Do I really need a humidifier? Why do my plants get crispy leaves when I crank the heat? When it comes to houseplant care, humidity is right up there with water and light as one of the most important factors. I’ve spent years stressing about humidity levels. Fortunately, I invited my dear plant friend and humidity expert, Leslie Halleck, for another session of Grow Better. Understanding the science behind humidity has helped me stop freaking out and keep my plant collection happy.

In this episode, we learn:

• [04:44] Beware of random blogs you find online!
• [05:43] Why is humidity important and how does it affect the plants?
• [08:57] Important role of transpiration in a plant's health
• [13:32] The three terms you need to know (relative humidity, absolute humidity, vapor pressure deficit)
• [14:49] Grow your indoor garden like never before with Soltech's grow lights!
• [17:10] Cold air vs warm air
• [20:54] Is your hygrometer relative or absolute humidity?
• [22:45] Why is it so much drier in the winter?
• [25:18] How elevation affects vapor pressure deficit
• [31:00] Methods for increasing humidity
• [31:48] Why misting doesn’t work
• [33:36] Why pebble trays also don’t work
• [35:04] Why grouping plants together work
• [37:40] Is growing plants under glass effective?
• [40:25] Leslie’s obsession with glassware and mushrooms
• [41:26] What is burping?
• [42:07] What are Wardian cases?
• [42:50] What are Orchidariums?
• [49:13] How Leslie maintains the humidity in her house
• [51:01] Check out Leslie’s Tiny Plants
• [52:14] Sign up for Leslie’s courses!
• [54:37] Where can you find Leslie on social media?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Botany for Gardeners Course, UCLA Extension
• Indoor Plants: Care and Maintenance Course, UCLA Extension
• Leslie’s Book Tiny Plants
• Growing Joy Ep 169: How To Prep Your Houseplants For Winter
• Growing Joy Ep 107: How To Care For A Large Plant Collection
• How to Care for Alocasia // My Favorite Alocasia Varieties! // Alocasia Care Guide
• Leslie’s Architectural Digest interview

For a deeper dive into humidity basics and light principles,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Soltech Solutions

With shorter days and colder days upon us, ensure your plants are getting enough light indoors! Soltech Solutions offers grow lights with full-spectrum white light that mimics the sun to keep your plants happy and healthy: whether you are looking for a pendant light, track lighting, or a simple bulb to screw into any standard light fixture, Soltech has got you covered. They offer quality products with great customer service, free shipping, and a multi-year warranty. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions.

Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".

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