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Are your plants struggling to stay alive? Are you watering them properly and giving them the right amount of light, inspecting for pests and they are still looking rough? Some houseplants just do not get enough humidity sitting in your home. These plants are native to the tropics where they thrive in moist humid conditions. If the environment is too dry the plant can lose moisture faster than it’s roots can absorb. This can lead to dry browning leaves, curled leaves and the steady decline of your humidity loving plant. There are many ways to increase humidity for your plants.
If you are not sure that humidity is an issue for your plants, it might be a good idea to invest in a hygrometer. I have this $10 one from amazon: Hygrometer
As a general guide, 50-60% humidity is good starting level for many plants but some will want even more. If lack of humidity is getting your plants down, hope is not lost. You can still keep your plant babies alive.
Here are 9 ways you can increase humidity for your plants:
PEBBLE TRAY
This is a pretty affordable method. All you need is a plant tray or dish and some pebbles. You can use gravel, LECA or even perlite. Fill the tray with pebbles and add water, making sure the pebbles are not completely covered. Then place your plant on top of the tray. The pebbles/rocks will keep your plant above the water and as the water evaporate it will increase the moisture in the air. Your plant will love the extra boost of humidity.
Here are some online options:
Amazon Hydroclay pellets 10L | Amazon Hydroclay 2.5L
Ikea Odla Growing Medium Hydro Clay
You can also check your local dollar store, garden centre or hardware store for gravel or rocks.
MISTING
There is a bit of controversy over whether or not misting does anything to help with increasing humidity for your plants. The thing about misting your plants is that it may only increase humidity for a short period of time. If your plant really needs extra humidity then this might not be the best solution for your plants. But if you already own a spray bottle with a good mist, I say, mist away. A very brief increase in humidity may not do much but it’s still better than nothing. Misting is also great for people who just can’t leave their plants alone. If you need to constantly tend to your plants but have a habit of over watering, mist instead. Sometimes it’s not just about your plants. I honestly have a mister because I like misting my plants and it works great to boost humidity in my greenhouse cabinet. Also, if you enjoy something then keep on doing it.
If you are looking for a mister here are some options:
I love the aesthetics of the glass misters but I just got this one on Amazon and the mist on this is amazing.
Amazon Continuous Mist Spray Bottle
SEMI HYDROPONICS
Semi Hydroponics is a bit more involved because it is a completely different growing method. The plant grows in a soilless medium, usually LECA(Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate.) LECA wicks water up to the roots when they need a drink. It is like the whole plant is growing in a pebble tray. This is a great way to increase humidity for your plants. However, there are many benefits to Semi Hydroponics besides increasing humidity. If you want to learn more about Semi Hydroponics check out this article on how to get started: SEMI HYDROPONICS: 5 BENEFITS and HOW TO GET STARTED
GREENHOUSE
Creating a greenhouse environment for your plants will help boost humidity levels. If you have small plants or a propagation, I like this small Ikea greenhouse: https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/socker-greenhouse-indoor-outdoor-white-70186603/
If you have a lot of plants or bigger plants you may want to get a bit more creative. You could get a little indoor greenhouse, Like this one from Amazon : https://amzn.to/3jN7p3d
If you care how it looks another option is to convert a glass cabinet into your own greenhouse. I have (and love) this one from Ikea: Milsbo Glass Cabinet
DIY Dome or Grow Box
For those that love to DIY with household items, making your own biodome or grow box might work better for you. All you need is a clear glass or plastic vase or container.
Here are some options I like:
Amazon Dome: https://amzn.to/2Ex41tA
Ikea 3 piece Vase set: https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/cylinder-vase-set-of-3-clear-glass-60175092/
Ikea Dome: https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/begavning-glass-dome-with-base-70343938/
I have also found a lot of good options at my local dollar store or thrift store.
For the dome option you will want a vase that will sit flat upside down. You will want to make sure the vase or container will be big enough for your plant. You can keep your plant in its pot and cover it with the dome.
If you want to make a grow box you can use a clear plastic storage box with a clear lid. The storage box isn’t the best looking option but I love it for plant that need some rehabilitation. I also find it to work well for plant propagation.
Clear Plastic bag
I like to use this option for small scale plant propagation. I will take a pot and put it in the bag and make sure it is sealed nice and tight to retain moisture. This has worked great for me with soil propagation. The added humidity helps jump start the propagation process move a little faster.
Humidifier
I have this one:
Amazon- Levoit Cold Air Humidifier 6L
I highly recommend this humidifier. It is programmable, has dual 360 degree nozzles and can also diffuse essential oils.
This is a smaller but more affordable option and it comes in black or white:
You definitely do not have to spend a lot on a humidifier. As long as it is in working condition it will do the job. They often have humidifiers in the appliance section in most thrift stores.
JAR OF WATER
Very similar to the pebble tray, you can also fill a dish or vase with water and keep that within close proximity to your humidity loving plants. The water will slowly evaporate and rise, helping to create a more humid environment. And the best part is, the only thing you need is some sort of dish and water.
Bathroom placement
Your plants will love your bathroom.This option works great as long as you have enough light in your bathroom for your specific plants. Every time you take a shower your plants will get a nice humidity boost. The best part is that this option is completely free.
The Combo Solution- More Humidity for your plants!
If one solution is not enough, why not try more than one? Sometimes I will have a plant in semi hydro AND put it in my glass cabinet. Or I put a jar of water in my cabinet or mini greenhouse. My favourite combo is putting my humidifier in my cabinet and letting it do it’s thing. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
Even though your plants will love their new humid environment, the extra moisture can lead to Fungus Gnats. Fungus Gnats won’t harm your plants but they can be incredible annoying to have flying around.
You can deal with fungus gnats by adding some sticky traps to the box:
Another thing you can try to prevent Fungus Gnats all together is mosquito dunks or bits.You can add this close to your plants to fend off these pesky little pests.
Did any of these tips work for you? Do you have any other tricks you like?
Leave a comment down below.
I’d love to hear from you.
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