I'm new to houseplant care and have been reading a lot about it recently. I've seen that misting plants is often frowned upon, and honestly, that seems a bit confusing to me since, after all, it rains outside! Can someone explain the reasoning behind misting being labeled as "bad" for plants? Any insights would be appreciated!
4 Answers
Misting is often intended to increase humidity for plants, but it doesn't do much for that purpose. Water tends to sit on the leaves, creating a perfect breeding ground for pests and diseases. Plus, without proper air circulation, the dampness can lead to rot or fungal issues. So overall, misting really doesn't benefit plants like many think it does.
Misting isn’t terrible if you’ve got healthy plants and good airflow. However, it can easily promote fungal diseases if the conditions aren’t right. Misting herbs or tropicals in a humid environment can help, but in general, it’s not very effective. Nutrient solutions can be beneficial to mist, but plain water? Not so much.
Plants generally absorb moisture through their roots more effectively than from leaves, and misting doesn't provide stable humidity. The water that collects on leaves can encourage harmful bacteria or fungi. Plus, if you're not using distilled water, mineral buildup can occur, making the leaves look dusty over time.
I agree with what others are saying. While it seems harmless, misting can cause more problems than benefits. Unlike outdoors where wind can help dry plants after it rains, indoors the water can linger and lead to issues. If you want to boost humidity, try grouping plants together or using a humidifier instead!