The 11 Best Humidifiers for Plants, Tested and Reviewed
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Say goodbye to dry air and hello to happy plants with these models
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
While it may seem excessive to purchase a humidifier for plants, you’ll also reap the benefits of better air quality and added moisture in your own home. Whether you realized it or not, our homes’ AC and heating systems can actually dry out the soil and air conditions for plants, making it harder for them to thrive in such a controlled environment. “By increasing the humidity in a room, houseplants can thrive and grow from the benefit of added moisture,” says Laura Root, Merchant and Category Manager for Live Plants at Jackson & Perkins. “A humidifier is an easy solution for plants to combat dry homes that can occur in certain regions or during the winter months.”
Although any humidifier is sure to benefit your plants, ultrasonic humidifiers are especially great models. “Ultrasonic humidifiers are popular for plants because they produce a fine mist easily absorbed by the plants,” says Root. “But they can produce too much moisture and cause water to accumulate on the leaves.” With Root’s guidance in mind, we reviewed all of our humidifier testing results—from both The Lab and real world scenarios—and evaluated the models that really excelled at increasing room humidity and were generally easy to use. We also focused our list on ultrasonic models, with the exception of a few evaporative models with warm mist capabilities.
While our testing process has evolved over the past year, the importance of properly cleaning any humidifier model has remained clear from the start. In our latest round of testing, we collected bacteria cultures from each humidifier’s water tank. Based on the size and frequency of bacteria growth, we recommend looking for an easy-to-clean humidifier and using distilled water when possible (we did this throughout our testing trials). Ahead, you’ll find the best humidifiers for plants that excel at increasing humidity while remaining relatively low maintenance to clean and control.
Best Overall: Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier
What We Like
Quiet
Very fine mist
Easy to operate and refill
Auto shut off
What We Don’t Like
Water collects in reservoir
No directional spout
When it comes to finding a reliable humidifier that will keep your plants happy without overwhelming their moisture capacity, the Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier is our top choice. While this humidifier may seem almost too sleek to serve as just a humidity source for your houseplants, we think it’s a great unobstructive model that can be placed in a living room or home office to accompany your plants. This humidifier produced a very fine mist during our testing period, and it left no residue on surrounding surfaces. It offers the perfect balance of effectively humidifying an area without overwhelming plant leaves with excess water droplets.
It’s also simple to set up, turn on, and refill thanks to a single dial and removable water tank. You can move the dial up or down to produce your desired mist amount, but there is no visual indicator like a digital screen. An automatic shut-off feature also lights up when this humidifier runs out of water. Of all the feedback we reported about this humidifier, we noticed repeated notes about how quiet this humidifier was, which could be a huge benefit if you plan to use it in a bedroom or office that has houseplants.
We had just a few minor complaints about this humidifier, but they did not greatly impact our overall pleasant experience during testing. First, this humidifier doesn’t have a directional spout, so you cannot ensure that the mist is pointed directly at houseplants. This model also has a water reservoir where circulated water is dispensed and must be disposed of. So while this humidifier does have an impressive water capacity and run time, you may still have to check on it to ensure the reservoir does not overflow. As far as ultrasonic humidifiers for plants go, we don’t think you could score a more user-friendly and affordable model compared to this Honeywell pick. At under $100, its effectiveness and sleek design make it a worthy tool for caring for your houseplants.
How It Performed Long-Term
We found ourselves using this humidifier most often at night. It continued to perform well even with six months of continuous use. Despite the inconvenience of having to empty the water reservoir, we were pleased with its quality and performance given the affordable price point.
Price at time of publish: $75
Tank Capacity: 1.25 gallons | Run Time: Up to 24 hours | Coverage Area: Not listed
Best Overall, Runner-Up: Crane 4-in-1 Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier EE-8086
What We Like
Easy to monitor water levels
Adjustable spout
Demineralization filter
What We Don’t Like
Not as effective on low setting
Must be descaled regularly
A close second to our best overall pick, the Crane 4-in-1 Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is another great model for plants that’s even more affordable at under $70. From the unboxing to the cleaning process, we repeatedly noted how easy this model is to understand and use. We also love that the mist spout can be rotated 360 degrees to aim the output directly at plants. Thanks to the clear water tank, you can also easily monitor the water level and refill it before it runs out.
While we didn’t notice as much of a difference when sitting with this humidifier on the lower setting, we did feel a major difference in temperature when this humidifier was running on its highest setting. The humidity level in the room also increased more when this model was at its highest setting. As is the case with any humidifier model, this humidifier should be cleaned regularly because it did have some bacterial growth on it after several days of regular use. However, the process for descaling and thoroughly cleaning is pretty straightforward. You can also rest assured knowing that your plants won’t suffer from excess minerals being deposited on their leaves thanks to this humidifier’s demineralization filter. The filter removes minerals from the water before it is distributed into the air.
In addition to being an excellent humidifier, this model also has a nightlight setting and three different sound machine noises, making it a great choice for a bedroom with live plants. However, we did not test these features, so we cannot speak to the noise level of the sound machine. This humidifier is also relatively quiet when running and could serve as a soothing source of white noise on its own as well.
Price at time of publish: $65
Tank Capacity: 1 gallon | Run Time: Up to 24 hours | Coverage Area: 500 square feet
Best Budget: LEVOIT LUH-D302-WUS Humidifiers for Bedroom Large Room
What We Like
Easy to operate and refill
Very quiet
Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like
Could not notice humidity far away from unit
While this model is simple in design, it’s very effective at increasing nearby humidity, especially when on its highest setting. Plus, the under $50 price point is hard to beat. The setup process for this humidifier was little more than removing plastic packaging and plugging it in. It also quickly began producing mist, but we could not notice a visible difference between the lower and higher settings. You can easily adjust the mist output via the dial.
Unlike some of the other humidifier models in this roundup, this small unit has a top-fill design, making it super easy to refill from a pitcher of water, rather than having to carry a tank to the sink. The top fill design also made this humidifier easier to clean and ensure that everything was wiped down completely. We also appreciated its quiet operation and think it would be a great addition to a common area or any other room in your home thanks to its compact design. While we loved this humidifier’s capabilities on its highest setting, we will point out that we could not feel (or register) a significant difference in the room’s humidity when sitting further away from this unit. We recommend ensuring that this humidifier is just a few feet away from any plants you’re trying to target. Overall, this humidifier is a great budget pick for busy households that are looking for an appliance that’s easy to maintain.
Price at time of publish: $44
Tank Capacity: 0.79 gallons | Run Time: Up to 25 hours | Coverage Area: 290 square feet
Best Small: Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
What We Like
Adjustable spout
Cleaning brush included
BPA-free water tank
What We Don’t Like
Small water tank opening
This humidifier from Pure Enrichment might not look like the most impressive option, but we couldn’t get over its powerful operation in such a compact size. With such a small footprint, you can easily place this humidifier on a bookshelf, nightstand, or window sill. While it doesn’t have as large of a tank, it still boasts a 25-hour run time on the lowest setting. It also has an adjustable mist spout, so you can aim the humidity directly at your indoor plants for optimum moisture retention. We also noticed a visible difference in the mist output between the two levels, so you can easily adjust the humidity to your plant's needs and your home’s environment.
The water tank is also BPA-free, so it won’t release any microplastics into the mist that may settle on your plant leaves. Although this humidifier is very simple to refill, it may not be the easiest to clean because of the small water tank opening. However, we appreciated the rounded design and the included cleaning brush, which did ease the difficulty of the cleaning process. Plus, the clear water tank makes it easy to monitor this humidifier’s water levels, and an auto-shutoff feature will turn it off once it does run out of water. As far as simple and low maintenance goes, you can’t go wrong with this Pure Enrichment humidifier model.
How It Performed Long-Term
Although we wish this humidifier was a little more aesthetically pleasing, we are still very satisfied with its performance after several months of use in one of our homes. We even noted that our indoor plants really seemed to love the added humidity in the environment. This humidifier continues to be an easy to operate and refill option for anyone who may not care about finding a minimalistic design.
Price at time of publish: $50
Tank Capacity: 0.40 gallons | Run Time: Up to 25 hours | Coverage Area: 250 square feet
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Best Warm Mist: Vicks VWC775 Dual Comfort Cool Warm Mist
What We Like
Great for tropical plants
Dual rotating nozzles
Very effective
What We Don’t Like
Requires more diligent cleaning
While a warm mist humidifier is certainly not the right tool for every houseplant, it can be a great choice for plant enthusiasts with indoor tropical plants. Since such plants typically thrive in warmer climates, a warm mist humidifier can help imitate the warmth and humidity that plants like philodendrons, ferns, monsteras, and fiddle leaf figs thrive in. We found that the Vick’s Dual Comfort Cool Warm Mist humidifier was not only incredibly effective at increasing the humidity in our testing area, but it also easily increased the temperature of the room when operating on its warm mist setting. We also loved that this model had dual mist nozzles, so we could effectively distribute moisture to the entire room, or concentrate it on one specific spot.
We found this humidifier easy to refill, but the tank is rather heavy when full, so we recommend keeping the base unit close by if possible. While we had no major issues while cleaning this humidifier, we want to note that it will require more diligent cleaning compared to other humidifiers that do not have a warm mist setting. The heating element on warm mist humidifiers can encourage the growth of bacteria, so you should be sure to regularly clean the water tank and supporting pieces. The cleaning brush will help with scrubbing off any mineral build-up in nooks and crannies.
Since this humidifier is also an evaporative model, rather than an ultrasonic model, it may be slightly louder because of the fan. However, we did not experience a major disturbance other than the occasional water gurgle. All in all, we were very pleased with this humidifier’s performance and think it’s a great option for plant owners that live in cooler climates.
Price at time of publish: $99
Tank Capacity: 1.2 gallons | Run Time: Up to 40 hours | Coverage Area: Not listed
Best Room Humidifier: Lacidoll 4.2 Gal. Cool Mist Ultrasonic Whole House Humidifier
What We Like
Adjustable humidistat
Top-fill design
Timer
UV sterilization
What We Don’t Like
Heavy
Difficult to clean
If you live in a small apartment with plants throughout, then you may want to consider a larger humidifier that can easily humidify the entire space. Despite being intimidated by its size and advanced features, we were very impressed with this Lacidoll humidifier’s performance. Setup was a breeze thanks to detailed instructions and thorough charts and diagrams that explained exactly what each button the remote and touch screen did. Unlike other humidifiers in our roundup, we’re especially keen on this humidifier’s built-in and adjustable humidistat, which offers a live reading of the environment’s humidity and can be adjusted to your preferred humidity level. This feature is a huge plus for plant owners who want to closely monitor ideal environments and humidities for their plants. A temperature reading is also displayed on the digital screen, so you can see how the humidity impacts a room’s temperature.
This humidifier is heavier than other options in our roundup, especially when completely full, so we recommend picking a designated spot for it in your home. The top-fill design also eliminates the need to fuss over removing a water tank. The larger capacity—although a great feature to avoid frequent refills—does make this humidifier challenging to clean. However, we found it was easy to separate the tank from other supporting pieces and ensure all parts were well-cleaned. A UV sterilization feature should also help minimize the amount of bacteria growth, although we were not able to fully test this feature to understand its effectiveness. You should also wipe the outside of this model about once a week to prevent dust from accumulating.
Aside from all of these other amazing features we’ve mentioned, this model’s most compelling piece was the mist tube, which dispersed the humidity much better than the mist cover. We also loved that the tube could be rotated to concentrate dispersion wherever needed. This feature could be especially useful for plant parents that have a corner or shelf full of indoor plants. You can also select a timer from 1 hour to 12 hours, so you don’t forget about turning off the humidifier, once your plants have reached their ideal humidity levels. While this humidifier may be too effective for one smaller room, it’s a great option for smaller, open-concept homes and apartments with plants throughout the area.
Price at time of publish: $169
Tank Capacity: 4.2 gallons | Run Time: Up to 60 hours | Coverage Area: 1,000 square feet
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Best Evaporative: Levoit 6L Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier
What We Like
Memory function
Warm mist function
Dual mist nozzles
Auto-adjustments for humidity
What We Don’t Like
No designated fill line
Difficult to clean
While many plant owners appreciate ultrasonic humidifiers because of the fine mist they produce, an evaporative humidifier can be a great option for homes full of tropical plants that need warmer climates or anyone who prefers to have a filtered model, as ultrasonic humidifiers also often don’t have filters. We appreciated this LEVOIT model’s user-friendly setup and controls during testing. We also found it quickly heated up when set to a warm mist setting, despite the instruction manual saying it would need around 15 minutes. Unlike our best warm mist pick, this model does feature a built-in humidistat, so you can easily see how quickly the humidity in a room is increasing via the humidifier’s digital screen. It will also automatically adjust mist levels to decrease or increase humidity based on the ideal setting you choose.
The dual mist nozzles make it easy to evenly disperse humidity throughout a room or concentrate it in one direction if your plants are all in the same corner. A memory function also ensures this humidifier returns to its former settings when you turn it back on. While we found this model relatively easy to fill up, the water tank does not have a designated fill line, and the instruction manual also does not offer any guidance on knowing when it's at max capacity. The square water tank is also slightly challenging to clean, but the included cleaning brush helps ensure all of the nooks and crannies are free from buildup. While a warm mist evaporative humidifier may not be the best for every plant, we enjoyed using this larger humidifier to effectively monitor and change the humidity in our space.
How It Performed Long-Term
We used this humidifier in one of our homes for six months and appreciated how it consistently kept our home’s air more moisturized. Although we feel that you could find similar models at a lower price point, the additional features like automatic humidity control, a built-in humidistat, and a timer, all make this model worth the splurge. We also appreciated that we could use it on the floor, rather than placing it on a table since it is still a larger model.
Price at time of publish: $100
Tank Capacity: 1.59 gallons | Run Time: Up to 50 hours | Coverage Area: 753 square feet
Best Portable: Geniani Portable Small Cool Mist Humidifier
What We Like
Easy to fill
Impressive run time
Easy to store when not in use
What We Don’t Like
Confusing to cycle through settings
Not effective for a large area
If you live in an already humid or warm climate, your indoor plants likely don’t need additional humidity to thrive. However, if you notice your plants suffering when it’s especially dry outside, this portable humidifier from GENIANI is the perfect compact model to easily plug in and operate in a pinch. We found the overall setup and filling process to be a breeze since this model basically comes assembled out of the box. The water tank is also just a cup that secures onto the base of the humidifier, making it easy to refill and transport back to the top unit.
We experienced a bit of initial confusion when trying to cycle through this humidifier’s setting with a single button. Each setting can be selected by a different series of button pushes, but once we figured out the cadence, the process became less of a challenge. The continuous setting offers a constant light mist while the intermittent setting pulses mist on and off about every 10 seconds. Due to its size, this humidifier would not be the best choice if you have several plants to care for, but it’s perfect for a single plant that needs extra attention.
How It Performed Long-Term
We continued to use this small but mighty humidifier for six months and loved how effective it was at calming cold symptoms when used in close proximity. While the power cable is short and did not come with a wall plug, the USB port can easily be plugged into a computer or a wall converter.
Price at time of publish: $33
Tank Capacity: 250 milliliters | Run Time: Up to 8 hours | Coverage Area: 65 square feet
Best Smart: LEVOIT OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier
What We Like
Detailed instructions
Can schedule routines
Smart auto-humidity mode
Can scan plants to identify ideal humidity
What We Don’t Like
Cleaning takes some time
You may notice that this humidifier is also our best smart pick in our larger best humidifiers roundup and that’s because it’s just that good. However, this model is a real winner for the plants category because you can scan your houseplants through the VeSync app and create ideal humidity settings for them. It doesn’t get much more hands-free than that. Through the app, you’re also able to set up automations so that the humidifier turns off when you leave your home, when you wake up in the morning, or even when the ideal humidity level is reached. Aside from an impressive suite of smart features, we also found this humidifier easy to operate in general during our testing period. A detailed instruction manual and quick start guide made the setup a breeze. The humidity change was definitely more gradual with this model, and we did not get to test the warm mist setting, so we cannot speak to how quickly it heats up. A sleep mode allows you to turn off all of the lights on the humidifier, making it a great choice for bedrooms, plus it’s incredibly quiet.
As with any large humidifier, cleaning can be quite the challenge for this model due to its size and warm mist features. We found this model had the largest amount of bacterial growth (out of the five we tested during our latest round of testing), and it required almost 40 minutes to soak in vinegar during the descaling process. This made our testing area and our hands smell, which was slightly unpleasant. However, the large top opening still makes this humidifier still pretty simple to clean compared to other units with smaller openings. All this said, we still think this humidifier is a winner, especially if you’re keen to know exactly what humidity is best for your houseplants.
Price at time of publish: $80
Tank Capacity: 1.19 gallons | Run Time: Up to 45 hours | Coverage Area: 430 square feet
Best Runtime: Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
What We Like
Very quiet
Easy to clean
Simple to set up
What We Don’t Like
Difficult to monitor water level
Drips when refilling
Although this humidifier does not have the longest runtime in our roundup because of its size, we think this model’s runtime is the most noteworthy because of its simple design. Even though we left this model running for 8 hours at a time, it only used about 5 cups of water—out of the 16 cups we filled it with—on the lowest setting and 9 cups on the highest setting. Similar to other more basic models in our roundup, this humidifier is controlled via a dial that adjust the mist level from minimum to maximum. All we had to do to setup this humidifier was unbox it, plug it in, and fill up the water tank. We were very impressed by its near quiet operation only making the occasional gurgle sound when set on any of its levels.
This humidifier is slightly more difficult to monitor, as you can only see the water level once it reaches a lower point that is then viewed through a small window on the side of the unit. While this design makes it a sleeker option than some of the other models we’ve tested, it made us weary of knowing when it needed to be refilled. However, the water tank is quite large and can easily be refilled under a sink. We will note that because the water reservoir is in the base of this humidifier, it does tend to drip a bit when removing and replacing the water tank.
The cleaning process for this model was surprisingly straightforward, despite it having a smaller opening on the water tank. We did not notice any mineral buildup and only saw a small spec of bacterial growth from the swab we pulled. This is to be expected though, since we were testing in an unsterilized environment. All in all, we don’t think you could find a simpler humidifier that can be left to do its thing and keep your plants happy.
Price at time of publish: $70
Tank Capacity: 1.59 gallons | Run Time: Up to 50 hours | Coverage Area: 500 square feet
Best Dual Mist: Lasko LA10008 UH300 Warm and Cool Humidifier
What We Like
Cleaning brush included
Noticeable difference between mist levels
Can be placed on table or floor
What We Don’t Like
Difficult to clean
May be difficult to refill under some faucets
Having a humidifier that can disperse mist in different directions can be a game changer for homes with several plants to care for. This model from Lasko impressed us with its warm and cool mist settings and swiveling mist nozzle that can be split in two directions and concentrated in the same place. Unlike other humidifiers we tested that did not seem to disperse a different amount of vapor with the different levels, this humidifier had a definite visible difference in the amount of mist dispersed on each level. The warm mist setting did take a bit of time to reach its peak warmth, but we appreciated the slight temperature difference it offered. Just like some of the other more expensive humidifiers in this roundup, this model has touchscreen buttons for the mist levels, humidistat, temperature, power, light, and timer.
We also liked that this humidifier could be placed on a floor or larger piece of furniture thanks to its significant size. However, the size did become a cause for concern when it came time to refill the water tank. The water tank is a tall rectangle, so it may not fit under smaller bathroom sinks. It also has a smaller opening, so it is more difficult to clean, although the included cleaning brush does ease the process slightly. While its overall performance sold us during testing, we also think the pivoting mist nozzles are a major factor for anyone who has a large space full of multiple plants that need extra moisture.
How It Performed Long-Term
This humidifier has continued to perform well even after six months of regular use. We’ve found it’s convenient to operate—although the touchscreen can get glitchy if your fingers are wet. While this humidifier may be bigger than what some plants may need, it’s a great option for larger apartment with plants spread throughout.
Price at time of publish: $100
Tank Capacity: 1.29 gallons | Run Time: Up to 100 hours on low, cool setting; up to 75 hours on low, warm setting | Coverage Area: 600 square feet
If you’re looking for an effective humidifier to care for your plants, that’s also relatively affordable, we recommend the Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier, our best overall pick. It not only has a super fine mist that will settle on your plant leaves without overpowering them, but it also is incredibly quiet and aesthetically pleasing to leave out all the time. If you have tropical plants that need warmer conditions to thrive, we recommend checking out our best warm mist pick, the Vick's VWC775 Dual Comfort Cool Warm Mist. This humidifier easily switches from cool to warm mist with the press of a button and quickly warms up to produce a fine mist and add warmth to your space.
How We Tested The Humidifiers
While we did not conduct separate testing alongside plants with any of these humidifiers, all our testing iterations still evaluated the overall effectiveness of the 45 total humidifiers we’ve tested over the past year. We consulted experts prior to researching and writing this topic to ensure that we had previously tested the correct humidifier models for plants. Once confirmed, we reviewed all of our testing data and focused on ultrasonic models that had excelled during testing. We also included several evaporative models that excelled because of unique features like warm mist, smart capabilities, or dual mist spouts. The following is a summary of all of our humidifier testing.
Our four rounds of humidifier testing have varied slightly over the past year with our latest round of testing being the most sophisticated. We initially tested 27 humidifiers in The Lab and assessed them on their setup, effectiveness, design, size, ease of cleaning, and overall value. We tried to simulate real-world circumstances in our first test, using the humidifiers in different-sized rooms and considering each model’s noise production. After this round of testing, we used 16 of the top-performing models in our own homes for six months and assessed them on the same qualities. To better understand each humidifier’s performance over the course of a day, we evolved our second round of testing to consist of eight-hour testing periods with each humidifier being monitored and room humidity levels being taken after one hour, four hours, and eight hours.
Our third and fourth iterations of testing involved the same testing period length with six separate trials, but we conducted further testing on the cleaning process for each humidifier. After the sixth eight-hour trial for each model, we collected a bacteria culture from the water tank to better understand how quickly each model produced bacteria. This helped us improve our understanding of how important it is for humidifiers to be cleaned on a regular basis. For a more detailed explanation of our humidifier testing process, you can read our How We Tested section in our Best Humidifiers roundup.
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
What to Look for in Humidifiers for Plants
Operating Design
There are two main types of humidifiers: ultrasonic and evaporative. While both designs accomplish the same result and can be very effective for increasing a room’s overall humidity, the way they create water vapor is slightly different.
Ultrasonic: Ultrasonic humidifiers disperse ultrafine mist into the air through sound waves that are created by inner ceramic plates. Once the mist is released into the room, it evaporates and over time, increases the humidity of the room.
Evaporative: Evaporative humidifiers use a fan to blow water through a filter, consequently evaporating and becoming water vapor. These humidifiers can be louder since they use a fan and they can also use more energy if they have a heating element for warm mist.
Because ultrasonic humidifiers release a mist first, they can be a popular choice for plants that benefit from moisture landing directly on their leaves. However, you’ll want to be sure you don’t place a humidifier too close to your plants as it may have the opposite of your desired effect. “The humidifier should not be close to the plants or the moisture will start to condense on the leaves and over-saturate the soil,” says Laura Root, Merchant and Category Manager for Live Plants at Jackson & Perkins. “Keep it a few feet away.” If you’re worried about finding the correct humidity level for your plants, we recommend looking for a model like the Levoit OasisMist™ 450S Smart Humidifier. This model was our best smart pick and excelled at delivering live humidity levels via its onboard screen. You can also download the coordinating app and scan your plants to learn exactly how to best care for them.
Mist Temperature
While ultrasonic humidifier models offer cool mist only, evaporative humidifiers can be equipped with a heating element to produce warm mist. Warm mist is especially beneficial for tropical plants that thrive in warm, humid climates. Several of the models in our roundup have warm mist settings, but our best warm mist pick, the Vick's VWC775 Dual Comfort Cool Warm Mist, impressed us the most because of how quickly it was able to heat up. Some models can take as long as 15 minutes to reach peak temperatures, but the Vicks Dual Comfort was producing warm mist within minutes of us turning it on.
Keep in mind that your environment will also determine the type of mist temperature you may need for your plants. “Naturally humid, topical climates may not need to use one [a humidifier] since the air is naturally moist and sufficient for the plant,” says Root. “And on the opposite end, dry climates can benefit from using humidifiers for their plants.” It’s also important to note that not every plant enjoys a in humid climate. “Plants like cacti or succulents thrive in dry climates so a humidifier is not necessary and could be detrimental to the plant,” adds Root.
Size and Capacity
Just as you don’t want to over-water a plant, you don’t want to create too humid of an environment for them. A high humidity in your home can also impact furniture and linens, so it’s best to carefully monitor the humidity levels in your home. The size and water tank capacity of a humidifier model have a great impact on the production of water vapor and mist. If you only have a few plants in your home, it might be best to stick to a smaller humidifier. However, if you have a sunroom or other room in your home full of plants, you may want a large model that can humidify a larger space. In general, it’s best to keep the size of your home—or the room where your plants are located—in mind before purchasing a humidifier that could potentially overwhelm the space and your plants.
Our best small model, the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, is ideal for smaller rooms in your house that may only host a few plants. Its compact size and dimensions allow it to easily be positioned on a coffee table, shelf, bedside table, or dresser. If you have a large open-concept apartment or home, you may want to splurge on a larger humidifier that can direct mist exactly toward your plants. The Lacidoll 4.2 Gal. Cool Mist Ultrasonic Whole House Humidifier has a large capacity tank that’s easy to refill and it can be positioned on the floor of a larger room. It also has a mist tube that can be pivoted 360 degrees to direct mist toward your plants.
Care and Maintenance
As we mentioned at the beginning of this roundup, humidifiers by design require regular cleaning to function properly and prevent bacteria growth. If you prefer to have a humidifier with a filter to remove minerals and other contaminants before they evaporate into your home’s air, we recommend considering one of the humidifiers on our list that come with a filter. However, we recommend using distilled water with any humidifier which already has minerals removed from it.
The Everlasting Comfort 50-Hour Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier not only has a filter but also was relatively easy to clean, earning it high marks during our testing. We found the water tank was easy to access, despite the bottom fill design, and it had minimal bacteria growth after the final three 8-hour testing rounds. If you’re not familiar with the care process for humidifiers, there are several ways you can clean a portable humidifier such as through a decaling process with vinegar or simply allowing it to soak.
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Frequently Asked Questions
Do humidifiers really help plants?
Humidifiers can be a great tool for plants that don’t seem to thrive in their current indoor environment. As Root mentioned, humidifiers are an easy way to combat the dry air found in homes with central heating and air conditioning. While a humidifier can be very beneficial for a variety of plants, it’s best to do your own research before buying one to ensure that your specific plants need more humidity. Once you’ve purchased a humidifier, Root says: “It’s a good idea to monitor the humidity levels to ensure they are not too damp or too humid. Each plant has varying moisture needs so research into the requirements of each plant is helpful as well.”
If your plants still seem unhappy after you’ve added a humidifier in your home, there are several other factors that you can check. Soil moisture, lighting, pest, fertilizer, and temperature can all impact your indoor plants’ ability to thrive, Root says. Consider relocating your plant to an area with more or less sunlight, adding fertilizer to provide more nutrients in the soil, or even changing the soil if it has become too damp or dry.
What kind of humidifier is best for plants?
“It generally does not matter what type of humidifier to use,” Root says. However, she pointed out that many people enjoy using ultrasonic humidifiers because they produce a mist before evaporation occurs. This mist can settle on plant leaves and function as immediate moisture relief, especially for tropical plants.
Which is better: cool mist or warm mist humidifiers?
Again, when it comes to caring for plants, choosing between a cool mist or warm mist setting is largely up to the type of plants you have in your home. Tropical plants may benefit from warm mist, but cool mist is also sufficient, if your home’s temperature is at a desirable level. Caring for plants during the winter can be a challenge because of your home’s central heating system, if you live in an area that gets especially cold. A cool mist humidifier can help level the temperature of plants and add humidity back into your space.
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Why Trust The Spruce?
Emma Phelps is an associate editor for The Spruce who has researched humidifiers and been involved in the final product selection process for our three most recent testing rounds. Phelps also wrote and updated our best humidifiers roundup, so she used her previous experience writing that article to prepare for this topic. Phelps reviewed all of our testing data and selected several ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers that stood out during testing for their basic designs, unique features, or effectiveness. For this specific roundup, Phelps also reached out to Laura Root, Merchant and Category Manager for Live Plants at Jackson & Perkins, to hear her expertise for selecting a humidifier and best practices when using them around indoor plants.
What Is The Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.
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