Danny as been writing about air purifiers for 10+ years. He is a major fan of home technology, which makes him the perfect person to test and evaluate products for HouseFresh
Enter any modern-day home and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve accidentally wandered into a greenhouse or botanical garden. Such is the houseplant boom, homes are being transformed into urban oases, with small, tall, and sprawling plants at the forefront.
However, as our desire to adopt and nurture plants grow stronger, so does the need to find unique and interesting plants from around the world. And just like humans on vacation in a different climate, when you remove a plant from its habitat, its natural balance can be affected.
Take for example the Monstera Deliciosa. This Instagram icon is one of the most popular houseplants of late, however, its ancestors evolved in the tropical rainforests of Central America. The warm, humid environment this plant is used to, eclipses the conditions of any suburban home or city center apartment. Especially throughout the winter months.
Whether you’re a green-fingered guru or a first-time plant parent, an excellent way to help your plants thrive is to invest in a humidifier. With the right humidifier, you will be able to closely recreate the natural environment of moisture-loving plants, which will work wonders over watering alone.
Before purchasing a humidifier, it is important to remember each machine will work differently in a given sized space. Be sure to measure your room and check if the humidifier is appropriate for the size of your space. Thanks to its generous 6L tank, the Hupro Humidifier makes a great option for larger spaces, while the O-Mei Stars Plant Humidifier offers a budget-friendly option for smaller areas.
By utilizing Consumer Reports and analyzing product reviews through Fakespot, we only include humidifiers that come with glowing reviews from the genuine people that use them. So you can rest assured your plants will be in safe hands with each of our top 8 humidifiers.
Last update on 2023-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. HuPro Pro-771 Humidifier
When you have a dedicated grow room for your plants, you need a humidifier that will keep the moisture in the optimal growing range. The HuPro Pro-771 brings a compact design and gives you the ultimate control for easy humidity management.
The unit has a footprint of only 15 x 7 inches, standing 10 inches tall, so it won’t be hard to find a place to set it up. It also features a dual mist nozzle with 360-degree rotation so that you don’t have to worry about putting all the moisture against your wall or whatever else may be close to the unit.
You get plenty of runtime with the 1.6-gallon reservoir, which provides up to 30 hours of continuous runtime. The reservoir itself has a removable lid for top-filling the unit, making it easy and mess-free when you need to add water.
Whether you live in a cooler or warmer climate, the dual cool/warm mist options make this unit versatile. To create cool mist, the unit utilizes an ultrasonic plate that generates a fine vapor. For the warm mist, the unit heats the water to generate steam, which leaves the unit at a maximum of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of whether you choose the warm or cool mist option, you have three power level options to control the amount of moisture output. On high, the unit will push out up to 350 ml/hour.
A key to effectively managing humidity for your household plants is an automatic humidistat. The HuPro offers an automatic feature that maintains your ideal humidity between 30% and 85%. While 85% may be high for most homes, higher humidity is actually desirable in grow rooms during early growth stages. With the automatic humidistat comes an automatic shut-off when it reaches your desired humidity level. It also has a safety shutoff when the reservoir empties, along with an audible alert that it needs more water.
- Tank Size: 1.6 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 500 sq. ft
- Weight: 6.17 lbs
- Special Features: 12-hour timer, sleep mode
What we love
- There’s an essential oil tray on the side to allow you to easily diffuse oils of your choosing while running the unit
- The unit comes equipped with a reusable activated carbon and mineral pellet water filter
- You can remove the top-fill reservoir for easier cleaning and maintenance
- The LED display is large enough you can read it from across the room
We don't like this as much
- We wish the power cable was a little bit longer to provide a greater range of placement options
- Buttons require a firm press; we’d like to see them be a little bit more sensitive
2. Pure Enrichment MistAire XL Humidifier
The Pure Enrichment MistAire XL keeps humidifying your space simple and in a sleek package. The teardrop design has a footprint of 7.5 x 10 inches, standing only 12.5 inches tall. This allows you to set it up on an end table, shelf, or counter easily.
This humidifier has the option of interchangeable single or dual mist nozzles, both offering 360-degree rotation so that you have ultimate control over the mist direction. Unlike many other models which have two or three output settings, this unit has a dial with variable mist control so that you can truly regulate the output. Running on high, the unit will vaporize up to 250 ml per hour.
You get up to 20 hours of continuous operation from each fill of the 1-gallon reservoir. If you need more moisture in your space, the entire reservoir will empty within 10 hours while running on high. When the tank empties, the unit has an automatic shut-off feature to protect the ultrasonic plate. To fill the unit, simply remove the cap from the bottom of the reservoir and refill.
The unit produces cool mist through ultrasonic technology, so you don’t have to worry about a heating element burning out. To keep the ultrasonic plate working properly, plan to clean it regularly with the included cleaning brush.
While the included nightlight option doesn’t provide the light your plants need to grow, it does give a subtle glow to your space. The unit gives you three subtle color options including blue, green, and red.
Don’t worry about this humidifier driving your energy bill through the roof. The ultrasonic technology is rated for a minimal 25 Watts, meaning you’re likely to spend less than a cup of coffee even if you run it continuously every day.
- Tank Size: 1 gallon
- Room Size Suitability: 500 sq. ft
- Weight: 2.55 lbs
- Special Features: Night light
What we love
- Simple operation, with a dial to control the variable moisture output
- The unit runs nearly silently, so if your grow room is near your living space, it won’t disrupt entertaining
- It produces a very fine mist that easily dissipates into the air rather than coming down quickly on the surface around the unit
- It has a large enough reservoir you don’t have to fill it constantly to keep the humidity in the ideal range
We don't like this as much
- There is no automatic humidistat, so the unit continually runs until it empties the tank
- The reservoir is a bottom-fill design, making it messier to refill every day
3. Elechomes UC5501 Humidifier
Sleek and modern meets high-capacity moisture control with the Elechomes UC5501. This unit has a modern design, but won’t overtake your space with a footprint of only 11.6 x 7.7 inches. The 11-inch height makes it easy to stash on a shelf near your plants to give maximum benefit to everything from household plants to a growing tower.
The unit offers the best of both humidifying worlds with the option for both cool and warm mist. You have the option of three mist output settings, with a minimum of 100 ml/hour when using low cool mist, and up to 550 ml/hour on high warm mist. You’ll also easily direct the mist output with the dual 360-degree rotatable nozzles so that you can ensure nothing gets waterlogged. An ultrasonic plate generates the cool mist, creating a fine mist that easily dissipates in the air.
The unit has an incredibly long runtime between tank refills, with each tank lasting up to 60 hours of continuous operation. When it is time to refill the tank, it has a bottom-fill design, so you simply lift the entire tank off the unit and then replace it once it’s filled. The refill cap has the option of adding a filter to help remove minerals from the water, which you purchase separately.
If the unit runs dry, you don’t have to worry about damage to the heating element or the ultrasonic plate with the automatic shutoff. It also has a sensor to detect if there’s a high temperature on the unit, protecting it from overheating or hurting someone.
To help ensure your plants always have the right moisture in the air, the unit comes with automatic humidity control. You can set the unit to the desired humidity level for your indoor garden between 30% and 90%, in 5% increments. If you need to quickly pump a lot of moisture into the air, the unit also has a continuous mist option.
- Tank Size: 1.6 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 750 sq. ft
- Weight: 5.07 lbs.
- Special Features: Intelligent humidity sensor
What we love
- The warm mist provides a higher moisture output to help plants thrive during colder weather
- The large tank means you’ll only need to refill it every three or four days
- The simple controls allow you to set the unit up and forget about it while it runs
- You can control when the unit runs with the built-in 12-hour timer
We don't like this as much
- A filter needs to be purchased separately
- It can be awkward to fill with the bottom-fill design and the shape of the reservoir
4. LEVOIT Classic 200S Humidifier
It’s easy to give your plants what they need when you have control over your humidifier right in your smartphone. The LEVOIT Classic 200S is equipped with Wi-Fi, so you can control it from the VeSync app on your phone or tablet.
You’ll be able to easily set up the compact unit near your plants with a footprint of only 8 x 6 inches. It stands about 14 inches tall and has a 40-inch mist height while running on high. This means you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of space above the unit to prevent shelves or anything else from getting wet. The unit does have a dual rotating mist nozzle to help you more effectively direct the water vapor.
The humidifier uses ultrasonic technology to vaporize the water, so you don’t have to worry about heating elements. You won’t have to worry about it running dry in the middle of the night, either, with each tank offering up to 40 hours of continuous vapor while running on low. The unit comes with a special brush to help keep the ultrasonic plate clean from mineral buildup. If the unit does run dry, there is an automatic shut-off to prevent damage to the ultrasonic plate.
From the single-button control, you have four different operational options. There is low, medium, and high mist, which is indicated by the color of the power button. You can also select the auto mode, which adjusts the unit’s settings to maintain 45% relative humidity.
To provide more accurate humidity control for your plants, consider using the VeSync app. This allows you to monitor the humidity level in the room in real-time. It also has programmable timers and customized schedules. These features ensure that your unit will run when your plants need the moisture most, regardless of whether you’re there to turn it on.
- Tank Size: 1 gallon
- Room Size Suitability: 376 sq. ft
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Special Features: Connects with voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant
What we love
- The on-unit controls are simple, with a single button to control the mist setting
- The unit quickly humidifies, vaporizing up to 300 ml/hour
- You get real-time humidity monitoring with the VeSync app
- The unit uses very little power, rated at only 24 Watts
We don't like this as much
- The aroma box is on the back side of the unit, making it tricky to reach
- The only way to use the humidistat to control the humidifier is through the VeSync app
5. Pure Guardian H965AR Humidifier
When you have plants that need additional moisture, sometimes simple humidification is all you need. The Pure Guardian H965AR provides straightforward functionality with enough humidification to help your plants thrive. This unit has a sleek circular design measuring 8.5 x 8.5 x 14.25 inches, so it can easily fit on a shelf or counter.
The unit uses ultrasonic technology to generate the mist. You’ll enjoy up to 70 hours of continuous operation from the 1-gallon reservoir. When the tank runs low, the light on the power button will turn red to alert you before it runs empty. The ultrasonic plate is protected with an automatic shutoff if the reservoir does run out.
The reservoir itself is a bottom-fill design, so you remove the entire reservoir from the base when it requires filling. While the design is natively filter-free, there is the option for a decalcification cartridge. You purchase this separately, and it installs on the reservoir cap for the water to flow through before flowing to the ultrasonic plate.
You control the unit with the power button, which also toggles between the three different mist settings. These ensure you get the right amount of moisture for your plants, regardless of their growth stage. It also has a nightlight feature, which is controlled with the second button. The mist nozzle on the top of the reservoir rotates, allowing you to easily direct the mist without having to rotate the unit.
You also get the option for a gentle glowing nightlight feature. This is a small bulb in the base that fits into a cap in the reservoir, giving off a gentle blue glow. If you prefer a lightless function, the unit runs perfectly without ever turning on the light. Don’t worry about the unit disturbing the ambiance of your living space, being it runs nearly silently.
- Tank Size: 1 gallon
- Room Size Suitability: 320 sq. ft
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Special Features: Anti Microbial Silver Clean Protection
What we love
- It has an aromatherapy tray so that you can diffuse essential oils while humidifying your space
- The 5-foot power cord is long enough to provide placement flexibility
- There are only two buttons, making the unit exceptionally easy to operate
- The ultra-fine mist dissipates into the air rather than quickly falling back around the base
We don't like this as much
- The nightlight bulb has to fit into the cap in the reservoir, making it more difficult to fit the two pieces together
- We wish the aromatherapy box was located on the side of the box, making it easier to access
6. LEVOIT Dual 100 Humidifier
When it comes to moisturizing your plants, the key is consistent humidity at the right level. The LEVOIT Dual 100 is the perfect device for small rooms to give you between 8 and 20 hours of continuous humidification, despite a compact design. The round unit is about 7 inches in diameter, standing nearly 11 inches tall. This makes it perfect to fit on a growth tower or a shelf near your plants. The 5-foot power cable means you can put it up on a shelf to help better distribute the moisture throughout the room.
Even better for your plants is the smart sensor that works with the sleep mode. While using this mode, the unit will maintain 60% relative humidity, while shutting off the lights on the front of the unit. It also keeps the noise down to an ultra-quiet 24 dB, so you won’t notice it running, regardless of the room you have it set up.
The unit is also effortless to use, with two buttons and a top-fill design. The primary button is the power button that allows you to choose between three mist levels. The second button activates the sleep mode. To fill the unit, simply remove the top cover, and fill the tank. If you want to add some aroma to your home, you can add 10-15 drops of essential oil to the base chamber, below the water reservoir.
You also don’t have to worry about the unit affecting your plants by putting chemicals in the air with the BPA-free polypropylene construction. The wide opening to fill the reservoir also makes it straightforward to clean, so the unit won’t distribute mold spores into your air either. Don’t worry about your unit running out of water and damaging the sonic plate with the automatic shut-off feature.
- Tank Size: 0.5 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 260 sq. ft
- Weight: 0.63 lbs
- Special Features: Built-in humidity sensor
What we love
- The unit runs nearly silent, emitting a mere 24 dB
- The design is compact and stable, not prone to tipping over
- It strongly jets vapor up to dissipate into the air
- The unit is easy to clean, with only two parts to remove
We don't like this as much
- A display to show the current humidity level would be a bonus
- There is a single mist on the front of the unit, if you want to adjust its direction, you have to rotate the unit
7. raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier
Basic humidification is often underrated when it comes to finding the right humidifier to keep your plants healthy. However, once you find the right amount of moisture you need to add consistently, it’s just a matter of keeping your humidifier running. The raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier makes it easy to add the perfect amount of moisture to your air all the time.
The unit has a reservoir of just over a half-gallon reservoir that will give you up to 30 hours of continuous runtime on low. This means you can easily keep the unit filled and running around the clock to keep just the right amount of moisture in your air. The control is a simple dial, so you can get just the right amount of moisture output, up to 180 ml per hour.
It does this without consuming a lot of space, measuring only 7.2 x 7.2 inches, and standing only 12 inches tall. You will easily find an end table, countertop, dresser, or shelf to set up this unit. No matter where you set it up, you’ll barely notice it running with only 23 dB of sound, which is barely the sound of a whisper.
The top-fill design makes it easy to refill the unit without having to take it apart. Simply grab a pitcher or bottle and fill the unit without moving it. The top-fill design also makes it easy to clean the unit. Simply grab a cloth and wipe it out every week to help prevent bacteria, mildew, or mold from developing.
The unit uses sonic technology to produce the water vapor, rather than using a heating element to create steam. This helps you save energy running the unit, with a power consumption of only 25 Watts.
- Tank Size: 0.66 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 200 sq. ft
- Weight: 2.44 lbs
- Special Features: Automatic shut-off
What we love
- The unit has super quiet operation, with less than 23 dB operation
- The wide-mouth opening makes it easy to clean the entire unit
- You have two fantastic color options available, including white and mint green
- The unit is made of food-grade plastic so that you don’t have to worry about it breaking down over time
We don't like this as much
- The addition of automatic humidity control would be a bonus
- The power cable is only about 3-feet in length, limiting where you can place it
8. O-Mei Stars Plant Humidifier
When your plants are in your office or other small space, you may need a humidifier that can easily be moved or put away. The O-Mei Stars mini humidifier is a perfect option for adding some moisture to keep your plants thriving. The unit is round, measuring 2.8 inches across and standing only 5.9 inches tall. This makes it perfect for setting up on a desk near your office plants. The reservoir size is likewise compact, at 0.7 pints of water.
The unit has two different mist functions to adjust how much moisture it puts into the air and how long it will run. The first function is continuously on, which vaporizes 70 ml per hour and will run for up to 5 hours. The second function is intermittent, in which the unit will run 3 seconds on and 3 seconds off. With this function, it vaporizes 35 ml per hour and will run for up to 10 hours.
The unit uses a wicking technology to vaporize the water in this unit. When you first fill the unit, the wick needs a few minutes to absorb some water and be ready to start vaporizing. Alternatively, you can take the wick out of the unit and soak it to make it ready to use more quickly. The unit is rated as consuming a mere 2 Watts due to the size and technology used.
You’ll be able to plug it in with the included USB cable, either into a wall adapter or into your computer. If you require extra length, you’ll easily find another power cord with a micro-USB end at a local or online retailer. You will need to have your own power adapter, as the unit doesn’t come with one. Exercise caution if you choose to plug it into a computer, being it contains water that will spill if knocked over.
- Tank Size: 0.7 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 150 sq. ft
- Weight: 0.4 lbs.
- Special Features: Nightlight feature that allows you to choose between white or a rotating selection of seven colors.
What we love
- The unit is incredibly compact, so you’ll be able to set it up next to the plants that need some extra attention
- It’s simple to fill by just removing the top and filling to about 3/4
- It comes in both cyan and pink to compliment your space
- The unit is nearly silent, emitting a mere 30 dB while running
We don't like this as much
- The unit uses a wick for diffusing, which loses its effectiveness over time and requires periodic replacement
- We wish the power cable attached to the side of the unit, rather than the top
FAQs about Humidifiers For Plants
Why are humidifiers good for plants?
Everyone knows that plants need water to grow. However, what novice plant owners often miss is that it’s not just the water you put in soil, but also the moisture that’s in the air. In fact, when the humidity level isn’t right, your plant may look just like you have over or under-watered it.
Some people try to mist their plants to add some additional moisture. The problem with this approach is that the effects are very short-lived. Furthermore, if your home has poor air circulation, it can cause harmful bacteria to grow on your plants, further harming them. The best solution is using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, where it’ll have a longer effect on all of your plants.
What factors should I consider when buying a humidifier for plants?
When it comes to getting a humidifier for your plants, there are many options to consider, and a variety of price points. Before jumping to the cheapest unit on the market, there are some important things to consider.
First, consider how much space you’re trying to humidify, and get an appropriately sized unit. Next, look at where you’ll set the unit up, and how much noise it’ll generate. The last thing you want is a humidifier that disrupts your daily life. Finally, consider the size tank it has, and how often you’ll have to refill it.
Should I leave my humidifier on overnight to help my plants?
Many people run their humidifiers at night, especially during the drier winters, to help improve sleep quality. However, this habit may actually be harmful to your household plants due to the lack of sunlight. Without the light, water can remain on your plants and soil for too long, encouraging bacteria and other organisms to grow.
The ideal time to run your humidifier is in the early morning, giving plenty of time for your plants to dry out before the sun goes down. Consider a whole-house humidifier to help keep humidity levels in their ideal range during the overnight hours.
Which humidifier is best for you?
If you’ve owned any plants for very long, you know they need a lot of water. That also means keeping enough moisture in the air to help your plants thrive.
Different plants require different amounts of humidity, so you may need to separate your plants to keep the spaces at the right humidity level for each type. Succulents and desert plants require humidity less than 40% relative. Other houseplants thrive between 40% and 60% relative humidity. Most indoor garden plants thrive a little higher, in the 60% range.
When considering your options for a humidifier, you’ll want to consider the size of space, how big the tank is, and how much noise it generates. However, you’ll also want to consider how easy it is to use while maintaining your humidity level.
Consider whether your unit has automatic humidity control, so you don’t have to remember to turn the unit on and off. Also, think about whether you would benefit from Wi-Fi-connected features to control the unit from your phone or virtual assistant device, or even a standard remote.
The budget for your unit will determine some features you’ll get in your unit. Below are the models we’d recommend based on the budget range, their performance, and the features available.
- Budget/Smaller Rooms – O-Mei Stars Plant Humidifier
- Mid-Range Rooms – Pure Enrichment MistAire XL
- Larger Rooms – HuPro Pro-711