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The best humidifiers for houseplants. Keeping houseplants happy and growing well requires light, water, care, and the correct humidity.
The average humidity in a home should range between 40% to 60% for most plants to do ok.
But this may not always be the case, especially if you live in a region with extreme climates.
Your humidity might be much lower.
In addition, many tropical houseplants, such as Philodendron and Monstera, require much higher humidity levels to thrive.
They might do ok at a humidity below 60%.
But once they are at humidity levels between 60-80%, they start growing faster, develop more air roots to attach to moss poles, and get bigger and bigger leaves and stems.
Once I started using a humidifier for my plants my plant collection became much more healthy and more vigorously growing.
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The Best Humidifiers for Houseplants
The best humidifiers for houseplants manage to increase indoor humidity levels for tropical plants such as Monstera and Philodendron. They have specific misting settings, such as cool and hot misting for summer and winter, and release fine mist that doesn’t collect as drops on houseplant leaves. 40-50% humidity is needed by most plants and tropical plants thrive at 60-80% or more.
The University of Illinois states that houseplants are stressed by low humidity levels, specifically in winter, where humidity levels can drop to 20% because of all the heaters.
Raising the indoor temperature too high will also decrease the humidity, according to the University of Vermont.
The higher the air temperature is, the lower the humidity level will be with a given amount of water in the air.
Best overall humidifier for houseplants – Levoit LV660HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier
Levoit LV660HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier in my greenhouse
I have been using and testing the Levoit660HH Hybrid Ultrasonic humidifier for several years now.
It was originally bought because of the large 1.5 gal tank (6L tank), the warm and cool misting setting, and because of the overall look and its features.
I have been using the humidifier for my houseplants, both in the living room and in my grow tent, and I can testify that it works great for humidifying plants.
Really important for me was to choose a humidifier that I do not have to refill all the time.
Because if that were the case, I could also mist it by hand.
In addition, I wanted a humidifier where I could set a certain humidity level, and it would hold it so it would only become active once the humidity dropped.
Because one of my biggest fears was – I am also using the humidifier in my living room – that mold will start to build if it runs constantly.
This can be prevented with such a setting.
Levoit LV660HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier display. Currently, the humidity is at 90%
But it’s also important to place it somewhere where it is not directly blowing against a wall, and you need to make sure that you open the window now and then or that you have some other way to allow for air circulation.
I use an additional fan in my greenhouse for such purposes.
But let’s look at the biggest pros and cons after testing this particular humidifier for several years.
These are the most important pros and cons from my personal view:
Pros
- Warm & Cool Mist setting – The warm mist is especially useful for houseplants in winter and the cool mist can be used in summer
- It comes with a remote control – I love to turn it on and off without having to press a button on it
- The humidifier has a 1.5 gal tank (6L tank) – I do not constantly have to refill it as the tank is sufficient to to humidify plants for several days depending on the setting you choose and have
- It has a feature to set the desired humidity level – You can set the humidity up to 80% and it will humidify the air whenever the humidity goes below that
- Very fine mist – The mist particles are really small. You feel them in the air but they do not build up as big drops on the leaves of your houseplants. This prevents leaf rot
Cons
- It is not so easy to clean – It can be hard to reach all areas within the water tank where minerals build up after some time.
- Filling up water – When filling up the water, you must be careful not to spill any water. You have to turn around the water tank and also if you press it against anything water is released
- Price – It is a great humidifier and also looks really good, but it is certainly not the cheapest choice
I have also extensively tested its features. I first wanted to know how long the water tank would hold.
I put it in a non-automatic setting where it doesn’t hold a certain humidity level and runs.
It took almost 24 hours for the water tank to fully empty.
The humidifier in my grow tent.
The grow tent I used it in was extremely moist, and the humidity was in the 90% plus range.
My houseplants loved it.
As I grew mostly aroids such as Monstera and Philodendron, I could see an immediate change.
Air roots started to shoot out from everywhere.
Since I am keeping the grow tent as humid as possible, I also see clear signs that my plants love the added humidity as they are getting bigger and bigger leaves and are growing quickly, even in winter.
Levoit LV660HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier from above. You can see the two nozzles that you can direct.
Levoit LV660HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier Features
- Cold&Hot Misting
- Holds a specific humidity level (Auto Mode)
- Remote control
- Ultrasonic fine misting
- 1.5 gal (6L) tank
- It has no filter (which is a plus as you do not have to replace and clean it)
- It turns off automatically when there is no water in it
- It has a timer function where you can run it for a certain amount of time
The Levoit LV660HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier remote control
Technical Specifications according to Levoit:
- Power: 280W
- Voltage 120V / 60 Hz
- Tank 1.5gal / 6L
- Runtime 1-60 hours
- Cool Moisture: 300ml/h
- Warm Moisture: 500ml/h
Apart from the Levoit LV660HH, I looked at comparable humidifiers that are great for houseplants.
Sometimes other aspects are more important.
You may look for a smaller humidifier that fits your space, or you don’t want to spend too much on it.
Reasons to buy other humidifiers can also be that you are looking for other features and desings.
Best humidifier for space-saving – Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
The Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is a compact machine best suited for smaller rooms.
Being a smaller model, it only holds 0.3 gallons (1.1 liters) of water. So it will require filling more often if you run it continuously. The machine will run for up to 16 hours on a full tank. It uses Ultrasonic Cool Mist Technology.
For the operator, the machine has high-speed and low-speed settings that can be easily selected. This is less advanced than other machines, but remember that this is a smaller, cheaper model. Most users found that it is easy to use and easy to assemble.
For safety, the machine has an Automatic Shut-Off feature that kicks in when the water level is low, or the water tank is removed.
This is a great choice for indoor rooms with a smaller plant display that you want to keep moist. It has a cool modern design and will easily blend into your décor theme.
Pros
- Small and compact design
- Very quiet when running
- Two adjustable mist levels
- Easy to fill and clean
- Automatic Shut-Off feature when the water level is low, or the water tank is removed
Cons
- Smaller 0.3 gallon (1.1 liters) tank
- Water lasts for around 16 working time on a full tank
Best humidifier for a low price – Raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier Diffuser, 0.66 gallons (2.5L)
The Raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier holds 0.66 gallons (2.5 liters) of water and offers a run time of up to 12 hours on the highest setting. On the lowest setting, it will run for as long as 30 hours.
The machine has a simple design and is easy to operate. It is a top-fill device. Simply remove the lid, and add water to the tank.
A 5.9 inches (15cm) wide opening allows easy filling and cleaning. This machine does operate more efficiently with purified or distilled water.
By adjusting the rotating dial knob, you can control the mist output. It is convenient and precise and will suit people who prefer not to use digital control panels.
For safety, it has an Auto Shut-off function that turns the machine off when the water tank is empty. This is very handy and prevents your machine from burning if you forget to check on it.
The Raydrop carries a lower price and is a good choice for a beginner gardener.
Pros
- Lower price, ideal for beginner gardeners
- Easy to operate
- 0.66 gallon (2.5 liters) tank
- Runs for up to 30 hours on a low setting
- Can be used as a diffuser
- Easy manual controls for mist output
- Auto Shut-off feature
Cons
- May be too small for more advanced gardeners
- Requires purified water
Best well-priced humidifier for the features you get – Vicks Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Vicks is a world-famous brand known for products that ease breathing and congestion. Just what your plants need!
The Vicks Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier uses Ultrasonic technology and produces a cool mist suitable for an average size room.
It holds a large 1.3 gallons (5 liters) of water and will run for up to 24 hours before you refill the tank. The large tank is easy to clean and easy to fill.
I like the fact the machine does not use filters. Filters tend to collect germs, bacteria, and mold. If you don’t replace them often, you can end up with foul odors and nasties inside your machine.
If you enjoy a hint of fragrance in your home, the machine has a Scent Pad Heater that provides soothing comfort. You can use it with Vicks VapoPads. Your plants won’t be bothered by this.
This model has a unique Directional Mist Outlet control. This allows you to control the intensity and direction of the mist to suit your needs. This machine works best with distilled water as it seems to be prone to creating white dust problems.
Pros
- Well-priced for the features you get
- 1.3 gallon (5 liters) tank
- Very quiet when running
- Filter free
- Water lasts for 24 hours
- Directional Mist Outlet lets you control the direction and intensity of the mist
- Easy to fill and clean
Cons
- No automatic shut-off feature
- White dust problems if not used with distilled water
Best humidifier for Germ-Free Air – Honeywell UV Cool Moisture Germ Free Humidifier, HCM-350
The Honeywell UV Cool Moisture Germ Free Humidifier got my attention because it has a patented germ killing process built into the system. A common concern with humidifiers is that you can increase the number of bacteria and mold in your home, which is something you do not want to do.
This system claims to kill up to 99.9% of water-bred germs, mold, bacteria, and spores in the water.
This humidifier has technology that makes it 25% quieter than other comparative humidifiers. A bonus if you don’t want to hear the hum of a machine all day in your home.
Both the sound and speed levels can be adjusted by choosing one of the three settings.
The Honeywell UV Cool Moisture Germ-Free Humidifier is easy to clean. The water tank and tray are both dishwasher-safe.
It has a large tank capacity of 1.1 gallons (4 liters) and will run for up to 24 hours, so you won’t need to refill the tank constantly. It runs on a self-regulating evaporative system and is suitable for a medium-sized room.
Pros
- 1.1 gallons (4 liters) tank
- Adjustable sound and speed levels
- A patented germ-killing process built into the system
- 25% less noise than comparative models
- The water tank and tray are both dishwasher safe
- Easy to fill
Cons
- More expensive than other models
- Not compatible with essential oils
Best humidifier for larger-size rooms – Vornado Evap40 4-Gallon Evaporative Humidifier
If you are a serious indoor gardener and have a large room, the Vornado Evap40 4-Gallon Evaporative Humidifier offers a massive 4-gallon (15-liter) tank.
Accordingly, the price is also higher, but it is a high-quality machine with a 5-year warranty.
It is ideal for 1000 square feet (300 square meters). The tank offers enough water to run for 24 hours in a high setting. On a lower setting, it will run for much longer.
The humidifier features Intelligent Humidification.
This senses how much humidity is needed and then adjusts automatically to maintain your levels.
Settings on the Control Panel allow you to select your fan speed as low, medium, or high. You can also set your desired humidity level using the Humidistat Dial.
A concern with a larger tank is always the ease of cleaning and filling. The Vornado Evap40 is not a problem. There are two leak-free and spill-proof removable tanks that are simple to clean and easy to refill.
Pros
- Large 4-gallon (15 liters) tank
- Ideal for large spaces up to 1000 square feet ( 300 square meters)
- 2 spill-proof, leak-free tanks
- Control Panel settings for fan speed
- Humidistat Dial for humidity level setting
- Runs for up to 24 hours and longer on a lower setting
- Intelligent Humidification senses and adjusts to your settings
- Easy to clean and fill
Cons
- More expensive
- It may be too large for beginner indoor gardeners
Best humidifier to prevent white dust build-up – Honeywell Easy to Care Cool Mist Humidifier
The Honeywell Easy to Care Cool Mist Humidifier has a super long running time of 36 hours when set on the low-speed option.
This is ideal for people who don’t want to keep filling their humidifier tanks. The tank holds 1.5 gallons (5.6 liters) of water.
It gets filled from the top, which is very easy to do and creates less mess and the chance of spilling.
This is a stylish-looking machine that runs quietly. It has a special wicking filter that traps minerals from the water and prevents white dust from settling on your furniture and floors.
This makes the Honeywell Easy to Care Cool Mist Humidifier one of my top choices. Nothing is more irritating than finding a layer of white dust covering everything.
The filter in the machine is treated with Protec. This helps to prevent the growth of mold by up to 99.99%.
What I like most about this machine is the Illuminated water window. At a glance, you can see exactly how much water is left. The machine does turn off when the water runs out but I prefer to look at the water window and know when to turn it off myself.
Pros
- 1.5 gallon (5.6 liters) tank
- The filter is treated with Protec to prevent mold growth
- Water lasts for 36 hours on a low setting
- Top fill for ease of use
- Illuminated water level window
- Easy to fill and clean
Cons
- More expensive than other models
- A bit loud when running on the high setting
Best humidifier for low noise levels – LEVOIT Cool Mist Humidifiers for Bedroom, 2.4L
The LEVOIT Cool Mist Humidifier has a smaller tank capacity of 0.63 gallons (2.4 liters) and is suitable for a smaller room.
It will run for 24 hours at a low setting, 13 hours at a medium setting, and 9. 6 hours at a high setting. It has settings for three different mist levels.
The humidifier uses Advanced Ultrasonic Technology that turns water into a fine mist. You will never have soaking floors or furniture.
It is very well-priced and packed with features, making it an attractive option, especially for a beginner indoor gardener.
It is one of the few humidifiers that claim to be BPA-free. It also has an automatic shut-off function that switches the machine off when the water runs out.
The machine is ‘Whisper Quiet’ and has a patented silencer that only creates 24dB of sound at the low setting. The noise level of the high setting is as quiet as a library at only 30 dB. This is a great choice if noise is an issue for you.
The LEVOIT has a simple structure. The silencer is detachable, allowing you to clean it with ease. It also comes with a handy cleaning brush.
Pros
- Well priced with many features
- Auto Shut-off function when water runs out
- Very quiet with a patented silencer
- Easy to clean, comes with a cleaning brush
- Advanced Ultrasonic Technology turns water into a fine mist
- 3 mist levels
- No soaking of floors or furniture
Cons
- Smaller tank than others at 0.63 gallons (2.4 liters)
- Needs regular cleaning to prevent mold growth
Best humidifier with a lifetime warranty – AquaOasis™ Cool Mist Humidifier 2.2L
If you are looking for a low-priced, easy-to-use humidifier, the AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier 2.2L is a great option. It comes with a Lifetime warranty, which tells me I am buying a product that will last a very long time.
The AquaOasis holds 0.58 gallons (2.2 liters) of water and will run for 24 hours. It has multiple mist settings and a 360-degree rotating nozzle.
The control panel is ultra-easy to understand, and you can control and customize the mist output and flow direction to suit your space.
This model does not need filters – a bonus for me. I don’t need to worry about replacing them. Just wash the machine and it is ready to go again.
When it comes to noise, the humidifier is silent; There is no humming sound. So you can leave it on at night with no disturbance.
For added safety, it has an Automatic Shut Off. When it is out of the water, it turns off. Another great reason to consider this as an option for your indoor garden.
It also has a pleasing design and will blend into any indoor garden setting.
Pros
- Very well-priced smaller humidifier
- Easy to operate
- Runs for up to 24 hours
- Multiple mist settings
- 360-degree rotating nozzle
- Filter-free
- Totally silent operation
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- The tank is smaller than other models
- Better suited for smaller indoor gardens
Best humidifier for ease of use – GENIANI Top Fill Cool Mist Humidifiers
The GENIANI Top Fill Cool Mist Humidifier is one of the easiest to use. There is a small insert at the top of the unit that you use to pour in the water. It has a 1.06 gallon (4 liters) tank and will run for 18 hours.
Noise levels are set to a low 38dB, which is as quiet as a ticking clock. The machine is made from BPA-free plastic, a perk for people concerned about their families’ health.
The machine features a Smart Mode that automatically maintains your ideal humidity level with a built-in intelligent sensor. The machine allows you to adjust the moisturizing speed manually. It has a low, medium, or high setting.
This model also has a built-in water gauge, allowing you to easily see the water level in the tanks.
It has a small tray that pulls out at the base if you want to use the humidifier as a dispenser for natural aromas. Simply put in a few drops of the fragrance of your choice and fill your home with soothing aromas.
Pros
- Well priced with great features
- Easy to operate
- 1.06 gallon (4 liters) tank
- Runs for up to 18 hours
- Low noise level
- Easy to fill with top opening
- Water gauge to see water level
- Can be used as a diffuser
Cons
- Better suited for smaller indoor gardens
- Some users complained about white dust
Best humidifier for a long running time of 40 hours – Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier for Bedroom (4L)
The Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier has a large 1-gallon (4 liters) tank and will run for up to 40 hours on a low setting. The device works best in rooms up to 300 square feet (100 square meters), making it ideal for a room with an indoor garden.
It has a modern, stylish look that will enhance a trendy home décor theme.
The Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier uses ultrasonic technology and does not need filters.
This is a plus for people who don’t have time to run around buying replacement filters.
Noise levels are very low, and the device claims to be ‘Whisper quiet’. I like knowing that it has an automatic Shut Off function. The machine will not burn out if the water tank runs dry overnight.
To create a home aromatherapy experience, there is a special tray for essential oils. Fill your living space with relaxing and soothing fragrances. Your plants may also enjoy this!
For people who need the comfort of a warranty, the machine comes with a 2 Year Replacement Policy.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- 1.06 gallon (4 liters) tank
- Runs for up to 40 hours
- Low noise level
- Ultrasonic humidifier design
- Filterless design
- Can be used as a diffuser
- 2 Year Replacement Policy
Cons
- Slightly higher price than others with similar features
- Exceeding 60 percent of humidity can cause water accumulation and damage
TaoTronics Humidifiers, 4L Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
The TaoTronics 4L Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier is a stylish model that I would not hesitate to put in a room in my home. It operates with ultrasonic technology and is very quiet.
It holds just over 1 gallon (4 liters) of water and will last for 12 to 30 hours of working time on a full tank. This is longer than other humidifiers, which run for a maximum of 24 hours. It is designed to humidify the air in rooms sized between 10 to 30 square yards, which is ideal for an average home.
The device has a handy LED display that tells you the RH, Relative humidity level. For an average home and to keep your plants happy, it should be between 40 to 60%.
If you are growing plants native to rainforest regions, your humidity will have to be higher.
The machine has settings for three mist levels. I like that it turns off automatically when the tank is empty. This is a great safety feature.
Pros
- Well-priced for the features you get
- 1.1 gallon (4 liters) tank
- Very quiet when running
- Water lasts for 12 to 30 hours working time on a full tank
- 3 adjustable mist levels
- Easy to fill and clean
- Automatically shuts off when water runs out
Cons
- Not compatible with essential oils
- More tricky to fill
Everything your need to know about humidifiers for houseplants
Installing a humidifier for indoor plants
Installing a humidifier is an easy way to keep the humidity in your indoor garden constant and ensure that your plants flourish.
Simply watering your plants is not always enough. This applies to plants with native habitats in rainforests or tropical regions.
Central heating, air conditioners, heaters, and fireplaces can dry the air. While you may not notice it, your plants definitely will, and you will find that they become wilted and sad, despite your TLC.
Misting daily with a spraying bottle is tedious and takes both time and effort, and is forgotten easily. Also, you will never reach the constant high humidity levels most tropical plants love.
This is where humidifiers are here for the rescue.
There are many humidifiers on the market, ranging from small cheaper models to more expensive models with extra features. Let’s examine some of the different models and their pros and cons. You can then decide which one is best for you.
What is the difference between Ultrasonic and Evaporative?
When choosing a humidifier, you will come across these two words.
To keep it simple, Ultrasonic technology uses high-frequency vibration to evaporate the water. This process produces very fine droplets.
Ultrasonic humidifiers don’t use filters and are mostly quieter than evaporative machines.
They do tend to cost a bit more. Because they don’t use heat, bacteria and mold may grow faster, and you will need to ensure regular cleaning.
Evaporative technology creates mist by using a fan that draws water over a wick or filter. Because the fan is a moving device, you will get some noise. The filters must be changed regularly as they tend to grow mold and bacteria.
What is white dust from humidifiers?
Some humidifiers create a problem called white dust. White dust comes from the mineral content in tap water. When the moisture lands on your furniture or floors, it evaporates and leaves behind a white residue. With some machines, this can become a very annoying problem.
Certain models of humidifiers have unique filters that prevent white dust. The problem can also be reduced by using distilled water or water that has been boiled and allowed to cool.
What to look for when choosing a humidifier
Size of the tank – The main issue here is how often you will need to refill the tank. An average-size machine will run for up to 24 hours on one tank. Smaller machines will require filling more often.
Size of the room – Most models will indicate the size of the room that they are best suited for. A small indoor garden can be humidified with a smaller machine. For a more professional garden, you will need to invest in a larger model.
Noise level – Evaporative models use a fan that tends to make more noise than Ultrasonic models. You will have to decide whether a humming noise factor will disturb your life.
Ease of use – With so many electronic devices in our lives, you probably don’t want to struggle with learning how to operate yet another one. Many humidifiers are very easy to use with a simple manual setting. You decide what works best for you.
Ease of cleaning and filling – Keeping your humidifier clean is vital. They tend to build up bacteria and mold, leading to foul smells and health concerns. Cleaning your machine out should become a regular event. Look for a model that is lightweight, easy to disassemble and clean, and easy to fill.
Budget – Decide on your budget and find a model that fits it! Don’t be tempted to overspend for no reason.
Aromatic oils – While discussing a humidifier for your plants, you will find that many models can be filled with natural oils and operate as a diffuser. Some cannot and will be damaged if they do not run on clean water. Check the model instructions before making this decision.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API