Do Dehumidifiers Kill Plants? (Safe Or Lethal?)

Have you ever wondered do dehumidifiers kill plants?

If so, you have come to the right place!

In this article, we will look at how dehumidifiers work with your plants.

We will also explore the humidity levels of plants, is dehumidifier water good for plants, can plants act as dehumidifiers, and what Indoor plants absorb moisture.

Let’s take a closer look below..

Do Dehumidifiers Kill Plants?

Dehumidifiers will not kill your indoor houseplant. In fact, it is likely you will find most plants are helped by having a dehumidifier in their presence. The humidity level your plants need will depend on the type of plant and its requirements.

For these reasons, it is important that you choose the right dehumidifier to keep your plant safe.

What Can A Dehumidifier Do For Your Plants?

The main benefit of using a dehumidifier is the management of your home’s moisture levels.

As such, a dehumidifier is likely your best option for maintaining adequate humidity levels for your plant’s needs. Compared with other methods, such as misting or keeping a pebble tray nearby, a dehumidifier is more effective at adding moisture to plants.

A dehumidifier is also a stable form of maintaining humidity as it can be left on for any length of time.

Furthermore, placing a dehumidifier in the same room as your plant will help it to retain moisture.

The right amount of moisture is something every plant needs to grow healthy and strong.

Particularly during the colder months, a dehumidifier will help to regulate humidity levels in your room and remove harmful dry air.

This is one of the most important things you can do to help your plant grow the way it should!

Additionally, humidity in your plant’s setting does more than just maintain its health. You may also find that a dehumidifier improves the appearance of your plants.

Added moisture is likely to restore your plant’s appearance to the best it can be. An added sheen and more vibrant colors are some of the things you should expect to see.

Humidity Levels Of Plants

Firstly, let’s look at what humidity levels are. Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor found in the air.

A humidity level is a measure of this or the percentage of humidity that is found in the air.

Humidity levels are important things to consider for plants, as it can determine whether a plant will flourish or suffer.

Furthermore, the humidity level that your plant will need is going to depend on the type of plant it is.

Ideally, most plants require a humidity level of around 50-60%.

However, some plants from warmer, dryer climates may need up to 90%. Others, such as some succulents like cacti, only require levels of around 10% to thrive.

You will also need to know which stage of development your plant is in. The stage your plant is in will affect what humidity level you should be aiming to achieve.

Is Humidity Harmful To Plants?

Too much humidity can be harmful to your plant’s health and growth, making dehumidifiers even more necessary.

For some tropical plants, high humidity is necessary and can help them to thrive. In some cases, plants from dry climates are even unlikely to survive if humidity is too low.

However, this is not the case for your everyday indoor plants, which flourish in mid-temperatures. Instead, high levels of humidity can cause problems such as fungal and bacterial diseases, which can seriously harm plants.

Other diseases such as mold and rot are also promoted by humidity in the air and can kill plants.

For these reasons, it is important that dehumidifiers are used correctly and research must be undertaken beforehand.

Can Plants Act as Dehumidifiers?

Plants are a brilliant option for a natural dehumidifier. Most plants are capable of absorbing some of the excess moisture from the air, however, there are a few especially good options.

Humidity is absorbed through a plant’s leaves and stored in the roots.

Choosing the right plants, which we will discuss further on, can help to reduce mold or mildew in your home.

Moreover, if you require something to remove humidity in your house, you may find plants are a more suitable choice for you than regular dehumidifiers.

They may offer a more aesthetic option than classic choices, perhaps making for a prettier option.

They are also a great natural option, allowing you to bring your garden indoors. Using your plants as a dehumidifier also serves the added purpose of helping them to thrive.

Indoor Plants That Absorb Moisture

Next, we will look at some indoor plants that are able to act as dehumidifiers in the home. Earlier, we looked at why some plants are better dehumidifiers than others.

Now, we will identify which plants are the best options.

First, we will consider the Peace Lily. This is a plant that absorbs moisture from the air directly through its leaves, making it a great option. As a plant with little need for direct sunlight, it is also a good plant to keep indoors.

Next, the Boston Fern is another plant that thrives in humidity, making it a fantastic option for regulating your home’s levels. It is also another plant capable of being kept indoors year-round, needing little sunlight.

The Orchid is another great choice for reducing moisture in your home. It belongs to a group of plants called epiphytes, which gain nutrients from the air around them. This makes them wonderful at absorbing moisture.

Finally, a group of plants called xerophytes is a great option for dehumidifying.

An example is a cactus – plants that thrive in dry, often harsh environments. These plants are able to store water from the air, reducing the amount in your home.

Is Dehumidifier Water Good For Plants?

Dehumidifier water is generally good for your plants. Most plants are likely to enjoy dehumidifier water as it is soft and neutral in terms of pH.

It is especially good for those plants which cannot handle mineralized or hard water or chlorine in treated water.

Further to this, dehumidifier water can be good for your plants, so long as it comes from a clean home.

In this case, dehumidifier water will not harm your plants and is a great way to recycle water.

Considering most American families use around 300 gallons of water each day, you may decide to recycle your dehumidifier water.

However, it is important that you are sure your water is clean before you use it.

If you have plants suffering from fungal disease, spores from the air can get into the dehumidifier water.

This means the water should not be used as it can cause harm to your other plants.

Dehumidifier water should also not be used on your plants if you intend to eat them. While the water may not harm your indoor plants, it isn’t necessarily safe for consumption.

This is something to consider if you decide to recycle your dehumidifier water.

Summary: Will a dehumidifier kill my plants?

Overall, a dehumidifier is more likely to help your plant to thrive than to harm it. If used correctly, a dehumidifier will help your plant to grow strong and healthy.

Now you know if a dehumidifier is the right option for you.

Looking For Dehumidifer Guides?

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