A humidifier is an excellent way to raise the humidity level of air in your home so plants can thrive. (Your skin will thank you too.) If you live in a climate where you heat your air in cold seasons, running a humidifier during winter is a good idea. (Grouping plants on top of a pebble tray with water can help, but a humidifier will saturate the air with moisture more quickly.) “For the average houseplant, it’s a good idea to start running a humidifier when the relative humidity is under 45 percent,” says Justin Hancock, a horticulturist with Costa Farms. Of course, not all humidifiers are created equal; you’ll want to consider tank capacity, run time, and the size of the room they’re recommended for. Some models produce cool mist, some put out warm mist, and other models produce both warm and cool mist. The best humidifiers for plants often come with a sensor that helps you monitor the humidity level in your home. We researched different humidifiers on the market to find the best models for various needs. We think the LEVOIT Classic 300S humidifier is one of the best humidifiers for plants because you can monitor and control the humidity level from your smartphone and gain information about your plants through the app. Plus, it has a large water tank with an impressive run time. Here’s our list of the best humidifiers for plants. Keep in Mind: For this ultrasonic humidifier, you’ll need to use purified or distilled water to avoid white dust accumulating on surrounding surfaces. Featuring an extra-large, six-liter water tank, the humidifier can run for a super-impressive 60 hours (equaling about seven nights of sleep if you’re running it at night). A sleep mode includes a night light (and a display light that can be turned off if you prefer). The nozzle rotates 360 degrees so you can control the direction of the mist, and the unit operates at 30 decibels or less. Bonus features make this humidifier a great choice for plant lovers. With the VeSync app, you can scan your houseplants, confirm what plant it is, and find the best humidity level. Then you can set the humidity level and let the humidifier do the rest! If you’re new to indoor gardening, the app can also give tips on how much light and water the plant needs. Unlike many other units, this one does work with essential oils; you add your favorite essential oils to the aroma box. The humidifier features a Baby Care setting, which can help you retain the nursery’s humidity at a higher level than the rest of the house. A large opening on the top makes the tank easy to refill and clean. Price at time of publish: $80 Product Details: Room Size: 505 square feet | Tank Capacity: Six liters | Run Time: Up to 60 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool Mist Keep in Mind: There are less expensive models available, but most models have shorter run times and smaller tanks. Although there are cheaper humidifiers, this one gives you the most bang for your buck—with convenient features for under $50. For example, this humidifier offers variable mist output settings. Users can control the humidity in their room and a nozzle that rotates 360-degree angle and decide where the mist goes. And unlike many other inexpensive models with such short run times that they’re unlikely to run through the night, this model can run continuously for up to 24 hours thanks to a one-gallon tank. This cool mist humidifier includes a safety feature that shuts the unit off automatically when the water level is too low. The bottom fill tank (as well as the water level sensor and cap) is removable to make the unit easier to clean. The tank also includes a handle to make it easier to carry to the sink. This model doesn’t require a filter, so you don’t have to worry about replacing that—although it does come with an optional demineralization filter that screws directly into the tank and removes excess minerals from hard water. The ultrasonic cool mist humidifier is quiet and safe in nurseries or kid’s rooms. Price at the time of publish: $43 Product Details: Room Size: 500 square feet | Tank Capacity: One gallon | Run Time: 24 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool Mist Keep in Mind: You need the Dyson Link app or the remote control to use almost all of the features—so there’s a little more to figure out on this model. This product is the ultimate air purifier and humidifier in one. Did we mention that it doubles as a fan, too? Sensors in this unit are constantly monitoring the air and will notify you of potential pollutants via an LCD panel. An activated carbon filter removes gases and odors from the air, a HEPA filter removes 99.97 percent of particles (improving air quality for allergy sufferers), and a formaldehyde sensor and a catalytic filter detect and destroy formaldehyde. You can also schedule the unit to turn off after a set time (between 15 minutes and nine hours). This machine also comes with a magnetized remote which can be stored on top of the unit. It’s pricey, but this machine definitely has numerous features to help you purify and humidify your indoor air. Price at time of publish: $920 Product Details: Room Size: 400 square feet | Tank Capacity: One gallon | Run Time: 36 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool Mist (Evaporative) Keep in Mind: Because it’s small, it has a smaller tank and shorter run time than larger models. With a sleek, narrow cylindrical shape, this humidifier is stylish and practical. Measuring 4.7x4.7x11 inches, it can easily fit onto a bedside table or desk. It runs for up to nine hours, which is higher than many other mini models—some of which can only run for part of the night (unless you get very little sleep). A dial knob on the front makes it easy to switch between low and high settings and choose the amount of mist output you want. The humidifier has a convenient water level indicator on the front, and the unit will automatically shut off when the water runs out. The noise level of this humidifier is whisper quiet, with decibel levels under 32 decibels. Although there are quieter units on the market, this one should be quiet enough for most people to sleep near without a problem. You will have to refill it every night if you plan to run it every night, but since the unit is small, it’s easy to refill. This stylish humidifier looks more high-end than its budget price would suggest, so you feel like you are getting a good deal for your money. And we love how little space it takes up! Because who doesn’t need more space on their nightstand or desk? Price at the time of publish: $26 Product Details: Room Size: Not Listed | Tank Capacity: 0.45 gallons/1.7 Liters | Run Time: Nine hours | Mist Temperature: Cool Mist Keep in Mind: If you only have houseplants in one room, this unit may be more than you need. Console-style humidifiers are a good choice for treating a large area or even the whole house. This one covers up to 3,600 square feet, so you don’t need to buy a unit for each room where you have plants. At 20.5x21.5x14.5 inches, it’s larger than tabletop models, but casters make it easy to move around as needed. This is an evaporative model, so it will add invisible moisture to your home. This humidifier includes a digital humidistat that automatically keeps the humidity at a set level—so no more wondering about the relative humidity near your plants. The fan in the unit will automatically adjust as needed to help maintain your desired humidity level. Since it has a large 3.6-gallon tank, it can run up to 36 hours before it needs to be refilled. However, keep in mind that in a cold climate in winter, the tank may need to be refilled more often as it works to humidify the whole house. The unit will shut off automatically when the water tank is empty. There is also an indicator to let you know when water is running low or when you need to check the wicking filter. Although the unit is larger than tabletop models, the tank is still easy to refill at the sink. Price at time of publish: $146 Product Details: Room Size: 3,600 square feet | Tank Capacity: 3.6 gallons | Run Time: Up to 36 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool Mist (Evaporative) Keep in Mind: The water tank has a fun shape that ups the style quotient, but some reviewers have noted that this makes it awkward to refill. This humidifier boasts several features that make it stand out from the crowd. One highlight of this model is its long run time. Depending on the mist control setting, this humidifier can run continuously for 10 to 24 hours. A large one-gallon tank and high mist output make this model a good choice for large rooms up to 500 square feet. If you use it in a smaller room you can choose a lower mist output and still get the humidity you need. This quiet, ultrasonic cool mist humidifier offers two different nozzles—a single and dual mist nozzle—so you have more control over the mist output. Both nozzles can be rotated 360 degrees so you can aim the mist where you want it (toward a collection of plants, for example). An optional nightlight (bonus: you can choose between a green, red, or blue light) provides pleasant, soft lighting, rather than a harsh light that’s shining in your eyes as you try to sleep. It also has an automatic shut-off feature and will turn off when the water level is low or the water tank is removed. It comes with a five-year warranty, but you won’t likely need to replace it immediately. Price at time of publish: $60 Product Details: Room Size: 500 square feet | Tank Capacity: One gallon | Run Time: 10–24 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool Mist Keep in Mind: It’s powered by a USB cable, but it’s not rechargeable, so be aware that you’ll need to keep it plugged in at all times. This petite humidifier measures just 3.74x5.07 inches, so it’s easy to move between rooms as needed or take with you for use in a hotel room. It features two modes: a continuous spray of mist that lasts for six hours and an intermittent spray that runs for 12 hours. The humidifier automatically shuts off when the water level is too low. Be aware that this model is not intended for use with essential oils or distilled water, which will cause the cotton swab in the unit to clog. The cotton core might need to soak for a few minutes before you turn on the humidifier each time. You’ll need to plug this unit into a USB outlet or a USB port on your laptop or in your car (a USB cable is included). Operating below 28 decibels, it’s quiet enough for you to sleep beside it—and a nightlight adds a soft light that’s not so bright that it will keep you awake. (Or you have the option to turn off the nightlight feature if you prefer.) It’s available in several fun colors, so you can match your room’s décor if you’d like. You’ll need to purchase additional cotton sticks and replace them periodically (about every three months), so the humidifier will continue to work well. Price at time of publish: $18 Product Details: Room Size: Not Listed | Tank Capacity: 500 milliliters/ .13 gallons | Run Time: 6–12 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool Mist Keep in Mind: It’s a little pricier than some other standard cool mist humidifiers, and the price of replacement filters will add to the cost over time. (They recommend you replace the filter every six weeks.) This humidifier is an evaporative model, which uses a wick filter and fan to pull air in, turn it into water vapor, and then send that water vapor back out into the room. (Note: you won’t see a stream of mist with these humidifiers, but they are still working.) Sensors on this unit tell the machine to turn on and off as needed to keep an optimal humidity level. They also ensure that it keeps running until it’s dry inside, which helps prevent the growth of mold within the machine. It’s also easy to clean as all the parts are dishwasher safe. It includes a paper filter which helps to trap any contaminants before the water vapor is released into the air. This humidifier also uses UV light to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria, mold, and viruses in the water tank. If you run it on Auto mode, it will increase humidity at night—to maximize moisturizing benefits for your skin. You can also use essential oils with this humidifier; place the aroma puck on the top grate and add a few drops of essential oils. This humidifier is small enough to work on a bedside table, or of course, it can also easily fit on a table or plant stand near your houseplants. The light labeled water will come on when you need to refill the tank, and “Filter” will illuminate when you need to replace the filter. They sell filters through their website, or you can sign up for a subscription to receive new filters periodically. Price at time of publish: $125 Product Details: Room Size: 500 square feet | Tank Capacity: 2.5 liters | Run Time: 18–36 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool Mist (Evaporative) Keep in Mind: You’ll have to refill the tank often; if you don’t care about using essential oils, this might not be the unit for you. This combination of essential oil diffuser and humidifier promises to look so cute sitting on a bedside table! Seven LED light colors add a little fun to the mundane world of humidifiers. (You can choose one color or set it to cycle through them all.) The unit will help humidify rooms up to 300 square feet. You can set it so that mist is emitted constantly or choose the intermittent setting, which puts out mist every 10 seconds. You can also choose whether you want a high mist level or a low mist level. If you don’t want to run it all the time, you can set a timer to turn it off after a 60, 120, or 180-minute time frame—three hours a day may be all you need for your houseplants, depending on your climate and the current season. You can turn off the light at night while sleeping or use it as a nightlight. The unit also comes with a remote control to make it easier to change settings from the bed. An upgraded water baffle design makes this new model quieter than older models. The water tank is designed with a slight slope so the remaining water won’t collect at the bottom; it will also shut off automatically when the water runs out. Price at time of publish: From $26 Product Details: Room Size: 300 square feet | Tank Capacity: 500 milliliters | Run Time: 16 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool Mist Keep in Mind: If you have hard water, the manufacturer recommends you add an extra filter to the water tank to help purify the water and reduce the white dust created when it runs, Thanks to the 6.5 Liter/1.72-gallon tank and six levels of mist output, this unit can humidify rooms up to 861 square feet and runs for up to 72 hours. (Say goodbye to daily refills.) A built-in humidistat allows you to customize the humidity level and set it between 30–90 percent humidity when the humidifier is running in normal mode. If you don’t want to get up from bed to change the setting on the humidifier, no problem—you can use the included remote control. The unit will automatically shut off when the water is running out, and the nozzle can rotate 360 degrees so you can better control the direction of the mist output. You can also choose between warm and cool mist for more flexibility. The top-fill design of this humidifier makes it easy to refill and decreases the chance of leaks. This unit also includes an essential oil tray (yes, you can use essential oils with it!) and a sleep mode that operates at only 20 decibels to ensure you get a good night’s sleep. If you’re running this humidifier for your houseplants during the day, you can set a timer when you leave work and run it between 1-12 hours. Price at time of publish: $110 Product Details: Room Size: 861 square feet | Tank Capacity: 6.5 Liter/1.72-gallon tank | Run Time: 72 hours | Mist Temperature: Warm and Cool Mist
What to Know About Humidifiers Before Shopping
Room Size
You can purchase a humidifier designed for a single room or the whole house. Compact, portable models produce enough mist output to raise the humidity level in a small room, but you’ll likely need to buy a larger unit for bigger rooms. Most models will list the square feet they’ll cover—be sure to measure the room where you want to put the humidifier so you can find one that’s right for your specific space. The best humidifier for plants is not necessarily the largest unit, but rather one that fits the size of the room where you want to display your plants.
Tank Capacity
Tank sizes can vary a lot from one humidifier to the next, and no magic tank size that makes any particular unit the best humidifier for plants. Smaller tank sizes may be easier and less cumbersome to fill, but they’ll need to be refilled more often. Remember, smaller tank capacities also generally lead to shorter run times. Consider whether you are okay with refilling the tank every day or if you would prefer to do that task less often.
Run Time
The run time refers to the amount of time a humidifier will produce mist before the tank needs to be refilled. Before choosing a humidifier, determine how long you want to use the humidifier each day. Do you want to use it all day or just at night? Smaller units generally have shorter run times, but be aware that the best humidifier for plants may not need to be a model that runs all day; several hours a day may be enough to boost your plant’s health especially if it’s placed near your plants. Also, be aware that if a humidifier offers variable mist output settings, run times can differ depending on how much mist you choose to disperse into the room.
Mist Temperature
Humidifiers can produce cool or warm mist—and some units produce both. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Cool mist units provide a room-temperature mist. Because they don’t heat the water, they typically use less energy. Warm mist models heat the water to boiling, which uses slightly more energy, but they kill germs and impurities in the water, so they aren’t dispersed into your room. Warm mist humidifiers may feel nice when temperatures outside dip, but because they can cause your nasal passages to swell, they are not the best choice if you have a cold or allergies.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the benefits of using a humidifier for plants?
Many common houseplants are native to the tropical rainforest region, so they love warm, humid environments. “The key to making any plant thrive is to replicate its native environment as closely as possible,” says Hancock. “If plants don’t have enough humidity in the air they might not be able to maintain their beautiful foliage, and you might see brown tips and brown edges.” In general, the thinner the leaves the more important humidity is to the plant.
How long should you run a humidifier for plants at one time?
Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy answer to this question. How long you should run the humidifier depends on your climate and the type of plants you have, Hancock says. In some climates where you are running the furnace during the winter, that heated air can be very dry. “The drier the air, the more often you’ll want to run the humidifier,” Hancock says. The best humidifiers for plants make plant care easier by including sensors that tell the humidifier to stop running after it gets to a certain humidity level. Hancock also suggests placing plants with higher humidity needs closer to the humidifier. Just be careful not to put them too close. “You don’t want it so close that it’s getting moisture on the leaves as that can cause disease,” Hancock says.
Who We Are
Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a freelance writer who regularly covers home and garden topics. To write this article, she spent time researching humidifiers online, investigating various technologies, comparing user reviews, and looking for the best humidifiers for plants. She also talked to Justin Hancock, a horticulturist with Costa Farms, to learn more about why humidifiers are beneficial for plants and find out how best to use them to boost plant health.
