Dry air can be tough on houseplants, especially during winter when heaters are running and moisture levels drop indoors. Many tropical plants, like ferns, orchids, and calatheas, naturally grow in humid environments, and when the air is too dry, their leaves can turn brown at the edges, become brittle, or struggle to grow. Some plants may even stop producing new leaves altogether.
The good news? Raising humidity levels is easier than you might think. Simple changes, like misting, grouping plants together, or using a humidity tray, can make a big difference. If your home tends to be dry year-round, a humidifier can provide consistent moisture, keeping your plants lush and thriving.
Why Do Plants Need Humidity?
Humidity plays a huge role in keeping houseplants happy, especially those that naturally grow in rainforests or other humid environments. While plants take in water through their roots, they also lose moisture through their leaves in a process called transpiration. When the air is too dry, they lose water faster than they can absorb it, which can cause problems like droopy leaves, brown, crispy edges, or slow, weak growth.
Some plants are especially sensitive to dry air. Ferns, orchids, and calatheas, for example, need consistently high humidity to stay healthy. If they don’t get enough moisture, their leaves may curl, develop brown spots, or even stop growing altogether. On the other hand, succulents, cacti, and other desert plants are built to handle dry conditions and don’t need extra humidity at all.
Every plant is different, so it helps to know what kind of environment yours prefers. If you notice dry, brittle leaves or slow growth, boosting the humidity in your home might be just what your plants need.
How to Add Humidity to Plants: 5 Effective Methods
1. Misting: Is It Worth It?
Misting is a quick and easy way to give plants a little extra moisture, but it’s not a long-term solution. While a light misting can briefly raise humidity around a plant, the effects disappear fast—often within minutes. For plants that love humidity, like ferns and orchids, misting can be helpful if done regularly, but it won’t replace other moisture-boosting methods.
If you do mist, use room-temperature water and spray in the morning. This allows leaves to dry throughout the day, reducing the risk of mold or mildew. Some plants, like African violets, dislike wet leaves and can develop fungal issues if misted too often. If you’re looking for a more reliable way to keep moisture levels steady, consider pairing misting with a humidity tray or humidifier.
2. Using a Humidity Tray
Humidity trays are one of the simplest ways to create a more humid environment for your plants without much effort. All you need is a shallow tray, some pebbles, and water. Fill the tray with pebbles, add enough water so that it sits just below the surface of the stones, and place your plant’s pot on top. The key is making sure the pot isn’t directly sitting in the water… roots that stay too wet for too long can start to rot.
As the water evaporates, it naturally increases the humidity around the plant. While this won’t drastically change the air moisture in an entire room, it can make a noticeable difference for individual plants, especially when combined with other humidity-boosting techniques. This method is particularly helpful in the winter months when indoor air tends to be the driest.
3. Grouping Plants Together
Plants naturally release moisture through their leaves, and when placed close together, they create a more humid microclimate. Grouping humidity-loving plants, like ferns and calatheas, can help maintain moisture levels without extra effort.
For best results, arrange plants near each other in a well-lit area where they’ll still get the sunlight they need. Avoid overcrowding, though—good air circulation is important for preventing mold, mildew, and pest issues. If you want to maximize the effect, try combining plant grouping with a humidity tray or a small humidifier nearby.
4. Using a Humidifier for Houseplants
If your home tends to be dry year-round, or you have several humidity-loving plants, a humidifier might be the best solution. Unlike misting or humidity trays, which provide temporary moisture, a humidifier adds consistent humidity to the air, making it easier to maintain the right conditions for tropical plants.
A small, portable humidifier placed near your plants can make a noticeable difference, especially during winter when heating systems dry out the air. Look for models with adjustable settings so you can control how much moisture is released. Most houseplants thrive when humidity levels are between 40% and 60%, so a humidifier can help prevent problems like brown leaf tips, crispy edges, or stunted growth. Running one for just a few hours a day can keep moisture levels steady and your plants looking their best.
5. Other Simple Ways to Add Humidity
Looking for even easier ways to give your plants a humidity boost? Here are a few quick tricks:
- Place plants in naturally humid areas – Bathrooms and kitchens tend to have more moisture in the air thanks to showers, sinks, and cooking steam. If your plant can handle lower light, placing it in one of these rooms can be an easy way to keep humidity levels up.
- Use a glass terrarium – Small ferns, mosses, and other delicate plants thrive in enclosed containers because they trap moisture and create their own humid microclimate.
- Leave bowls of water near plants – It’s simple but effective. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity in the immediate area, making it a great option for small spaces.
Even small changes can make a big difference for your plants. Try experimenting with different methods and see what works best for your space!
Types of Humidifiers for Plants
If you’re serious about keeping humidity levels consistent for your houseplants, a humidifier is one of the best tools you can invest in. But not all humidifiers work the same way. The right choice depends on how many plants you have, the size of your space, and how much control you want over moisture levels. Here are the main types to consider:
- Cool mist humidifiers – One of the most common options, these release a fine, cool mist into the air, raising humidity without increasing room temperature. They’re a great all-purpose choice and work well for most houseplants.
- Ultrasonic humidifiers – These use high-frequency vibrations to create an ultra-fine mist. They’re quieter and more energy-efficient than many other types, making them a good choice for bedrooms or small spaces.
- Evaporative humidifiers – These work by drawing air through a damp filter and blowing out moist air. They naturally regulate humidity levels without over-saturating the air, making them ideal for preventing excessive moisture buildup.
If you have several humidity-loving plants, a cool mist or ultrasonic humidifier is usually the best option. They provide a steady source of moisture and can help tropical plants like ferns, orchids, and calatheas stay lush year-round. Placing a humidifier near your plant collection and running it for a few hours a day can make all the difference in preventing dry, crispy leaves and encouraging healthy growth.
How to Monitor and Maintain Humidity Levels
Keeping an eye on humidity levels can help you avoid common plant problems like underwatering, overwatering, or dry, crispy leaves. One of the easiest ways to track moisture in the air is with a hygrometer—a small device that measures humidity levels and lets you know if adjustments are needed. Most houseplants thrive in 40% to 60% humidity, but certain tropical plants, like ferns and calatheas, do best in even higher levels.
To keep humidity levels balanced:
- Refill humidifiers regularly – If you’re using a humidifier, check the water level daily, especially in winter when indoor air dries out faster.
- Keep plants away from heating vents – Warm, dry air from heaters can quickly lower humidity and dehydrate plants.
- Watch for signs of excess moisture – While humidity is important, too much can lead to mold, mildew, or fungal issues. If you notice condensation on windows, musty smells, or mold growth on soil, dial it back.
A little attention to humidity can make a huge difference in keeping your plants looking lush and healthy year-round!
Visit Platt Hill Nursery for More Houseplant Care Tips!
Getting humidity levels right can mean the difference between a struggling plant and one that’s thriving. Some houseplants need constant moisture in the air, while others are fine in drier conditions. Whether you’re searching for a humidifier to keep your tropical plants happy, decorative humidity trays for a stylish touch, or new greenery that fits your space, Platt Hill Nursery has everything you need to create the perfect plant-friendly environment.
Stop by our Bloomingdale or Carpentersville locations to explore a wide selection of houseplants and accessories designed for different humidity levels. Not sure where to start? Our knowledgeable team is always happy to help you find the right plants and tools to keep them thriving. Visit us today and give your plants the care they deserve!
