One of the great advantages of having indoor plants is that they naturally and sustainably increase humidity levels. Depending on the number of plants you have, the effects can be quite dramatic and transform your home or office into a perfect micro-climate space, where you can not only feel the myriad emotional benefits of having plants, but also feel regal. Learn how to increase the humidity in your room with certain types of plants.

why increase humidity levels?

You've probably noticed that in winter your skin is a lot drier and more dehydrated. If you're in a stuffy, air-conditioned office, you're bound to need to use moisturiser more often, your eyes get irritated and your nostrils feel like the Sahara desert. Frequent breathing of dry air can cause or aggravate respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, allergies, cause nosebleeds and aggravate dehydration.

Increasing humidity levels naturally will prevent all these health problems. You will also avoid static electricity that can ruin electronic equipment. A more humid environment also feels warmer. For example, a temperature of 25°C with a humidity of 20% feels similar to a temperature of 20°C with a humidity of 70%; in other words, a more humid environment can help you maintain a comfortable temperature in winter.

how do plants increase humidity?

The process by which plants increase humidity levels is called transpiration, simply put: your plants sweat. To keep the leaves moist in the presence of dry air, the plant draws water from the substrate through the roots, up through the stems and into the leaves.

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Boston fern

€34.00

Regulates the humidity level

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Elephant Ear Alocasia

€45.00

Tough and beautiful

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In the leaves are the plant's pores, which are called stomata, from where the water evaporates into the air. It is similar to the process of sweating in humans; only instead of just being used to regulate temperature, plants use transpiration to keep water moving and bring nutrients to the leaves.

Plants that increase humidity

All plants provide some moisture to the environment, but there are some that do it more efficiently. Generally speaking; plants with large, leafy, broad leaves are much better natural humidifiers than those with narrow, rounded, small leaves, such as succulents.

Large leaves optimise the process by which plants absorb light and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, but they also increase the surface area through which they lose water to the atmosphere.this is why they are typical characteristics of tropical plants, where there is a lot of water but little light; whereas plants living in harsher environments where there is a lot of light but little water develop the opposite characteristics: small (or no) fleshy leaves, to minimise moisture loss.

Houseplants with these characteristics and easier to care for are the following:

Calatheas Triostar

This beautifully coloured tropical beauty is the perfect natural humidifier. It is recommended for use in sleeping rooms, as it also has purifying properties. It is also safe for pets and children and does not require extreme care.

Alocasia amazonica

I love this plant with its huge leaves and white veins. It is called Elephant's Ear and requires bright spaces but not in direct sunlight. It needs more or less abundant watering, but not waterlogging. It is magnificent and imposing.

Calathea roseopicta

This tropical plant is a perfect humidifier and is noted for its pretty colours and leafy leaves. It also has purifying properties and is safe for pets and children. It prefers bright spaces without direct sunlight, and if you spray its leaves with water from time to time it will be happy.

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Calathea roseopicta

€43.00

Regulates humidity

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Bird of Paradise

€51.00

Decorative and resistant

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Fiddle leaf fig

This large, leafy plant has purifying properties, as well as contributing to ambient humidity levels. It is very hardy, although it requires good indirect light. Not suitable for pets but looks great in an office.

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Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

€47.00

Purifier with style

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Yucca

€48.00

an exotic touch!

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Monstera

This is a very photogenic plant and I'm sure you've seen them on social media. They are very easy to care for, although they do require a lot of light. It is particular that this plant resists lack of watering very well, but it is a great advantage because it does well with forgetful people.

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Monstera Deliciosa

€46.00 €41.40

Adapts to any environment

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Pachira

€80.00 €72.00

Purifying and resistant

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To enhance the natural humidifier effect, we recommend placing all your plants close together. This will create a humidity bubble in the room, boosting and protecting each other. You can also use clay pots, as this also allows water to evaporate and improves humidity conditions. Another trick is to place them on a saucer containing pebbles and water. This will allow them to always have water at their disposal without waterlogging the roots. Go ahead and buy 3 or 4 plants of a size you can afford. We assure you that you will notice the difference in the atmosphere.