Which Plants to Mist?
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In winter, heating dries out the air. In summer, air conditioning does the same. The result? Our houseplants suffer silently. The tips of their leaves turn brown, curl up... This is a sign of insufficient humidity.
Regular watering nourishes the roots, but it's not always enough. Misting is an essential complementary step to recreate the humidity of tropical rainforests. But be careful: not all plants like it!
Is the spray an ally or an enemy in your Jungle? Let's take stock.
1. Why use misting?
In their natural habitat (Amazon, Southeast Asia), most of our houseplants thrive in humidity levels of 70 to 90%. In our living rooms, this often drops to 40%. Misting helps to:
- Hydrating the foliage: The plant's pores absorb water directly.
- Cleaning the dust: A dusty plant captures less light (less photosynthesis).
- Preventing pests: Mites and scale insects hate humidity.
The secret to a perfect mist
To be effective, the mist must be ultra-fine (like a cloud) so as not to soak the plant.
- 🌧️ Micro-Droplets: Our brass sprayer creates a light mist that does not drip.
- ✨ Decorative Item: No more ugly plastic spray bottles hidden under the sink.
2. Plants that LOVE the mist
These are primarily plants native to tropical rainforests. For them, it's a daily "YES," preferably in the morning with non-calcareous water (such as rainwater or filtered water).
✅ The Essentials
- Ferns: Vital to prevent them from drying out.
- Orchids: On the aerial roots (never on the flowers!).
- Calathea & Maranta: (Except for velvet varieties).
- Monstera & Philodendron: Especially when they are putting out new leaves.
- Pilea & Fittonia: They like cool conditions.
- Indoor palm trees: (Areca, Kentia).
Tip: Group these plants together. By transpiring, they will create a humid microclimate that will benefit the group!
3. Plants that HATE water on their leaves
Some plants do not tolerate direct moisture well. Stagnant water on their leaves or flowers promotes fungal diseases and rot.
🚫 Absolutely avoid
- Hairy Plants: (Saintpaulia, Begonia Rex, Calathea Velvet). The hairs retain water and cause the leaves to rot.
- Cacti & Succulents: They come from the desert. Humidity kills them.
- Cyclamen: The bulb rots very quickly.
- Flowers: Never spray directly onto a blooming flower, it will stain it.
4. What if I can't spray?
Do you have a Begonia or a velvet Calathea that is thirsty for humidity but hates water on its leaves? Use the "Clay Pebble Bed" technique.
- Use a saucer that is wider than your pot.
- Fill it with clay pebbles (or gravel).
- Pour water halfway up the marbles.
- Place your pot ON the marbles (the pot must not touch the water!).
The water will evaporate naturally around the plant, creating a bubble of humidity without wetting the foliage.
Don't forget the roots!
Misting is like a "facial," but watering remains the main "meal." To pour water precisely at the base of the plant (without wetting the delicate leaves), you need the right tool.
- 🎯 Precision Spout: Our copper watering can allows you to aim for the soil, and only the soil.
- 🎨 Perfect Duo: It forms a beautiful set with the brass vaporizer.
The final word
Misting is a moment of connection with your plants. It's an opportunity to observe them closely, to dust a leaf, to check for pests. With the right tool, it's a zen ritual that benefits both the gardener and the garden.
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