Indoor plants have become a global trend in this era. As a plant parent, all you'd want is the best for your plant baby. In this case, you may have purchased a humidifier, and you may be wondering if you're placing them too far or near your plants. This article will cover that based on our thorough research!
Put your humidifier preferably around 4 to 6 feet away from your plants. Its position should be slightly higher, about 2 to 4 feet above the ground and 4 feet below the ceiling. Also, consider the range of your humidifier. If it's low, you have to move it closer to your plants, although you don't want it too near that it will wet the plant's leaves and soil.
We will provide you with more details about the placing and positioning of your humidifier. So please keep reading to learn more about it!
Where To Place A Humidifier For Your Plants?
It can be a challenging task to take care of plants. One of these challenges is meeting their humidity needs. To maximize your humidifier's function, you must place them in the perfect spot. Consider the following tips:
Proper Place
The ideal distance for your humidifier from your plants is 4 to 6 feet. Going closer than this may cause condensation and over-hydration. If the plants have too much water access to a humidifier, this increases the risk of mold and fungi. In addition, excess soil hydration may drown the plants and cause the root to rot.
Position
Put your humidifier on a small table or a shelf slightly above your plants. This will ensure that the plants can get the moisture they need. Slightly elevating your humidifier, about 2 to 4 feet above the ground, promotes air circulation. This will make all the plant parts get enough access to water.
Your humidifier should be far enough from your ceiling, too. It should be about 4 feet away, as being too close could damage your ceiling.
Humidifier range
Check the range of your humidifier. High-capacity humidifiers produce mist at a higher rate within a minute, while low-capacity ones have lower rates. The range would depend on your humidifier's size, power, and brand. So, before purchasing one, it is ideal that its size is compatible with the size of your room.
Best humidity level for plants
According to the University of Vermont, the ideal humidity range for most plants is 40% to 60%. Some tropical plants like pineapples can tolerate up to 90%. Meanwhile, succulents such as cacti will be alright with 10% humidity levels. Generally, plants with thicker leaves can stand lower moisture levels.
Can you measure humidity?
Yes, you can measure humidity by using a hygrometer. Hygrometers measure both moisture and temperature by calculating air pressure and temperature changes, resulting in the air's moisture percentage.
Aside from that, a dehumidifier can also estimate the humidity level. Most dehumidifiers come with a built-in hygrometer. The measurement is usually displayed on the device's control panel. This helps with maintaining the room's relative humidity within a comfortable range.
Click here to see ThermoPro digital hygrometer on Amazon.
Check out this Waykar dehumidifier on Amazon.
Take note that humidity can vary from room to room because of air currents. Compared to the rest of the house, basements and corners tend to be cool and damp, thus having higher moisture levels.
Will using a humidifier cause mold?
If not properly placed, humidifiers can cause mold. Avoid placing them in the corner because these areas have a higher moisture content and poor air circulation than other parts of your home.
If all your plants are inside one room, consider placing the humidifier in a central position. This will ensure that all plants have access to the humidifier. Meanwhile, if you put your plants in different locations around your room, feel free to move the humidifier around.
Safety reminder: Avoid putting the humidifier near electrical outlets, electronics, and extension cords. The mist may seep inside them, and as a result, they may cause equipment damage or electrocution. Moreover, Energy Star also pointed out that high humidity can cause rust, corrosion, and component failure.
How long do you run a humidifier?
You can run your humidifier for at least 4 to 5 hours every day, from the morning until midday. Ideally, use your hygrometer to check if the humidity is below your plants' desired moisture level. As already mentioned, most plants' humidity range is 40 to 60%. So, if your hygrometer indicates the moisture level is below 40%, then it's best to turn your humidifier on.
In addition, avoid running your humidifier late in the afternoon or at night. This risks leaving too much moisture in the air, and plants don't need to absorb much after the sun is down. High humidity increases the risk of mold or fungi. Moreover, too much moisture at night will disrupt your plants' natural 'breathing' or transpiration process.
Weather and season
Please take note that every location has its own specific climate. In general, humidity is low during winter and higher in the summer. So, run your plant humidifier when the air is dry during cold seasons. You can run it in summer if you live in an area with low humidity.
Best water for plant humidifier
It's best to use filtered or distilled water in your plant's humidifier. It keeps algae and bacteria from growing in the water tank for longer. This means that you don't have to clean it as frequently. Aside from that, using distilled water ensures that only pure elements are being vaporized in your home.
If you plan on using tap water, be aware that minerals can cause scale buildup in your humidifier in the long run. Thus, using distilled water makes your device's life span last longer.
How should I clean my humidifier?
It's best to deep-clean your humidifier at least once a week. However, you can do it more often if you or a family member have respiratory issues. If you're using it regularly, the general rule is to empty the humidifier tank after each use and let it dry before refilling it.
Cleaning materials needed
- Distilled white vinegar or bleach/liquid chlorine bleach
- Soft brush like toothbrush or nylon dish brush
- Soft cloth or microfiber towel for drying
- Clean water
Cleaning and disinfecting humidifier
Always unplug your humidifier before cleaning it. Not doing so can cause accidents.
Follow these steps for your safety:
- Empty, rinse, and dry the tank and base every after use.
- Once a week, do a deep-clean using vinegar or disinfect using a 10% bleach solution. Refer to your device's specific instructions if needed.
- Use a small brush to scrub away visible residue and reduce leftover solution smell.
- Rinse with water as many times as necessary.
- Wipe with a clean cloth/towel to dry.
- Allow everything to dry before assembling and running the device.
- Clean humidifier with vinegar.
- Disinfect humidifier with bleach.
For more detailed instructions and demonstrations, here are some videos for you:
Humidifier maintenance tips
Taking care of your humidifier requires that you do the following:
Use distilled water
The EPA suggests using distilled water as it is mainly free of minerals that may cause scale buildup in your humidifier. It also ensures that only pure water particles are released into the air. Read water labels first because not all bottled waters are distilled.
Keep humidifiers in dry areas
Avoid mold or fungi buildup in your humidifier by keeping the area around it as dry as possible. Check rugs or carpet, furniture, and window treatments for moisture. If the place is damp, relocate your humidifier.
Wash and dry after each use
Empty your humidifier's tank and wash it after each use. Dry it entirely once done. Doing so helps maintain the ideal condition of your device.
Replace filters
Some humidifier parts need to be replaced from time to time. For example, central humidifiers and evaporators may have filters to replace or clean.
Review the device's manual for filter or other parts replacement. You can also purchase additional filters to have one on hand for easy substitution.
How to know if I need to buy a new humidifier
If you notice that deposits are particularly difficult or even impossible to remove, then you need to replace your humidifier. Cracks and leaks are also some telltale signs. Generally, if you've had your humidifier for many years or even more than a decade, you may want to purchase a new one.
Final Takeaways
In the right position and placement, you will get the maximum efficiency out of your humidifier. Also, consider your area's climate and humidity levels; choose the right water and equipment for your humidifier. Finally, do regular cleaning and disinfecting. This prolongs the humidifier's life and helps you and your plants' 'breathing' process improve.
Observe these tips and your plant babies will grow healthily and beautifully in the years to come.
If you found this article helpful, check out these posts related to humidifiers. Happy living!