8 Humidifiers That Can Help Your Houseplants Thrive
Defeat droopy leaves with the help of these humidifiers.
Expert consulted: Dan DiClericoHome Improvement & Outdoor Director
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The plants in my bedroom get plenty of sunlight, but sitting near a heating vent means they also contend with dry air all winter. A humidifier can help add moisture around humidity-loving houseplants—and you don’t need a plant-specific model. “Using any humidifier for your plants will work to help boost the relative amount of humidity in a space,” says Paris Lalicata, a plant expert for The Sill.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Levoit Smart Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- Best value: Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- Easiest to use: Dreo 6L Top Fill Humidifier
Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab have tested more than 20 humidifiers in recent years, evaluating performance, design, and ease of use. To find the best options for houseplants, I worked with our analysts to review those results and identify models that are easy to run, maintain, and position near indoor plants.
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Pros
- Can use hands-free via app or voice assistants
- Perfect score for ease of use
- Features a sleep mode
- Can run up to 60 hours on low mist
Cons
- Aromatherapy setting can be confusing
WHY WE LOVE IT: We named this our top pick in our guide to the best humidifiers and stand by its performance when it comes to hydrating plants. We appreciate its quiet operation and the large, transparent water tank that is easy to fill. The humidifier can also be synced with the VeSync app or used with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for remote, hands-free control.
PERFORMANCE: You can set your own misting schedule and use the auto mode, which adjusts mist levels throughout the day to keep the room at the right humidity for your plants. Sleep mode lowers the mist level and dims the machine's display so the light won't keep you up. The brand claims the humidifier can run for up to 60 hours on the low-mist setting.
TESTER NOTES: When we sent this humidifier to consumer testers, they reported perfect scores for ease of use, setup, and durability. In particular, testers found the reservoir easy to empty and fill, and the controls simple to understand. A tray for essential oils means this humidifier can double as a diffuser; however, one of our testers found the aromatherapy settings confusing to use.
| Tank capacity | 6 L |
| Coverage | 505 sq ft |
| Run time | 60 hours on low mist |
Pros
- Two settings with 360-degree rotation
- Features auto shut-off mode and a backlight
Cons
- Tank design may make cleaning a bit more difficult
WHY WE LOVE IT: If you are debating whether a plant humidifier is worth the cost, this cool-mist humidifier by Pure Enrichment won't break the bank and still has features to keep your plants healthy.
PERFORMANCE: With just one button, this quiet, compact humidifier is easy to use. It has high and low settings and a 360-degree rotating nozzle to reach every angle of your plant. We appreciate the auto shut-off mode, which activates when the water is low or the tank is removed. It also has a built-in backlight, which makes it easy to adjust the mist level at night.
One drawback of the humidifier's design is the smaller tank opening, which makes cleaning a bit more challenging, though it comes with a cleaning brush to help with maintenance.
TESTER NOTES: Our pros were impressed with how feature-heavy this humidifier is, given that it is about half the price of other top-tested models.
| Tank capacity | 1.5 L |
| Coverage | 250 sq ft |
| Run time | 25 hours |
Pros
- Small size is easy to move around
- Top-fill design makes refills less of a hassle
- Powerful mist
- Can tilt nozzle to reach particular plants
Cons
- May leak, according to online shoppers
WHY WE LOVE IT: Our testers gave this large-capacity Dreo humidifier a perfect score for ease of use, saying that its compact size made it easy to move from room to room. The reservoir's top-fill design makes it easy to add water, and our pros appreciate the lack of hard-to-reach crevices, which makes cleaning stress-free.
PERFORMANCE: "The powerful mist is helpful if you have a lot of plants in the room—or hanging plants that are higher up in the air space," says GH Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab Director Dan DiClerico. You can even tilt the nozzle to direct the mist toward a specific area. While I don't have tall indoor plants in my home, this humidifier is equipped to reach larger plants.
For $10 to $20 more (depending on sale pricing), you can upgrade to a Smart Wi-Fi-connected version that lets plant parents monitor the humidifier remotely through an app. If you are a frequent traveler, this expense may be worth it since you can spritz your plants while away.
TESTER NOTES: Testers appreciated helpful features such as auto and sleep modes, as well as the option to use essential oils and ambient light for comfort at night. "I love that it monitors the humidity in the space and adjusts accordingly," shared one tester. Some online shoppers observed some leakage, though.
| Tank capacity | 6 L |
| Coverage | 500 sq ft |
| Run time | 60 hours in sleep mode |
Pros
- Dual humidifier and planter
- Sleek aesthetic
Cons
- Not the quietest operation
WHY WE LOVE IT: I previously tested the Homedics Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, but it was difficult to refill and left white powder deposits on nearby furniture. However, it was easy to use for a beginner and looked nice in my room. That's why I was excited when the brand released the Natura Ultrasonic Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier. This humidifier resolved my qualms and retained helpful hallmarks—not to mention that it has a built-in 6-inch planter.
PERFORMANCE: The touchscreen interface lets you choose from three mist settings and set how long you want the machine to run. For plants in a small room, the best setting would be low to maximize the time.
TESTER NOTES: I find the filter easy to fill and place back in the humidifier, but sometimes struggle to remove it from the machine. It isn't the quietest, but for a room full of plants it’s fine. I planted a gorgeous peace lily in the pot, but if you don't want to add another plant to your collection, you can place the included lid on top.
| Tank capacity | 1.3 L |
| Coverage | 402 sq ft |
| Run time | 60 hours |
Pros
- Unique designs
- Compact
- Can cover up to 500 square feet
Cons
- Not suitable for more than two plants
WHY WE LOVE IT: Crane is known for its playful designs, including humidifiers in the shape of elephants, penguins, frogs, and more, making it a fun pick for a nursery or kid’s room.
PERFORMANCE: This ultrasonic cool-mist model covers up to 500 square feet and features a 360-degree mist lid that can be removed for easy cleaning. Its aesthetic teardrop shape won’t take up too much space either. Plus, the humidifier has a nightlight and three white noise settings.
Note that a tabletop humidifier like this one can only humidify one to two plants, according to Lalicata. You’ll need a larger humidifier to provide adequate humidity for anything more than that.
TESTER NOTES: Our experts liked the Crane's precision controls. “The variable mist dial and 360-degree rotation on the mist lid make it easy to aim moisture directly at your plants," says DiClerico.
| Tank capacity | 3.8 L |
| Coverage | 500 sq ft |
| Run time | 24 hours |
Pros
- Features a digital humidistat and tank light
- High-quality and top-tested brand
- 180-degree rotating mist
Cons
- Color not for everyone
WHY WE LOVE IT: Our experts have consistently been impressed with Honeywell products, including the brand’s top-performing humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and evaporative coolers, and this one is no different.
PERFORMANCE: A premium stainless steel reservoir not only makes the humidifier look sleek but also lets you simply wipe it clean, according to the brand, without extra accessories or steps. A digital display shows humidity, and touch controls and a tank light are additional features that make using this humidifier easy for plant parents.
All of these features do come at a higher price, though, which means it may be more of an investment. Users may also not like the glossy black appearance. However, if you are looking to grow your indoor plant collection, buying an easy-to-use humidifier can be worth it.
TESTER NOTES: “Like all ultrasonic cool-mist humidifiers, the Honeywell promises quiet operation since it uses a nebulizer (small vibrating diaphragm) to send moisture into the air rather than a fan,” says DiClerico. We appreciate the 180-degree rotating mist feature because it helps direct some of the mist away from your plants, so you don't overdo it.
| Tank capacity | 5.3 L |
| Coverage | Medium-sized rooms |
| Run time | 24 hours |
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Brand received top ease-of-use scores in testing
- Quiet and compact
Cons
- Some shoppers noted an unpleasant smell
WHY WE LOVE IT: Warm-mist humidifiers, or vaporizers, are a popular choice as a plant humidifier, and this one from Vicks is one of our favorites.
PERFORMANCE: “Warm-mist humidifiers tend to be less expensive than cool-mist models, which is helpful if you have multiple areas with plants in your home,” says DiClerico. We appreciate its quiet operation and compact size, so you can set up multiple machines in your home without taking up too much space. The humidifier is designed to be easy to maintain, thanks to a filter-free design that will also save you money.
TESTER NOTES: When testing Vicks humidifiers, testers gave perfect scores for ease of use, noting that the reservoir was easy to empty and fill. In addition, this humidifier has a competitive price tag that is almost as low as our best value pick. Some consumers reported an unpleasant smell when using it, but the brand says the device’s auto-shutoff feature can help mitigate odors.
| Tank capacity | 3.8 L |
| Coverage | Small- to medium-sized rooms |
| Run time | 24 hours |
Pros
- Air purifier and humidifier in one
- Intelligent climate control avoids over-humidifying
Cons
- Takes up more room than most humidifiers
WHY WE LOVE IT: For plant-filled rooms, this Dyson stands out for its excellent room coverage. Unlike most humidifiers that passively release mist, the Dyson’s oscillating fan helps circulate humidified air more evenly throughout the space, making it a smart choice if you have plants spread across a bedroom, living room, or other larger area.
PERFORMANCE: It automatically monitors and adjusts humidity levels, so you can maintain a more consistent environment without constantly changing the settings. That's useful for tropical houseplants that prefer steadier humidity rather than big swings throughout the day. As a bonus, the machine doubles as an air purifier with a true HEPA filter.
TESTER NOTES: The biggest drawbacks are the price and size. It’s considerably more expensive than a basic humidifier. It takes up more floor space, so it makes the most sense if you want broad, even humidity coverage and will also use its air-purifying and fan functions.
| Tank capacity | 3.7 liters |
| Coverage | 440 sq ft |
| Run time | N/A |
How we test plant humidifiers
Engineers and analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab evaluate all types of humidifiers to determine which machines will perform best at home. To find the best plant humidifiers, we spoke with a plant expert from an online plant store and referenced our most recent humidifier test.
When evaluating humidifiers in the Lab and among consumer testers, we conduct the following tests:
✔️ Performance: We measure how long it takes the machine to reach the set humidity levels in our humidity-controlled chamber.
✔️ Design: Our pros consider a range of criteria, including tank capacity and coverage area.
✔️ Ease of use: We also send humidifiers to our panel of testers who try out the machine in their own homes and report back on ease-of-use features like intuitive controls and setting up, refilling, and cleaning the humidifier.
✔️ Price: Almost all of our picks fall under the $100 price tag, but we feel you can purchase a high-quality plant humidifier for around $50.
What to look for when shopping for a plant humidifier
✔️ Type: We’ve included most types of humidifiers in our list. Here’s how to determine which one is right for your needs:
- Evaporative vs. ultrasonic: "Evaporative humidifiers have an internal fan that blows air through a wet wick. As the water from the wick evaporates, it’s pushed out of the humidifier as water vapor," says DiClerico. Meanwhile, ultrasonic humidifiers generate cool mist via a nebulizer, a small vibrating diaphragm. DiClerico added that ultrasonic styles tend to be quieter since they don't have an internal fan.
- Cool-mist vs. warm-mist: Cool-mist humidifiers can be evaporative or ultrasonic. They’re efficient, safe around kids and pets, and tend to be cost-effective. However, a big caveat is that cool-mist humidifiers are more likely to harbor bacterial growth than warm-mist humidifiers. “Also known as steam vaporizers, warm-mist humidifiers use a heating element to boil water and create a warm mist,” says DiClerico. While the bacteria concern is less likely with warm-mist devices, they tend to be more expensive because they use more energy, and the hot water in the tank could cause burns if there is any leakage or the humidifier tips over.
✔️ Size: Humidifiers vary in size, from full-size models to mini ones ideal for small spaces. Which size makes sense for your plants depends on how many plants you have and the room’s square footage. There are also pros and cons to the size you choose. “When you choose a larger humidifier, you won’t have to refill it as often, and it will have a longer run time compared to smaller ones,” points out Lalicata. However, a smaller humidifier won’t take up as much space on your tabletop.
✔️ Coverage area: The square footage of your room is another key spec to check before you buy. “There are some [humidifiers] that can cover small areas like 100 square feet, while others can cover 500 to 1,000 square feet,” says Lalicata. Measure the dimensions of the room where you keep your plants, and note the coverage area listed on the manufacturer’s website for the plant humidifier you are considering.
✔️ Tank capacity: How much water your humidifier can hold at one time will also determine how often you need to refill the tank (along with the size of the humidifier). Consider how much area you need to cover, how many plants you have, and how much water vapor needs to be emitted to keep your plants healthy.
Where to place a plant humidifier
A good rule of (green) thumb is to place a humidifier about 6–12 inches away from your plants. You can position a large humidifier 12–24 inches from your plants, with the stipulation that the room is on the smaller side. "It is best to avoid the mist from having direct contact with the foliage unless it is set up in a glasshouse setting with ample airflow or fans," explains Lalicata. Still, Lalicata said you want to keep your humidifier as close to your plants as you can, especially if your room is large or has high ceilings.
How often should you use a plant humidifier?
For tropical plants at home, you'll want to use a humidifier year-round, as Lalicata recommends. "If the air in your home is naturally dry, then it would be advisable to use a humidifier for your plants that runs all day to help localize humidity around them consistently, especially for humidity-sensitive plants," she adds. However, Lalicata said you can use a tabletop humidifier for eight to 10 hours a day if you have only a few humidity-sensitive plants. Just make sure to leave it off at night and refill the tank come morning.
Is a humidifier good for plants?
Plants can be highly sensitive to their environmental surroundings, which is why you may come home to a fallen or droopy plant. Humidifiers can help keep your plants hydrated in addition to regular watering. "Most houseplants can tolerate normal room humidity, which can be between 20%–30% RH, but some humidity-loving plants will require higher humidity, usually 40% or higher," said Lalicata. The only way to determine if your plant requires more humidity is to purchase a hygrometer.
If you have plants that will grow better in a more humid environment than, say, your city apartment, a humidifier can help provide your plant(s) with the humidity they need to be healthier and grow stronger.
Is a warm- or cool-mist humidifier better for plants?
Short answer: It doesn’t matter! “Warm-mist versus cool-mist humidifiers don’t affect plant health, so it’s completely up to the plant parent what kind they’d like,” explains Lalicata. Cool-mist humidifiers are more energy efficient, says Lalicata, which is one pro of this type of humidifier if you want to keep your electric bill down.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Elizabeth Berry is the former updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She grew up helping her dad in the garden and has a variety of indoor plants and succulents in her NYC apartment. As someone who often forgets to water her indoor plants, Elizabeth relies on a humidifier to boost hydration in between watering.
To find the best plant humidifiers, she spoke with Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab Director Dan DiClerico, who has more than 20 years of experience in the industry testing air purifiers, and consulted The Sill's plant expert Paris Lalicata to gain industry insight and pro tips.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
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