MOISTURE (Page 1/2)

A proper, moist atmosphere is important to most healthy plant development, but is rather difficult to obtain with modern methods of heating homes and offices. Under the usual conditions of low humidity, plants dry out over time, become sickly and are then more susceptible to the attacks of insects and diseases. To alleviate this condition spray the foliage of some plants (but not African violets) once a day. Water Fountains can add moisture to the air. Another means of supplying moisture is the use of a pan, two-three inches deep, filled with pebbles on which the pots are placed. Plants standing on this may be watered without danger of excess, and the subsequent evaporation of the surplus water from among the pebbles keeps the humidity higher. The pots, if porous clay, are able to absorb some moisture from the pebbles, as well.

Low Humidity
In the low humidity conditions of the home plants lose moisture rapidly through the leaves. It is important, therefore, to have a good soil which is kept moist so plants will have a good root system, which is able to replace the water lost through the leaves. It cannot be emphasized too strongly, therefore, that an ample supply of water should be furnished the plants at their roots. This would be one of the best ways to avoid the effects of low humidity in the home. The function of this soil water is to dissolve the soluble portions of the soil so that they may be absorbed readily by the roots and later assimilated by the entire plant.

Lack of Water
Lack of water at proper intervals causes the plants to wilt and starve, eventually resulting in hardening and woodiness of the tissues. Superabundance of water, from using an outdoor fountain indoors, however, is apt to reduce proper aeration of the soil and thus cause root injury. Oxygen is necessary to the proper function of the roots. When the soil cavities are filled continuously with water, the roots become deprived of oxygen, because the amount contained in the water is soon exhausted. Decay of roots and general debility of the plant follow. For these reasons plants must never be allowed to stand continuously in water.