Iām a beginner, and i currently have like 3 plants (the tree is my moms) and I donāt have a humidifier, could i use a spray bottle temporarily to keep the leaves from drying out? If so dose keeping the leaves wet and some water falling on the soil counts at watering? I donāt want to accidentally āover water itā if that makes sense
It would be completely fine to spray them! That's what I do to mine and they're good!
1 gilla
In the short term, probably. Long-term, separating your plants does not actually increase the humidity for any substantial amount of time. If your leaves stay wet (from spraying) it may increase fungal and bacterial issues on your plants
2 gillningar That should say āsprayingā not separating. And why canāt I edit my comments anymore?! š¬
0 gillningar
Iāve had better luck with water trays than misting. But brother made a significant difference for me. Everyone says to get a humidifier and Iām still fighting it, lol
0 gillningar Could I user a styrofoam plate in the meantime lol I donāt have a watering tray yet
0 gillningar I used large plastic plant saucers with pebbles and even lunch trays! The ones made just for plants are outrageous.
2 gillningar
You may not need to spray them if the humidity is about 45% or higher. Many plants do well indoors without taking action if you donāt live in an arid environment. Measure the humidity levels near your plants with a hygrometer. Humidity levels tend to be wet areas like kitchens and baths. I would recommend using a humidifier rather than misting.šŖ“š
3 gillningar
I mist all of my plants, bc I canāt have a humidifier, and my plants are fine. The if the soil gets get, I wouldnāt consider it watered, but it also depends on how much water is dripping.
0 gillningarI watered all my plants from the bottom so that I donāt get gnatsā¦ but Iām a clean freak so lol
0 gillningarNone of those have high humidity needs, so they don't need misting or a humidifier. Misting does not count as watering. To water, thoroughly wet the soil until it drains out the bottom. Make sure excess water drains out. For most plants, water about once a week (every three days for thirsty species like ferns, once or twice a month for desert species like cacti, adjust as needed for plants in the middle range.) The key to avoiding overwatering is appropriate soil. You want good drainage, especially at the bottom of the pot, and moisture retention that suits the plant (sphagnum holds the most water, then potting soil, then cactus soil, then orchid bark. Your tradescantias will like potting soil and the aloe will want a cactus mix.) Also use pots that fit (in general, 1-2 inches in diameter larger than the root ball. Slightly tighter for cacti and succulents)
2 gillningar Thank you! I find this very helpful
1 gilla
To water, take the plant to the sink and water there. Itās ok if it to have a solid amount of water in one go, you just let it all drain out and then you can put the plant back to where it was. The key is making sure you donāt do it too often ie wait until the soil is dry or nearly dry before you water it again. The easiest way to check is to put your finger gently into the soil until about the second joint or use a chopstick and if it comes out moist, then leave it for another few days. You can also buy an inexpensive moisture meter to test. I also like the Sustee moisture meters which you can buy on Amazon. They stay in the pot with the plant permanently and will tell you when the soil is dry by their colour.
1 gilla