How to Keep a Plant Humid

Tropical plants need a relative humidity of 90 percent. The typical house plants needs at least 60 percent humidity. Dry air draws water out of the plant through pores found in the leaves. If the air is too dry, the water loss can be severe -- stunting growth and leading to the plant's demise. You can keep potted plants humid by moving them into a room with a humidifier. If that's not an option, you can build a humidity tray.

Things You'll Need

• Tray -- 1 to 3 inches deep; wider than the bottom of your plant's pot
• Gravel or charcoal
• Water
• Potted plant

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Fill the tray with stones, gravel or charcoal. Spread out the rocks evenly.

   • 2

     Pour water into your tray. Fill the tray about 90 percent. The water will settle in between the rocks.

   • 3

     Place your potted plant over the stones. The water will evaporate and make the air around the plant more humid. The stones keep the plant from drowning because the plant cannot absorb the water directly.

   • 4

     Fill the tray with water, if you notice it getting low.