Last Updated on October 12, 2021 by Grow with Bovees
Indoor plants offer twofold benefits-add aesthetic appeal and remove allergens from your indoor space.
Indoor plants will only thrive all year round if the right humidity levels are maintained.
Even if you water your plants regularly, it may not be enough to achieve optimal moisture levels, for which you need a plant humidifier.
What is a Plant Humidifier?
A plant humidifier is designed to add moisture to the air in your space, and this extra moisture can benefit your indoor plants, especially during the colder months as the indoor air tends to be a little drier during this time.
With most homes today being equipped with central heating and air conditioning, the air loses its moisture, resulting in your houseplants looking wilted and dull.
Increasing the moisture in your home not only keeps indoor plants and tropical plants happy and healthy, but also helps you fend off dry skin, dry sinuses, and sore throat.
Buying the best plant humidifier can be a bit tricky because there are different types of humidifiers to choose from including warm mist humidifiers and cool mist humidifiers.
But we’ve checked out this segment and narrowed it down to the 5 best plant humidifiers to add moisture to high humidity environments.
5 Best Humidifiers For Plants
1. LEVOIT Humidifier – Best Overall Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier
The LEVOIT plant humidifier is in a league of its own, mostly due to its unmatched moisture output of up to 500 mL/hr, making it a great choice for rooms that measure up to 753 square feet/70 m².
Adding to this, the LEVOIT humidifier can be ordered in a choice of two great colors-black and white and boasts a compact (11.6 x 7.7 x 11.3 inches) and lightweight footprint, so you can place it anywhere in your indoor garden.
It offers both warm and cool mist options and can be used all year round. The LEVOIT provides relief from dry skin, sinus, allergies, and bloody noses, but also injects moisture into your space for healthy plant growth.
It features an integrated auto mode setting, which with its integrated humidity sensor maintains a comfortable level of humidity automatically, so you can simply “set it and forget it”.
The LEVOIT cool and warm mist humidifier comes with a large 1. 5 gal/6 L capacity water collection tray, which provides 60 hours of continuous, low-noise operation when set on the low mist level.
In the box, you get a convenient remote control, which provides you with access to the appliance wirelessly from any corner in your room.
But that’s not all, the LEVOIT humidifier features a 1 to 12-hour timer, which shuts the unit down automatically after a pre-configured period.
In terms of cleaning, the LEVOIT humidifier doesn’t disappoint, thanks to the wide opening of the tank. This humidifier model by LEVOIT comes with everything you need to get started right out of the box including absorption pads, aroma pads, a cleaning brush, and a handy user guide.
Pros:
- 500 ml/hr mist output to your environment
- Remote control operation
- Auto shutoff timer
- Cool and warm mist capabilities
- Ultra-quiet operation
Cons:
- Only 2 color options are available
2. GENIANI Portable Small Cool Mist Humidifier — Best Mini Humidifier For Plants
If you’re looking for a cool humidifier that boasts a compact footprint, yet doesn’t scrimp on features, and rings in at a highly affordable price, you really can’t go wrong with the GENIANI light weight cool mist humidifier.
It can be ordered in a choice of three great colors including grey and white, and showcases a slim, sleek design, making it a great choice for any space in your home.
The GENIANI cool mist plant humidifier offers two mist modes to choose from-continuous and intermittent, allowing you to change the humidity in your environment in minutes.
Adding to this, the GENIANI humidifier is one of the few products in this segment that comes with one-touch operation, so there are no complicated settings to deal with.
But that’s not all, the GENIANI portable humidifier features auto-shutoff, which when engaged shuts off the unit automatically at a pre-configured time.
Although the GENIANI is a fairly compact unit, it doesn’t disappoint in terms of performance with its onsite 0.06 gal (250 ml) capacity tank, which can be refilled with water within seconds.
Furthermore, the GENIANI mini cool mist humidifier lasts an entire day with a full tank of water and doesn’t do anything more than whisper at 30dB.
The GENIANI cool mist portable plant humidifier fits easily in your vehicle’s cup holder, is fitted with a handy night light, and is backed by a 1-year warranty against any manufacturer defects.
Pros:
- 3 colors available
- Auto-shutoff
- 30dB noise operation
- 0.06 gal (250 ml) capacity tank/ 220 ml/hour output
- Fits anywhere from your bedroom to the car
- Continuous and intermittent modes
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Not a good choice for large spaces
3. Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
The Vicks warm mist humidifier is a great choice for any room in your home and disperses bacteria-free mist into the air so you can breathe easily in a room free from dust and diseases.
It is fitted with a large 1-gallon tank that works continuously for up to 24 hours and doesn’t require any daunting filter changes.
The Vicks warm mist plant humidifier allows you to easily adjust the output of the mist and helps maintain proper humidity levels in your home, which prevents wilting of leaves and helps overall plant growth.
The Vicks warm mist humidifier features auto-shutoff on its lowest setting and works quietly to add moisture to your space.
It is an effective method of maintaining humidity levels in your home and tips the scales at just over 4 lbs.
The Vicks warm mist humidifier is fitted with a handy, soft-glow nightlight, and offers two comfort settings to choose from.
Pros:
- Large 1-gallon tank
- Works for 24 hours when fully filled
- Auto-shutoff
- Nightlight
- Quiet operation
- Two comfort settings
Cons:
- Nightlight can’t be turned off
4. AIRCARE Humidifier – Best Whole House Evaporative Humidifiers
The AIRCARE humidifier is truly in a league of its own with its evaporative design that draws water from its onsite basin. Speaking of which, the AIRCARE evaporative humidifier offers a 6-gallon water holding capacity, which allows the unit to run continuously for 70 hours.
The AIRCARE humidifier features auto-shutoff, which turns off the unit in the event the desired humidity level is reached and/or when the water in the appliance runs dry.
Unlike some evaporative humidifiers that come with a 360-degree mist nozzle, the AIRCARE humidifier is equipped with vents at the front to emit moisture evenly in your space.
Furthermore, it comes with Trapmax filter technology, which traps unwanted mineral deposits and cleans air naturally.
The AIRCARE evaporative humidifier allows you to maintain the recommended 40 percent to 60 percent relative humidity in your home, and reduces the temperatures on your thermostat, saving you roughly 3 percent on your energy bill.
The AIRCARE weighs 14 lbs, and measures 17.5 x 12.5 x 22.5 inches. It is designed to add moisture, as well as reduce pet dander and other airborne allergens.
The AIRCARE humidifier comes with a water refill indicator to let you know when it’s time to fill the reservoir, and a filter indicator to alert you when the filter requires replacement.
It is easy to use with its pour-in reservoir, and comes with three fan speeds to choose from. Additionally, the AIRCARE humidifier is fitted with casters to easily move the until around, and digital controls for easy operation.
The AIRCARE humidifier comes with everything you need to get started right out of the box including a 1043 Super Wick air filter, float rod, four casters, and a detailed user guide. It is backed by a 2-year warranty against any manufacturer defects.
Pros:
- Auto-shutoff
- 6-gallon holding capacity
- 70-hour continuous operation
- Caster wheels and digital controls
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Only come with 1 filter
5. Air Innovations Humidifier
The Air Innovations slots in at the #5 position on this list of best plant humidifiers for several great reasons, starting with its large 1.7-gallon tank, which allows it to run continuously on low mode for 90 hours.
Adding to this, it is fitted with a permanent ceramic filter, which doesn’t need replacement ever, and offers five mist temperature settings to choose from.
The Air Innovations ultrasonic cool mist humidifier is available in a choice of three colors including red and black and offers power-packed performance for rooms that measure up to 600 square feet.
It is equipped with a programmable thermostat that automatically monitors and maintains the humidity level set by you.
The Air Innovations cool mist ultrasonic humidifier features a large control knob at the front, which allows you to access several features of the unit including the mist level, humidity level, and turning the humidifier on and off.
The Air Innovations cool mist humidifier comes with a 15-inch extension nozzle, which transforms the unit from a tabletop humidifier to a floor-standing humidifier.
It is appointed with a clear and crisp smart display, which indicates the current humidity level, and also alerts you when the unit is out of water.
The Air Innovation humidifier comes with a convenient remote control to access several functions of the unit including adjusting the mist output, dimming the display for night use, and adjusting the humidity settings.
Pros:
- 1.7-gallon tank
- Runs continuously for 90 hours on low mode
- Permanent ceramic filter
- 3 colors available
- Convenient remote control
- Can be used as a tabletop or standing model
- Smart display
Cons:
- A little hard to keep clean
How Much Humidity Do Indoor Plants Need?
Most of your indoor plants originate from humid jungle environments. Therefore, adequate moisture in the air is important to keep plants lush and healthy.
During the colder months, fireplaces and furnaces create a drier ambient air environment, which is why it is vital that you increase the moisture output in your space during this time.
The best levels of humidity for your indoor plants are 40 percent to 60 percent higher than the ambient humidity level found in your home.
How to Tell if Your Houseplants Need Higher Higher Humidity?
There are myriad different ways to tell if your tropical houseplants and other common houseplants require more humidity, most notably when:
- Edges of leaves begin to turn brown and look somewhat like dry leaves
- Greener plant leaves begin to turn yellow
- Leaves feel crispy to touch
- Leaves begin to wilt and droop
How to Increase Humidity Levels for Healthy Houseplants?
Once you’ve determined that a higher level of humidity is indeed required for healthy growth, there are several ways to increase the humidity in your space.
Group your plants
Transpiration is the process in which plants release moisture through their leaves. When you group houseplants together, the actual humidity level in that particular area increases, benefiting all the plants.
For example, if you’re growing orchids, grouping all the orchids in one area creates a higher bubble of humidity in that specific area.
However, this may not work well if you group different types of plants together, such as those that require more humidity and those that require less humidity.
Put Plants in trays with pebbles
Also known as a humidity tray, you can use pebbles to raise the humidity levels almost immediately around your tropical houseplants.
Garden experts recommend that you use clean trays, and put at least an inch of pebbles in each tray. Then place the pots on the pebbles in the tray, and fill it with water until the top of the pebbles.
Do not place the pots directly in the water without pebbles, as doing so will encourage root rot, and will eventually cause plant damage. Placing the pots over pebbles and not directly in water also prevents mold growth and bacteria growth.
Mist your plants
Creating a healthy plant environment with mist is yet another proven way to increase common humidity levels.
With regard to misting, you should refrain from using tap water, as it does contain chemicals, but use distilled, clean water instead.
Spray bottles fitted with a 360-degree mist nozzle or a 360-degree adjustable nozzle work well for misting, and are easily available online or at your local garden center.
Different Types of Humidifiers for Plants
When on the shopping trail for a humidifier for plants, you will be spoiled for choice, given the plethora of options to choose from, including portable humidifiers such as the MistAire Studio Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier and the Taotronics cool mist humidifier.
But it all boils down to three common types of humidifiers — warm mist humidifiers, cool mist humidifiers, and evaporative models.
Here are the differences between the three types to help you buy the best type of humidifier for your needs.
Warm mist house plant humidifiers
Warm mist humidifiers are fitted with a heating element that is designed to heat water and create steam. This type of mist humidifier is mostly equipped with a filter, but there’s an array of filterless units available too!
One of the noteworthy benefits of warm mist models is their ability to achieve higher levels of moisture saturation. Adding to this, they are great at preventing bacteria growth and germs on plants.
Warm mist models are available in a wide range of sizes and typically come with a large water reservoir, allowing you to run the unit for a longer period of time.
Warm mist models are a great choice for those who want a model that is fairly quiet during operation, owing to the lack of an internal fan.
Cool mist models
Cool mist humidifiers use an internal fan to evaporate water into the air. They are a great choice for year-round use because they blow cool mist in the humid and hot summer.
One of the downsides to cool mist humidifiers is that they tend to accumulate bacteria, and suffer from mold buildup more easily, especially if not maintained properly.
Just like their warm counterparts, cool mist models are available in a wide range of sizes and types, such as a germ-free cool mist humidifier, and a portable and lightweight 3.5-pound humidifier.
Evaporative models
An evaporative humidifier is generally a budget humidifier model that is equipped with a fan to draw air through the wet wick, aka wicking filter, but you can also buy a non-filter model.
It then converts the air into water vapor and releases it into the air. Evaporative humidifiers are less likely to cause mildew or mold growth, but on the flip side, they do need filter replacement every so often.
You can also buy ultrasonic humidifiers, which use a high-speed vibrating plate to turn water into a fine mist.
Even though they are the quietest option in this segment, they can be expensive humidifiers, owing to ultrasonic technology, and easy cleaning.
Relative Humidity and Absolute Humidity
The measure of water in the air is called absolute humidity, and is the maximum amount of water that air can hold at a given temperature. Warm air, at 86 °F30 °C, can hold about 30g of water per cubic meter, whereas cold air (32 °F — 0 °C) can only hold around 5g of water per cubic meter.
This is expressed as g/m3.
Relative humidity refers to the percentage of water that can be held in the air at a particular temperature.
The warmer the air, the greater the volume of water vapor can be held.
That is why you see condensation where warm air meets cold air, on a window for instance.
This is water vapor being released from the warmer air as it cools, and forms droplets on the colder surface.
Humidifiers For Plants Buying Guide
There are several aspects of humidifiers to consider when in the market for a new model.
Type — as mentioned earlier, there are three common types of plant humidifiers available, including cold mist humidifiers.
Choosing between the three types is a matter of personal choice, but it doesn’t really matter if your humidifier puts out cold or warm mist for your plants.
Size —plant humidifiers can be ordered in an assortment of sizes, including easy-to-haul around portable humidifiers.
If you have a large space to add humidity to, buy a larger model that is suitable for that area. But if you have a small room, you can probably achieve the right humidity levels with a compact humidifier for plants.
Water tank — Humidifiers with large capacity water tanks provide a longer run time, so you will not have to frequently refill the reservoir. When water levels run low, some models alert you via a light, so you can add water to bring the tank level up to par.
Larger humidifiers come with a higher capacity of water tank, and have the ability to take care of humidity levels in large spaces.
Where to Place A Plant Humidifier?
Humidifier placement will depend on your particular situation, but there are a few guidelins to consider.
Do not place a humidifier too close, but set it a few feet away from your plants, preferably in the center of your room.
Do not place your humidifier too close to plants as it could cause too much water to condense on the soil and leaves, which is an invitation for molds and pests such as fungus gnats.
If you have kids or pets, put your plant humidifier on a table or desk, and keep it away from porous substances such as wood and fabric curtains.
Furthermore, do not place your plant humidifier on rugs or carpets, because some models have air intakes at the bottom, and rugs and carpets may block that area.
The duration of humidity required depends on the humidity level in your room. You should ideally run your plant humidifier for four to five hours a day, starting from the morning until mid-day.
If you run the humidifier in the afternoon, you risk leaving excess moisture in the air overnight, which is a time when plants don’t absorb it that much, increasing the risk of mold or fungus.
But excess humidity is also not good for plants, which is why it is recommended that you use an automatic humidity monitoring device to keep tabs on the levels in real time.
What Type of Water to Use in Your Plants Humidifiers?
It is best to use filtered, distilled water or deionized water rather than tap water in your plant humidifier, which means that you will have to clean the scale build-up less frequently.
Regardless of the type of water you use, you will need to clean the humidifier periodically for extended service life.
If you don’t clean the humidifier regularly, you risk bacterial build-up, and the last thing you want is the contaminants spewing into the air in your room.
Final Thoughts
If you have indoor humidity loving plants, you should invest in a plant humidifier, especially if you live in an area that is colder for a part of the year.
There are three different types of plant humidifiers available, and the best one for you is a model that can help maintain the right ambient humidity levels for the plants in your space.
