Question
I forgot to ask if there is a better way than a pebble tray to keep the humidity up near my tropicals since the humidity is so low here (something like 11%-50% usually) that the water evaporates incredibly quickly.  

Karrie
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Followup To

Question -
I have recently moved from Iowa (grew up in Michigan) to Colorado and most of my plants are protesting/dying.

I adore orchids and was finally getting a handle on them when I had to move.  

I have a variety of plants from Anthuriums, Peace Lilies, Wandering Jew, Pothos, Philodendron, Aloe, Arbicola (really not doing well), Asparagus Fern, Snake Plant, Orchids, Draceanas, etc.  The only thing that doesn't seem to be terribly damaged is the Lucky Bamboo in the Beta Fishes' tanks.  (Although one of these is getting lighter colored.)

Can you please help?

Karrie

Answer -
Hi Karrie,

There are many possible reasons why your plants are having trouble acclimating to their new environment, but the high altitude and low humidity of CO are not among them.

Start with the trauma of the actual move itself. The moving and jostling and the temperature and lack of light that can occur in a long move can have a powerful effect on perishable plants. For example, if the plants were in moving van, the temperature may have built up to very high degree while on the road.

A change in light is the most important factor in their new environment. Even subtle changes in light will force plants to make adjustment. Often that adjustment takes the form of dropping older leaves and pushing out new ones that are more suited to the new light intensity. This acclimatization process is slow and can take many months. As much as possible, try to duplicate the light that each plant received in Iowa.

Your watering routine will have to also reflect the changed environment. Changes in light, temperature and humidity will alter the water needs of plants. Thus, increased light, higher temps, and lower humidity will all increase the need for more frequent watering. And of course, the opposite is true.

Water quality may also be an issue. If the local tap water is on the hard side or is alkaline, then you should switch to filtered or distilled.

Moving is traumatizing for everyone, including plants. Give your plants the best opportunity to adjust by doing your best to understand their changed need and adapting accordingly.

This may be a good time to prune back your plants. This will help eliminate the legginess that can result from leaf loss. It will also help promote new growth better suited to the new environment.

On the other hand, this is NOT the time to repot or to fertilize. Your plants need time to adjust and they don't need any more trauma.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me a rating and nomination.  

Answer
Hi Karrie,

To increase humidity levels, misting is not effective, pebble trays are moderately effective and humidifiers are most effective.

However, other than the Orchids, none of the plants on your list require high humidity. Did you know that the humidity in your winter heated home in Iowa was even drier than the low humidity of Colorado? If your plants survived the Iowa winters, then they will survive in high-altitude Colorado.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me a rating and nomination.