If you live in a climate of high humidity, it can be difficult to find plants that will thrive. Succulents are known to be pretty durable, but what are the best succulents for high humidity?
The best succulents for high humidity will be durable succulents that can thrive in many different environments. Look for succulents that are considered hard to kill and that are native to humid climates. Also, make sure it gets lots of sunlight.
Humid environments can make it tricky to take care of some kinds of plants. When you invest your money in succulents, you will want to make sure they last. This article will describe what climates are considered high humidity, how it could affect your plants, and what succulents will be the best for that environment.
What Climates Are Considered High Humidity?
First of all, let’s take a look at what humidity exactly is. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. It is usually expressed as a percentage. In general, 50% of humidity is comfortable. As the temperature increases and decreases, the amount of water the air can hold changes.
If you are in a high humidity area, there is a good chance that you live in a humid subtropical climate. These areas are noted for their hot and humid summers and mild winters. These locations are usually in the southeast corners of each continent.
While many humid areas are near the coast, you can still live in a humid location that is more inland. These places have more pronounced summers and winters, unlike the relatively stable temperature of the locations near the coast.
If your climate has a humidity percentage of over 50%, you are definitely living in a high humidity area. High humidity can have powerful effects on temperature. For instance, the weather may be hot, but added humidity can make the day feel even hotter. If the temperature reads 77℉, humidity can make it feel like 92℉.
How Can High Humidity Affect Your Plants?
There are a few ways that humidity can affect your plant growth. Let’s look at a few.
- High humidity can make your leaves damp. If there is too much water in the air surrounding your plants, your leaves will turn damp, and they might end up sticking together.
- Mold can start to grow in reaction to high humidity. If a plant is exposed to too much moisture, mold can start to grow and affect your plant. When you first catch a glimpse of mold on your plant, make sure to cut the affected area off and move the plant into a dryer area if possible.
- It will kill young plants/leaves. Younger leaves and plants are more susceptible to damage than older plants are. If you have a young plant, you will have to be extra cautious and make sure it is not exposed to too much moisture. Furthermore, if you see a few baby leaves dying on an older plant, take this as a sign that it needs less humidity.
- Succulents can begin to rot when exposed to too much moisture in the air. Since succulent leaves are already filled with water, there is a chance of rotting if they are exposed to even more water outside the leaf.
Even though too much humidity can damage your plant, there are usually warning signs before irreversible damage occurs. Make sure to keep a close watch over your plant if you live in a high humid climate. If you start to see any mold, moisture drops, dead baby leaves, or early signs of rotting, make sure to move your succulent to a dryer area.
Is Humidity Good for Succulents?
Although many plant owners would kill for more humidity in their houses, it may be another story for succulents. Succulents are known to thrive in dry weather, but can succulents benefit from humidity as well?
Succulents Are Sensitive to Humidity
Most other plants need a lot of humidity to survive and would actually thrive in a humid subtropical climate. However, succulents are much more sensitive to moisture than other plants are. They are more susceptible to damage. That being said, it is not impossible to grow succulents in high humidity. You will just have to keep a careful eye on them.
Furthermore, some types of succulents do better with moisture than others, which is why it is important to choose the right kind. We will look more into this later.
High Humidity Can Cause Fungal Infections in Succulents
As mentioned previously, high moisture can cause mold. If you live in an area with high humidity, fungi can begin to grow in your succulents’ soil and infect the entire plant. Furthermore, its leaves and stem can begin to rot and eventually kill the whole plant.
Succulents Can Survive in Places With 80–100% Humidity Levels
It is a general rule that succulents do not like humidity. However, on average, they can survive in areas with 80-100% humidity levels. If your area has levels like these, the best option is to keep your plant indoors.
Agave
This particular succulent is known for its pointy leaves and rosette shape. The plant can come in many different sizes, from small counter-top sizes to tall floor sizes. This plant is known for its hardiness and its difficulty to kill. The agave succulent can survive in a wide variety of climates, from cold, brisk temperatures to hot, humid locations. If you want a very easy plant to take care of, this succulent will be a great choice.
Check out this very beautiful
Crassula Ovata
Also known as the jade plant, the crassula ovata has round, thick, water-filled leaves that grow in pairs on the stem. This is one of the most popular succulents due to its lovely appearance. The leaves of the Crassula Ovata can range from light to dark green, and if exposed to direct sunlight, some red will appear on the edges of the leaves.
This particular plant is native to Mozambique and South Africa, which is why they are one of the hardiest succulents. The plant can thrive in many different lighting conditions and are very easy to take care of.
Aloe
This plant is known for its long, sharp leaves with small spikes along the length of each leaf. The succulent can grow up to 30 feet and has a mix of green, grey, and blue in its color. The aloe plant can come in both full size and dwarf size. The full-sized plant is suitable to plant outdoors, while the dwarf aloes will be perfectly happy on your counter-top.
Much like the previous two, the aloe plant is very low maintenance and is very hard to kill. Furthermore, you can use the aloe gel straight from the plant!
Portulacaria Afra
Also known as the elephant bush, this succulent is native to South Africa. It received its other name (elephant bush) because elephants love to eat this plant. The Portulacaria Afra can grow up to 20 feet tall, which is why they will be the perfect addition to your garden. They are often mistaken for a type of jade plant because of their similar appearance.
This succulent has round, thick leaves attached to a sturdy, brown stem, which gives it a tree-like appearance. However, it will look like a small, thick bush when you first buy the plant when it is young. The elephant bush is known to withstand many different conditions and can take a lot of neglect before it dies.
Euphorbia Milii
This particular succulent has a unique appearance and is known to be called the ‘Crown of Thorns.’ The plant is covered in thorns, hence the name, and produces pink, white, and red flowers. If you want some color to liven up your home or garden, this succulent will be a great pick.
The Euphorbia Milii is another succulent that is very hard to kill. The plant can grow in a wide variety of climates and is originally from Madagascar.
Kalanchoe Daigremontiana
This succulent has various names, including Bryophyllum Daigremontianum, Mother of Thousands, alligator plant, and Mexican hat plant. This is a unique plant due to its appearance and high growth rate. It has long, thick green leaves, with little plantlets covering the outer perimeter of each leaf. These small plantlets can fall off the leaves very easily and start growing wherever they land.
If you are interested in this plant, it is best suited for a pot since it is easy for the plantlets to grow everywhere. Furthermore, this succulent is very durable and can withstand a lot of neglect before it dies.
Haworthia Attenuata
This succulent looks very similar to the aloe plant because of its long, thick, sharp leaves. However, you can easily tell the two apart due to the Haworthia Attenuata’s notable white stripes on the leaves. This unique characteristic gave it its other name, the zebra plant.
This plant comes from South Africa and can withstand humid temperatures. If you want an easy plant to take care of that is next to impossible to kill, the zebra plant is a great choice.
Kalanchoe Delagoensis
This is another succulent that has many different names, including the Devil’s Backbone, Chandelier plant, and Mother of Millions. Much like the Kalanchoe Daigremontiana, this plant can produce plenty of offspring very easily.
If you want a plant with a unique appearance, this succulent is for you. It has short, thick leaves with round plantlets on the ends of each leaf. The succulent looks as if it is painted with a white, pinkish color along with the leaves. The plantlets are a grey color with a light, white tip. Lastly, this plant can survive in many different environments.
Aeonium
This succulent is a mix of two other aeoniums. If you are looking for a very elegant, pretty succulent, this plant is for you. It is sometimes called the blushing beauty for its unique appearance. The succulent has thick leaves that are formed in the shape of a flower. The leaves’ ends look as if they had been dipped in a light red or copper paint.
The blushing beauty is a perfect plant for high humidity since it is very durable and can withstand many different climates. If conditions are too hot, the plant will not die but go dormant. If you purchase this plant, it does well in light shade or full sunlight.
Cotyledon Orbiculata
If you are looking for a large garden succulent, this will be a great one to choose. The Cotyledon Orbiculata is native to South Africa and can survive high humidity. It has a unique appearance, with large, round leaves at the base of the stem and bright red/pink flowers at the top.
This particular succulent will do well in a garden and a pot on a deck. While it needs to be well-drained, this plant is very easy to take care of.
Delosperma Cooperi
This is a one of a kind succulent in regards to how much moisture it needs. While many other succulents thrive without water, this plant needs lots of water to survive, perfect for humid environments.
This plant has bright green leaves paired with colorful flowers that can either be peach-colored, yellow, or pink. If you want to add some vibrance to your house or garden, this will be a perfect succulent for you.
Aloe Zebrina
This succulent is another one with a unique appearance. It has thick, wide leaves with small, white spots that seem to be sporadically placed on the green leaf. Furthermore, this plant has small, tubular red flowers that will brighten up any area.
This plant will be fine in high humidity and is relatively easy to care for. If you do purchase this plant, make sure it is well-drained and lightly watered.
Kalanchoe Sexangularis
The Kalanchoe Sexangularis is another succulent that you can maintain in a high humidity environment. It is very durable and hard to kill. The leaves look to be half-folded and can be green or wine red. You will see the beautiful red color if the plant is placed in direct sunlight. Furthermore, if you are looking for a fun succulent to keep indoors, this will be a good pick. The maximum height it can grow is 1.5 meters.
Tips to Care for Your Succulent in High Humidity
It can be tricky to care for a succulent in extreme climates. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Give Your Succulent Some Time in the Sunlight Each Day
This tip will not be possible for many people, but it will be best for your plant if you can do it. Succulents love sunlight, and true sunlight will prevent damage from too much humidity. Take your succulent out every morning and leave it in the sunlight for six hours. Then, bring it inside.
This can be tricky if you work during the day or have bigger succulents that are heavy to carry. If you cannot do this every day, do not worry. There are a few more tips for you that are easier to do.
Purchase a Grow Light or Leave Your Plant in the Window Sill
Placing your succulent on a window sill can help to lower humidity if it cannot be exposed to direct sunlight. Make sure to survey your house and choose the window that has the highest light exposure. This will usually be the north or south-facing windows, depending on where you live.
The seasons will inevitably change, and you might not be able to get as much sun during the winter months. This is when you need to purchase a grow light. It can help the succulent still get the light exposure it needs.
Even though some succulents might not need a lot of light, it is vital to increase their sun time in a humid environment. This will prevent the plant from rotting, growing mold, or dying due to too much moisture.
The GE BR30 Grow Lights for Indoor Plants is a great choice if you are looking for lights for your succulents.
Use Pumice in Your Soil
When you live in an area with high humidity, it is imperative to keep your succulent dry. Adding pumice to your soil will substantially lower the moisture trapped in the soil. If you find that your plant is getting way too humid and moist, you can fill the entire pot with pumice. Furthermore, make sure your plant pot has drain holes.
Conclusion
If you live in a humid subtropical climate, it can be challenging to care for succulents since they thrive in dry areas. When it comes to a lot of succulents, too much humidity can damage them. Mold can start to grow, the leaves can start sticking together, baby leaves and plants can die, and older plants can rot if exposed to too much moisture.
To care for your succulent in high humidity, make sure to expose it to direct sunlight. This can be done by taking it outside or placing it on a window sill. Furthermore, you can buy a grow lamp to help it as well. When looking for succulents for high humidity, make sure they are very durable, hard to kill, and can survive in many different environments. If you buy succulents that are native to humid climates, you should be able to grow them just fine.