You’ve probably noticed that the air in our homes has become dryer during the winter months.  That not only affects us, but it also can have a significant impact on your plants. This is especially true for tropical plants…and many house plants do originate in tropical settings.  Insufficient humidity may cause browning and brittleness around the edges of the plant’s leaves.  Succulent plants, of course, tolerate a lower humidity environment.

With this in mind, it’s important to provide added humidity to the non-succulent plants that you are growing in your home. 

According to an entry in the website from Nebraska Extension, “The Mayo Clinic recommends indoor humidity stay between 30-50% for human health and comfort, but many homes have much lower humidity levels. For plants, humidity requirements vary by species, but generally 70-80% is best.” So in almost all situations, the addition of humidity should be a part of your indoor plant care.

There are a number of options available for adding humidity.

Use of a Humidifier:  A home humidifier is probably the simplest way to increase humidity throughout your home.  That will, of course, benefit not only your plants, but also the people residing in the home.  However, this method will not increase the humidity level to the amount required by your non succulent plants.

Misting: Another option is to mist your plants.  Misting is frequently discouraged because the impact is short lived.  In addition, water standing on your plant can promote diseases and/or the development of mold.

Pebble Tray:  To increase humidity, pots containing your plants can be placed on a one-to-two-inch-deep tray filled with pebbles.  Add water to the tray.  As the water evaporates, it provides humidity for the plant.

Grouping plants:  Plants located in close proximity to each other can benefit each other.  The moisture released by the leaves of the plants can increase the humidity around the group of plants.

Use of a bell jar cover: A bell jar placed over a plant can trap the moisture created by water evaporating from the soil and from moisture released by the plant’s leaves.

Placement over heat source:  If your home has a radiator, floor vents, or a wood stove these can be helpful.  By placing plants over these objects, the heat can create the humidity needed by them.

Locating plants in a kitchen or bathroom: The two rooms with the most humidity in the house are the kitchen and bathroom.  So, if the light available in those rooms is adequate, they are the best location for plants requiring added humidity.  

So, to promote the health of your house plants, make sure your plants are receiving the right type light, water, fertilizer and soil composition. But don’t forget your plants’ need for necessary air humidity around them. Try the tips in this article for happy houseplants.

https://lancaster.unl.edu/houseplants-humidity#:~:text=Grouping plants together can also, pocket of slightly higher humidity.

Photo credit: Linda Stein (1-4)