Happy Friday!

Welcome to another edition of the PlantsofK weekly newsletter!

If you have already been a subscriber, I am thrilled to have you back. If you are new, I am grateful that you subscribed! Each week, I strive to bring you tips, trends, and insights to ensure your houseplants thrive and bring beauty to your living spaces.

This week’s newsletter will cover:

• How to Increase Humidity for Houseplants

• Plant Spotlight

• Ask PlantsofK

• As Seen on TikTok

My hope is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to grow your own indoor jungle. As always, I value your feedback and input. If there's a particular topic or question you would like me to address in future editions, please don't hesitate to reach out by responding directly to this email. I am here to support you on your plant care journey, and I am excited to continue growing together.

I would love to grow this letter and reach more people interested in learning more about caring for their houseplants. If you enjoy this newsletter, share it with someone you know and help grow our community of houseplant enthusiasts. Together, we'll create beautiful and healthy indoor spaces!

Sincerely,

Kristen

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. This commission helps support PlantsofK at no additional cost to you and enables me to continue producing valuable content for you.

How to Increase Humidity for Houseplants

While most plants can thrive in average household humidity, some tropical and moisture-loving varieties require higher humidity levels to truly flourish. Fortunately, increasing humidity for your houseplants is easier than you might think. In this blog post, we will explore why certain plants crave more humidity and provide you with some simple yet effective tips to create a more humid environment for your houseplants.

Why Do Some Plants Need More Humidity?

Plants that originate from tropical rainforests or humid environments have evolved to thrive in high humidity conditions. In their natural habitats, these plants benefit from consistent moisture levels that keep their leaves hydrated, aid in nutrient absorption, and provide the ideal environment for growth. Replicating higher humidity levels in our homes can help these plants thrive and prevent issues like leaf browning or wilting.

Tips to Increase Humidity for Houseplants

1. Grouping plants together: Arrange plants with similar humidity requirements in close proximity. As plants transpire, they release moisture into the air, creating a localized humid microclimate.

2. Tray of water: Place a tray filled with water near your plants. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity levels around the plants. Ensure that the plant's pot is placed on a raised surface, like pebbles or a plant saucer, to prevent root rot.

3. Misting: Regularly mist your plants with water using a spray bottle. Fine water droplets settle on the leaves, mimicking the dewy conditions of their natural habitat. Avoid misting fuzzy-leaved plants, as it can promote fungal diseases.

4. Pebble tray: Fill a shallow tray with pebbles and water, then place your plant pot on top of the pebbles. As the water evaporates, it raises humidity levels around the plant without risking overwatering.

5. Humidifier: Get a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels consistently. This is particularly helpful during the dry winter months or in regions with naturally low humidity.

6. Bathroom or kitchen placement: These areas tend to have naturally higher humidity due to frequent water usage. Placing your plants in these spaces can provide them with higher moisture levels.

7. Cloche or terrarium: Enclose humidity-loving plants in a transparent cover, such as a cloche or a terrarium. This creates a mini greenhouse effect, trapping moisture and raising humidity levels.

By understanding the humidity needs of your houseplants and implementing a few simple techniques, you can create a more favorable environment for their growth and overall well-being.

Plant Spotlight

Plant Spotlight highlights a new houseplant and its basic care tips.

This week’s Plant Spotlight is the pilea peperomiodes.

The Pilea peperomioides is known by a few other names including Chinese Money Plant or the Pancake Plant. With its unique round leaves and low-maintenance nature, the Pilea is an excellent choice for both experienced plant enthusiasts and beginners.

1. Lighting: Pilea plants prefer bright, indirect light. Place your plant near a window where it can receive filtered sunlight throughout the day. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for extended periods, as it may cause the leaves to scorch. Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even growth.

2. Watering: Water your Pilea when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Be cautious not to overwater, as Pileas are susceptible to root rot. Allow the excess water to drain out of the pot, and never let the plant sit in standing water.

3. Humidity and Temperature: Pileas are adaptable plants that can thrive in average household humidity levels. However, they appreciate slightly higher humidity. Mist the leaves occasionally or place a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity. Avoid exposing your Pilea to drastic temperature fluctuations or drafts.

4. Soil and Fertilizer: Choose a well-draining potting mix for your Pilea to prevent waterlogged roots. A mixture of regular potting soil, perlite, and peat moss works well. Fertilize your plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).

5. Pruning and Propagation: Pileas can develop leggy stems over time. To encourage bushier growth, prune back any long or straggly stems. Additionally, Pileas are known for producing tiny "pups" or offshoots around the base of the plant. These can be carefully removed and potted in separate containers to propagate new plants.

With its unique appearance and straightforward care requirements, the Pilea plant is an excellent addition to any indoor space. By following these basic care guidelines, you can provide your Pilea peperomioides with the ideal conditions it needs to thrive.

As Seen on TikTok

@plantsofk93

plant mail day! 🪴 I got my first order from Succulent Box in the mail. Succulent box is an online plant store best known for their monthly... See more

I ordered plants from Succulent Box for the first time a while back and got an alocasia bambino and a variegated string of pearls! If you want to check them out and get some new plant mail, use the code PLANTSOFK93 for 15% off your order!

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. This commission helps support PlantsofK and enables me to continue producing valuable content for you.

I am committed to providing informative and engaging content about houseplant care and community. I carefully select products and resources that I believe will be of interest and benefit to you. The inclusion of affiliate links allows me to earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

Please note that my recommendations are based on my own research and experience. I only promote products and services that I have used and found value in myself, and that I think will be valuable to you as well.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these affiliate links or the products I recommend, please feel free to reach out. I appreciate your feedback.

Thank you for being a part of my plant care journey and for supporting my efforts to bring the joy and humor of houseplants to others!