During the fall and winter, many indoor plants look bad: yellow leaves, wilting, brown at the tip, when they simply do not fall, and flowers that fall prematurely … or absent. The problem is the lack of moisture in our homes.

Indeed, most houseplants (exceptions are succulents and cacti, which are not bothered by dry air) have evolved in an environment where the air is always damp. A relative humidity of 70% and is more “normal” for tropical plants in nature.

When we heat the air, as is done during the fall and winter, it loses most of its moisture. Without humidifier, the humidity of our homes is often 10% or less, even with a humidifier, rarely exceeding 50%. Already, by running a humidifier (which is highly recommended), you make a big step forward and your plants suffer less, but in addition, build them a “plateau wetting” and will be in heaven!

A humidifying tray is just what its name says, a plateau that gives off moisture. It produces very easily with commonly available materials. This is to first find a “plateau” of some sort or a culture tray, a large saucer, the bottom of a container growing, ornamental or other dish. The important thing is that it must be impermeable and resistant to rust.

Fill it with gravel, marble chips, clay beads, decorative beads, etc.. A thickness of 2 cm is sufficient, but you can put up to the edge of the tray if it is deep. Then fill this substrate water to 3/4, so without flooding it completely. The water will rise on the gravel, logs and other capillary and evaporate, increasing the humidity very locally. Then place your pots on the tray (no need to saucer) and your plants will benefit from a small humidifier staff.

Maintenance? It’s a breeze! Simply, every time you water, pour water on the gravel too. Thus there will always be water that will evaporate and your plants will benefit from high atmospheric humidity at all times. The wetting tray is especially useful during the months when his house is heated.

In late spring and summer, the air is generally moist and you can store the tray and its contents, but you can also use it in summer, even if its effect is more noticeable. Especially if you used an attractive tray, you will probably find that the moistening tray embellished plants in addition to providing good health.