A Philodendron is widely known for being a low-maintenance houseplant. But, since the Philodendron is a tropical plant, this begs the question, “Does a Philodendron like humidity then?”
The answer is yes, a Philodendron likes humidity. It’s because humidity promotes healthy growth for this indoor plant.
If you’ve got a Philodendron in your home right now, then this article is for you!
Read on to find out if the humidity levels in your home suit your plant’s needs. We’ll also be showing you tips you can use to increase the humidity of your Philodendron plant.
Let’s begin!
Why Do Philodendrons Like Humidity?
The Philodendron plant is native to the tropical regions of the Caribbean, Venezuela, and Colombia. Since these regions have high-humidity climates, this explains why this plant likes a humid environment.
Humidity plays a big role in helping this plant grow lush and healthy.
Ample humidity levels encourage a regular transpiration rate for the Philodendron. Transpiration is the process where the plant secretes water vapor into the air through its stomata.
The main purpose of transpiration is to help transport water and minerals all throughout the plant’s body.
If there isn’t enough moisture in the air, the Philodendron’s transpiration rate will increase. This, in turn, will cause the plant to absorb more water through its roots.
Consequently, when there’s too much water absorption, the plant starts to wilt. On top of that, excessive transpiration impedes its growth as well.
When the Philodendron is in its natural habitat, it thrives at humidity levels ranging from 50%–90%. On the other hand, it’s able to do fine with 60%–70% humidity when grown indoors.
How Do You Check the Humidity Levels in Your Home?
You can trust a digital hygrometer to give you accurate readings of the humidity of an area. It’s a handy device you can conveniently place anywhere you need it to be.
Since your goal is to find out the humidity levels of your Philodendron, then we recommend you set the hygrometer near the plant. This will determine the exact condition your houseplant is experiencing where it’s situated instead of the actual humidity of the entire room.
Yes, you read that right. The different areas inside a room hold different amounts of moisture in the air.
So, placing a hygrometer at random spots won’t help you get a precise reading at all. Good placement is key.
How to Increase the Humidity for Philodendrons?
Now, don’t worry if your Philodendron hasn’t been getting enough humidity. There are numerous ways to increase the dampness in the air for your plant.
Here are some of the known methods you can do to improve the humidity levels for your Philodendron:
1 – Mist Your Plant
Misting is the easiest way to increase the humidity of your plant. The way it works is that the moisture that settles on the plant’s leaves will evaporate into the air around it.
This method is also considered the most inexpensive because the only tool you’ll need is a spray bottle filled with water. Though, you should remember not to use tap water.
Tap water may contain chemicals like chlorine that can affect your Philodendron’s health. So, the safest option you could go for is distilled water.
You may also try letting the tap water sit in the bottle overnight before using it. This will remove the chemicals from the water through evaporation.
Although this process itself is quick and hassle-free, it presents some downsides as well.
One is that the effects of misting can only last for a few hours. That means you need to spray your Philodendron multiple times a day.
This isn’t ideal for individuals who have to leave the house for work.
Another disadvantage is that wet leaves are susceptible to fungal issues. So, it’s crucial to make sure that you don’t drench your Philodendron when you spray it.
2 – Buy a Humidifier
If convenience is your priority, then you can purchase a humidifier. Although an expensive choice, it actually gives you the best bang for your buck.
Because it’s an automated device, you can adjust its settings according to your preference. For example, some humidifiers let you set a timer so that you won’t have to turn them on and off manually.
Others have the feature of detecting humidity fluctuations in the room. This allows them to automatically turn on when the humidity level drops, and turn off when it’s back to normal.
It’s the perfect setup for those who have hectic schedules and can’t afford to monitor their Philodendrons.
3 – Set Up a Pebble Tray
The pebble tray method is also one of the simpler ways to improve the humidity levels for your Philodendron plant. You’ll only need a tray that’s a bit wider than the plant’s pot and some pebbles.
To set it up, scatter pebbles onto the tray until it’s completely covered. Then, pour water onto it until the level is just below the pebble tops.
Finally, place your potted plant on top of the pebble tray.
The water will vaporize into the air surrounding your Philodendron and enhance the humidity around it. Just make sure that the water is at least an inch deep so that it doesn’t evaporate quickly.
4 – Utilize a Cachepot
A cachepot is quite similar to a pebble tray. The only difference between the two is that the cachepot allows you to recycle used water.
A cachepot is a container you can use to hide the actual pot of your plant. It’s typically more aesthetic for the purpose of adding to the decor of your home.
How it’s set up is that before you slide your potted Philodendron inside, you first throw in some pebbles. Once you’ve evened the pebble surface out, place the plant in the cachepot.
What this arrangement does is that after you water your plant, the cachepot holds the excess water that escapes through the drainage holes of the original pot.
So, instead of just throwing out the extra water, you can use it to boost the humidity of your Philodendron plant.
Final Thoughts
The Philodendron may be easy to care for. However, that doesn’t mean that it no longer needs that little bit of extra effort from you.
If you want your houseplant to thrive, one thing you can work on is providing it with a humid environment. You can start by checking the humidity levels of your home to see if you’re headed in the right direction.
However, if you aren’t, then it’s important you learn how to raise the humidity in your home. You may mist your plant, get a humidifier, or use a pebble tray or a cachepot.
That way, you’ll be able to enjoy a happy and healthy Philodendron every day.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.