I've been really torn about how to balance humidity levels in my apartment, especially since I have houseplants like philodendrons and monsteras that thrive in higher humidity. I currently use an evaporative humidifier to maintain about 75% humidity, which seems great for the plants, but I've read that anything above 60% can be a health risk. How do you all manage humidity in your homes? What's an ideal level that keeps both plants and people happy? Also, any tips for maintaining higher humidity safely, like improving airflow or cleaning more often? For future larger plants, I'm wondering how to support their humidity needs when they won't fit into smaller enclosed spaces. Have any of you had success growing high-humidity plants in lower humidity conditions? I'm open to any and all advice. Thanks!
5 Answers
I aim for 40-60% humidity in my apartment. Ideally, I’d love it to sit around 50-60%, but that can be tough with central heating. I mostly choose plants that can handle my conditions instead of trying to change the whole space for them. With that mindset, 50%-60% is good enough for most houseplants, I believe!
Living in Colorado, my place usually sits at 30% humidity or even lower, and my philodendrons thrive just fine. You might find that some plants you think are fussy might not be as picky as you think!
Totally with you on that! While some plants prefer high humidity, over 40% is usually more than sufficient for most. I barely notice any issues during dry spells in winter as long as airflow is good—it’s mainly the delicate plants like ferns that might struggle without enough humidity.
For most plants, especially tougher ones like philodendrons, you don't really need to worry too much unless the air is super dry—like below 35% humidity. They generally adapt well to their environment, even if it's not super humid.
Most plants do just fine in 45%-50% humidity. For those which need more, consider using mini greenhouses or grow tents; they're affordable and work wonders. You can even place some plants in a container without a lid to trap moisture and raise humidity a bit—often by 10%-20%! Airflow is important too, as it helps prevent mold even when humidity is up there.
That makes sense! Focusing on plants that adapt to my home is a smart approach.