Tropical houseplants typically want more humidity than the average human cares for in a living environment. Homes have climate control systems that effectively remove moisture from the air for the comfort of those living there. While low humidity is more comfortable for people, houseplants typically prefer a more humid environment that is reminiscent of their natural environment.
Before beginning it is wise to know what plant you have and what it needs for care. If your plant is tropical and humidity is needed here are a few ways to increase your humidity naturally:
Once you've determined that higher humidity is warranted, any of the following ideas can be used:
- Group plants together in fun displays. Plants go through a process called transpiration. Transpiration is the released moisture through small openings in the backs of leaves called stomata. Grouping plants closely together creates a microclimate wherein the plants share the “breathing” out and in of this communal moisture.
- Grouping plants with common humidity needs is beneficial. Placing a peace lily, snake plant, Xanthosoma, and a Pothos together is helpful. But if a cactus joined the group it would suffer as desert plants do not have the same needs for humidity. The desert environment is known for a pronounced lack of humidity.
- Pebble trays are great for increasing humidity and creating microclimates. Set up a dish/tray large enough to hold 4/5 plants. Place an inch or more of pebbles/glass baubles and place the pots on top. Add water to the tray carefully to keep the liquid level well below the bottoms of the collection of pots. If the pot is touching the water the soil in the pot will soak it up.
- Group together plants that grow upright with those that trail/vine. Allowing the vining plants to trail through the upright plants makes a fun display and allows for more sharing of humidity.
- Humidifiers come in several sizes and can raise the humidity in the whole room or be small enough that they are well suited to creating a microclimate in a specific space.
- The use of a terrarium, cloche, or even an upside-down, clear-glass bowl/vase big enough to cover the entire plant/pot is another way to create a microclimate. These can be closed systems where plant/soil/moisture create a microclimate, or they can be the type regularly opened to enjoy/interact with. Consider using these if a plant is suffering from a bout of stress and needs a little extra care. Increased humidity can be a healing thing.
Tip from the Pros: Avoid misting houseplants. This popular method of adding humidity is providing a small amount of water as a gas (humidity) and mostly liquid water. Adding liquid water to the leaves of houseplants, particularly those with fine hairs or placed in areas of little air circulation provides a welcome home for bacteria and fungus. It is fine to spray water on leaves to clean them but you should use a soft cloth to wipe them after.