Succulents are generally drought-resistant plants that have fleshy leaves and like dry soil. They require little water and like warm weather. They can even be grown outside in the right climate. But do succulents like humidity? Contrary to popular belief, succulents don’t like humidity, and some varieties may even die if they are in humid conditions.
Succulents thrive in dry conditions and don’t like humidity in the atmosphere. Succulents do well in climates with a relative humidity of below thirty percent. In conditions that are very humid, succulents are likely to develop fungal disease. Let’s look at the effect humidity is likely to have on succulents.
Do succulents like humidity?
Succulents that are living in places with high humidity will suffer excess water won’t be able to evaporate from their soil. This makes it harder for the plant to get nutrients from the ground and can also cause fungus to grow. Fungal disease and excess moisture will eventually lead to root rot which will kill the succulent.
How to improve humidity levels
Succulents survive best in dry conditions, as they don’t like moisture in the air, which is what humidity levels refers to. The good news is that you can do a few things if you live in a humid climate and want to grow succulents. These tips will help to reduce humidity:
Grouping Plants
In humid conditions, succulents are best grown in pots that contain two or three plants. This allows them to share the moisture in the air and soil and will mean that they are less affected by the humidity.
Add gravel to succulent pots
Adding a layer of gravel at the bottom of the plant’s pot will allow excess moisture to drain away, which will mean the plant will be less lily to become waterlogged and affected by humidity. You can also use a potting mix that’s been designed especially for succulents and cacti. Here’s how to use rocks and gravel for succulents.
Use a dehumidifier
You may like to invest in a dehumidifier to eliminate excess water in the air and create the perfect environment for succulents in your home. If the humidity is above 50%, a dehumidifier will reduce the air’s moisture content and then blow dry air back out. If you decide to get a dehumidifier, don’t put the machine too close to your plants; keep it between three and six feet away.
Don’t overwater succulents
Succulents don’t need too much water, and if you live in a humid climate, there will be excess moisture, as the soil won’t be affected by evaporation. Always feel the plant’s soil before providing water, then wait until the soil dries out completely before watering again.
In general, succulents need to be watered once every one or two weeks, but this depends on the type of soil and humidity levels. It’s also a good idea to water your succulents with warm water during the winter if you live in a humid environment. Slightly warm water can be easily absorbed by the plants and will feel like warm desert rain.
Put your succulent near a window
If you live in a humid climate, you can put your succulent plants on the windowsill near an open window. This will allow your plant to get adequate sunlight as well as ventilation, which will dry out the soil if it’s too wet. You may even be able to put your succulents outside during the day. Don’t leave them in the full sun for more than two or three hours as they could suffer from sunburn. You can even plant succulents in glass containers.
Use a grow light
A grow light can help to provide succulents with extra light to keep them healthy. This is beneficial in a humid climate as it reduces moisture, especially during the fall and winter when there’s less sunlight available.
Conclusion
While succulents don’t like living in high humidity areas, the good news is that there are many things you can do to keep your plants healthy. Aim to reduce excess moisture by growing the plants in the correct soil, using gravel to create drainage, putting your succulent on the windowsill, or even buying a dehumidifier or grow light.
Succulents can be prone to fungal problems if they’re grown in humid environments. Don’t overwater your succulents and aim to improve the humidity level near your plants.