Succulents (including cacti) are plants that generally store water and nutrients in their leaves. That’s why you will see their leaves being thicker and fleshier than other types of plants.
They have actually adapted to survive in dry climates, and as a result, they don’t like a lot of humidity.
If you live in a naturally humid climate, your succulents will probably do just fine without a humidifier.
If you live in a dry climate or if your home tends to be on the drier side, a humidifier can help your plants to thrive.
Just be sure not to place the Humidifier too close to your plants, as this can cause their leaves to rot.
The best way to tell if your succulents need a humidifier is to pay attention to their leaves. If the leaves are looking dry and shriveled, it’s a good idea to give them a little extra humidity.
But on the other side, if the leaves are looking healthy and plump, your plants are probably doing just fine without a humidifier.
Can High Humidity Kill Succulents?
High humidity can actually cause problems for succulents, as too much moisture can lead to rot and could kill them eventually.
If your plants are looking yellow or brown or their leaves are falling off, it’s likely due to too much moisture in the air.
You can try to increase the airflow around your plants to help dry them out and, if possible, move them to a drier location.
If you have a dehumidifier, you can also try running it near your plants to help remove excess moisture from the air.
Just be sure not to place the dehumidifier too close to your plants, as this could actually cause them to dry out too much.
Also, remember not to water your indoor succulents too often, as this can also contribute to high humidity levels.
Let the soil in the pot dry out completely before watering again, and try to water in the morning so that the excess moisture can evaporate during the day.
If you live in a particularly humid climate, you may need to water your plants even less often to prevent problems.
What Are the Best Humidity Conditions for Succulents?
Succulents dislike humidity, but they can tolerate brief periods of dampness. It means that if you live in a dry climate, it’s best to err on the side of too little humidity rather than too much.
In general, the best humidity levels you should aim for your succulents are around 40% to 60%.
If the humidity is above this level, the likelihood of decay and fungal infections rises.
Succulents can also get root rot as a result of poor drainage and stagnant water on top of their roots if there is too much moisture from high humidity conditions.
So, do take that into account when you’re deciding whether or not to use a humidifier for your succulents.
Things to Consider
While succulents don’t generally like a lot of humidity, there are some exceptions. If you have a Tillandsia (air plant), for example, it will actually benefit from higher humidity levels.
Although it’s not a succulent, it’s a great companion plant for succulents.
Other succulents that do pretty well at slightly higher humidity levels include Portulacaria Afra, Crassula Ovata (Jade Plant), Sedum (Stonecrop), and Kalanchoe blossfeldiana.
As with all plants, it’s important to pay attention to your individual succulents and see how they react to different humidity levels before making any changes.
Caring for Indoor Cacti and Choosing the Perfect Spot for Them at Home
Cacti are popular indoor plants, and most people like them in their homes even though they don’t have time to fuss over their care.
The most popular species of household cacti plants include the star cactus, ball cactus, Turk’s cap, golden barrel, old man, bishop’s cap, and pincushion.
The second most common type of cacti is the Christmas cactus, which blooms in December. All these can be easily bought from a plant nursery, florists, or online stores.
While they are low maintenance, there are a few things you should know about before bringing cacti home, such as:
How Much Light Do They Need?
All cacti need a lot of bright light, but some can tolerate lower-light conditions better than others. For example, the Christmas cactus does well in shady areas, while the golden barrel cactus needs full sun.
If you’re not confirming how much light your cactus needs, it’s best to err on the side of too much light. Cacti that don’t get enough light will often start to stretch and become leggy.
How Often Should You Water Them?
The frequency of watering will vary depending on the type of cactus, the size of the pot, the temperature, and the humidity.
In general, though, most cacti should be watered about once a week during the growing season (spring and summer).
During the winter months, when growth is slower, you can water your cacti less often. Once every two weeks should be sufficient.
It’s important to let the soil dry out completely between watering, as cacti are susceptible to root rot.
What’s the Ideal Temperature for Them?
Cacti are native to desert regions, so they’re used to hot, dry conditions. Most cacti will do well in average room temperatures (between 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit).
However, there are a few exceptions. The Christmas cactus, for example, prefers cooler temperatures and will bloom more profusely if it’s kept in a room between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Type of Soil Do They Need?
Cacti need well-draining soil, so it’s best to use a potting mix that’s specifically designed for cacti and succulents. If you can’t find this type of mix, you can make your own by mixing equal parts sand, perlite, and potting soil.
You should also add a layer of gravel or pebbles to the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.
Do They Need Fertilizer?
Cacti don’t need a lot of fertilizer, and in fact, too much fertilizer can actually do more harm than good.
If you do decide to fertilize your cactus, use a very diluted solution (one-quarter to one-half the recommended strength) and apply it only once a month during the growing season.
Is There Anything Else I Need to Know?
One of the most important things to remember when caring for cacti is that they need a lot of airflow.
Be sure to choose a pot that has drainage holes and set it on a saucer or tray to catch any water that might leak out.
You should also avoid placing your cactus next to a heat source, as this can cause the plant to dry out too quickly.
A south-facing window in your living room or bedroom is usually a good spot for cacti, as they need bright light but not direct sunlight.
You can even consider placing your succulents in the bathroom, where they can draw moisture as and when needed. Avoid placing them in the kitchen as the fumes from cooking can harm them.
The Conclusion
Succulents like cacti make great houseplants because they are low-maintenance and easy to care for.
A humidifier is not necessary for these plants, as they prefer dry air. But it can help to improve the overall atmosphere in your home and prevent the air from becoming too dry.
Just be sure to keep the Humidifier away from the cactus itself, as too much moisture can cause the plant to rot.
With just a little bit of knowledge, you can keep your cactus healthy and happy for years to come.
Meen Smith is a nurse by profession who loves writing online, spending time with her family and caring for the elderly. She has already worked as an associate editor on various moms, babies, home appliances, kitchen, and healthy living blogs. In her spare time, she also enjoys drawing, reading/writing kindle eBooks and improving her skills a bit.