A Dieffenbachia plant is known for protection against negative energy, as per legend in Brazil. This is one of the reasons it’s a common choice for people. Especially for those who look for indoor plantations. However, when looking for plants, it is essential to understand that these plants have specific requirements.
In this particular case, the Dieffenbachia do like about 60% humidity.
Why Do Dieffenbachia Like Humidity?
Dieffenbachia is born in tropical environments. This means they are naturally attuned to a humid climate. Since humidity is a part of their growth, Dieffenbachia must be placed in an environment that fulfills their humidity requirements for optimum blooming and blossoming.
My Little Jungle discusses the nativity of this plant. With rainforests as their home, Dieffenbachia relies on similar environments for cultivation.
Typically, in a rainforest, plants are buried deep within shady canopies. These canopies act as layers for plants and essentially serve the purpose of filtering harsh weather and intense rainfall from plants and, thus, transmitting moisture as needed by different plants.
What this also does is that it creates a humid environment.
A rainforest is self-sustaining in terms of providence. National Geographic explains how plants go through the process of transpiration – essentially releasing water into the environment. When many plants release water, moisture develops in the air’s composition, eventually becoming a thick cloud.
Consequently, plants experience a humid environment even when there’s no rain for days. Thus, dieffenbachia requires at least 60% humidity to thrive. Regardless of where they are planted, they’re good as long as they are exposed to moisture.
Read here: Are Dieffenbachia Toxic To Cats?
Temperature Control
Dieffenbachia requires warmer climates, evidently. If you are planting this green beauty indoors, you ought to ensure that they have an appropriate amount of exposure to humidity, considering they require more than 50% humidity at all times. Ideally, it is 60%, but it cannot go below 50.
What helps maintain humidity levels is temperature. Architectural Digest suggests placing your Dieffenbachia plant away from locations where cold air or wind can blow. If Dieffenbachia plants are exposed to even a whiff of cold air, they can begin to lose out on their lower leaves.
If you notice brown tips on dark green leaves, you should consider it an alert because your plant is now showing signs.
A normal temperature for Dieffenbachia is an average of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Dieffenbachia can live for up to ten years if they are cared for properly. This means with proper temperature control and adequate humidity; your Dieffenbachias can grow up to 10 feet and live for up to 10 years.
Ways You Can Increase Humidity Indoors For Your Dieffenbachia?
If you are concerned about your Dieffenbachia’s nourishment and notice that there is a shortfall of humidity for any genuine reason, fret not! You can still humidify the air around you to ensure that your plant receives what it needs.
To increase humidity levels, don’t place your plants directly under sunlight. Harsh sunlight can damage your plant.
Let’s look at ways you can increase humidity for your Dieffenbachia:
- Use a Tray
One of the ways you can increase humidity is by placing your Dieffenbachia on a tray filled with water and pebbles. Place about an inch of gravel on the tray and fill it with gravel. Add water to the tray and place your plant onto that tray. Don’t let the pot touch water because it can compromise your plant’s roots and eventually collapse.
Ensure your Dieffenbachia plant pot is placed onto the pebbles. This will help maintain distance from the water because water will only touch about half the gravel on that tray.
To restrict bacteria growth, regularly wash your tray and clean out any particles that may be residing on it.
- Humidifier
A humidifier can build up the humidity in the room. It is convenient because you must turn the humidifier on and off. You can buy a small unit if you worry that too much humidity is possible.
This can be helpful during winter because you cannot control the winds and cold drafts. In a situation like this, you can ensure that your home is not cold. As long as your plant receives the humidity it needs.
- Keep Other Plants Around
In a rainforest, transpiration helps produce humidity within deep, dense canopies. You can achieve the same effect at home as well. Transpiration is a biological process whereby water moves throughout the plant. Through this process, the plant releases water that it does not need.
Consequently, the remaining water will be evaporated by the stems or leaves. Humidity is water vapor within the air, commonly known as atmospheric moisture.
By surrounding Dieffenbachia with other plants, you create an environment where transpiration can occur. This will also fulfill the humidity requirement, considering the central question: do dieffenbachia like humidity?
The Spruce suggests ways to increase humidity for houseplants considering they will not always get a humid environment naturally. There are ways to make that happen, but if you’re keeping your plant indoors, you must figure out alternatives.
In a situation like this, you can specifically choose plants that serve the purpose of producing humidity. Boosting humidity through plants is a great way to create atmospheric moisture because the plants will genuinely feel at home with other family members – even though it’s extended.
Indoor plants that can boost humidity are many. You have choices from Lady Palm to Boston Fern, Jade plant to the Areca palm, English Ivy, Rubber plant, and Peace Lilly.
- Hang Your Laundry
If your dieffenbachias suffer in winter, you could look for alternative ways. One creative technique would be hanging out your laundry. When you hang your laundry around your plants, you will experience humidity in the air. This is because moisture will evaporate in the air, creating a humid atmosphere.
If you’re looking to save costs, you can opt for this method since it’s not just efficient but will also not cost you money.
- Boil Water
For a more cost-effective strategy, boil water on the stove instead of in the microwave because a stovetop will help produce steam more effectively. The release of moisture in the atmosphere will create humidity and form a comfortable environment for your dieffenbachias.
Have a look: How to Keep Cats from Pooping in Your House Plants?
If Dieffenbachias Don’t Get Humidity?
If Dieffenbachias don’t get the humidity they need, they can struggle to stay alive because their nativity has translated a particular requirement within them. The leaves will eventually turn brown if the dieffenbachia plant does not get adequate humidity.
However, don’t attempt to place your dieffenbachia near a heated source during this process.
What Can High Humidity Do To Dieffenbachia?
With inadequate temperature paired with high humidity levels, Dieffenbachia will begin to experience root and stem rots. Root rotting can be an effect of too much water consumption.
You can replace the soil, remove leaves or stems that are now damaged, and move your Dieffenbachia toward an appropriate environment.
How Much Humidity Do Dieffenbachia Like?
Dieffenbachia, like 60% humidity – preferably. This level of moisture will nurture your plant and create a positive effect on it. Too high, and the stems can experience damage.
Low humidity, especially in winter, can cause the yellowing of leaves and simply weak health. On a regular basis, leaves do shed, but if too much of it occurs, you ought to check up on your Dieffenbachia. They cannot handle cold temperatures. It is fatal for them.
All Dieffenbachia need a good amount of airflow along with humidity. High humidity levels can be a breeding ground for pathogens to feed on.
If Dieffenbachia is exposed to low humidity and especially low-temperature levels, they will experience a complete decline in their health. This time, it will not just be the stems or the roots that will suffer but also the leaves. Once leaves begin to wear down and shed, the plant will eventually start weakening, and unless it situates in the right atmosphere, the plant will not nurture.
Takeaways
Dieffenbachia has strong roots. Native to Brazil, they come from an environment that survives on humidity. Dieffenbachia knows no other type of living. As plant owners, we are responsible for respecting their needs and what they want to thrive.
Dieffenbachia is aesthetically pleasing, and they are also a positive element that will bring you light and peace if you keep them around.
The techniques mentioned above will help create a humid environment for your Dieffenbachia. Also, ensure you water them as much as they ONLY need, check up on the fertilizer and soil, and permit indirect light. With proper care, dieffenbachia will survive and thrive. Plants add a crucial element to our lives and give back in their own ways. All we need to do is cater to their requirements, and they will give back tenfold.
Also, check the following house plant articles:
- How to Transport a House Plant During a Move?
- Which Tropical House Plant Is Poison for Cats?
- Are Ladybugs Good for Houseplants
- Best Organic Fertilizer for Houseplants
- Should I Use Coffee Grounds on My Dieffenbachia?
- What is the Ideal PH of an Indoor Dieffenbachia Plant’s Soil? [Benefits And Care]
- Does a Snake Plant Like Humidity?
- Does Snake Plant Need Drainage?
- Growing a Snake Plant Using its Cuttings

Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.