Houseplants are the perfect way to add life and color to your home. These leafy green accessories breathe new life into any space while purifying and cleansing the air. However, many homeowners struggle to keep their houseplants alive. If your plants always go the way of brown and shriveled and you can’t figure out why air circulation in your home may be to blame.Â
Why do your plants need airflow?
All plants need some air circulation around them to grow correctly. That’s because plants need CO2 to photosynthesize and create energy. When a plant’s leaves are too close together, they can’t get enough CO2, and the plant will start to droop. That’s why it’s essential to give your plants everything they need to have proper airflow.
In addition to airflow around the plant’s leaves and stems, the soil needs enough aeration to perform the chemical reactions that keep the plant alive.
How can you improve airflow?
So what kind of precautions can you take to ensure proper airflow? How do you know if a room has enough air circulation for your beloved plants? You can do several things to improve air circulation in your home to help you create a healthier environment for your plants (and yourself).
Give them space
The best way to ensure good air circulation for your plants is to give them plenty of space. Overcrowding plants can lead to poor air circulation and a build-up of humidity, which is detrimental to plant health. If you’re not sure how much space to give each plant, make sure there is plenty of space between each plant–at least a few inches–to allow for airflow. The general rule of thumb is approximately one foot between plants and one foot from a nearby wall or piece of furniture.
Just like you wouldn’t want to live too close to your family or neighbors, your plants like to have a personal bubble between themselves and other objects.
Monitor the soil
Another key for improving air circulation is monitoring the soil moisture of your houseplants. The rule of thumb is that if the soil is dry down one inch, it’s time to water. Keeping your houseplants’ dirt moist will help increase airflow and decrease common problems like powdery mildew and root rot.
You can also aerate the soil by poking small holes in the top to ensure that oxygen and carbon dioxide penetrate the roots. If you want to boost your plant’s root environment without the need for manual aeration, you should consider breathable fabric planters from providers like these.
Open airflow
Another way to improve airflow in your home is to open up windows and doors when possible. Fresh air is not only good for your plants, but it’s also good for you and your family. Letting in some natural light and fresh air will help circulate the breeze in your home and improve your overall mood.
Circulate air with fans
Use fans to circulate the air if you cannot open windows and doors due to weather conditions or other factors. A small desk fan or an essential oil diffuser can help circulate air in a small space, or you can move a larger floor fan from room to room as needed. Place fans in strategic locations around the room to help move the air and improve airflow.
Use a humidifier or dehumidifier
If you live in a humid climate, it’s essential to use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This moisture is vital for houseplants that prefer high levels of humidity. If you live in a wet climate, on the other hand, you’ll need to use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.
Place near a window
Placing plants near an open window is a great way to add more natural light and improve breathability. Plants that require high levels of light, such as ferns and palms, will appreciate the exposure to sunlight. Just rotate your plants regularly so they don’t grow lopsided from leaning towards the window. If you don’t have access to a window, consider using full-spectrum or grow lights in the room with your plants.
Conclusion
By giving your plants space, opening up windows and doors when possible, using fans, adding humidity with a humidifier or dehumidifier, placing near a window, and monitoring soil moisture levels, you can create a beautiful oasis of houseplants for your home. Whether it’s a Fiddle-Leaf Fig Plant or a stately Peace Lily, these tips will see your houseplants breathing easily. Happy planting, and don’t forget to water regularly.
