Temperature and Humidity

[Dave]

Temperature

Most houseplants are tropical species selected for their adaptation to growth in a climate which ranges from 15° to 25°C, similar to the temperature in most homes. Temperature control for other plants with differing requirements needs attantion to heating and/or cooling.

Humidity

Humidity is a little harder to control than temperature. Most plants thrive in 80% relative humidity while most homes are usually kept around 20% - 60% relative humidity. Besides buying a humidifier, there are a few things that can be done to increase humidity around the houseplants. One of the most popular methods used to raise the ambient humidity around a houseplant is to use a pebble tray.

To make a pebble tray, fill the drainage tray that your pot usually sits in with small pebbles, rocks, polished glass or some other like material. Then fill the tray with water as high as the pebbles are. Finally set the pot on the pebble tray. Over a few days the water will evaporate (that’s the idea), so make sure to keep the pebble tray full of water. Other easy steps taken to raise humidity are to group plants close together and avoid placing them in drafty areas