With the summer heat, all means are good to feel good in an interior that keeps cool. And if these means use nature with houseplants, it’s even better!
Some plants are actually experts in this field. Whether you’re at home, or in your vacation spot, these natural allies will keep your home cool on hot summer days.
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Do houseplants increase humidity?
It is quite possible to use its houseplants to keep a correct humidity level in your room, or to increase it if the room is too dry, as long as you choose the plant correctly! We have prepared a list of 5 plants which have the effect of increasing the humidity in a room.
5 houseplants that retain moisture
1) Ficus Benjamina
One of the few trees that grows well indoors, the benjamina ficus, with its leafy body, helps keep the air cool and moist, providing some relief from heat for those who spend time indoors. Opt for a large trunk with a bushy top that could serve as a small forest canopy for other plants under or around it.
Grouped together, the plants create their own small atmospheric ecosystem that improves the surrounding humidity. Be sure to water your ficus regularly in the summer and place it in a bright enough spot so that it can absorb the sun, even if you’re in the shade!
2) Ficus Elastica
By improving the ambient humidity in a room, a cooling effect is achieved. Something that the ficus elastica (rubber) is able to do very effectively. The larger the leaves of a plant, and the more foliage it provides, the more moisture will be in the air.
In fact, these plants are often varieties that thrive in humid environments; they will take in water through their roots and then release the moisture through the pores on the underside of their leaves or fronds.
3) Aglaonema
Already known for its ability to eliminate toxins in the air, aglaonema also has a high transpiration rate that helps to humidify the air around it, and thus refresh the room where it is located.
4) Palms
The green leaves of palm trees, such as areca, cycas, Livistona, caryota and Rhapis, have small stomas that absorb CO2 and release oxygen. The larger the surface area of the leaf, the more oxygen it can produce.
In addition to drawing a charming picture to contemplate, an arrangement of palm trees also creates a kind of indoor mini rainforest. They are therefore perfect to bring a tropical feeling into your interior during the summer months.
5) Sansevieria
Like aloe vera, the leaves of sansevieria have a high water content, which allows the air to release freshly evaporated moisture. It also releases oxygen, keeping you cool on hot summer nights. This design-looking plant is also known to remove toxins from the air, such as benzene and formaldehyde.
How else to increase humidity for your plants
There are many ways to increase the humidity of plants in the home or office. Here are some of the most popular methods:
1) Spray your plants
It’s simple, isn’t it? Don’t forget to do it! A daily misting is very useful, even if only a few times a week is enough.
Although it is a more practical approach, plant care is indeed therapeutic and misting is no exception! We love this elegant mister.
2) Use a humidifier
Do you want to maintain a high humidity level throughout the day? Add a small humidifier to your space.
This will of course increase the humidity level throughout your space. You’ll need to fill it regularly, but it’s a great way to keep the humidity level of your plants high.
3) Create groupings
Plants release moisture through their leaves and can therefore benefit from bunching.
Group plants that need a similar environment – calatheas, for example, need a lot of moisture – use this method to maintain moisture levels while traveling.
4) Use clay beads
Another way to increase the moisture content of the plants is to place them on a shallow tray with about 1 inch of clay beads. Fill the tray about halfway up with water and place the plant on top (make sure the plant is not in the water as this can cause root rot).
Change the water periodically to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for pests. You can also use a natural self-contained sprinkler that will gradually release the water your plant needs.
5) Imitate the natural environment
Remember that it is essential to imitate the natural environment of our plants to keep them happy and healthy. Stay curious about what makes your plant work, and it will reward you for years to come!
