You see and hear it everywhere: humidity. This is a common term used to describe weather condition and how it affects your daily life. But did you know that it can also affect your succulents? Typically, you need to control the amount of humidity your succulents are exposed to keep them healthy and thriving. Failure to do so can lead to unhealthy and stressed-out plants.
So, do succulents do well in humidity? The answer depends on the type of succulent you are growing. Cacti and other desert-dwelling succulents will not tolerate high humidity levels, while tropical succulents prefer humid environments. This is why it’s crucial to research the type of succulent you are growing before attempting to keep them in a particular environment. Strive to keep humidity levels around 40-60%, with higher levels reserved for tropical succulents and lower levels kept for desert-dwelling plants.
This article discusses everything you need to know about the level of humidity your succulents need. This will help you provide the best possible growing conditions and ensure that your plants are happy. Read on to learn more.
What Is Humidity?
Before we discuss how humidity affects your succulents, let’s first understand what it is.
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air. It is expressed as a percentage that determines whether an environment is dry or humid.
For example, a room with 40% humidity would be moderately dry, whereas one with 80% humidity would be too humid. This is why humidity levels hit 100% when it rains.
Humidity is closely related to the environment’s dew point or the temperature at which water vapor condenses and forms dew. Generally, the higher the humidity, the closer the environment is to its dew point.
Typically, humidity scales with air temperature. The higher the temperature, the more humid the environment will likely be and vice versa. However, some areas, such as deserts, will have low humidity despite high air temperatures.
Hot, humid weather usually leaves the air saturated with many water particles. In human beings, it means that your sweat won’t evaporate, causing almost everything to feel sticky.
In plants, the air’s moisture determines how much water the leaves can absorb.
Too much or too little humidity can be damaging to your succulents. So, it is essential to strive for balance.
Low Humidity vs. High Humidity
The air is considered dry when the relative humidity is below 40%. This means that your succulents won’t be able to absorb enough water from the environment, resulting in dehydration and stress.
Low humidity can be caused by heat from a fire or stove, extreme cold, or even an air conditioner.
On the other hand, high humidity is defined as anything above 60%. High humidity can cause succulents to overhydrate, eventually leading to root rot and other diseases. It also leads to mold and mildew growth which can lead to poor health in your plants.
It is important to note that different types of succulents have unique needs regarding humidity levels, so research your type of plant before making environmental changes.
Why Is Humidity Important to Your Succulents?
Typically, most succulent plants come from areas that don’t experience high humidity. Therefore, most of these plants prefer living in relatively dry conditions.
Since the soil and air are dry in their natural habitat, most won’t tolerate humidity for long periods.
Humidity levels play a critical role in the survival of your succulents since it helps them regulate their water intake.
When the relative humidity is low, the soil and air become dry, causing the succulent to absorb water from its surroundings to survive. This absorption usually causes the succulent leaves to droop as they try to prevent further water loss.
If the succulent is ignored for too long after showing signs of dehydration, it will eventually wilt or even die.
On the other hand, when the humidity is too high, your succulents will need more time to absorb moisture from their surroundings before it evaporates. This can cause them to become over-hydrated and eventually rot or die.
Therefore, you must monitor and maintain an optimal humidity level for your succulent plants to ensure their health and well-being.
What Are the Best Humidity Conditions for Succulents?
Well, many factors affect a succulent’s best humidity level. Understanding your succulent’s water requirements is important when deciding what humidity level is best.
Generally, succulents prefer a relatively lower humidity, and the ideal range falls between 20-40%. However, some succulents can tolerate higher levels of humidity (up to 50%) if the environment is well-ventilated and temperatures are kept cool.
It would be best if you also considered planting your succulent in an area less likely to come in contact with high humidity and warm temperatures.
Finally, to increase the humidity around your succulent plants, consider misting them with water or placing a humidifier near them. But be careful not to overdo it, as this could lead to root rot or other diseases.
How to Measure the Humidity Levels for Your Succulents
The best way to measure the humidity level of your succulent plants is by using a hygrometer. This device measures the amount of water vapor in the air.
You can find a hygrometer easily online or at most home improvement stores for an affordable price. Place the hygrometer near your succulents to get an accurate reading.
Ensure you take the readings in Fahrenheit degrees because they usually work better with higher temperatures than degrees Celsius.
To ensure optimal humidity levels, regularly observe and adjust as needed. If you notice the humidity levels rising too high, you can open windows for better air circulation or use a fan to blow away excess moisture.
Are There Succulents That Can Tolerate High Humidity?
As mentioned earlier, some succulents tend to thrive in relatively high humidity. Some of the common succulents that do well in high humidity include:
- Sedum: Some members of the sedum family come from regions with high humidity and are known to tolerate moisture reasonably well. Some of them even prefer soggy soil.
- Kalanchoe: Although considered succulents, Kalanchoe plants are primarily compared to regular houseplants. Like other houseplants, these succulents can survive in a wide range of humidity levels thanks to their thinner leaves.
- Aeoniums: These succulents come in varying species native to different parts of the world. Some of the species that come from the Canary Islands and Madeira are known to tolerate higher humidity levels.
- Crassula: Some members of the Crassula family tolerate high humidity levels and even thrive in it. Examples include Crassula ovata (Jade plant) and Crassula mucosae (watch chain plant). Most of them may be sensitive about the potting mix but don’t care about the amount of moisture in the air.
Tips For Maintaining the Right Humidity Level
Here are some tips for maintaining the right amount of humidity level for your succulents at home:
1. Monitor the humidity levels regularly
Use a digital hygrometer to monitor relative humidity levels in your home and adjust the level when necessary. Consider checking the humidity levels at least once a week and adjusting accordingly.
2. Use humidity-controlling tools
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are practical tools for controlling humidity levels. A humidifier can help if the air is too dry, while a dehumidifier can reduce humidity levels in excessively damp environments.
3. Avoid over-watering your plants
Over-watering your succulents can cause extensive root rot and increase your home’s humidity levels. Avoid overwatering, and make sure to water only when necessary.
Place your succulents in well-ventilated areas.
If you live in a humid climate, it’s important to place your succulents in well-ventilated areas of your home to reduce the humidity levels. If you don’t have a well-ventilated area, consider using an air fan to help circulate the air in your home during hot or humid months.
4. Choose the suitable container and potting mix
Choosing the right type of containers and potting mix for your succulents. Containers with good drainage are a must, as they provide much-needed airflow and help regulate moisture levels in the air.
5. Reduce indoor airflow
Close your windows when the humidity levels outside your home are high, as this will reduce indoor airflow and help regulate the humidity levels.
Summary
Humidity plays a critical role in the health of your succulent plants. Understanding your succulent’s water requirements is essential when deciding what humidity is best for them.
Generally, succulents prefer low humidity levels, although some species can tolerate higher humidity.
To maintain the right amount of humidity, monitor the levels regularly and adjust as needed. You can also use tools such as humidifiers or dehumidifiers to help regulate the humidity levels.
Finally, remember to choose containers with good drainage, potting mix that drains well, and to reduce the indoor airflow when possible.
With a little effort, you can keep your succulents healthy and happy even in high-humidity climates.
Last update on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
