Humidity
The Importance of Humidity
Humidity plays a crucial role in plant health and growth, as it directly impacts the process of transpiration—the way plants release water vapor into the air through their leaves. Adequate humidity helps maintain a balanced rate of water uptake from the roots, allowing plants to effectively regulate their internal water levels. In environments with too low humidity, plants may lose water too quickly, leading to stress, dehydration, and reduced growth. Conversely, high humidity levels can promote healthier, more vibrant plants by supporting optimal transpiration and preventing water loss. For certain species, especially tropical and subtropical plants, maintaining appropriate humidity is vital for their survival and overall vitality. Proper humidity levels also enhance nutrient absorption, improve photosynthesis, and strengthen the plant's natural defense mechanisms, making it essential for thriving indoor and outdoor gardens alike.
Knowing the humidity level inside the area you grow your plants in is very helpful. I keep a weather station clock in my living room and a linked sensor on my enclosed porch. My house fluctuates wildly throughout the year. Getting down to 20% in Winter and up to 70% in Summer. However, my porch stays about 20% year round. each of my plants responds differently. I personally like having one like this station.
Home weather station
I have a philodendron micans and I figured it would love my porch. There's lots of natural light and no chance of burning - or leaf scorch if you will. But it plain stopped growing out there, and I mean it stopped. Even the leaves that where on the way stalled. So after some time, I moved it my kitchen, much to my husband's annoyance. A few weeks later it started growing again. This plant went from a Southwest window with 20% humidity to a north facing kitchen window with humidity that fluctuated from 50 to 70% this year and decided it loved that. Interesting isn't it?
A fun example
If you decide to grow your plants in a cabinet, know that creating humidity for your plants is going to be a lot easier. Just watering your plants and having trays under that to catch the water will be all they need.
Cabinet
Just a quick side note: Fans can be helpful with regulating your humidity. Too much humidity can cause mold and allow pests to set up shop. A fan will help to simulate wind and keep humidity balances a little. It will also help to keep some pests away. There is also the fact that it can help plants get some movement in.
