I tested 10 products and found the Levoit 6L Cool Mist Smart Control humidifier to be the best humidifier for plants.
The best humidifier for plants lets you adjust the humidity levels while having a quiet operation and a high capacity run time.
Growing indoor house plants can be a relaxing hobby that can add to your home’s ambiance.
But most inside conditions – like temperature and humidity – don’t match the natural habitats of our beautiful indoor fauna.
Once upon a time, I was the lady who could kill a cactus. Today, I’m the fun and fabulous expert plant mom who rocks at growing the coolest, trickiest plants by choosing the right humidifier.
My trial and error led me to discover that Levoit Smart Control Humidifier is the best humidifier for indoor plants.
Plants differ in what level of humidity – moisture in the air – they need to thrive. Therefore, I’ve broken down humidifiers for plant care needs. Keep reading to find out which plant humidifier your greenery needs. And then, check out the detailed buyer’s guide to help you learn how to shop for a humidifier for your indoor garden.
Our Best Humidifier for Plants
- Levoit Smart Control Humidifier (Best Overall Humidifier for Plants)
- Elechomes Ultra Quiet Warm/Cold Humidifier (Best Hands-Free Humidifier)
- O-Mei Stars Mini Color Changing Humidifier (Best Accent Humidifier for Plants)
- Movtip Dual Nozzle Micro Humidifier (Best Portable Humidifier for Plants)
- AquaOasis Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier (Best Ultrasonic Humidifier for Plants)
- Levoit Cool/Warm Mist Vaporizer (Best Combo Plant Humidifier)
- Govee 6L Top Fill Smart Humidifier (Best Voice Controlled Humidifier)
- Honeywell Warm Mist Humidifier (Best Warm Mist Humidifier)
- Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier (Best Cool Mist Plant Humidifier)
- Smartmi Evaoprative No Mist Humidifier (Best Evaporative Humidifier)
10 Best Humidifiers for Plants Reviewed
Levoit Classic 300S Large Capacity Smart Control Humidifier (Best Overall)
This four-pound 10″ x 8″ x 13″ 6L humidifier features a top-fill leak proof tank that can cover up to 505 ft² of space. The large capacity and ≤30dB whisper-quiet operation makes it excellent for plants in a large bedroom or living room.
And the large opening at the top of the clear BPA-free tank with indented handles makes it easier to refill your tank and clean.
With four times faster speed, you can get humidity with no effort. Set your desired humidity level with the buttons on the front panel, an app on your smart device, or your voice using Alexa.
Set this cool-mist humidifier to turn on and off based on set humidity levels automatically:
- <40%(RH) Auto to High
- 40%-50%(RH) Auto to Low
- >50%(RH) Auto Shut-off
But you can also scan your plants to get the recommended humidity with a helpful plant guide. Then set your automatic target level and let the machine do the rest.
The 360-degree rotating nozzle covers a larger area and multiple plants. And with the smart sensor controlling the auto mode with up to 60 hours of operation per tank, there’s no risk of over-humidity to your plants.
Pros
- Leak proof tank
- Top-fill
- Sleep mode (light goes off)
- Hands-free operation with VeSync app or voice control
- Built-in Night Light
Cons
- Single nozzle
- You can only change custom humidity with the app
- Recommends that you use distilled water
Elechomes Ultra-Quiet Warm/Cold Humidifier (Best Hands-Free)
This large capacity 5.5-liter Elechomes humidifier in sleek black can blend into any room decor. The touch screen front panel allows you to customize every setting to meet your plants’ ideal growing conditions.
The near-silent operation at only 20dB means you can keep this humidifier in your living quarters or where you sleep without being disturbed by loud noises. At the same time, the handy built-in nightlight provides a convenient light ambiance.
Two 360-degree rotating nozzles can cover up to 755 square feet for around 55 hours. And with automatic shut-off, you don’t have to worry about remembering to power the system off.
If you want to change any settings, including turning it off, you can use a nifty remote control that lets you toggle between three mist levels up to 600mL an hour, activate quiet sleep mode, or change from one to two nozzles.
The leak proof tank is refillable from the top for easy, mess-free convenience. And you can toggle between warm or cool mist, which benefits your plants and the health of the people in your home.
Pros
- Dual 360-degree rotation nozzles
- Large LED display with backlight
- Choose from warm or cool mist
- Large tank capacity, run time, and treatment area
- It comes with a remote
Cons
- Difficult to clean
- Produces white dust when using tap or unfiltered water
O-Mei USB Mini Humidifier (Best Accent Humidifier)
A small humidifier can be the perfect solution for controlling the plant humidity in entryways and foyers, bathrooms, small bedrooms, or laundry rooms.
This slender cylindrical humidifier is only 2.8″ wide and 5.8″ tall. It requires a USB C-power plug to operate – it won’t run without being plugged up.
There are two mist modes – a five-hour continuous spray or a ten-hour intermittently spray. Push the button once for the 5-hour setting.
Or press it twice to get an intermittent spray with a pattern of three seconds of continuous spray followed by three seconds of stopped spraying for 10 hours.
Besides being a humidifier, this 350 mL ultrasonic device works as a seven-color nightlight with two lighting pattern choices.
It has a 30dB whisper-quiet operation and an automatic timer that powers the humidifier off after the cycle finishes. Then you must power it back on to keep it humidifying your area.
Pros
- Can use regular tap water
- Compact and portable
- Seven-color nightlight
- Quiet operation
- Two choices of spray patterns
Cons
- No built-in battery
- Have to power it back on after the cycle ends manually
- Short cycles
Movtip Dual Nozzle Micro Humidifier (Best Portable)
If you want a small, compact portable humidifier to leave unattended in your home, Motvip’s 800-milliliter, 6″ x 5″ x 3.7″ corded electric – in a black or white exterior – could be your preferred device.
Motifs’ humidifier offers eight (single spray) to twelve hours (double spray) of operation time with an automatic safety feature that cuts the machine off once the water is gone.
The top-fill design makes it easier to add water – tap water only – and to clean the inside of the tank. And a built-in nightlight and 20 dB noise level can make this humidifier an excellent choice for living room or bedroom humidifiers.
A C-port charging device makes this compression useful for charging on the go, whether in your car, by a power bank, or USB laptop port. It can also attach to a standard USB adapter.
Two nightlight settings can create the perfect ambiance, whether you want a constant light or a low breathing light mode.
Pros
- Discreet, quiet operation
- The small, unassuming size that can move anywhere
- Single or double nozzle
- Large capacity top-fill tank
- Portable
Cons
- The c-plug charger doesn’t come with a plug-in for the wall outlet
- Waterjets frequently get stopped up
AquaOasis Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier (Best Ultrasonic)
This 8″ x 6″ x 9″ 3-pound stylish two-tone humidifier has a white oval base and a translucent light blue 2.2-liter tank.
You can adjust the mist output from the 360-degree rotating nozzle and the automatic shut-off with the easy-to-use analog turn knob.
Once you set the operation hours – schedule for day and night – this humidifier operates over 24 hours at a near-silent sound.
The large capacity filter-free tank ensures you only have to refill the tank once a day with distilled water. One tank can cover up to 400 square feet.
Pros
- Analog dial for precise settings
- 360-degree rotating nozzle
- Auto power off
- Programmable
- Large capacity tank for one fill-up a day
Cons
- Some claims of harmful health problems when using ultrasonic humidifiers
- It doesn’t have a built-in light
Levoit Cool/Warm Mist Vaporizer (Best Combo)
Many humidifiers are cool or warm mist capable. But the Levoit 6L cool and warm mist air vaporizer can do both, covering up to 753 square feet.
This 6-liter humidifier has a built-in humidity sensor that accurately controls the humidity levels. Once you establish your humidity percentage, the sensor will adjust the humidity levels.
Or you can set it to auto mode, let the machine determine the best levels, and automatically change its mist level to achieve the goal.
You can change the settings using the buttons and a large digital display on the front. But this unit also has a remote that lets you control your levels hands-free.
There’s less work to do with the ability to run four times faster and last for fifty hours. And if the tank runs out of water, it will automatically turn off.
A cool mist can help eliminate dry air, moisturize your skin and your plants, and make for better sleep. Hybrid (warm) mist is best for the fastest air humidification and can help you recover quicker from illnesses.
Pros
- Cool or warm mist capable
- Included remote
- Built-in humidity sensor and automatic humidity adjustments
- Large capacity tank and run time
- Automatic cut off
Cons
- No built-in nightlight
- Ultrasonic humidifiers can release harmful particles when using tap water
- Requires distilled water
Govee Smart Humidifier (Best Voice Controlled)
You can use this 6-liter water filtration with Bluetooth or WiFi from anywhere, making it easy to keep your plants at their optimal humidity levels. Notifications like low water go straight to your phone for immediate solutions.
The top fill on the larger water tank makes it easier to refill the tank without making a mess. And easy-to-read marks on the tank ensure that you use the right water levels.
Auto Mode allows the humidifier to power on and goes to sleep once the humidity level reaches your desired level of humidity.
There are nine preset cool mist settings (up to 300ml/hour) and a 6-liter large capacity tank that can operate for nearly 60 hours.
And the double rotating would allow the 360-degree dual rotating nozzles to cover the 32″ to 40″ mist output that can cover up to 600 square feet.
Pros
- Nine levels of adjustable setting
- Night light
- Double rotating head
- 60 hours run time
- Automatic power off
Cons
- Must download an app to customize settings
- Only four fan speeds
Honeywell Warm Mist Humidifier (Best Warm Mist)
The 9.8″ x 10″ x 13.6″ six-pound rectangular Honeywell warm mist humidifier offers a sleek, black base with a clear 1-gallon water tank that can run up to 24 hours.
This unit features an automatic shut-off and quiet operation and doesn’t require a filter. In addition, you can choose any comfort setting by touching your preferred settings.
The touch screen lets you adjust the moisture output while the power switch has a bright illumination, so it’s easy to find. The reset light shows you when your tank needs a refill.
Pros
- 24-hour run time
- Large capacity see-through water tank
- Capable of producing warm mist
- You can use your essential oils
- Reset the light to know when to refill
- Automatic power off for safety
Cons
- The tank has a loose fit and can leak
- Not a digital display
Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier (Best Cool Mist Plant Humidifier)
The 8″ x 6″ x 9″ 1.35-pound MistAire cool mist humidifier has a unique teardrop shape that can perfectly nestle between plants without being in the way. And the 360-degree mist nozzle will cover plants in all directions.
One fill of the 1.5-liter BPA-free blue plastic water tank can last 25 hours and cover 250 square feet. The cool mist spray reduces the work you’ll have to do to keep your plants moist and happy.
And a built-in soothing light can create a relaxing night time ambiance. The power button and the water tank stay illuminated with blue-tinted light.
You can choose between high and low speeds to regulate your home’s humidity year-round. And once the humidifier runs through the cycle and the tank runs out of water, it automatically shuts off.
Pros
- Built-in nightlight and auto cut off
- Large capacity BPA-free water tank
- 360-degree nozzle
Cons
- Smaller area coverage
- Requires filling from the bottom of the tank
- Single spray nozzle
Smartmi Evaporative No Mist Humidifier (Best Evaporative Humidifier)
This evaporative humidifier adds moisture to dry air without using mist. It runs at a slightly higher 35dB and is compatible with Mi Home or Xiaomi Home Apps that let you adjust different settings without touching the machine.
With the app, you can turn on the sound, turn a child lock on or off, set the run time, adjust the display screen, and even create personalized instructions.
Rather than taking the unit apart for cleaning, Smartmi has a self-cleaning mode, rather than separating the team for cleaning, which can eliminate odors and remove water stains.
If you put it on air drying mode, the machine runs for up to eight hours – if there’s less than 10% moisture level – to eliminate water.
Setting the humidifier to auto mode allows for maintaining desired humidity levels. In addition, the 4-liter water tank allows for up to 24 hours of run time before refilling.
Pros
- Compatible with an app for adjustments done anywhere
- Up to 24 hours of run time
- Self-cleaning
- Child lock
- Doesn’t the product mist
Cons
- Slightly louder 35dB
- Larger and heavier (10″ x 10″ x 14″ and 10 lbs)
- Requires app to control features
Guide to Buying Humidifiers for Plants
Many houseplants require a medium humidity level of around 40% to 60%. But several things can cause a higher or lower humidness.
When deciding on the best humidifier for your plants, consider each factor to ensure you get the correct option. The main purpose of a humidifier is to add moisture into the air, which is beneficial to your houseplants and your health.
Features
There are lots of different humidifiers on the market. And many have varying features that make it confusing to understand what things your plant humidifier will need. So consider these features for each humidifier you consider purchasing.
Humidistat
One of the most useful features of a plant humidifier is a humidistat. This component allows you to customize the amount of humidity you want in the air.
Once your points are set, the humidistat will control how much moisture gets released to maintain your chosen humidity level.
This feature is crucial for anyone with a consistent specific humidity level. Unfortunately, many humidifiers have set humidity ranges that you can’t customize, which can be an issue when growing indoor plants in the drier air of winter.
Leakproof
Because your humidifier is an electronic device, the last thing you want is for it to leak water. But many humidifiers have issues with excess water.
If you’re noticing a lot of water buildup around the nozzle, it’s often a sign that you’re using the wrong water. Most humidifiers require distilled water, as tap water can create a dusty white cloud of steam.
You also want a secure tank fit to the base with no signs of leaking. For example, top-fill humidifiers often have a lower rate of leaking issues than tanks you have to fill from the bottom.
Rotating Mist Nozzle
The mist nozzle is how your humidifier will release moisture into the air from the collection tank. Some humidifiers will have fixed nozzles. Fixed nozzles release mist in a straight line.
But the best versions have one or more rotating mist nozzles. These designs allow for greater coverage of space. But they can be bigger-sized machines that take up more room.
Run Time
Before you pick out a humidifier, you should understand your plants’ humidity needs. Not only do you need to know the exact humidity level, but also how much time they require with said levels.
How long your humidifier can run will vary by model. For example, the size of your water tank is one factor that will affect how long your humidifier can continuously run.
You may also choose a humidifier to set a schedule of ideal run times during the day and night to ensure your plants get the right humidity levels.
Filter Cartridge
Not all types of humidifiers have filter cartridges. This option is usually found more in evaporative models. But some cold and warm mist designs may have a filter too.
Filters typically need to be changed after a few months of use. How much your filters will cost can vary as greatly as the size of your humidifier.
Humidity Display
The most useful humidifiers will have a digital display that lets you track the current (or set) humidity levels.
The size and details of the display are different, and some may not have one at all. Instead, there may be an analog knob or singular button to adjust your controls.
You might also be able to track the humidity with your smart device and a compatible app. With these, you can control everything and make adjustments anytime, without being physically present at the machine.
Noise Level
You’ll also want to consider how loud the humidifier will be while running. You measure noise by dB. A lower dB means the sound will be quieter, which might be preferable if you’ll be running your humidifier for a long time or if it’s in a living space.
Ozone
Ozone issues are not something you’ll have to worry about unless you consider an evaporation system humidifier.
But tap water instead of distilled water in some humidifiers can cause ozone release. This issue is when small particles get released with the water vapors into the air.
Humidifier Problems
Several problems can arise when using a humidifier in your home.
The fact that humidifiers release moisture into the air can concern wood, wallpaper, and sometimes paint. If you’re worried that condensation will cause damage, you can avoid it with an ultrasonic or evaporative model.
But an issue with ultrasonic and evaporative types is that they can release tiny debris particles into the air. You can breathe these in, which might be upsetting for those with breathing issues.
Another problem happens when you use tap water. The mist produced will be a white, powdery substance that can settle on your plants.
Types of Humidifiers
There are four humidifiers to know about before choosing one for your plants. If you see a humidifier classified as simple, it can only do one option. Hybrids can produce both cool and warm mist and are the best option.
Cool Mist
Some plants prefer cool mist, but the majority prefer warm. Cool mist humidifiers are just as efficient as warm mist but use less energy.
But they don’t do as good a job at removing pathogenic bacteria that may be present in water.
Warm Mist
Warm mist humidifiers are the most popular choice for plants. This is because many plants prefer room-temperature, warm mist mimicking summer rainstorms.
This humidifier type heats the water in its tank to a high temperature until it vaporizes. Then the mist gets released into the air and raises the humidity level.
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic humidifiers use vibration to humidify the water faster. The resulting mist is wispy and fine.
Evaporative
Evaporative humidifiers produce water vapors with airflow. Water passes from the storage tank through a wicking material (cloth or felt) while a fan blows over it.
The airflow pushes out a warm mist that spreads through the room and hydrates the air.
How to Determine Houseplant Humidity Levels
Houseplants can have different humidity levels, depending on their natural habitat. So while the ideal indoor humidity is between 35% and 50% in summer and 15% to 25% in winter, it will also vary by species.
Humidity Requirements by Houseplant
Broken down by plant category, plants need humidity levels of:
- 50% to 70% – Leafy greens
- 40% to 60% – Tropical plants
- 40% to 50% – Ferns
- 40% to 70% – Herbs
- 10% to 20% – Cacti
- 40% to 70% – Orchids
Humidity Needs by Life Cycle
The age of your plants will also affect the preferred humidity levels. During germination, your plants will do best with 90% to 100% humidity.
They can accommodate 50% to 60% during the vegetative stage and 40% to 50% while in the mature flowering stage.
Environment
Your location, the time of year, and the temperature inside your home (or greenhouse) will also affect ideal humidity levels.
Your plants will need supplemental moisture to live in areas with frequent droughts. But in the regions that are tropical and get a lot of rain, there will be less need for humidity.
Size
Also, think about the size of your plants and the room where they grow. The larger the size of your space, the bigger you’ll want the humidifier tank to be, so there’s less need for refills.
Smaller plants and rooms can benefit more from a tabletop or ultrasonic humidifier than a cool or warm mist unit.
Time of Day
It’s not usually necessary to keep a humidifier running all day. However, it can cause harm to your furniture and walls due to excessive moisture.
Instead, turn your humidifier on for one hour every morning and one hour in the evening.
Plant Quantity
The more plants you have in a space, the larger your humidifier will need to be so there’s enough moisture to go around.
Humidifier Maintenance
You should clean your humidifier twice monthly to avoid mold, fungus, dust, and salt buildup inside the machine.
You can clean it by deconstructing your machine, removing the washable parts to soak them in a vinegar and water solution. Some pieces may be dishwasher safe.
Many humidifiers come with a cleaning brush. And you can boil the wick once monthly to rid it of any built-up bacteria.
DIY/Humidifier Alternatives
If a humidifier doesn’t appeal to you, there are ways to give your plants the humidity they need to thrive.
The easiest way is to use a spray bottle and mist your plants with a fine spray.
You can also go with a pot inside a pot using two different sizes of containers. Add water to the larger waterproof pot and then put the planted pot into the pot of water.
You can fill the gaps with biodegradable peat pots or sphagnum moss. Moss can raise the humidity level as it dries out.
Adding clay stones or pebbles to your planter is an easy way to have water vapor buildup released over time. This method will take about two weeks, but it’s very effective.
What’s my favorite plant humidifier?
While I’ve shown you ten awesome plant humidifiers, my favorite choice is the Levoit 6L Cool Mist Smart Control humidifier.
Thanks to the six-liter container, this option gives you the best run-time and size. But you can also control its features from anywhere with an app.
The detailed display also makes it super easy to figure out your humidifier’s settings. And the top fill makes for the easiest way to refill your tank mess-free.
Now that we’ve demonstrated the different plant humidifiers, it’s time to research to find the best plant humidifier to buy for your needs.
Plant Humidifier FAQ
Learn more about using a plant humidifier with these frequently asked questions.
How often do I change the water?
For more moisture, change the water every one to two days. You can get by with weekly changes for plants that need less humidity.
Where should a humidifier go?
Your plant humidifier should be near the plants but not directly next to them, as too much moisture may cause damage to the species.
Look for an area that allows you to direct some of the air upwards from underneath the pot. In addition, you want a space that allows for good circulation and humidity.
What to avoid when using a humidifier?
While running your humidifier for plants, you should not use chemicals or oils on the humidifier wick surfaces and filters. You can damage the components of the humidifier, making it less effective.
Want More Than Just a Humidifier?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Find all the best houseplant gear you need to be successful – all from the comfort of your own couch. Time to start caring for your new & beautiful houseplants.
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