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It can be incredibly frustrating to bring home a beautiful plant for your space, place it by a window, water it, only to watch it wilt and die over the next few weeks while you try to troubleshoot. What went wrong? Along with proper light and watering, depending on the plant, humidity is an overlooked factor that can make a big difference. Many house plants come from tropical regions where they’re used to being in a misty environment, and the dry air of our homes – especially in winter – can cause plants to become stressed and even die, so a good humidifier is a must-have for any plant lover.
But a humidifier that’s designed to help us breathe easier at night isn’t always what’s going to be best for our leafy friends. Here’s what to consider before adding one of these to your indoor jungle.
Humidifiers for House Plants Buying Guide
From size to coverage area, here are the most important features to look for when buying a humidifier dedicated to your indoor plants.
Size and Coverage Area: This will all depend on how large your plant collection is, and the dimensions of the room as well. For just a few plants, a smaller humidifier may get the job done, but to really raise the humidity levels in the room, and especially for bigger plants, you’ll need something more powerful. A 1.5 liter tank, for example, should be the minimum to cover an average sized room, but a 4+ liter tank will still cover the room and be able to go all night and day, depending on the output setting.
Type of Humidifier: There are several different types of humidifiers to choose from, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Cool mist humidifier use a fan to blow air through a wet filter or wick, creating a fine mist that’s then dispersed into the air.
Warm mist humidifiers are less common, but a good choice for plants that thrive in a hot and steamy ecosystem. These use heat to create steam, which is then dispersed into the air to cover the plant’s leaves. They’re generally more effective at raising humidity levels, but can also be noisy and even cause burns if touched.
Another option is ultrasonic humidifiers, which use high-frequency vibrations to create a fine mist. They’re probably the least common, but are growing in popularity, plus are relatively quiet and can be used with essential oils for added benefits to make a room smell pleasant.
Water Quality: Even with the most modern humidifier out there, the quality of the water you use is important, as it can affect the overall performance and lifespan of the device. Tap water, or hard water, often contains minerals and other impurities that can build up in the humidifier and cause it to become clogged or damaged. We recommend using distilled water, or at least water that’s been treated with a water softener to avoid this issue, and help your device last for years.
Other: Some additional options to look into are a 360-degree nozzle, which lets you adjust where the mist is going, so all your plants get an even share. A dial that lets you adjust the humidity levels can also be great for finicky plants, and a timer (and night light) can make it ideal for children’s bedrooms. There’s also now the ability to pair up certain models with the company’s app, allowing you to control the unit from across the room or even when you’re not home.
