Indoor Plants for Humidity

• Mandevilla grows well in a humid indoor environment. Medioimages/Photodisc/Valueline/Getty Images

  Humidity is the amount of moisture found in the air. This is one of the three most important elements in healthy indoor plant growth, with the other two being temperature and light, according to Colorado State University Extension. Water evaporation slows down in high moisture environments and is a requirement of many tropical indoor plants. Placing plants on top of a shallow, pebble-filled dish with water or locating them in bathrooms or other high-humidity rooms are two possible methods of increasing humidity levels for indoor plants.

African Violet

• The African violet (Saintpaulia) comes in many flower shapes and colors, including red, blue, purple, white and multicolored varieties. Plants reach anywhere from 6 to 16 inches in height at maturity, depending on the type. Requiring moderate lighting levels, this plant works best in north- or east-facing windows with indirect light. Moist but well-drained soil provides the ideal growing conditions for the African violet without the risk of root rot, caused by excessively wet conditions.

Caladium

• Caladium (Caladium x hortulanum) produces red leaves edged in green, on red stems, reaching 12 to 30 inches in height at maturity. Caladium thrives with bimonthly fertilization, in indirect light and moist soil with day temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures hovering slightly below 60 F. High humidity levels help keep soil moist, as required.

Mandevilla

• Madevilla (Dipladenia sanderi) produces 2- to 4-inch flowers in yellow, pink, red or white, depending on the cultivar. Mandevillas need indirect light and a temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, cooling off to 60 to 65 F at night. Fertilize twice per month and water as soon as soil feels dry to the touch, but maintain high humidity levels around the plant.

Parlor Palm

• Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) exhibits a fast growth rate, reaching a height of 4 feet and a width of 2 feet at maturity. Long, curved fronds grow in a spiraling pattern up the trunk. Typical indoor temperatures and bright light provided by placement in an eastern window are ideal for this plant. Water frequently, keeping soil continuously damp and humidity levels high for best growth.

Zebra Plant

• The zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) proves difficult to grow for most indoor gardeners, according to Michigan State University Extension. Native to Brazil, this shrub produces variegated green leaves with light yellow or white stripes. It sometimes blooms with orange flowers under ideal growing conditions. This tropical plant prefers warm temperatures, but tolerates home conditions if day temperatures of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit are provided. Monthly fertilization and bright, indirect light encourage healthy growth. Keep humidity levels between 40 and 80 percent and soil moist. Avoid getting leaves wet, as this increases the risk of fungal diseases.