Everything You Need to Know About Pebble Trays for Houseplants
From the archive: The Plant Workshop began with houseplants before evolving into the home fragrance brand we are today. We have kept this popular plant-care guide online because it continues to help houseplant owners.
Did someone say... pebble tray?
While humidifiers are excellent, they are not always an option for every person or space. Misting is simple, but its effects can be short-lived. A pebble tray is another low-cost way to create a little extra local moisture around a plant.
What Is a Pebble Tray?
A pebble tray, sometimes called a humidity tray, is a shallow tray filled with pebbles or LECA and water. The plant pot sits above the water level rather than directly in it.
As the water evaporates from the surface of the tray, it can slightly increase humidity immediately around the plant.
How to Make a Pebble Tray
- Choose a shallow waterproof tray wider than the base of your plant pot.
- Fill it with clean pebbles or LECA.
- Add water until it sits below the top of the pebbles.
- Place the plant pot on top, making sure the bottom of the pot is not sitting in water.
- Top up the water as it evaporates and clean the tray periodically.
Why Use LECA?
LECA, or lightweight expanded clay aggregate, is porous and can hold some moisture before releasing it gradually. It also creates plenty of surface area for evaporation.
Do Pebble Trays Increase Humidity?
A pebble tray will not transform the humidity level of an entire room in the way a humidifier can. Its effect is much more local and modest, but it can still be a useful part of a wider plant-care routine.
If a plant has very high humidity requirements, grouping plants together or using a humidifier may be more effective.
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