Snake plants are beautiful green foliage. They are known for being easy to care for since they can survive in both direct sunlight and shade. In addition, they do not require daily watering. However, are snake plants so easy-going that they can survive extreme humidity? Will an abundant amount of humidity cause damage to these popular house plants?
The ideal humidity level for snake plants is between 40-50%, however, they can tolerate more. Snake plants can survive high levels of humidity if they have proper drainage. However, high humidity is not ideal and can cause leaf spot or pest infestation.
Although snake plants can survive high levels of humidity, it is not recommended. You may be wondering how it impacts the overall health of the plant, and how to decrease the humidity levels. Keep reading below to discover everything you need to know about snake plants and humidity!
How Humidity Impacts Snake Plants
Snake plants are durable and can survive nearly any level of humidity. Plant owners are often shocked when they discover that they can survive harsher conditions than many other house plants. Humidity is not detrimental to snake plants, however, it does come with potential dangers. Too much humidity can cause leaf spot or pest infestation. You’ll want to avoid both of these since they have the potential to pose a grave danger to your snake plant.
Leaf Spot
Humidity can cause snake plants to develop leaf spot. Leaf spot is a disease that is spread via bacteria. High levels of humidity can cause an increase of fungal and bacteria, which results in leaf spot.
Although leaf spot is an inconvenience, it can typically be cured. Your snake plant doesn’t necessarily have one foot in the grave just because it’s developed a case of leaf spot. Leaf spot will not severely damage your snake plant, especially if it is caught early and your plant is fully developed. If the snake plant is younger, then there is a chance the disease will spread more quickly.
Because younger snake plants are more susceptible to the damages of leaf spot, it is crucial to catch it as early as possible. When you start to notice leaf spot, take action immediately. Remove the damaged foliage and keep the rest of the plant dry. In extreme cases, fungicides can be used. However, in most cases, this will be unnecessary.
Pests
Unlike leaf spot, pests are something that you should fear. High levels of humidity increase the chances of pest infestation, which can be lethal to your snake plant. Pests suck sap from the plant, making it hard for the plant to survive. Although snake plants may be able to initially survive this, it will weaken or kill them if it happens repeatedly.
With high levels of humidity, snake plants are prone to pests. With repeated infestation, the plant will grow continually weaker. Miticides can be used to prevent pests, however, this may not be enough if you live in a place with high humidity. If you have noticed that your plant is continually infested, then you may want to consider lowering the humidity level.
Although water can be used to get rid of most bugs, this should be avoided with snake plants. Snake plant leaves should be kept dry, making water an illogical cure for pests.
How to Lower Humidity Levels
If your snake plant is being kept at over a 50% humidity level, then you may need to lower the local humidity. To do this, keep the enclosure it is being kept in dry. This will decrease evaporation and therefore humidity.
Snake plants are very simple to take care of and do not need constant attention. They do not need to be watered daily and it is crucial to not overwater your snake plants. They do not need to be watered often, especially with high levels of humidity. Wait until the soil is dry before you water the plant. In areas of high humidity, watering every ten days may be all that is necessary.
A user on Houzz, who lived in an area of high humidity with over 100 inches of rain each year, suggested using crushed coral as soil. They claimed that crushed coral makes for an excellent drainage material. With high humidity, proper drainage is necessary. Proper drainage will make it possible for a snake plant to survive even in the most humid of environments.
If you keep the enclosure dry and do not overwater your plants, and the humidity is still too high, then you may need to purchase a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers will remove excess moisture, therefore decreasing the humidity level. Dehumidifiers are effective and will lower humidity levels, however, it may also result in making the humidity level too low. Keep an eye on your snake plant to ensure the dehumidifier is not causing the air to be too dry.
How to Raise Humidity Levels
If the humidity level is less than 40%, then you may consider raising it. Consider the following methods, as they are four of the best methods to raise the humidity level for a snake plant:
- Purchase an aquarium. The water from the aquarium will evaporate, increasing the humidity in the room.
- Purchase a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air which will then increase the humidity. Your snake plants will benefit greatly from this.
- Group your snake plants. This is an easy and popular way of increasing humidity. Placing your plants near each other is a sure way to raise the humidity level in the room.
- Water your snake plant more frequently. As mentioned above, you do not have to water your plant daily. However, if your plant is too dry, then you may need to water it more frequently. You may need to water it as often as every three days. Keep an eye on the soil, and water it every time you notice it is dry.
Do not mist your snake plant in an attempt to increase its humidity. Misting your snake plant may cause its foliage to shrivel or become soggy. Misting plants is a common way of increasing humidity, however, it should be avoided for snake plants.
