While there’s not much you can do about the weather, there is something you can do about the humidity in your home: plants!
Plants are great at absorbing moisture from the air. But which ones are best? Read on to find out!
What Is Humidity And How Do Plants Help In This?
Humidity is the amount of moisture, present as water vapor, in the air. Water vapor is the gaseous state of water and is invisible.
You’ll sometimes hear it called relative humidity. Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air relative to the amount of water vapor that air can hold at a given temperature.
When the air is saturated with water vapor, it’s said to be “100% relative humidity.” The air can hold more water vapor when it is warm than when it is cold. That’s why relative humidity is usually higher in the summer than in the winter.
Plants that absorb humidity help to reduce the amount of water vapor in the air and reduce the level of humidity.
What is transpiration in plants?
Plants can act as a natural dehumidifier because they absorb water from their surroundings through their leaves and release moisture back out through transpiration. Transpiration is the process in plants that helps them move moisture from within to their leaves to maintain a healthy temperature.
Top Plants That Absorb Humidity
Many plants can help to absorb humidity from the air and they can be used to create a more comfortable environment indoors.
Here are some of the top plants that can help take care of excess moisture in the air:
- Boston Fern: This type of fern is one of the most popular for absorbing humidity. They thrive in moist conditions and can tolerate lower light levels, making them a perfect option for bathrooms or other damp rooms in your home.
- Aloe Vera: Not only is this plant great for its medicinal properties, but it can also help to absorb humidity. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained soil.
- Snake Plant: Snake plants are known for being low-maintenance and they’re also great at absorbing humidity. They thrive in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels.
- Peace Lily: Peace lilies are a beautiful option for adding some greenery to your home. They prefer shady conditions and moist soil, making them ideal for rooms that don’t get a lot of natural light.
- Bamboo Palm: Bamboo palms are a great option for purifying the air and absorbing humidity. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained soil.
Benefits Of Having A Humidity Absorbing Plant In Your Home
Not only do plants make your home look more stylish and inviting, but they can also help to improve the air quality.
- Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen which helps to purify the air in your home.
- The right humidity absorbing plants can help decrease the ambient dampness in your house and discourage mold and fungus growth.
- Plants can help contribute to a fresher room in terms of smells and ambient “feel.”
Tips For Keeping Your Humidity-Absorbing Plants Healthy And Thriving
As with any plant, there are a few key things you can do to ensure that your humidity-absorbing plants stay healthy and thrive. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure they have enough light. Most indoor plants do best with bright, indirect sunlight. If your home doesn’t get a lot of natural light, consider investing in a grow light.
- Keep them hydrated. Water your plants when the soil is dry to the touch. How often you need to water will depend on the plant, the size of the pot, and the climate you live in.
- Feed them regularly. Use a fertilizer formulated for indoor plants and follow the directions on the package.
- Keep an eye out for pests. Check your plants regularly for signs of pests or disease and take action immediately if you see anything suspicious.
Where To Place Your New Plants For Optimal Absorption Of Humidity
Now that you know which plants work best to absorb humidity, you might be wondering where to place them in your home. Again, there are a few things to consider.
- If you want the plant to help with humidity in a certain room, like the bathroom, then placing it near the source of humid air is key. This could mean placing it on the floor near the shower or tub, or on a windowsill where humid air is coming in from outside.
- If you want your plants to absorb the most humidity, you’ll need to place them in an area of your home that is naturally more humid.
- The bathroom is a great choice as long as there’s enough natural light coming in.
- Kitchen windowsills are also a good option. Just be sure to rotate your plants every few days so that they all get an equal amount of light.
How To Grow Tropical Houseplants Indoors
Growing tropical plants isn’t just for people who live in warm climates. With a little bit of extra care, you can grow tropical plants anywhere in the world. Here are a few tips on how to grow tropical plants indoors:
- Choose a spot in your home that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Tropical plants need at least four hours of sunlight each day to thrive.
- Create a humid environment for your plants by grouping them or setting them on a pebble tray. You can also use a humidifier to increase the humidity around your plants.
- Water your plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Over-watering is one of the most common mistakes people make when growing tropical plants.
- Feed your plants a high-quality fertilizer every month to give them the nutrients they need to grow.
With a little bit of extra care, you can enjoy the beauty of tropical plants in your own home no matter what climate you live in.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: What are some of the best plants that absorb humidity?
A: Some of the best plants that absorb humidity are Boston ferns, Peace Lily, Spider Plant, and Bamboo Palm. They absorb moisture quite well making them an ideal choice as bathroom plants.
Q: How do plants absorb humidity?
A: Plants absorb humidity through their leaves and stems. This process is called transpiration. Natural dehumidifier plants are therefore ideal for humid areas.
Q: Do all plants absorb humidity?
A: No, not all plants absorb humidity. Some plants release moisture into the air. These types of plants are typically found in tropical climates.
Humidity absorbing houseplants are the ones that reduce indoor humidity.