A pebble tray is an easy and affordable way to increase humidity for plants that thrive in a humid environment. A pebble tray is an alternative to purchasing a humidifier for your plants or misting them regularly. Humidity increases as the water in the pebble tray evaporates.
Luckily, they are super easy to make and only require a few things to start—a water-tight tray, pebbles, and water. If you can gather those things, you can start making your plant tray now.
What Is a Pebble Tray for Plants?
A pebble tray is a flat container filled with pebbles and water that sits under your plant and raises the humidity around it. To keep this method effective, top up your tray with water as the water evaporates (this will be more frequent during hot summer months).
As an alternative to a tray, you can place cups of water decoratively around the plants. The water will eventually evaporate in the same way as a tray.
Other Ways to Add Humidity
A humidifier or mister will be one of the fastest and most reliable ways to add humidity. These units are automated and switch on when the humidity gets low. For plants that can use a steam treatment, bring them into the bathroom when you shower.
Types of Plants That Benefit From a Pebble Tray
Any humidity-loving plant will benefit from a pebble tray. Some signs a plant might benefit from a pebble tray are browning leaf tips or leaf edges that are getting crispy. Another sign to look for is wilted foliage or curled leaves. And while you might not be able to save the browned leaves, you can use a pebble tray to prevent more leaves from browning.
Some specific plants that would do especially well with a pebble tray are:
- Ferns
- Peace lily
- Parlor palms
- Monstera
- Philodendron
- Calathea
- Prayer plant
- Orchids
Signs a Plant Might Need Humidity
- Browning or crispy leaf tips
- Wilted or shriveling foliage
- Curled leaves
- Scorching leaves
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Water-tight saucer or tray
Materials
- Small rocks or pebbles
- Water
Instructions
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How to Make a Pebble Tray
Find a Saucer or Tray
Find a plant saucer, dish, or tray large enough to accommodate the mature spread of the plant's foliage. The saucer or tray should be at least several inches wider than the base of the plant's pot. You can get creative and use a decorative tray or a saucer that you would generally use to catch any excess water when you're watering your plants. Ensure the tray or saucer is broad and deep enough to add a base layer of pebbles or small rocks.
Fill the Saucer or Tray With Pebbles
Fill the saucer or tray up to the top with pebbles or rocks, spreading them to distribute them in an even layer. You can use small, clean rocks from your garden or purchase pebbles at a plant nursery or garden center.
Add Water
Add water to the saucer or tray, but don’t fill the water up to the top. Do not submerge the pebbles because the plant pot has to sit on top of dry pebbles.
Place Plant Pot on Top of the Pebbles
Place the plant's pot on top of the layer of pebbles, making sure that the pot's base does not come in direct contact with the water. If it does, remove some water. The plant pot drainage hole must be resting on dry pebbles to allow excess water to drain from the pot when you water your plant. If the drainage hole is in direct contact with the water in the saucer or tray, the soil will remain wet, which can lead to root rot.
Check Water Level Regularly and Refill
Maintain consistent humidity levels around your plant. Refill the water in the saucer or tray as the water evaporates. Check the water level more often during hot weather or during the summer months in cooler climates,
Tip
After watering, place seashells on the soil's surface within the planter; the concave or cupped surfaces help retain moisture. Once the droplets evaporate, the water vapor adds to the plant's humidity level.
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FAQ
Do pebble trays for plants work?
Pebble trays are great for increasing the humidity around a plant. Get a humidity meter and record the humidity level in the area around your plant to see the effect of the pebble tray.
What plants benefit from a pebble tray?
Humidity-loving plants will benefit most from a pebble tray. Tropical plants, such as monstera, philodendron, prayer plants, and orchids, would benefit from a pebble tray. Plants with browning leaf tips or crispy edges might appreciate a pebble tray. Don't use a pebble tray with succulent plants because they prefer a dry environment.
How do you use pebble trays for plants?
Use pebble plant trays to increase water vapor moisture in the air around a specific plant. The evaporated water will add moisture to the air without using an expensive humidifier or constantly misting your plants.
What Is a Humidistat and Do You Need One?
