Indoor succulents have rapidly become a popular choice of houseplants for people seeking low-maintenance greenery to brighten their living spaces. However, while these desert dwellers are relatively easy to care for, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the need for lower humidity levels. High humidity can threaten the health of your indoor succulents, leading to problems like root rot and mold. Therefore, understanding the role of humidity and its management can help you create the optimal environment for your indoor succulents to thrive.
Managing indoor humidity involves being aware of the humidity levels, understanding the unique needs of your succulents, and implementing humidity-reducing strategies. There are efficient and cost-effective ways of achieving this balance, ensuring that your indoor succulents are as healthy as possible.
#### Understanding Indoor Humidity
Humidity is defined as the amount of water vapor present in the atmosphere. High humidity can make the environment feel warmer, and this can have a significant impact on your succulents’ health.
Succulents have evolved in desert conditions, where the climate is usually dry and there’s minimal humidity. High humidity levels mimic a non-desert environment, which succulents are not accustomed to. When they’re exposed to such conditions, it disrupts their ability to perform essential functions like transpiration, leading to waterlogged soil, root rot, fungus, mold, and decreased growth.
#### Monitoring Indoor Humidity
The first step in lowering humidity for your indoor succulents is to know the current humidity level in your space. Humidity levels can be measured using a hygrometer, a device that typically displays temperature and relative humidity (% RH).
Generally, succulents thrive when the humidity level is between 10% and 40%. Anything above 50% is considered high humidity and could potentially harm your succulents. If the humidity in your home is above optimal levels, it’s worth implementing strategies to reduce it for the sake of your succulents’ health.
#### Proper Watering Techniques
One of the most common mistakes in succulent care is overwatering, which can significantly contribute to high indoor humidity. Remember, succulents are desert plants accustomed to arid conditions, where rainfall is scarce. Therefore, it is crucial to mimic this environment by watering your succulents sparingly.
Water your succulents only when the soil dries out completely. It could mean watering perhaps once a week or even once every two weeks, depending on the size of your succulents, the size of the pot, and the type of soil. This technique not only discourages high humidity but also prompts the roots to grow stronger in search of water.
#### Choosing the Right Soil
Choosing the right type of soil can also aid in maintaining lower humidity levels. The best soil for succulents is a well-draining one, which allows water to pass quickly rather than retaining it. Commercially available cactus or succulent mix is an excellent choice as it contains sand, pumice, or perlite, improving the soil’s drainage capabilities and subsequently reducing humidity levels around your plant.
#### Ensuring Good Air Circulation
Just like humans need fresh air, succulents also thrive in an environment where there is regular air movement. Good air circulation can help reduce humidity, as fresh moving air accelerates the evaporation of water.
You can improve air circulation by using a small indoor fan or opening windows to allow natural air to flow. However, placing your succulents near air heating or cooling outlets might excessively dry the plants out, which is not ideal.
#### Using Dehumidifiers
If you live in a climate that is naturally high in humidity, consider using a dehumidifier. This device works to absorb excess moisture from the air, reducing the relative humidity in the room. Dehumidifiers do come in different sizes, so you’ll need to select one capable of handling the cubic footage of your space.
#### Repositioning Your Succulents
Placement of your succulents within the house can also significantly affect the plants’ humidity. Bathrooms and kitchens, where water usage is high, often have higher humidity levels compared to other rooms. Consequently, moving the succulents to a drier location within the house could lend all the difference in reducing their exposure to high humidity.
In conclusion, maintaining suitable humidity levels for your indoor succulents isn’t just about keeping the aesthetics of your space. It is a core aspect of care and maintenance that can dramatically impact the overall health and longevity of your succulents. By observing and adjusting your environment according to your plants’ needs, you ensure not just their survival, but their vibrant growth. Even though succulents offer low-maintenance charm, their care still requires mindfulness, regular checks, and minor adjustments to their home within your home. Your succulents, in return, offer their resilience, beauty, and a touch of nature’s calm right inside your living space.
