|
There are certain plants which benefit from regular
misting at flowering time - to assist pollination and fruit set. Other
than those, misting is a waste of time insofar as trying to raise
humidity levels is concerned.
For misting to have any effect, it will need to be
carried out every few minutes or so! The prime reason given for regular
misting of houseplants, is 'to raise the humidity levels. Twaddle!
Any minute particles of water soon evaporate and
dissipate into the surrounding air in the room. There is no substantial
benefit to the plant. Humidity levels can be checked by the purchase of
a hygrometer from a good garden centre.
The humidity levels in specialist houseplant growing
nurseries is attained either by damping down the paths etc with a hose,
several times a day. (Not suitable for the living room) or by automatic
misting equipment that keeps the humidity levels at somewhere between 40
- 60%.
Plants that need high humidity normally come from rain
or cloud forest areas. This atmosphere cannot be replicated by a daily
misting.
The argument that it will raise humidity levels and
deter Red Spider Mite is also not to be taken too seriously. red spider
is prevalent outdoors in the UK - so it will be well able to combat the
odd shower!
Far from being beneficial, misting can be harmful to
some houseplants - African violets, Streptocarpus and other 'downy'
leaved plants will suffer. It also turns dust particles on leaves into a
'cement' clogging up the pores of leaves!
In hard water areas, a chalky deposit is also left on
the foliage.
So, if waltzing around with your mister makes you feel
good - confine it to the dance floor!
Back to A-Z of
Houseplants |
