If you are a happy owner of houseplants, you should take care of their comfort as well. Maintaining the proper level of air humidity is a huge necessity. Many indoor plants originate from tropical places with humid climates. Check the article below to learn how to create a perfect microclimate for your green pets.
The reasons for low humidity
Moisture support is usually needed after the winter period. During cold months, people turn on the radiators to increase the temperature. Thus, the humidity level immediately drops and plants lose their strength. The tips of the leaves begin to darken and turn yellow, while the aerial roots quickly wilted. If you maintain high humidity for a long period of time, you may avoid the above problems, but attract fungal disorders, white mold, rotting or even pests. Yep, all of them relish in such conditions. It is all about the middle ground.
Most plants thrive under 40-60% humidity level. Plants of tropical origin are more sensitive to such indicators, they better tolerate the 80-90% humidity. In winter, when the heating is turned on, the indicators rapidly fall to the level of 30-50%.
In order to track the differences, a special device has been created - a hygrometer. It is often built into humidifiers and is very easy to use.
Ways to maintain humidity
Below you can check the most efficient up-to-date ways to humidify your home oasis.
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Spraying. A well-known method, often used for flowers. It has a temporary effect and does not increase the humidity for a long time (gardeners usually use it for hygienic purposes). Also, not all plants will tolerate such a procedure, only those with very hard leaves: ficuses, monstera, succulents. Over-spraying can also lead to the origination of small pests. Each method has its own advantages, though: for example, if a spider mite appears on a flower, spraying can help a lot, since the mite does not tolerate high humidity
Water for such a procedure should be boiled and then allowed to cool slightly to room temperature. Thanks to this, the flower will not have a high temperature drop, which will eliminate a lot of stress, and you can also avoid the appearance of salt stains on the leaves.
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Pallet with drainage. Pebble trays cause water evaporation, which increases the humidity in the entire room. The pot with the plant itself must be in a different container, since moisture must not be allowed to enter through the drainage holes. It will be a plus if the tray has a special mesh and a deep bottom, so that it is more convenient to add water, clean the container and place the plant directly on this mesh. Well-known expanded clay is well suited for drainage. Note that this option helps to grow even very capricious plants.
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Vessels with water. It is still more primitive here, if the green inhabitant is placed on the windowsill, under which the battery is located, then you just need to put containers with water, quite wide, so that the evaporation area is as high as possible. Add water periodically.
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Household humidifiers. The easiest way to increase humidity is to buy a humidifier. We recommend using Honeywell, TaoTronics Cool, Vicks Warm, or Pure Guardian. The area of influence of a humidifier is huge, so it will be useful both for the beloved plants and their owners.
Types of humidifiers
There are generally two types of humidifiers available on the market:
1.Steam. It makes the water heat up and come out with steam. Average water consumption per day is about 16-17 liters. They can work even with very hard water, some of them come with inhalation nozzles. You can help not only your green friends, but also your household.
2.Ultrasonic. This type of device has a special membrane that turns water into cold steam thanks to frequent vibrations. It has a low noise level (unlike the previous one); moreover, you can independently adjust the humidity level. There is a tiny drawback, though - a white coating may form on the furniture. Don’t worry - you can easily wipe it.
Other options
Not only humidifiers are helpful while dealing with low humidity levels for plants. There are several inconvenient options:
- Aquarium. Anyone with an aquarium at home can start to rejoice, as this really works for plants too. It will be enough just to put the green pet next to it, the evaporated moisture will do its work.
- Terrariums. There is already a flight of imagination of all gardeners. This design creates the most favorable conditions for growing flowers. Although, creating a terrarium might be a time-consuming process. There are many influencing factors and special techniques on how not to harm the plant and do everything with benefit.
3.Home fountains. Whoever has small fountains in the interior will not face problems with humidity. They are not only aesthetically pleasing and calming, but also help your favorite flowers to thrive.
