Humidifier and Fans?

[DesignerofBeauty]

I have a humidifier that I'm using to help maintain an average humidity of 60%-70%. The normal humidity in my household is around 30-40%, depending on the season, time of day, etc. When I have the humidifier running, is it essential to have a fan going at the same time (to prevent fungal infections)? I have a ceiling fan that I use to help with air circulation. However, when the fan is in use the humidity just travels toward the fan instead of my plants. It also reduces the humidity levels quite a bit (I have a humidity meter near my orchids). Once the fans off, the humidity nicely travels over my plants. I was thinking of getting this small fan here:

Amazon.com: ARCTIC Breeze USB Desktop Fan with Flexible Neck and Adjustable Fan Speed, Gooseneck Fan, White: Computers & Accessories

What I could do is place the fan behind the humidifier, to direct the humidity while giving the orchids a nice breeze. Please let me know if this is unnecessary.

I attached a picture of my setup, you can see the humidifier pushing out air to the right.

Thanks as always for answering my (frequent) questions!

[jkofferdahl]

If you want a USB fan then I would recommend this one.

I use a couple of others, which I like even better, and which are shown here.

I would absolutely urge you to use fans such as these. You don't want to create wind, you want a gentle breeze to just keep the air light and moving. You'll find that as the humidity levels rise, the succeptability of your plants to bacteria and fungus.

[DesignerofBeauty]

Wow, okay, I didn't think I would need something that strong. I will be placing the fan about 1 foot away from the phal on the right edge of the picture I attached.

[DeaC]

FWIW,here in NJ I only use a humidifier in winter and don't use ceiling fans except in hotter weather. Most of my plants are on humidity trays in the home except for about half that go outside under trees or umbrella.If your humidifier has a low speed,I'm thinking a fan wouldn't be necessary.Your set-up is attractive.

[estación seca]

Yes, doesn't your humidifier blow the humidified air out? That would be enough air circulation for the space you show.

[DesignerofBeauty]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Yes, doesn't your humidifier blow the humidified air out? That would be enough air circulation for the space you show.

It does blow the air out, and there is a bit of a breeze.
However, it is not fan-assisted. It is simply an ultrasonic humidifier. You cannot feel any air movement past 1.5 feet of the humidifier.

[estación seca]

I think your humidifier provides enough air movement for your plants. Almost no houses have still air. To prove this, light a candle near your plants.

[DesignerofBeauty]

Thank You! I appreciate your help, as always!

[jkofferdahl]

I stand by the fans.

[DesignerofBeauty]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

I stand by the fans.

Even if a fan isn't needed, I'm assuming the extra breeze wouldn't hurt. If anything, it would help direct the humidity toward the plants (if placed behind the humidifier) - rather than it dispersing upwards, toward my ceiling fan.