Increasing the humidity in the winter time is key for your houseplants. Especially during the cold, dry month. In the following blog post I will give you some tips to keep your houseplants healthy during the winter and throughout the year.
Generally, houseplants prefer 40-60% humidity because many of them are originally from humid jungle environments. Especially in the wintertime, this is difficult to realize in the winter when fireplaces and furnaces dry out the air. Therefore, it is essential to increase the humidity. There are several possibilities to keep the plants healthy and happy during the winter months.
What are the signs that a plant needs higher humidity?
- Foliage get brown and crispy edges
- Leaves starting yellowing
- Plants begin to wilt
How to increase humidity?
Misting the plants. This will raise the humidity around the plant, but the effect is only temporary. Plants with hairy leaves (Purple Heart, Stretocarpella, African violets, …) should never be misted.
Creating a microclimate. Plants can be placed in a group – this will create a pocket of humidity. One can put a dish of water or small watering can in the middle.
Getting a humidifier. Good for plants and good for humans to add some extra humidity.
Giving them a bath. One can give their plants a shower or a bath. This will not only give them some extra humidity, but will clean any dust from there foliage where tiny pests like to hide. Lukewarm water should be used.
Hanging up laundry. One can hang up their freshly washed clothes near the plants. This will also increase the humidity around them.
Leaving the door open after showering. The warm and humid air after showering is perfect for plants. One can leave the door to the apartment open instead of opening the windows.
I hope these tips will help to get your houseplants healthy through the winter season. Never forget to ventilate your home or department, otherwise mold may develop. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Lovely greetings
Pauline
Planthoarding 