Potted plants that improve humidity levels

Dryer air in your home can result in various respiratory problems. In addition, if you catch a cold or flu, you will find it that much more difficult to recover if there is insufficient humidity in your home. While you could buy a humidifier to solve this problem, nature has another way. Invest in the right potted plants and you will enjoy better air quality with improved humidity levels. Here’s what you need to know.

Plant transpiration

Many people know that plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. However, what some people do not know is that they also release moisture into the air. When the air in your home is dry, it ‘pulls’ the moisture from the soil into the roots of your potted plants. The water then travels up the stems and into the leaves. From here, water evaporates through tiny pores in the leaves. This is the process of transpiration and it ensures constant water movement through the plant. Along with water, it also ensures that the plant regularly receives the nutrients it needs from the soil and allows the plant to keep cool.

Choosing the right plants

Some potted plants are better at improving indoor humidity than others. All plants will make a room more humid but some are just better at it. You want to look for plants that have large, broad leaves. Think of plants that are associated with rainforests. Plants that are known for surviving in deserts, like succulents and cacti, are not effective in terms of improving humidity levels. They tend to hold on to water instead of releasing it into the air since this is necessary for their survival when rainfall is low. Plants that are particularly effective at improving humidity levels in the home include the Peace Lily, Dracaena Philodendron, Ficus Benjamina and Monstera plants.

It is also important to make sure that your potted plants have plenty of air circulation and they are not overcrowded or stuck in a corner. Proper air movement in their vicinity ensures that they will be more effective at releasing water particles into the air. Remember not to overwater your plants! This will not encourage transpiration. In fact, it could actually encourage root rot which will result in your plant dying. Keep a variety of plants in your home and choose the right spot for each one based on their lighting and other needs.