I was reading through this list of seven tips for “amazing plants, flowers and edibles” grown in containers and I came across a peculiar bit of advice:
Humidity
The humidity required depends on the nature of the plant. Jungle plants need about 90% humidity, sub-tropical about 50%, temperate zone plants (such as North America and Europe) require 30 – 40% and desert / cacti about 5 %.
Cheap humidity indicators are great at monitoring moisture in the air, however obvious signs of low humidity levels are dry topsoil and wilting leaves. Excess humidity is not often a problem except for desert plants such as cacti. Low humidity levels can be quickly rectified by a spray on the leaves once or twice a day, and by placing a pot on a shallow try of water and small pebbles.
Does anyone actually measure the humidity level of their garden with a “humidity indicator?” I can honestly say that the thought never occurred to me, and from what I can tell, my plants haven’t suffered from my lack of interest in the subject.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Humidity monitor? Ha! There’s not much can be done about humidity outdoors, so it’s a joke. Indoors I have to accommodate the humidity preferences of my wife, not my plants.
My house is really humid during the winter, which is the opposite of what most people experience – probably because of all the plants I have in the house. I admit that I have wanted to measure the humidity and even priced an instrument before, but it was above my price range for mere curiosity.
Zach — Glad I’m not the only one who has not gone as far as buying a humidity measuring device!
Jim — You’re a smart guy to pick your wife over your plants! Speaking as a woman, we both know how miserable your life would be if your priorities were the other way around!
Um, no. Nobody besides professional growers monitors their humidity.
I wonder sometimes with these kinds of articles who they think they are talking to.
Do they actually monitor their own humidity or are they just trying to hawk a poorly-planned out product?
I just read the umpteenth article the other day on how keeping chickens saves you money on eggs. The writer has obviously never kept chickens nor spoken with anyone who does.
I think this humidity person is the same. It sounds nice if you don’t actually garden.
Gen — Hah! Now it’s official. I knew humidity monitoring sounded bogus.
I once read an article about the actual costs of chicken raising. The chickens didn’t seem too expensive, but apparently the coop, bedding material, feed and chicken run can really add up.