Potted plant ideas for improved humidity

Dryer air in your home can lead to various respiratory problems. Also, if you catch a cold or the flu, it will be much more difficult to recover if there is not enough humidity in the house. While you could buy a humidifier to fix this, nature has another way. Invest in https://www.prestigeflowers.co.uk/summer-plants?top_navthe right potted plant and you’ll enjoy better air quality with higher 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 don’t realize is that they also release moisture into the air. When the air in your home is dry, it “pulls” moisture from the soil into the roots of your potted plant. The water then goes up the stems and reaches the leaves. From here, the water evaporates through the tiny pores in the leaves. This is the process of transpiration and ensures the constant movement of water through the plant. Together with water, it also ensures that the plant gets the nutrients it needs from the soil on a regular basis and allows the plant to stay fresh.

Choose the right plants

Some plants improve indoor humidity better than others. All plants will make a room more humid, but some just make it better. You should look for a potted plant with large, broad leaves. Think of plants associated with tropical rain forests. Plants known to survive in deserts, such as succulents and cacti, are not effective at improving humidity levels. They tend to retain water rather than release it into the air, as this is necessary for their survival when rainfall is low. Plants that are particularly effective at improving humidity levels in the home include Peace Lily, Ficus Benjamina, Dracaena Philodendron and Monstera plants.

 

It’s also important to make sure your potted plant has plenty of air circulation and aren’t crowded or cornered. Proper air movement in their vicinity ensures that they will be more effective at releasing airborne water particles. Remember not to over water your plants! This will not encourage sweating. In fact, it could even favor root rot, which will lead to the death of the plant. Keep a variety of plants in your home and choose the right location for each based on your lighting and other needs.