We want our indoor plants to grow and thrive year-round. If your home is dry and your houseplants aren’t thriving, you probably need a humidifier for your plants.
If you’re curious or in a hurry:
✅This specific Plant Humidifier is the most popular with our readers.
When you increase humidity levels in your home, your plants will be happier. They may grow better, and have lusher leaves and thicker foliage. They will need less frequent watering.
In this article, we’ll go into great detail on the best humidifier for plants on the market so you can create the perfect indoor environment for your houseplants. Keep your plants happy!
Best Humidifiers for Plants
There are many different types of humidifiers to choose from. Whether you choose a warm mist humidifier or a cool mist humidifier is really a matter of personal preference.
We like cool mist humidifiers because they use less energy. They get the job done and tend to be easier to clean than warm mist humidifiers.
Our top five indoor plant humidifiers:
1. LeVoit VeSync Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier
This award-winning humidifier checks all the boxes when it comes to the best plant humidifier. The built-in humidity sensor means this humidifier adjusts mist levels on its own and automatically balances your home’s humidity. The extra-large tank allows this cool mist humidifier to handle large rooms and more plants.
The most remarkable thing about this plant humidifier is that you can adjust humidity levels from anywhere with a smartphone app or Alexa. The app will also alert you when the water runs low.
What we like:
- Extra-large 6 Liter tank
- Very quiet
- Easy to fill (top fill)
- Movable nozzle to control mist direction
- Automatic shutoff
- LeVoit humidifiers are well known and popular
- Works with Alexa and comes with a smart app that you can use as a remote control
What we don’t like:
- The extra-large water capacity means it can be heavy to carry when full.
Purchase the Levoit here.
2. Vicks Mini Filter-Free Cool-Mist Humidifier
Vicks filter-free humidifiers don’t require replacement filters like a lot of other cool mist humidifiers do. With a 5-gallon tank, you can enjoy a visible cool mist for up to 20 hours It’s quiet, too, making it a great choice for your bedroom or as a baby humidifier
What we like:
- No filter
- Whisper quiet
- 3 color options
- Automatic shutoff
- Easy to clean
- Operates for up to 20 hours before refill is needed
What we don’t like:
- Requires weekly cleaning
Purchase Vick’s humidifier here.
3. Pure Enrichment MistAire XL Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
The Pure Enrichment MistAire XL is whisper silent and humidifies a room quickly. The large 1 gallon (3.7 liters) tank means fewer refills as it lasts up to 24 hours on a single tank.
It runs up to 10- hours on high and 24 hours on low. Run time may vary depending on water quality, room temperature, and the amount of water in the tank.
This model comes with two different nozzle options to customize mist flow in rooms up to 500 square feet. The single & dual mist nozzles can be rotated 360 degrees, letting you control the direction of the cool mist.
What we like:
- Large 1 gallon (3.7 liters) tank
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Nozzles to customize mist output and direction
- Automatic shutoff
What we don’t like:
- Bottom fill
The smaller version of this model is also an excellent plant humidifier and includes many of the same features: Pure Enrichment® MistAire™ Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier (1.5 Liter Tank)
Purchase the 1-gallon Pure Enrichment here.
4. AquaOasis™ Cool Mist Humidifier
Whisper quiet with a nice, cool mist; this ultrasonic cool mist humidifier features a simple control dial and 360° rotating nozzle so that you can fully control and customize the mist output and mist flow direction – and aim it toward your indoor plants.
What we like:
- Adjustable nozzle to point moist air at the plants that need it most
- Very quiet
- Automatic shutoff
- Inexpensive
What we don’t like:
- The small opening makes it difficult to clean the tank fully
- 2.2 L water tank means more refills
Purchase the Aqua Oasis here.
5. Vornado Evap40 4-Gallon Evaporative Humidifier with Adjustable Humidistat and 3 Speeds
Vornado’s “evaporative” humidifier uses vortex action instead of mist to humidify spaces up to 1,000 square feet. The 4-liter water tank works for up to 24 hours before a refill is needed.
An easy-to-use control panel allows you to choose your desired humidity level and fan speed (low, medium, or high). Its extra-large 4-gallon capacity provides up to a 4-gallon water output when operated continuously on high, allowing for long, uninterrupted operation and fewer refills.
A Vornado humidifier uses a unique airflow called Vortex Action to humidify all the air in the room quickly. The air flows fast and gently to create consistent, natural comfort.
Unlike a typical misting humidifier, evaporative humidification uses a wick to naturally humidify all the air in the room.
What we like:
- Automatic sensor controls the humidity level and output
- Extra-large 4-gallon capacity (divided into two tanks)
- Two water tanks make it easier to carry when full
- Quiet operation
- Easy to clean
- No mist
What we don’t like:
- More expensive than other options
- No mist – so you can’t see that it’s working like you can when you see mist coming out of your more typical humidifier.
- Filters need to be replaced often.
Purchase the Vornado here.
More of the Best Humidifiers for Plants
Small and Portable Plant Humidifier
GENIANI Portable Small Cool Mist Humidifier
Small enough to fit in a cup holder, this tiny cool mist humidifier offers a surprising 8 hours of battery run time after being fully charged.
What We Like:
- It’s portable
- Easy to refill and clean
- Large water capacity for its size
- Super quiet
- Automatically shuts off when out of water
- Spill-proof
What We Don’t Like:
- No timer function
Cute Plant Humidifier
Not only is it a humidifier for plants, but it also holds a plant! How cute is that!
Small and compact, this indoor plant humidifier is one you’ll want to put on display.
What we like:
- Produces a lot of mist for its small size
- Great for a small room
- Quiet operation
- Automatic shutoff
What we don’t like:
- Filter needs to be changed often
- No drainage hole for the plant
- Automatic shut off is on a timer (not when the tank runs out)
Do I need a humidifier for my plants?
Humidifiers are the best option for getting to a humidity level that your plants will love. Pebble trays, grouping plants together, and misting may increase the humidity levels slightly.
The most effective method for raising humidity levels will always be adding a humidifier to the room.
Some indoor plants like succulents and cacti thrive in dry, arid environments. Most indoor plants do not. Those like fiddle leaf figs and monstera thrive in more tropical climates. They do best in environments that mimic their natural habitat.
Of course, you don’t want to turn your home into a humid rainforest! Rest assured that adding a humidifier will increase the humidity surrounding your indoor plants while keeping the rest of your home comfortable for you.
What Is the Best Humidity Level for Plants?
In general, a humidity level of 50-65% is excellent for houseplants, still comfortable for you, and suitable for your home. Raising the humidity level in a room of your home to this range will be safe for you, your home, its furnishings, and your plants.
Not only is a more humid environment good for your plants, but it’s also good for you! Many dermatologists and cosmetologists say that humid air indoors leads to fresh and healthy skin! Humid air will help moisturize dry sinuses, prevent bloody noses, and soothe cracked lips.
Suppose you’re unsure of the humidity levels in your home. In that case, there are inexpensive gauges – called a hygrometer – you can purchase to check the humidity levels surrounding your indoor plants.
Signs of Low Humidity in Plants
Your plant may need more humidity if you notice the following:
- brown edges on leaves
- wilting plants
- leaves turning yellow
- foliage dries out and becomes crispy
If you notice any of these symptoms with your indoor plants, a lack of humidity might be the cause.
Check the Humidity Levels in Your Home
There are several ways to check the moisture levels in your home. Here are three common methods:
- Hygrometer: A hygrometer is a device that measures humidity levels. You can purchase a digital hygrometer at most home improvement or hardware stores. Simply place the hygrometer in the room you want to test and it will display the relative humidity level. You’ll then know for sure if you have dry air or too much humidity.
- Condensation: If you notice condensation on your windows, this is a sign that the humidity level in your home is too high. This can be a common issue in bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture levels tend to be higher.
- Physical symptoms: If you or anyone in your home is experiencing physical symptoms such as dry skin, static electricity, or respiratory issues, this could be a sign that the humidity level in your home is too low. Conversely, if you notice mold or mildew growth, this could be a sign that the humidity level is too high.
How Does Humidity Affect Plant Growth?
In simple terms, when the air around your indoor plant is moister (humid), less water evaporates from the plant. When water evaporation from the plant slows down or stops, the plant takes in more moisture through its roots.
When a plant takes up more water through its roots, it also takes up more essential nutrients. The more nutrients a plant absorbs, the better it will grow.
What Features Should I Look for In the Best Humidifier for Plants?
The best humidifiers for houseplants are cool mist humidifiers with large capacity water tanks that are easy to clean.
- Cool mist humidifiers are more energy-efficient. Temperature output between a warm mist humidifer and a cool mist humidifier is hardly noticeable.
- We want any appliance we bring into our homes to be easy to clean and maintain.
- A larger capacity water tank means fewer refills.
Look for:
- 12-24 Hours Run Time
- Auto-Shutoff
- Ease of Use
Warm Mist Humidifier vs. Cold Mist Humidifier
There are two main types of humidifiers: warm mist and cool mist. There are two different types of cool mist humidifiers: ultrasonic and evaporative.
The warm mist humidifier is the most popular type. It releases water vapor into warmer air by heating up a certain amount of water. They take more energy to use because they have to heat up the water before it is released into the air as steam.
Ultrasonic Humidifiers use high-frequency sound vibrations that cause water in the tank to evaporate, and as a result, we see it form into mist. Ultrasonic humidifiers are the quietest.
They do not use a filter which is good because it’s one less thing to maintain, but bad because bacteria are more likely to be present in the water vapor. An ultrasonic cool mist humidifier doesn’t use a lot of energy. Just be sure to regularly clean and disinfect your machine.
In Evaporative Humidifiers, there is a basin of water and a wick that siphons up the water. It blows over it through an air filter to evaporate from the machine. The evaporated moisture circulates in the air and increases the humidity of your room.
As far as which type of humidifer is better for your indoor plants, it’s really just a matter of personal preference. They will all produce the humidity that your plants need.
Plant Humidifiers: Questions & Answers
When should I use a humidifier for my plants?
Humidifiers are helpful for your plants year-round. They are essential during the winter season when the humidity suddenly drops as you turn on your furnace.
The heat in a home will zap the moisture right out of the air creating a low humidity environment. If your plants cannot adjust to the dryness in the air, you must use a humidifier for your plants.
We suggest starting by turning on your plant humidifier every morning and leaving it until lunchtime. Doing this should create enough humidity in the air for them to last throughout the day. You’ll want to use your hygrometer to check and then adjust the timing accordingly.
Never use your humidifier at night. Without sunlight, water won’t evaporate from the leaves of your plant.
Do plants do better with a humidifier?
Most of the time, yes.
Ferns, carnivorous plants, nerve plants, prayer plants, philodendrons, monsteras, orchids, fiddle leaf figs, anthuriums, air plants, Begonia Maculata, and most other tropical plants love high humidity.
Certain plants, like most cacti and succulents, prefer dry conditions. If they are kept in overly humid conditions for too long, you may notice issues with a fungus that can lead to losing leaves or branches and eventually dying. Similar symptoms could also be from overwatering.
Plants that aren’t sensitive to humidity levels will enjoy a boost of moisture in the dry winter months.
Where should I place my plant humidifier?
Obviously, you’ll want to place your humidifier near your indoor plants.
Remember that moisture can warp wood floors and drywall, so don’t place your plant humidifier directly on a wood floor or too close to the wall.
If you only want to purchase one plant humidifier, it will be best to group your humidity-loving plants together in one area of your home and place the plant humidifier there.
Is Distilled Water or Tap Water Better for My Humidifier?
Distilled water is generally considered better for use in humidifiers than tap water. Here are some reasons why:
- Reduced mineral buildup: Tap water typically contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can create mineral buildup in your humidifier over time. This buildup can cause damage to the machine and reduce its effectiveness. Distilled water, on the other hand, has had these minerals removed and is less likely to cause mineral buildup.
- Reduced risk of bacterial growth: Tap water can also contain bacteria, which can grow in your humidifier and potentially cause health problems. Distilled water is less likely to contain bacteria, as it has been purified through the distillation process.
- Improved air quality: Using distilled water in your humidifier can help improve the air quality in your home. Tap water can release minerals and other impurities into the air, which can be harmful to breathe in. Distilled water, on the other hand, is pure and free from impurities.
While distilled water is generally considered better for use in humidifiers, it can be more expensive than tap water. If you choose to use tap water, it’s important to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mineral buildup and bacterial growth. You can also use a demineralization cartridge or filter to help remove minerals from tap water before it enters your humidifier.
Final Thoughts on the Best Humidifier for Plants
There’s a lot to be said about humidifiers for your houseplants!
Of the five plant humidifiers reviewed in this article, the LeVoit VeSync Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier is our favorite.
Its large tank and ability to connect to a smartphone app or Alexa make it the most accessible and most convenient choice. And its sleek and modern look won’t stand out like a sore thumb in your home.
Here’s to growing happy, healthy (and perfectly humidified) plants in your cozy, fresh, and green home!