Need a Humidifier? The 10 Best Humidifiers for Plants
In this article, the best humidifiers for plants, I’m taking a deep dive into humidifiers for plants! (and people too!)
Maintaining the proper humidity level can significantly improve plant growth and overall health.
Investing in a high-quality humidifier is essential for any plant enthusiast looking to create the best environment for plant babies.
With so many humidifiers for plants on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
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The Benefits of Humidity
Maintaining the proper level of humidity in your home can benefit not only your plants but also your overall health and well-being.
Increasing humidity levels can promote plant growth, reduce respiratory issues, and create a more comfortable indoor environment for you and your family.
Plants and Humidity
Indoor plants, especially tropical ones, thrive in a humid environments.
The Benefits of Running a Humidifier Indoors:
Promotes plant growth: Plants thrive in environments with 40-60% humidity. Running a humidifier can help maintain these levels and encourage healthy growth.
Reduces plant stress: Dry air can cause plant stress, leading to wilting, brown leaves, and slow growth. A humidifier can help prevent these issues by maintaining optimal humidity levels.
Prevents pest infestations: Many pests, such as spider mites and mealybugs, thrive in dry environments. Running a humidifier can help prevent these pests from infesting your indoor plants.
Improves air quality: A humidifier can help improve the air quality in your home by reducing dry air that can cause respiratory problems and dry skin.
Reduces static electricity: Dry air can also cause static electricity, which can be damaging to plants. Running a humidifier can help reduce static electricity and keep your plants healthy.
Symptoms of Low Humidity Levels in House Plants
Overall, it is essential to monitor the humidity levels in your home and increase humidity if your plants show signs of stress due to low moisture.
All houseplants will benefit from higher humidity, especially in dry climates.
Signs that you need to increase the humidity for your plants:
- Wilting leaves: When indoor plants do not receive enough moisture, their leaves may become wilted and limp.
- Brown and crispy leaves: Dry air can cause the tips and edges of leaves to turn brown and become brittle.
- Slow growth: Plants not receiving enough moisture may grow more slowly than usual.
- Yellowing leaves: Lack of humidity can cause yellowing and even browning of leaves.
- Leaf drop: When plants do not receive enough moisture, they may drop their leaves.
- Pest infestations: Low humidity can make plants more susceptible to pest infestations, such as spider mites and mealybugs.
- Leaf curling: Dry air can cause the leaves of some plants to curl up, indicating that they are not receiving enough moisture.
Plants that Love Humidity the Most!
Ferns – These plants are native to tropical climates and require high humidity to thrive.
Orchids – These exotic flowers are known for their beauty and require high humidity levels to keep their blooms looking their best.
Calathea – This plant is native to the rainforests of South America and requires high humidity levels to keep its leaves looking vibrant and colorful.
Prayer Plant – This plant is known for its unique foliage that folds up at night, resembling hands in prayer. It is native to the rainforests of Central and South America and requires high humidity levels to thrive.
Peace Lily – This low-maintenance plant is known for its beautiful white blooms and ability to improve air quality. It is native to the rainforests of Central and South America and requires high humidity levels to maintain its glossy leaves.
Peperomia – This plant is easy to care for and comes in various shapes and sizes. It is native to Central and South America and requires moderate to high humidity.
People and humidity
It turns out that adding humidity to your home can provide several benefits beyond just improving the health of your indoor plants, making it a wise investment for anyone concerned about indoor air quality.
Here are some of the ways people can benefit from increased humidity:
Improved respiratory health: Dry air and low humidity levels can cause respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma, and sinus problems.
Enhanced skin health: Low humidity can cause dry and cracked skin, leading to discomfort and even skin infections. By increasing the moisture in the air, you can help maintain healthy skin.
Reduced risk of infections: Viruses and bacteria thrive in dry air, so increasing humidity levels can reduce the risk of infections and illnesses.
Increased comfort: Dry air can lead to discomforts such as dry eyes, sore throat, and static electricity. Adding humidity can improve overall comfort levels in your home.
Energy savings: Humid air feels warmer than dry air, so increasing humidity levels can make your home feel warmer without turning up the heat, which can help you save on energy bills.
The Ideal Humidity Levels for Plants
The ideal humidity for houseplants is 40-60% higher than the humidity levels found in our homes, especially during the winter or in dry climates. (source)
Related Article: Tips for growing beautiful houseplants
The Main Types of Humidifiers
There are several types of humidifiers available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits for indoor plants.
From cool mist to warm mist and ultrasonic to evaporative, understanding the differences between these types of humidifiers can help you choose the best option for your plant’s needs.
The most common types of humidifiers include:
Ultrasonic Humidifiers:
These humidifiers use high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations to create a fine mist that is dispersed into the air. Ultrasonic humidifiers are quiet, energy-efficient, and easy to clean.
Evaporative Humidifiers:
This humidifier uses a fan to blow air over a wet wick, which then evaporates into the air. Evaporative types of humidifiers are affordable but can be noisy and require frequent cleaning.
Warm Mist Humidifiers:
These humidifiers heat water until it becomes steam, then disperse it into the air. Warm mist humidifiers are great the winter months and for cold and flu season but can be expensive to run and require frequent cleaning.
Cool-Mist Humidifiers:
These humidifiers use a fan to blow air over a wet wick or filter, which then evaporates into the air. Cool mist humidifiers are affordable, energy-efficient, and easy to clean.
Steam Vaporizers:
This humidifier has a heating element that heats water until it becomes steam, then disperses into the air. Steam vaporizers are great for cold and flu season in the winter but can be expensive to run and require frequent cleaning.
Related Article: The Best Water for Houseplants
Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Humidifier
When shopping for a humidifier for your indoor plants, there are several key factors to consider, such as the size of the water tank, the type of humidifier, the level of noise, and the presence of a humidity gauge or sensor.
Here are some factors to consider before making your purchase:
Humidity levels:
Some humidifiers also have a built-in sensor or humidistat that automatically adjusts the humidity levels based on the current readings. This feature allows you to monitor the humidity levels in your home and change the humidifier accordingly to ensure optimal levels.
With a built-in gauge or sensor, you can easily track the humidity levels and adjust without purchasing a separate hygrometer.
Room Size
When choosing a humidifier for a specific room, it’s important to consider the size of the room and the capacity of the humidifier. A general rule of thumb is to choose a humidifier that can humidify a room that is slightly larger than the actual room size. For example, if you have a room that is 300 square feet, you should choose a humidifier with a capacity of at least 350 square feet.
Tank Capacity:
One of the critical factors to consider before choosing a humidifier for indoor plants is the water tank’s size—the water reservoir’s size and the humidifier’s run time needing a refill.
I recommend choosing a humidifier with a large water tank capacity which is recommended for larger rooms and to avoid frequent refills.
Noise level:
This is especially true if you plan to use it in a bedroom or quiet space where the noise level is most important. An Ultrasonic humidifier can be a good option if noise is an issue, as they are generally the quietest option.
*Check the decibel rating before purchase if noise is a concern.
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is required to maintain a humidifier properly and avoid bacteria and mold buildup. Choose a humidifier that is easy to clean and maintain.
The 10 Best Humidifiers for Plants and People
Ok! Now that I’ve gone on and on about humidifiers or plants-her is my carefully curated list of the best humidifiers for plants and people alike!
LEVOIT OasisMist Smart Cool and Warm Mist Humidifier
The LEVOIT OasisMist Smart Cool and Warm Mist Humidifier is a high-tech option for indoor plant enthusiasts.
This humidifier features cool and warm mist settings, making it suitable for year-round use. It also has a large tank that can hold up to 1.5 gallons of water, meaning fewer refills are needed.
The OasisMist is also Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to control it with your smartphone or voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
It also has a built-in humidity sensor that automatically adjusts the moisture levels in the air for optimal plant growth.
Its sleek design and advanced features make it an excellent option for those looking for a high-tech and efficient humidifier for their indoor plants.
LEVOIT Classic300S Ultrasonic Smart Top Fill Humidifier
This humidifier features a top-fill design, making it easy to refill the tank without removing it from the base. It also has a large water tank capacity of 6 liters, providing continuous mist for up to 60 hours.
The Levoit Classic300S is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled using the LEVOIT app, which allows you to adjust the mist level, set a schedule, and monitor the humidity levels in your home.
It also has a built-in humidity sensor that automatically adjusts the mist output to maintain optimal humidity levels for your indoor plants.
It has a 360-degree nozzle and warm mist function for added comfort during cold winter.
Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier, Medium Room
The Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier is medium-sized with UV technology and a wicking filter to help treat the water and capture minerals to keep them out of the air for a cleaner mist.
With a 1-gallon water tank, this humidifier can run for up to 24 hours on a single fill, making it ideal for use in medium-sized rooms.
The filter-free design ensures it’s easy to clean and maintain, while the adjustable humidity control allows you to set the perfect humidity level for your plants’ needs.
This humidifier is super quiet, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms and nurseries.
Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
This humidifier uses ultrasonic technology and features a large water tank with a run time of 50 hours or more! It’s got adjustable mist levels, an led light, and a built-in oil tray for essential oils.
The large humidifier is nearly silent (less than 35 dB), making it the best choice in the bedroom, baby nursery, office, or other spaces where noise levels must be kept low.
The modern design features a dial to control auto-turn-off, a LED nightlight, and a water-level window allowing you to see how much water is left in the tank.
We have had this humidifier in our home for a few months, and I love it! It comes in both black and white.
The Elechomes Humidifier for Bedrooms
The Elechomes Humidifier is a large humidifier with sleep mode have a large water tank capacity, providing up to 40 hours of continuous mist.
It also has a built-in sensor that automatically adjusts the mist output to maintain optimal humidity levels for your indoor plants.
The Elechomes Humidifier is perfect for large rooms and spaces, as it can humidify up to 750 sq ft.
The sleep mode feature ensures the humidifier operates quietly throughout the night, making it ideal for use in bedrooms or nurseries.
The humidifier also has a 360-degree nozzle that allows you to direct the mist in any direction.
With its sleek design and advanced features, this humidifier is an excellent option for anyone looking for a high-quality humidifier for their humidity-loving plants and people! 🙂
AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier
The AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier is a budget-friendly option for indoor plant enthusiasts.
This humidifier features a large water tank that can hold up to 2.2 liters of water, providing continuous mist for up to 24 hours.
It also has a 360-degree nozzle, allowing you to direct the mist in any direction. It’s ultra-quiet and energy-efficient, making it a great option in bedrooms or nurseries.
It also has an automatic shut-off feature that turns the unit off when the water level is low or the tank is removed.
Additionally, this humidifier for plants has a built-in filter that helps remove impurities from the water, ensuring the mist is clean and pure.
This humidifier may not be the cutest on the block, but it’s got great features and the price point is pretty awesome.
Lacidoll 4.2 Gal Tower Humidifier for Large Rooms or Whole House
The Lacidoll 4.2 Gal Tower Humidifier is an option for those who need a humidifier that can cover a large area.
This humidifier has a large water tank capacity of 4.2 gallons, providing up to 30 hours of continuous mist.
It also has a built-in humidity sensor that automatically adjusts the mist output to maintain optimal humidity levels for your indoor plants.
The Lacidoll Tower Humidifier is perfect for large rooms, covering up to 500 square feet.
It has a sleek and modern tower design that complements any room decor and is easy to clean and maintain.
The humidifier also has a 360-degree nozzle that allows you to direct the mist in any direction, ensuring that your plants receive the necessary moisture.
This humidifier is an excellent humidifier for plants and humans alike!
Pure Enrichment MistAire Silver Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
The Pure Enrichment MistAire Silver Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is a sleek and stylish option for indoor plant enthusiasts.
This humidifier features a compact design perfect for a small room while providing up to 16 hours of continuous mist.
It has a 360-degree nozzle that allows you to direct the mist in any direction and is ultra-quiet, making it ideal for use in bedrooms or nurseries.
It also has an automatic shut-off feature that turns the unit off when the water level is low, or the tank is removed.
Additionally, the optional night light adds a soothing glow to any room.
Perfect humidifier for plants in small rooms. Comes in white and green.
Movtip Portable Mini Humidifier
The Movtip Portable Mini Humidifier is a small and compact humidifier that is ideal for use in small spaces such as offices, bedrooms, and cars.
This humidifier is designed to be portable and easy to use, with a USB cable for charging and a 200 ml water tank that provides up to 8 hours of continuous mist.
The Movtip Portable Mini Humidifier uses ultrasonic technology to produce a fine mist that helps to increase humidity levels and reduce dry air.
It also has a built-in LED light that can be used as a nightlight or to create a relaxing ambiance.
While this humidifier is small, it’s mighty! It’s under $20 and comes in several colors!
Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
This classic warm mist humidifier is an excellent option, especially during the cold and flu season.
This humidifier uses a heating element to boil water and create steam dispersed into the air.
It also has a medicine cup that can be used with Vicks VapoSteam or other inhalants to help relieve cold and flu symptoms.
The Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier has a large tank capacity of up to 1 gallon and can provide up to 12 hours of continuous mist.
If you prefer cool-mist, Vicks has a cool-mist humidifier as well!
Tips: Using a Humidifier for Plants
Here are some tips for running a humidifier in your home for your plants:
- Use distilled water: Using distilled water can help prevent mineral buildup in your humidifier, which will extend the life of the humidifier.
- Keep the humidifier clean: Clean your humidifier to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
- Position the humidifier properly: Place the humidifier near your plants, but not too close to prevent water damage to leaves or roots.
DIY Humidifier for Plants: How to Increase Humidity for Plants Without a Humidifier
Misting Plants
Misting your plants with a spray bottle filled with water can help increase humidity levels around them.
Humidity tray:
Create a humidity tray by filling a tray with small rocks or pebbles and then adding water. Place your plant on top of the stones or pebbles, ensuring the bottom of the pot is not touching the water.
Grouping plants
Grouping plants can create a microclimate of higher humidity around them. You can also add a shallow tray of water in the middle of the grouping to increase humidity further.
High Humidity Rooms
Put plants in the bathroom and let the steam from the shower.
Placing your plants in high-humidity rooms such as bathrooms can be a simple and effective way to increase humidity levels around them. Bathrooms typically have higher humidity due to running water and steam from showers and baths.
Shop Humidifiers for Indoor Plants
FAQs: Best Humidifiers for Plants
Here is a quick list of frequently asked questions for quick reference. 🙂
Q: What is the best type of humidifier for indoor plants?
A: Cool-mist ultrasonic humidifiers are generally considered the best type for indoor plants because they produce a fine mist without raising the room temperature.
Q: What is the ideal humidity level for indoor plants?
A: Most indoor plants prefer humidity levels between 40-60%.
Q: Can a humidifier be used year-round or only during certain seasons?
A: A humidifier can be used year-round if needed but may be especially beneficial during winter when indoor heating can dry out the air.
Q: How often should I clean my humidifier to prevent mold and bacteria growth?
A: You should clean your humidifier at least once a week to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Q: What features should I look for in a humidifier for my plants?
Answer: Look for a humidifier with a large water tank, adjustable humidity settings, and a humidistat to monitor the humidity level.
Q: Can a humidifier help prevent pests in my plants?
Answer: Yes, a humidifier can help prevent pests by providing a more favorable environment for the plants and making them less susceptible to infestations.
What is the difference between a cool mist and a warm mist humidifier?
A: A cool mist humidifier releases room-temperature mist, while a warm mist humidifier releases mist that has been heated.
Q: How can I tell if my humidifier adds too much moisture?
A: Signs of too much humidity include condensation on windows and surfaces, a musty odor in the air, and mold growth.
Q: Can I use essential oils in my humidifier for my plants?
A: Yes, you can use essential oils in a humidifier, but make sure to use pure, high-quality oils and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding them to the water.
Conclusion: The Best Humidifiers for Plants
Most popular houseplants love humidity!
Finding the best indoor plant humidifier can significantly improve plant babies’ overall health and well-being.
I hope this article helped you choose the best plant humidifier. Be sure to drop your questions and or recommendations in the comments below.
Thanks for stopping by!
XO, Christine
