5 Best Humidifiers for Plants And How To Use Them

I found that the traditional route of watering my plants was not enough to maintain optimal moisture levels for healthy growth. Keeping the right humidity levels helps plants thrive to keep you happy while adding an aesthetic appeal to your home. Plant humidifiers enable you to control and maintain moisture levels suited to your plant type.

This piece presents my experience with the best humidifiers for plants to help you search for a suitable model for your requirements. You can refer to this information to understand your options, manage your expectations, and know how to use the units for the best results and healthy plant growth.

Best Humidifier for Plants

Best for Large Rooms

LEVOIT Humidifier 6L Warm and Cool Mist

Premium warm and cool mist humidifier with variable humidity settings. For rooms up to 750 sq ft. 50hrs run time.

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Best for Medium Rooms

AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier 2.2L

Cool mist humidifiers. Basic function but is well made and provides 16-24 hours of continual use. 

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Best for Small Rooms

Pure Enrichment MistAir Ultrasonic Whisper 1.5L

Very quiet with a 360-rotating nozzle. Perfect for placing amongst groups of plants in smaller spaces.

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You can get different plant humidifiers to suit different needs. The ultrasonic type is ideal for silent operation with minimal maintenance requirements since they do not have filters to change. They are also best when you prioritize safety around curious kids since they do not have a heating element.

If you seek a more affordable option with purer mist production, you want to get a warm mist humidifier. It uses a heating element to evaporate the water, inhibiting the release of bacteria into your room.

You can also find the best humidifier for your plant needs by examining the tank capacities. The sizes directly determine how effective the unit will be in dispersing mist around your room. They also influence your comfort level by dictating your maintenance and refilling schedules.

The overall size can also determine the best humidifier for your foliage requirements. A humidifier’s dimensions can make storage easier with efficient performance. You can get a compact model to suit a small growing room and achieve maximum dispersion for healthy plant development.

You can obtain the best results from your plant humidifier by considering its location and maintenance frequency. Perfect placement delivers and maintains optimal mist in the room without leaving your plants in excessive or insufficient moisture.

Why Use a Plant Humidifier

A plant humidifier presents several benefits to make utility and plant care comfortable and efficient. For instance, using it lets you maintain optimal moisture levels at perfect times to ensure your plants get proper nourishment without encountering too little or excessive humidity. The device typically comes with an adjustable humidity setting to make finding the ideal mist output mode a breeze.

A plant humidifier also allows you to pick between generating cool or warm mist to suit your preferences. Some models have a dual temperature design, enabling you to switch between the two mist temperatures according to your needs. Besides, cool mist tends to be more cost-effective with its low energy requirement. Warm mist provides purer moisture due to its evaporation technique.

I find it convenient to use a plant humidifier because of the different water tank capacities. The different sizes help me find the perfect fit for my plant room needs while managing maintenance efforts. You can reduce your workload by finding a model with a long run time and a bigger tank that requires fewer refills. Additionally, you can rely on the device to offer your house plants accurate moisture levels that would otherwise be difficult to achieve by only watering the plants.

Another benefit when using a plant humidifier is storage and utility convenience. The units come in different sizes, including small footprints to fit on a desk or table to eliminate clutter. You can also conveniently operate the humidifiers since they integrate different features such as simple controls, rotatable nozzles, dimmable night lights, and remote controls.

Types of Humidifiers for Plants

The best humidifiers for plants and basic models for humans function the same way. Those suited for house plants get their difference in the quantity of moisture discharged. Plants require frequent yet regulated moisture for healthy growth, and these ergonomic humidifiers let you achieve this goal. The devices come with adjustable output settings and feature different discharge techniques.

You can find two primary types of plant humidifiers with discharge techniques categorized as ultrasonic and evaporative.

Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic plant humidifiers use high-frequency vibrating plates to produce a cool mist. The vibrations steam the water before generating extra-fine water droplets, meaning they do not have a heating element or filter. Even though these types do not require filter change, I find it inconvenient since it lacks bacteria inhibition and mold prevention features.

Despite this, the absence of a water-heating element increases safety since you do not run the risk of accidental burns from spills. This feature also means you want to clean and regularly disinfect the humidifier for proper and durable hygiene maintenance.

Evaporative

The evaporative types depend on a fan to generate cool mist. The fan produces airflow to pull water over a wet wick, delivering moisture to your room. These humidifiers also incorporate filters that require regular changing to keep bacteria and mold growth at bay.

Evaporative humidifiers are more pocket-friendly than ultrasonic types. However, it creates more noise as the fan forces air movement for mist generation.

Cool Mist vs Warm Mist

Cool mist generally comes from ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers, whereas warm droplets result from warm mist devices. The warm mist humidifiers rely on a heating unit to boil the water inside, changing it from a liquid into a vapor. I appreciate these humidifier types since the heating process ensures only pure water enters your air space. The minerals left in the water tank help decrease the risk of bacteria and germs in your room.

The warm mist humidifiers are also quieter since they do not use a fan to propel the water vapor. Even so, I find a danger lying in the heating element that needs more electricity, where curious kids and pets can get burns.

Even though the warm mist device warms up my space for a short while, its effect is negligible. The notable point is the ultrasonic humidifiers leave a white powdery buildup in my room and on the plants whenever I do not use distilled water. The white dust comes from the unit breaking down and releasing water and mineral particles into the air.  

Is Warm Mist or Cool Mist Better for Plants?

I do not find a major difference when using cool or warm mist humidifiers for my plants. You can use either for indoor plants, and the noticeable difference between the two lies in energy efficiency. Cool mist humidifiers utilize a filter system, giving you a more energy-friendly option than the evaporation method in warm mist devices.

I find that specifications are more important than the mist temperature when choosing the best humidifiers for your growing needs.  

Choosing the Best Plant Humidifier

Plant humidifiers incorporate different features that influence convenience during utility. It is essential to verify that the product has certain elements to ensure comfortable usage and healthy plant life. I recommend considering the following factors before making your final move in the plant humidifier market:

Room Size

Knowing your plant room size is vital in ensuring you get the best humidifiers for plants that match your space. If you get a model with an output lower than what the room’s size demands, you cannot get optimal mist dispersion. Likewise, purchasing one whose output is bigger than the space requirements results in excess moisture in the air, leaving you susceptible to mold and fungus.

Another point to weigh when looking at your room size is the humidifier location. You want to get your dimensions correct to ensure you can place the unit some feet away from the plants. For instance, if you have an evaporative humidifier with a fan, it is better to position it at least 6 feet from the foliage. The distance helps prevent the fan from blowing away moisture from the plants and drying them.

Tank Capacity

A plant humidifier’s run time is directly proportional to the size of its water tank. You can enjoy a more prolonged operation with a bigger capacity, reducing the frequency of refilling. The compact models with smaller water tank sizes are ideal for a small plant room with minimal moisture needs.  

Humidity Settings

A general guideline to note is that the quantity of moisture produced by your plant humidifier should match the room’s temperature. An imbalance between the two conditions leads to the device releasing an insufficient or excess mist. Hence, humidifiers integrate ergonomic output controls that let you modify the moisture release according to the ambient air environment.

You can get plant humidifiers with three settings in the market, although most feature two settings of high and low. The models with three settings include a medium mode to facilitate more control over the mist output, making them perfect when you have sensitive plants. Some products record relative humidity percentages to aid you in gauging the ambient humidity levels for optimal setup.

Noise Level

Different plant humidifiers have distinct designs that produce varying noise levels. Typically, evaporative humidifiers create more sounds than the ultrasonic types because of the fan they use to facilitate airflow and mist production.

If you spend time near your plant room, buying a unit with low decibels is best to maintain comfort and convenience. You can go for the evaporative kind if you own a secluded growing space where the noise produced does not disturb your family or neighbors.

Filter Life

Generally, manufacturers include detailed instructions in the packages to help you follow a scheduled maintenance program for your humidifier. It is advisable to switch the filters every two to three months to keep the device operating at maximum efficiency. I also find it best to replace it more frequently when using tap water due to minerals.

Filters trap the minerals to deliver pure mist in your plant room, and the build-up can easily compromise the humidifier’s performance. If you desire a hassle-free and low-maintenance selection, you can choose the filter-less models available.  

Setup and Maintenance

Once you find the optimal placement site for your plant humidifier, it is essential to maintain it periodically. Poor cleaning techniques can lead to mold and bacteria developing in the tank to compromise your family and plant’s well-being.

It can also result in dirt build-up that reduces the humidifier’s efficiency. I follow a good recommendation to clean the unit once a week with some vinegar or bleach to inhibit mineral and mold build-up.  

Best Humidifier for Plants Reviewed

The market features several plant humidifiers that can make finding the perfect pick for your needs challenging. Below are some of the best options I found with dependable and stable performance to suit different user requirements.

1. LEVOIT Humidifier 6L Warm and Cool Mist for Plants

Best for Large Rooms

• Type: Ultrasonic
• Mist Tempt: Warm & Cool
• Range: 40%-68%
• Capacity: 6L
• Run Time: 50 hours
• Room Size: 750 sq. ft.
• Features: Remote Control

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Pros

• Cool and warm mist as well as variable humidity settings 40-68%
• Can handle even large rooms, up to 750 sq. ft.
• Fantastic running time of 50 hours. Miles ahead of the competition.

Cons

• Nothing. If you’re prepared to invest then this is the product to buy.

I love this LEVOIT humidifier since it produces a warm and cool mist, enabling you to choose the desired setting that best suits your plant needs. One of my favorite features is the humidity sensor integrated into the design, letting you choose low, medium, or high settings. Its auto mode senses humidity levels and automatically modifies for optimal performance. The auto-shutoff also increases safety by turning off the device once the water level gets too low.

LEVOIT provides this humidifier with a 6-L tank to support up to 50 hours of non-stop utility. The package also has a remote control to help you care for your plants from the comfort of your bed or sofa. I appreciate that you can add essential oil to put an interesting and lovely twist to your room’s atmosphere.

Although the humidifier facilitates near-silent operation and a display that automatically dims at night, refilling the tank can cause leaks.

Buy the Levoit 6L Humidifier here at Amazon.com

2. AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier 2.2L 360 Rotating Nozzle

Best for Medium Rooms

• Type: Ultrasonic
• Mist Tempt: Cool
• Range: Fixed
• Capacity: 2.2L
• Run Time: 16 hours
• Room Size: 400 sq. ft.
• Features: 360 Nozzle

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Pros

• A rotating nozzle means this small machine can still handle a large number of plants with the ability to direct the humidity stream
• Basic functions but very reliable and proven with thousands of happy customers
• Ultra-quiet

Cons

• The tank does not come away from the machine, so it’s harder to clean

I like my devices to offer maximum convenience with minimal effort, and the AquaOasis humidifier meets my demands. The product incorporates a flexible nozzle that can rotate 360 degrees, letting you customize the mist flow direction and output according to your requirements. It also has a shut-off function that automatically switches off the device before the water runs out.

Another element I enjoy is its sizable 2.2-L tank that can operate for more than 16 hours on a single fill. The manufacturer claims 24 hours but I managed 16 hours. The silent operation also means my plants and family can enjoy soothing cool mist without dealing with irritating crackling or humming noises.

It has a compact size with a simple control dial on its stylish base to make utility and storage easier, but it can be challenging to clean the humidifier’s small opening.

3. Pure Enrichment MistAir Ultrasonic Whisper 1.5L

Best for Small Rooms

• Type: Ultrasonic
• Mist Tempt: Cool
• Range: Fixed
• Capacity: 1.5L
• Run Time: 12 hours
• Room Size: 250 sq. ft.
• Features: 360 Nozzle

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Pros

• Cool mist humidifier perfect for small rooms or smaller groups of plants
• Small and easy to place amongst groups of plants. 360-rotating nozzle also helps disperse moisture
• Very easy to clean

Cons

• The smaller tank is limited to around 12 hours of continual use

The Pure Enrichment MistAir satisfies my preference for merging style and convenience. It comes in a sleek design with a compact base to fit my plant rooms without creating bulk. The 1.5-L capacity makes it suitable for different spaces, including offices, bedrooms, and nurseries, helping you make the most of its optimal performance.

The manufacturer claims the ultrasonic unit can run continuously for up to 25 hours but I got 12 hours out of it. But for a small unit running it for 12 hours per day during the day is good for such a small and quiet unit. You can also pick between high and low settings and rely on the 360-degree rotating nozzle to direct the vapor in your preferred direction. I find hygiene maintenance efficient since the package includes an ergonomic cleaning brush.

Even though you can easily fill its tank, the capacity is smaller than the other available options.

4. LEVOIT Cool Mist Vaporizer Whisper Quiet 2.4L

Best for Small Rooms

• Type: Vaporizer
• Mist Tempt: Cool
• Range: Fixed
• Capacity: 2.4L
• Run Time: 20 hours
• Room Size: 290 sq. ft.
• Features: 360 Nozzle

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Pros

• Good quality humidifier with a tank capable of providing 20-24 hrs of continual use
• BPA-free, so you can feel good about the air you breathe
• “Micro mist” feature prevents things around the home from feeling damp

Cons

• A challenge to clean such a large tank

The ultrasonic air vaporizer is among the best humidifiers for plants and incorporates a patented silencer. It also has an optional soft night light to facilitate comfort during nighttime utility. This model comes with a 2.4-L water tank that supports up to 20-hour continuous operation on the low setting. You can also evenly distribute cool mist in up to 290 sq. ft spaces via the integrated 360-degree rotating nozzle.

LEVOIT keeps user safety in mind by including an auto-shutoff feature that turns off the humidifier upon detecting a low water level. The BPA-free construction with ultrasonic operation ensures you do not have to worry about compromising your family or plant’s wellbeing.

Its portability and quiet operation are among its advantages, but I found it difficult to clean the inside components.

5. Crane Drop Ultrasonic Humidifier 1-Gallon

Best for Small Rooms

• Type: Ultrasonic
• Mist Tempt: Cool
• Range: Fixed
• Capacity: 1 Gallon (3.8L)
• Run Time: 24 hours
• Room Size: 500 sq. ft.
• Features: 360 Nozzle

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Pros

• A large 3.8L tank will keep this humidifier going to 24 hours of continuous use
• Fantastic dial to adjust mist output
• The water tank is surprisingly easy to clean

Cons

• Basic features, but fairly priced for what you get

I found it easy to maneuver the Crane Drop Humidifier since it has a user-friendly dial control for adjusting the mist output. The product also features an ergonomic nozzle, letting you adjust it through 360 degrees to direct the cool air in your desired direction. Its carry handle at the top made movement around my plant room easier. In addition, the compact size made placement convenient, eliminating concerns about storage space and clutter.

The humidifier also has a whisper-quiet operation to enable comfortable nighttime rest, even when your nursery or bedroom is close to the plant space. I found this product convenient because it offered an optional demineralization filter for homes with excessive minerals in their waters.  

The humidifier’s 1-gallon capacity can run nonstop for up to 24 hours in smaller spaces and has an automatic shut-off system, but it is challenging to clean water stains inside the water reservoir.

Verdict: Best Humidifier for Plants

The LEVOIT 6L Humidifier offers the biggest tank capacity and is my go-to option when dealing with large rooms. Its large capacity also offers the best run time of 50 hours to suit plant owners with busy schedules.

Best for Large Rooms

LEVOIT Humidifier 6L Warm and Cool Mist

Premium warm and cool mist humidifier with variable humidity settings. For rooms up to 750 sq ft. 50hrs run time.

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You want to pick the Pure Enrichment MistAir when you have plants in smaller spaces. AquaOasis Cool Mist is among the best humidifiers for plants you can select if you have a medium room.

Best for Medium Rooms

AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier 2.2L

Cool mist humidifiers. Basic function but is well made and provides 16-24 hours of continual use. 

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The ultrasonic LEVOIT 6L Humidifier is perfect for accessing cool and warm mist from the same device. If you prefer cool mist for a standard medium to small space, go for the Crane Drop Humidifier.

Where To Position Your Humidifier

I find the room’s center offers the perfect spot when seeking where to position a plant humidifier. Placing it a few feet away from the foliage allows the plants to absorb the moisture at a reasonable rate without dampening the space. 

From putting one of my best humidifiers for plants too close to the foliage, I learned that the nearness causes excess water to condense on the indoor plants and soil. The damp conditions resulted in fungus and mold growth around the room.

Another point to consider when positioning any humidifier is elevation. Putting the unit a few feet off the floor is advisable, such as on a desk, table, or countertop. You also want to place it away from porous surfaces like fabric curtains and wood because they can easily develop mold in the damp air.

I advise not placing the product on a soft material such as a carpet or rug since they can block the air intake on the bottom of the humidifiers. The blockage disrupts airflow performance and can result in the device overheating.

How Often To Use a Plant Humidifier

It is best to use a plant humidifier daily, with my recommended guideline beginning by checking the moisture quantity in the air. You can use a hygrometer to verify the humidity level, where you turn on the device if you have less than 40% relative humidity.

It is also better to operate the humidifier from morning to midday for approximately four to five hours. This period allows your plants to efficiently absorb the moisture needed for healthy growth during the afternoon. When I initially ran my humidifier in late afternoons, I found mold and fungus in the plant room. Plants do not absorb as much water at night as they do during the day, meaning I had too much moisture in the air overnight.

Notably, you use the humidifier more often in winter than in summer since your heating systems contribute to faster moisture loss.

Common Plant Humidity Levels

• Aglaonema (High) 60% or more
• Alocasia (Moderate) 50% or more
• Anthurium (very high) 70% or more
• Begonias (very high) 70 to 90%
• Bird Of Paradise (mid to high) 60 to 70%
• Bromeliads (Moderate) 40 to 60%
• Calathea (Moderate to high depending on variety) 50 to 70%
• Hoya (Moderate to high depending on variety) 50 to 70%
• Monstera (Low to moderate) 40% or more
• Peace Lily (Moderate) 50% or more
• Peperomia (Moderate) 40% or more
• Philodendron (High) 65% to 80%
• Pothos (Moderate to high) 50% to 70%
• Sansevieria (Low to moderate) 40% or more
• Scindapsus (Moderate) 50% or more
• Tradescantia (Moderate) 50% or more

Final Thoughts

Humidifiers are essential tools for anyone with a green thumb who wants their indoor plants to thrive. Most models have a long run-time and an adjustable nozzle, so you can provide optimal moisture to the room. I think the LEVOIT 6L humidifier is the best choice overall, but be sure to look at all the models listed above and buy the one that will work best for you.

Plant Humidifier FAQ’s

Here are a few quick answers to questions people often have about these products.