air humidifier for plants on table next to plant in pot

Everyone knows that sunlight, regular watering, and fertilizing are essential for houseplants. However, you should also consider the humidity needs of your plants. Most houseplants require about 60% humidity. That’s a tough humidifity level to get to year-round without a plant humidifier.

Some plants can benefit from higher levels — these include tropical or semi-tropical plants. We’ve done the work to help you find the best plant humidifier on the market. That way, you can create those optimal conditions and care for your houseplants properly.

Houseplants are a great way to add some greenery to your home and they may even provide health benefits. For starters, they certainly improve indoor air quality. Though indoor plants have been shown to help improve mood, reduce fatigue and stress, and improve focus and performance.

Best Plant Humidifier Picks and Comparison

ImageAir Humidifier DetailsPrice
Veva Cool Mist Humidifier
  • Best small humidifier
  • Tank: 1.2 gallons, 45 hour runtime
  • Coverage: 323 sq. ft.
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Runner Up
  • Runner up
  • Tank: 1.5 gallons, 24 hour runtime
  • Coverage: 700 sq. ft.
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Portable Mini Humidifier
  • Runner Up
  • Tank: 0.13 gallon tank, 12 hour run time,
  • Features: Auto shutoff, 2 mist modes
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AIRCARE Space Saver
  • Runner Up
  • Tank: 70 hour run time, 6 gallons
  • Features: Pour-In Resevoir, Auto shutoff, Refill indicator
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LEVOIT Humidifiers
  • Runner Up
  • Tank: 60 hours of operation, 1 gallon tank
  • Coverage: 505 sq. ft.
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Types of Humidifiers

You can’t change the outdoor conditions that contribute to low humidity. However, you can control the humidity inside your home. A whole home humidifying system is great, but it’s not always the most economical (or practical) option. The right humidifier can boost moisture levels in the air in your home, benefiting both you and your plants.

The four most common types of humidifiers include the following: 

  • Evaporators 
  • Impeller Humidifiers 
  • Steam Vaporizers 
  • Ultrasonic Humidifiers 

An evaporator is powered by a fan that blows moisture through a moistened filter whereas an impeller humidifier utilizes rotating disks. Impeller humidifiers are more child-friendly than evaporators because they only use cool mist.

Steam vaporizers are powered by electricity — they heat the water then cool it before expelling moisture into the air. They’re generally one of the cheapest humidifiers but they aren’t the most child-friendly. Ultrasonic humidifiers, however, are very safe and they come in both warm and cool mist models. 

How to Use a Plant Humidifier

A portable humidifier is a great option for semi-tropical and tropical plants. These types require higher levels of moisture in the air. In order for your plants to receive the maximum benefit, however, you need to know how to choose the right humidifier and how to use it properly. 

Portable humidifiers come in a wide range of sizes. Measure the size of the room to choose an appropriate model. An evaporative humidifier is one of the best options because it filters the water so you don’t transfer anything to the plants. The filtering wick also prevents over-saturating the air because water simply won’t leave the wick if moisture levels are high enough. 

To use a humidifier for plants, it’s best to use filtered or distilled water. Even so, you’ll need to clean the humidifier regularly to remove mineral buildup as well as algae and bacteria that can grow in the reservoir. 

Place the humidifier a few feet away from your plants. Placing it too close can cause water to condense on the leaves and soil, creating an environment in which mold and fungus can thrive. Keep the humidifier elevated on a table or desk. Be sure to keep it well away from porous surfaces like fabric curtains and wood. Run the humidifier for at least 4 to 5 hours a day. The best time is in the early morning to midday.

Best Plant Humidifier Reviews

When you’re ready to start shopping for the best humidifier for plants in your environment, Amazon is a great place to do it.

#1 Best Plant Humidifier: Veva Cool Mist Humidifier

The Veva humidifier is the best of the best when it comes to a cute humidifier with excellent performance. For starters, it features a 4.5 liter water tank that allows for up to 45 hours of runtime. 

We found that the Veva model has all of the special bells and whistles that people look for in a humidifier. You can adjust the fog level to your liking and it doubles as an essential oil diffuser, too. 

Lastly, it’s very safe with an auto-shut off feature and the ability to set a constant humidity level so your walls, floors and furniture stay intact. 


Vornado EV200 Evaporative Humidifier

 
Vornado plant humidifier

An evaporator is a great option for plant rooms where you need to increase the humidity level. The Vornado EV200 is a powerful model with a 1.5 gallon capacity that can humidify rooms up to 700 square feet. Two humidifier wicks ensure 360-degree air intake and circulates humidified air through Vornado’s signature Vortex Action technology. 

The EV200 senses the humidity level and automatically makes adjustments. It offers simple push-button controls and you can choose from 3 fan settings and 6 output settings. With an innovative tank design, this model is easy to refill and clean and the unit comes with a generous 5-year satisfaction guarantee. 

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MOVTIP Portable Mini Plant Humidifier 

MOVTIP plant humidifier

A small plant humidifier like this one from MOVTIP is a great option if you’ve created a mini greenhouse in your home with glass cabinets. It fits easily into a cabinet and offers two adjustable spray modes for your tropical plants. 

This mini plant humidifier releases cool mist into the air with two adjustable spray modes. As a result, there’s no heating element to worry about. It’s whisper-quiet and has a warm light to let you know it’s working. This humidifier only has a 500ml capacity, so you may need to refill it daily. Fortunately, it has an automatic shutoff feature that turns the unit off when the water level gets too low.

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AIRCARE Space Saver Evaporative Plant Humidifier

 
AIRCARE plant humidifier

If you have an open floor plan in your home and are concerned about humidity in the entire space, you might appreciate a large plant humidifier like this model. The AIRCARE is rated for spaces up to 2,700 square feet. The largest model offers a large 6-gallon reservoir and a run time up to 70 hours. 

The unit features digital controls with an auto humidistat. You can set the desired level of humidity and the unit will automatically shut off once it’s been reached (or the reservoir is empty). This humidifier is also equipped with Trapmax filter technology to provide antimicrobial protection as well as check filter and refill water indicators.

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LEVOIT Smart WiFi Cool Mist Plant Humidifier

 
Levoit plant humidifier

If an evaporator doesn’t seem like the right fit, an ultrasonic humidifier might be a good option. This LEVOIT model provides up to 60 hours of humidification in rooms up to 505 square feet. Equipped with a smart humidity sensor, you’ll enjoy hands-free humidification. All you need to do is fill the tank and the unit will automatically adjust the mist level to balance humidity levels.

Not only is this cool mist humidifier easy to operate, but it offers smart home operation with WiFi capability and remote control through the Vesync app. In the app, you can customize settings, set a timer, and turn on night mode. This model comes with a 6-liter tank and a top-fill design for easy cleaning and refilling.

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Bottom Line

Investing in a portable humidifier is not only an investment in the health and wellness of your plants, but it can benefit you and your family as well. Low humidity levels can contribute to skin and respiratory symptoms. A home humidifier is a simple way to remedy these problems. 

If you’re ready to start shopping for a plant humidifier, review the top four types above. Please also consider the suggestions we’ve made as a starting point.