Royal Horticultural Society: Humidity for house plants
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Humidity is important for plants as it makes photosynthesis possible. If a plant loses too much water, photosynthesis can stop. Horticulturalist Alex Young from RHS Garden Wisley shared a short video on how to create humidity for houseplants.
The houseplant expert said humidity is a topic that tends to get “overlooked” when it comes to cultivating houseplants.
Humidity is the amount of water vapour that’s in the atmosphere.
“But why is it important to our plants?
“The pores in which our plants breathe called the stomata found in the underside of leaves lose most of their moisture if the air around the plant is too dry.
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“This is called transpiration, a loss which can’t always be replaced through water the roots absorb.”
Humidity levels in the average home is around 30 percent which is on the drier side.
This is “ideal” for plants such as cacti and succulents.
Humidifiers
However, for those looking to grow plants from more tropical regions, humidity will need to be between 40 and 60 percent.
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“A great way in doing this is to invest in a humidifier,” Alex added.
Amazon sells a plant humidifier for £15.29.
A wireless mini air humidifier with a portable USB cool mist diffuser can be bought from eBay for £5.23.
Terrariums
One plant that loves humidity is the jewel orchid which is native to the Indonesian rainforest where humidity levels will be significantly high – around 80 percent.
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In order to mimic this, Alex put the orchid in a terrarium.
Terrariums are a “really good way” to increase humidity in and around plants particularly for the more tropical and more tender plants.
HÄRLIGA glass dome with base is available to buy from IKEA for £9.
Glass Slant Terrarium Bowl can be bought from Amazon for £15.59.
Misting
Although it may sound simple, misting plants is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to increase humidity in the home.
“Lastly but certainly not least my favourite way – your classic misting.
“Get yourself a spray bottle fill it up with water and away you go.”
IKEA sells the TOMAT spray bottle for just £1.
Wilko Trigger Sprayer are also just £1.
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