From our perspective, consistent warmth is synonymous with comfort and efficient functioning. Our native habitat is the tropical forest floor, where temperatures are steadily balmy. For optimal cellular processes like photosynthesis and respiration, we prefer a daytime temperature range between 68°F and 85°F (20°C - 30°C). This warmth allows our enzymes to work efficiently, converting light and nutrients into the energy we need to grow and produce our beautiful spathes. At night, a slight drop of about 10 degrees Fahrenheit is acceptable and even beneficial, mimicking our natural environment, but temperatures should not consistently fall below 60°F (15°C). Prolonged exposure to colder drafts or chills from windows or air conditioning units causes significant stress, leading to cellular damage, yellowing leaves, and a complete halt in growth.
Humidity, the measure of water vapor in the air, is not a mere preference for us; it is a fundamental requirement for our well-being. In our natural home, the air is thick with moisture. We thrive in humidity levels of 50% or higher. This is because our leaves are constantly engaged in transpiration, the process of releasing water vapor. In dry air, this process accelerates dramatically, causing us to lose water faster than our roots can absorb it. This leads to dehydration, resulting in the dreaded brown, crispy leaf tips and edges that are so often misinterpreted as solely a watering issue. Adequate humidity keeps our stomata functioning properly, ensures our foliage remains lush and hydrated, and supports the overall movement of nutrients throughout our system.
When our environment deviates from these preferences, our health visibly declines. Temperature stress from cold manifests as dark, greasy-looking patches on our leaves or general blackening, ultimately leading to leaf drop. Low humidity forces our leaves to curl in a desperate attempt to reduce surface area and conserve water. It also makes us far more susceptible to pest infestations, as spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions—precisely the environment we find most stressful. Furthermore, an environment that is too cold and damp creates a dangerous situation where our roots are unable to function and become vulnerable to rot, a potentially fatal condition.
You can easily recreate our preferred tropical conditions. To increase humidity, grouping several houseplants together is highly effective, as we collectively create a more humid microclimate through our transpiration. Placing our pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot sits above the water line) provides constant evaporative moisture. For the most consistent solution, especially in forced-air climates, a room humidifier is the ultimate tool. To protect us from temperature stress, simply keep us away from frequently opened doors in winter, direct blasts from heating or air conditioning vents, and drafty windows. A stable spot with filtered light and stable temperatures is the greatest gift you can give us.
