ᐅ KALLAX Open Shelf for Plants – Issues with Moisture?

Hello everyone, I recently bought a KALLAX open shelf unit from IKEA to house my indoor plants. However, I am concerned about the moisture generated from watering and evaporation from the plants. Specifically, I wonder if this increased humidity in the compartments could cause the shelving material (particleboard with melamine coating) to swell or deteriorate more quickly. If so, what measures would you recommend to minimize the risk of moisture damage without completely reducing the humidity that the plants need? I look forward to your experiences and advice!

Hello ERTAN49, good question! 🙂 I also have some plants in a KALLAX unit and can definitely tell you: moisture is an issue, but not a problem. It’s important to use saucers so that wet pots don’t drip directly onto the wooden surface. I also regularly leave the shelves open or with small gaps to allow air circulation. A little tip from me: a dehumidifier or some gentle airflow can work wonders! 😉

Mariah schrieb:
Moisture is definitely a factor, but not a big issue.

I see it a bit differently. The KALLAX shelf is made of wood-based panels, mostly particleboard, which are coated with melamine, but this coating is not completely waterproof. With prolonged exposure to moisture, the particleboard can swell, especially at the cut edges that are not sealed. It is therefore advisable to line the compartments or at least cover the bottom panels with waterproof materials, such as special films or laminated boards.

ERTAN49 schrieb:
Can this increased moisture cause the shelving material to swell or deteriorate faster?

Yes, this happens over time, especially if water remains standing or if the humidity is consistently high. Do you have the KALLAX shelf in a rather damp room?

GUSTAVO56 schrieb:
Is your KALLAX placed in a rather humid room?

Thanks for the detailed information! The shelf is located in a normally heated living room with average humidity levels (between 40-50% according to a hygrometer). Due to the heating season, humidity sometimes rises temporarily. So far, I haven’t created much space for air circulation around it.

Mariah schrieb:
It’s important to use coasters to prevent wet pots from dripping directly onto the wood surface.

I do use coasters but frequently check for water. Would using a protective lining inside, for example a transparent PVC foil, be recommended, or could that potentially increase the humidity further?

Regarding the question about the foil: In principle, a protective film like transparent PVC foil is well suited to catch water at the bottom of the compartments. However, you should avoid installing the foil completely airtight, as this would trap moisture and could cause condensation to form on the underside of the wooden panels. I would recommend laying the foil on the bottom and, if possible, the side panels with some spacing to allow air circulation.

Another important point is sealing the edges. The cut edges of the chipboard absorb water quite quickly, so you should protect them with clear varnish or a special edge-sealing lacquer. This significantly prolongs the lifespan.

Do you plan to use the KALLAX primarily for plants with high water requirements, or rather for succulents and drought-tolerant plants?

benonon schrieb:
Are you planning to use the KALLAX mainly for plants with high water needs or more for succulents and drought-resistant plants?

I have a mix: one larger houseplant (Ficus benjamina) and several smaller succulents and cacti next to it. The large ones need more water accordingly and often have wet saucers underneath, while the smaller ones need significantly less.

benonon schrieb:
Sealing the edges is important.

Do I really need to treat every single shelf edge, including the inside edges of the compartments? That sounds like a lot of work, but probably makes sense. Is there a specific product you would recommend?

And do you place the plants directly in the shelves or rather on trays or platforms?