30.06.2025
Humidity blossoms at Chelsea Physic Garden
Chelsea Physic Garden has recently installed a Condair ML high-pressure spray humidifier to maintain the perfect atmosphere for horticultural success in its restored Victorian glasshouses.
Founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London, Chelsea Physic Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Britain, occupying four acres of land on the edge of the Thames. Today, it is home to more than 4,500 species of medicinal, edible and useful plants, and remains a vital centre for plant science and education.
John Constable, Glasshouses Manager & Gardener, commented, “Maintaining the right humidity is vital for the health of our tropical collection. Without it, we quickly see signs of stress in the plants - yellowing, crisping and even death. The Condair humidification system has enhanced how we manage the environment in the glasshouses. It gives us peace of mind that the conditions are right, so we can focus more on the plants themselves. It has made a noticeable difference to both plant health and how we work day-to-day.”
The garden’s historic glasshouses are key to cultivating sensitive tropical and subtropical species, such as cocoa and vanilla as well as a wide range of other tender ferns, epiphytes, woody trees and climbers. These plants rely on consistently high humidity to replicate their natural rainforest environments.
Previously, humidity was maintained by wetting down the heating pipes to create a steamy environment. The recent restoration of the glasshouses presented an opportunity to modernise features, including the introduction of an advanced humidity control system.
The Condair ML spray humidifier was installed by Parker Air Conditioning Ltd. A water treatment system both purifies and pressurises mains water, supplying it to a series of nozzles located around the greenhouse. These nozzles release a fine mist that is fully absorbed into the air, providing consistent, hygienic humidity without any wetting on surfaces or the floor.
The use of reverse osmosis water filtration and onboard UV-light sterilisation ensures the mist is hygienic and mineral-free. This not only maintains a healthy environment but also prevents any dust being released into the greenhouse from the supply water. In addition to precise humidity control, the system provides low-energy evaporative cooling, making it ideal for greenhouse environments.
