Why a Humidifier is Essential in Finland

Growing tropical plants in Finland presents a unique environmental challenge. Because of
the extreme, freezing winters, Finnish homes rely heavily on central heating for many
months of the year.

The Winter Dry-Out
When cold, outdoor air is brought inside and heated, its relative humidity drops drastically. It is very common for indoor humidity levels in Finland to plummet to 20% or even lower
during the winter. For a rare Monstera or Anthurium that evolved in an 80% humidity
rainforest, this environment is shockingly dry. The dry air pulls moisture out of the plant´s
leaves faster than the roots can drink it up, resulting in crispy brown edges, curling leaves,
and severe pest outbreaks (like spider mites, which thrive in bone-dry conditions).
Using a humidifier in a Finnish home isn´t just about optimal growth; it is about keeping your tropical plants alive through the long, dry winter months.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Using Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers Together

Creating the perfect environment for rare plants isn´t just about blasting moisture into a
room; it is about precise control. Humidity is a moving target that fluctuates based on
temperature, watering schedules, and the size of your plants canopies.
The Perfect Climate Ecosystem
To maintain an optimal Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD)—the perfect balance of temperature
and humidity that allows plants to transpire effortlessly—you often need both a humidifier
and a dehumidifier hooked up to a smart environmental controller.
The Humidifier kicks on when the lights are blazing, and the heating causes the air to
dry out, ensuring the leaves don´t crisp.
The Dehumidifier activates when the lights turn off. As the temperature drops in the
dark period, the air can hold less water, causing a massive spike in relative humidity.
The dehumidifier removes this excess moisture, preventing the condensation that
leads to deadly powdery mildew and botrytis.
Together, they create an automated, perfectly balanced microclimate.