Humidity-loving plants wither in winter dryness. Give them the moisture they crave with one of these misters or humidifiers.
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Best Indoor Plant Humidifiers and Misters for Happy Healthy Plants
It’s essential to check your area’s USDA Hardiness Zone before putting a plant in the ground, but indoor plants provide more freedom of choice. Modern, temperature-controlled homes are suitable for all kinds of plants.
But a plant needs more than just warmth. Tropical houseplants, in particular, prefer a humid environment. If your home’s dry air is causing yellow leaves or another problem, a plant humidifier or mister should help them perk back up. Here are our picks for the best humidifiers for plants that need a little pick-me-up.
Best Room Humidifier
Levoit Humidifier
Dry air leads to dryness in plants and people. A room humidifier will benefit your skin as well as your indoor garden. This effective Levoit Humidifier isn’t the most trendy option on our list, but it emits plenty of moisture and has all the bells and whistles. It can diffuse essential oils to give your home a relaxing aroma, and it’s WiFi enabled so you can turn it on or off with your smart device.
Small Humidifier for Plants
O-Mei Stars Small Humidifier
Small pieces like vases, candles and flower pots are easy ways to incorporate color into your home décor. The O-Mei Stars Small Humidifier comes in pink and blue for the bright and cheerful decorator, but there’s a white option for minimalist homes, too. It sprays continuously for four hours on one charge, or in three-second spurts for eight hours.
Pebble Tray for Plants
BonsaiOutlet Humidity Tray
A pebble tray is a simple, natural plant humidifier that requires no electricity. Fill it with water — but not enough to cover the pebbles — and place it beneath your plant. As the water evaporates, it provides humidity for your parched greens. This drip and humidity tray comes in several sizes to fit any container.
What to Look for When Buying Indoor Plant Humidifiers and Misters
Here are some key features and factors to consider when purchasing a plant humidifier or mister:
Humidifier Type
- Ultrasonic: These units use vibrations to generate a fine, cool mist easily absorbed by plants. However, they still carry a risk of overwatering, so monitoring humidity levels is essential.
- Evaporative: This type also generates mist but uses heat to create it, producing a warm mist. It’s especially beneficial for tropical plants that thrive in warmer climates.
- Steam: This variety boils water to create steam, increasing humidity in a given space. They are usually larger, dedicated machines that require professional installation and tend to be the most expensive.
Capacity & Coverage Area
Humidifier sizes are typically measured in gallons, referring to their water tank capacity. A humidifier with a 1.5-gallon tank can cover around 400 square feet. Spaces from 400 to 1,000 square feet usually need a humidifier with a one- to three-gallon capacity, while spaces over 1,000 square feet require at least three gallons.
The necessary capacity depends on usage frequency and the number of plants. More plants and frequent use will mean more frequent refills for smaller tanks.
Adjustable Mist Settings
Some humidifiers offer adjustable mist settings, allowing more precise control over humidity output. Higher output levels work well for tropical plants, while lower settings suit heartier species like succulents.
Noise Levels
Humidifiers are generally quiet, but some models are quieter than others. If noise is a concern, look for quieter options for your indoor space.
Filter vs. Filterless
Humidifiers with a filter are healthier for you and your plants, as they filter out contaminants. However, they usually cost more to buy and maintain due to filter replacements.
Filter-free humidifiers are cheaper to own and operate but may not last as long. Over time, contaminants can build up and jam the system, potentially leading to a breakdown.
Automation & Smart Features
Some humidifiers include automatic humidity-sensing tech to adjust their output for consistent humidity. Others have smart features, like app control, which adds convenience. These features increase the price, so decide if the added cost is worth it for you.
Safety Features
Auto-shutoff, which turns off the humidifier when the tank is empty, and timers that shut off after a cycle, are valuable safety features. While not essential, they are worth considering when choosing a humidifier.
Why You Should Trust Us
Mikayla Borchert is an assistant editor for Family Handyman, specializing in indoor and outdoor gardening, organization and décor.
For this article, we consulted Graham Smith, MCIHort, the National Sales Manager at LBS Horticulture. He has extensive knowledge in the horticultural and gardening industries and prides himself on using this to help gardeners of all skills create their perfect outdoor space.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
How We Found the Best Indoor Plant Humidifiers and Misters
We began by researching indoor plant humidifiers and misters to understand the different types available, their functionalities and tech options. We evaluated a couple dozen models using expert input and customer reviews, focusing on ease of use, durability, convenience, cost and more. Finally, we selected the best options, representing a range of styles, functions and budgets.
FAQ
How often should I use a humidifier for my indoor plants?
“Ideally, using a humidifier for three to five hours a day can benefit indoor plants,” says Smith. “Certain plants, like ferns, orchids or peace lilies, benefit more from a humidifier.”
What humidity levels are ideal for tropical plants?
“Most tropical plants thrive at humidity levels around 50% to 60%,” says Smith. “However, when increasing your home’s humidity, ensure it won’t negatively impact furniture or other items.” He notes that typical homes have humidity levels around 30% to 40% and recommends using a hygrometer—a device for measuring humidity—if you have tropical plants.
Can I use a regular home humidifier for plants?
“You can use a regular home humidifier for plants, but the best type produces a fine mist, as plants absorb it more easily without leaving excess water on foliage,” says Smith. He advises cleaning the humidifier regularly and using distilled or demineralized water when possible.
