Best Humidity For Indoor Plants

Humidity: Lets be honest; our homes will never be able to compete with the moist tropical jungles where most interior houseplants originate. However, if we can keep the humidity around 20%-40% the plants will do just fine. Cactus and succulents require only 5-15%. I have never found that misting plants does much good. It does put ugly watermarks on the leaves though. You can increase humidity by putting trays of wet pebbles under the plants. I don’t like doing this either because the standing water often breeds pesky gnats that will drive you crazy. If you are really having a humidity problem, brown tips and margins on leaves or flower buds falling off, try grouping your plants together. Water is constantly evaporating into the air from the leaves and soil surface of the plants. By grouping them you can create a minigreenhouse affect. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, spa and pool areas always have higher humidity; as do buildings that are cooled by evaporative coolers. Air conditioning and heaters will make the air drier. Keep this in mind when watering. As the conditions in your building or home change, the humidity in the air will change, and so will the watering needs of your plants. Next Section - Soil>>