Is spraying the plants the right way to water?

Many popular houseplants come from forests with humid air and do well when the humidity is between 30% to 40%. Many homes are drier than that — and while most houseplants can handle it, humidify the air can help them thrive.

Curled, yellowing leaves with brown edges and tips are signs that the plant may not be getting enough moisture.

Which plants like moisture?

Some plants don’t need the extra moisture, but here are some that do: Zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa), anthuriums, orchids, mosaic plant, palms, ferns, philodendrons, peace lily, water stick (Draceana fragrans) , gray maranta, little chieflera, arrowhead plant (Syngonium), pilea, caladium, croton (Codiaeum) and begonia.

who does not spray

Do not spray plants with fuzzy leaves, such as african violets and piggyback plants (Tolmiea) — water on their leaves will lead to permanent stains. Here you moisten with a tray. Fill a tray, plate or bowl with pebbles, stones, etc. and put water just below the top.

Leave the plant on top, making sure the water doesn’t touch the pot. Also, don’t spray plants that don’t need a lot of moisture, such as succulents, dragon trees (Draceana marginata), fig trees (Ficus lyrata), pothos, elephant’s paw (Beaucarnea recurvata), grape vine and chlorophytum.

how to humidify

• Use warm water in the morning so the leaves have a chance to dry out during the day.
• Humidify on the top and bottom of the leaves; it should look as if there is a slight dew.
• Some plants can be sprayed daily, others only once or twice a week.
• Keep moisture-loving plants away from drafts, windows, doors, and heating and air conditioning ducts.

Group your plants

Putting the plants together in a small clump can also help them create moisture for each other. You can place small plants close together as long as they have enough space between them for a little air circulation. You can also group small and large plants together.

In addition to misting, you can give your plants a gentle shower in the bathroom or outside with a hose once or twice a year; this will clean the leaves and help prevent spider mites.

Finally, moisture-loving plants thrive in the bathroom (provided there is adequate light).

*Via treehugger