3 Ways Temperature and Humidity Affect Plants (And What To Do About It)

AVA Family

Did you know that temperature and humidity can drastically affect the way that plants look, grow, and even taste? Check out our list below and find out what you can do for your local growing conditions.

1. Temperature affects a plant’s growth rate: Temperature impacts the rate a plant can photosynthesize. Photosynthesis is the chemical reaction where plants convert light and carbon dioxide into sugar and oxygen. Warmer temperatures increase the speed of this reaction up to a threshold. After this threshold, heat will essentially break down the cells in the plant leading to tissue damage, wilting and sometimes death. 
2. Temperature can affect germination: Temperature can also play an important role in the earlier life stages of a plant. For example, in some plants, seeds must experience a cold dormancy period to stimulate germination later on. This process is called cold stratification, and it is found in plants like sage, lavender and sweet peas! Stratification is often mimicked by placing seeds into the fridge for some time before planting.
3. Even if the temperature is right, humidity could still kill your plants: Humidity is the amount of water vapour in the air and it is directly influenced by the air temperature. Warmer air holds more water than cooler air! This is why low humidity is often a challenge in the winter months as temperatures drop. Much like how we experience dry/cracked skin during cooler seasons, plants lose water vapour to their surrounding environments. Unfortunately plants do not have a 10 step skin care routine to deal with this moisture loss! Consider having a thermometer with hygrometer settings next to your byte to monitor temperature and humidity levels!

How can you increase the temperature of your home for your plants? 

• Use your curtains: let sunlight in during the day and close them for insulation during the night
• DIY draught-proofing: Self-adhesive rubber seals around doors and windows can make a huge difference in mitigating heat loss! 
• Move large furniture away from heat sources: Did you know that couches and cabinets could be absorbing your heat and blocking the circulation of flow? 
• Change the filter on your furnace: a well used filter can make your furnace work twice as hard to heat a space! Replacing filters regularly is a quick and effective way to ensure optimum energy usage. 

 How can you decrease the temperature of your home for your plants? 

• Place a small fan near your plants: This works to reduce the air temperature while increasing circulation for your plants allowing them to breathe better! Ensure that the airflow is not blowing directly onto your plants at high intensity as this may disturb the plant. 
• Use light coloured drapes and blinds: Light colors keep the sun's heat out by reflection. 
• Open the windows at night: Let in the cool evening air to reduce your home's temperature.
• Reduce the use of major heat producing appliances: Dishwashers, dryers and ovens release copious amounts of excess heat. Where possible, avoid these appliances or use them in the evenings or mornings when temperatures are cooler.

 How can you increase the humidity of your home for your plants?

• Place a diffuser near your plants: This is the easiest way to ensure adequate humidity levels for your plants! Use essential oils in your diffuser for some added aromatherapy.
• Place your Byte in rooms that naturally are more humid: Kitchens, washrooms and laundry rooms tend to have a much higher moisture content!
• Keep your Byte near other plants: Moisture released from one plant can be used by a neighboring plant. Keeping plants close allows them to act as mini humidifiers for each other!
• Air-dry laundry near plants: Save energy on your next wash while giving moisture to your plants!
• Leaving water bowls near heaters: If you're desperate for some added moisture, leaving small bowls of water near a heater can allow for a slow release of moisture into a room. 

How can you decrease the humidity of your home for your plants?

• Ventilate your home: This can be achieved by frequently opening windows, using fans or installing an air conditioner set up. This works by releasing excess moisture to the outside!
• Dry laundry outside: Evaporated heat from wet clothes can become trapped in your home increasing the humidity.

Check out this collection of pod packs for our indoor gardening kit, AVA Byte. 

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Learn more about us, to discover why you should get growing with a smart indoor garden, how it helps save you money in an urban city, and makes your life better. Looking to start an indoor garden or bring up your productivity during WFH trying to find more ways to get sustainable at home and in the kitchen take a read of our blog.

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