Houseplant clinic: should I mist my plants or not?
Some sources recommend misting houseplants, while others strongly advise against it. Now I'm confused.
Diagnosis
Misting is a common practice intended to increase humidity, replicating the rainforest environments from where many of our houseplants originate. While this is beneficial, misting is not a one-spray-fits-all solution.
Prescription
If your houseplant thrives in high humidity (such as ferns, calatheas and peace lilies), gently misting its leaves with room-temperature water can promote healthy growth. However, for plants from dry habitats, such as cacti and succulents, misting can lead to problems such as fungal diseases and leaf rot. Instead, to safely increase humidity for only some plants, pebble trays filled with water beneath pots, grouping plants or a humidifier nearby are all excellent ways to increase ambient humidity in a localised way.
Prevention
Take time to research your plants' requirements. If you really want to take things seriously, invest in a hygrometer to accurately monitor humidity levels in your home.
Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@theguardian.com with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line
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