Increase the humidity for houseplants with our simple tips to keep them happy and healthy during the fall and winter season.
Autumn is finally here, and that means sweating in my favorite sweater. Kidding aside, fall and winter season is the time of the year where you need to increase the humidity for houseplants to keep them healthy and lush, especially for houseplants that originated from humid jungle environments. Generally, houseplants prefer 40-60% humidity. Yes, it is much higher than the average home humidity, which makes you ask yourself, “Aside from misting my houseplants, what else can I do to increase the humidity for my houseplants?“
Signs That Your Houseplants Need Higher Humidity
- Leaves becomes crispy
- Leaves begin to yellow
- Leaves develop brown edges
- Plants begin to wilt
How to Increase the Humidity for Houseplants
Create a Microclimate
Group several plants together to create a pocket of humidity. Plus, plants are good at taking of each other, as well. We also suggest that you place a dish of water in the center too.
Get a Humidifier
The next way to increase the humidity for houseplants is to get a humidifier. It could be a bit pricey for some, but it’s definitely worth it, especially if you have a lot of houseplants. Plus, it’s good for humans too.
Give Them a Bath
It’s nice to give your plants regular showers during the winter months. Aside from the fact that they enjoy the extra moisture, giving them baths will also clean any dust from their leaves. Always remember to use lukewarm water and drain the soil completely. Also, wait for the soil to completely dry before watering again.
Mist Your Plants
An easy way to increase the humidity for houseplants is to mist it regularly. However, the effect is temporary. Plus, keep in mind that you should never mist plants with hairy leaves, such as African Violets because the “hair” on the leaves holds water, which encourages diseases.
Place Plants in More Humid Rooms
Another solution is to strategically locate your houseplants in more humid rooms, such as the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. Plus, it’s easy to water them since they are all near faucets or sinks. Make sure that they get enough sunlight in these places.
Use Pebble Trays
Lastly, use pebble trays to increase the humidity for houseplants. It’s really simple to do. Place a layer of pebbles in the tray, add water, then put the plants on top. Don’t worry about your plant’s root because the pebbles hold the plant above the water, so rest assured that the roots are not wet. As the water in the pebble tray evaporates, it increases the moisture in the air.
If you’re having issues with browning leaf tips or curling leaves, follow these tips to increase the humidity for houseplants. Your plants will be thankful for the pleasant environment.
Grow your plant knowledge. Check out our Plant Care blog to learn more about different houseplants and tips on how to keep your plants alive and healthy.
