and increase effectiveness.
Can I place houseplants in the bathroom for higher humidity?
Yes, placing houseplants in the bathroom is an excellent way to benefit from naturally higher humidity. Be sure the bathroom has enough light to support plant growth.
What is a humidity tray, and how does it work?
A humidity tray is a shallow tray filled with water and materials like marbles or gravel. Place plants above the waterline on the tray. As the water evaporates, it creates a humid micro-environment around the plants without soaking their roots.
Should I use all three methods to increase humidity for my houseplants?
If your home is especially dry, it’s beneficial to use a combination of grouping plants, misting, and humidity trays, especially for humidity-sensitive plants. This approach helps maintain a consistently higher humidity level for optimal plant health.
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