Houseplants are not only a delightful addition to your living space, but they also have fantastic benefits in improving the atmosphere within your home.
One such perk is their ability to increase humidity, which can be particularly helpful in homes with dry air.
Introducing the right plants can effortlessly transform your indoor environment into a more comfortable and healthier space.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 fantastic plants that are known for their ability to add humidity to their surroundings.
These plants come in various types and sizes, suitable for any home decor style.
By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the perfect green companions to improve the air quality of your living space while making it cozy and inviting at the same time.
1. Reasons to Add Humidity-Loving Plants
Health Benefits
Adding humidity-loving plants to your home can positively impact your health.
These plants can help alleviate problems like skin irritation, nosebleeds, and dry skin caused by low indoor humidity.
Increasing the moisture levels in your home creates a more comfortable environment for both you and your plants.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Humidity-loving plants not only help maintain a healthy level of humidity, but they also purify the air.
Many plants can remove toxins and filter out dust, mold, bacteria, and other harmful particles.
Through a natural process called photosynthesis, they absorb these pollutants from the air, breaking them down and releasing oxygen, which can improve your overall air quality.
This contributes to a healthier living space for you and your loved ones.
Dealing with Dry Indoor Air
Air conditioners, heaters, and other factors often cause dry indoor air.
Humidity-loving plants can combat this issue by releasing moisture through transpiration, which helps maintain a more balanced humidity level indoors.
By adding these plants to your home, you’re beautifying the space and improving the overall atmosphere for both people and other plants.
2. Transpiration in Plants
Transpiration Rate
Transpiration is a process in plants where water is absorbed through the roots, travels up the stems, and evaporates from the leaves as water vapor.
It plays a significant role in adding humidity to the air around them.
Some plants have higher transpiration rates, which release more water vapor into the air, making them ideal for increasing humidity.
Remember that plants with larger leaves, like those from rainforests, tend to have a higher transpiration rate and provide a greater humidifying effect than plants with smaller or needle-shaped leaves.
Stomata Function
The opening and closing of stomata, which are tiny pores on the surface of leaves, regulate transpiration.
During the day, stomata open to exchange gases, like carbon dioxide, for photosynthesis. This also leads to the evaporation of water from inside the leaf, which is called evapotranspiration.
The result is an increase in humidity as more water vapor is released into the air.
By choosing plants with efficient stomata functioning and high transpiration rates, you can effectively increase the humidity in your home.
3. Top 20 Humidity-Loving Plants
Bamboo Palm
Scientifically referred to as Chamaedorea seifrizii, the Bamboo Palm is a perfect indoor plant for those seeking to increase the humidity in their surroundings.
The plant thrives in humid environments, naturally absorbing and releasing moisture into the air.
Particularly during the drier winter months, a Bamboo Palm can serve as a natural humidifier, helping to maintain comfortable moisture levels in your home.
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily, or Spathiphyllum wallisii, is a beautiful and beneficial plant in your home.
Not only does it add an aesthetic appeal to your surroundings with its elegant white flowers, but it also works hard to increase the humidity.
The plant has a high transpiration rate, which means it releases substantial moisture into the air, contributing to a more humid and comfortable indoor environment.
Golden Pothos
Epipremnum aureum, also known as Golden Pothos, is a hardy, vine-like plant requiring minimal care, making it ideal for beginners or busy schedules.
It has a high preference for humid conditions, thriving in spaces where moisture is in excess.
Its cascading vines add a touch of tropical flair to your home, and more importantly, they help to maintain a high humidity level, which can be beneficial for your skin, respiratory system, and other indoor plants.
English Ivy
The English Ivy, or Hedera helix, is a fast-growing, evergreen plant that can help to increase humidity levels in your home.
This plant, known for its air-purifying properties, enjoys high humidity and can withstand low-light and damp conditions.
It is an excellent choice for bathrooms or other areas with high humidity. Its elegant vines can trail or climb, adding a splash of green to your living space while also contributing to a more humid environment.
Snake Plant
Sansevieria trifasciata, popular as the Snake Plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, is an excellent choice for boosting indoor humidity.
Although a hardy plant can tolerate various conditions, it still appreciates a humid environment.
The Snake Plant is renowned for its air-purifying properties, removing toxins from the air while releasing moisture, making your indoor space healthier and more comfortable.
Philodendron
Philodendrons, comprising several species, are ideal houseplants for creating a humid environment.
They are known for their adaptability and resilience and prefer high-humidity environments.
Position them in your bathroom or any area with high humidity, and they will work to increase the moisture content in the air, creating a more comfortable environment for you and your other houseplants.
Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata, better known as the Boston fern, is a classic choice for those seeking humidity-loving plants.
These ferns thrive in consistently moist soil and high humidity.
They’re perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or any indoor spaces with high humidity, where they can aid in maintaining a humid and comfortable atmosphere.
Areca Palm
Areca palms (Dypsis lutescens) are more than just visually appealing.
These plants act as natural humidifiers, helping to regulate indoor humidity levels with their moisture-releasing properties.
The palm’s elegant, feathery fronds add a touch of tropical beauty to your home and create a healthier, more humid indoor environment.
Spider Plant
The Spider Plant, or Chlorophytum comosum, is an easy-to-grow houseplant that can help increase indoor humidity.
These plants are known for their adaptability to various conditions, including high-humidity environments.
Placing them in your bathroom or any other area with high humidity will contribute to maintaining a healthy, comfortable indoor atmosphere.
Dracaena
The Dracaena, often called the dragon plant, is a versatile indoor plant known for its love of humidity.
These low-maintenance plants can tolerate various light conditions, making them great additions to nearly any indoor space.
Their high transpiration rate contributes to a humid and comfortable environment, making your home more inviting.
Lady Palm
Rhapsis excelsa, commonly known as the Lady Palm, is an elegant plant that loves high humidity.
These slow-growing plants are excellent at adding humidity to indoor spaces. Their lush fronds help to maintain a balance in the air’s moisture content, contributing to a comfortable indoor climate.
Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea elegans, or the Parlor Palm, is a humidity-loving plant that adds a tropical touch to indoor spaces.
They thrive in high-humidity environments and are excellent at regulating indoor air moisture levels, creating a comfortable atmosphere in your home.
Dwarf Date Palm
Phoenix roebelenii, or the Dwarf Date Palm, is an indoor plant that loves high humidity.
This low-maintenance plant helps to maintain the optimal balance of indoor humidity, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to create a more comfortable indoor climate.
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema, commonly known as the Chinese Evergreen, is a hardy plant that loves high humidity.
Its ability to adapt to various light conditions makes it a great addition to spaces that need increased moisture.
Its large, lush leaves contribute to the humidity level, making your home feel more comfortable.
Anthurium
Anthuriums are tropical plants known for their striking, heart-shaped flowers. They thrive in high-humidity environments and contribute to the overall indoor air quality.
Apart from adding a splash of color to your indoor space, they work actively to increase the humidity level, creating a more comfortable environment.
Aloe Vera
The Aloe Vera plant is a succulent species that thrives in humid environments. Known for its medicinal properties, it can also be an excellent plant for increasing indoor humidity.
The moisture released by Aloe Vera contributes to a more humid environment, which can benefit other houseplants and the inhabitants’ health.
Corn Plant
Dracaena fragrans, known as the Corn Plant, are among the best plants for managing indoor humidity.
They prefer environments with high humidity, and their large, glossy leaves release moisture into the air, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor climate.
Jade Plant
Crassula ovata, commonly known as the Jade Plant, is a succulent that loves high humidity.
This low-maintenance plant can help maintain a suitable moisture balance in your indoor space. Its thick, lush leaves store water, gradually releasing it into the air, increasing indoor humidity.
Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica, popular as the Rubber Plant, is known for its broad, shiny leaves and its love for humid conditions.
It absorbs and releases moisture in its surroundings, acting as a natural humidifier.
This well-cared-for plant can enhance your space’s aesthetics and significantly improve the air quality by adding moisture.
Dumb Cane
Dieffenbachia, commonly known as Dumb Cane, is an excellent plant for those wanting to boost indoor humidity.
It thrives in high-humidity conditions, contributing to a comfortable indoor climate.
Its large, variegated leaves release significant amounts of moisture into the air, helping to maintain an optimal humidity level.
Besides its humidity-enhancing properties, Dumb Cane adds tropical charm to your indoor space with its striking foliage.
These 20 humidity-loving plants can add beauty and functionality to your indoor space, helping to regulate the moisture level in the air for a comfortable environment.
4. Houseplants for Specific Rooms
Bathroom Plants
The bathroom can be an ideal spot for certain humidity-loving houseplants. With abundant moisture in the air, Alocasia and Peperomia are two great choices for adding greenery to this room.
Alocasia, often known as the Elephant Ear plant, thrives in the humid environment a bathroom provides.
Place your Alocasia in a spot with indirect sunlight, and watch its impressive indoor foliage grow.
Peperomia is another excellent bathroom plant known for its attractive and diverse appearance.
This plant enjoys the increased humidity levels and can tolerate low light conditions often found in bathrooms.
Kitchen Plants
Your kitchen can also benefit from the addition of humidity-increasing houseplants.
A popular choice is the Pilea peperomioides, a plant that appreciates both higher humidity and access to natural light.
Pilea peperomioides, sometimes called the Chinese Money Plant, is perfect for an area with lots of natural light, like a kitchen windowsill.
This plant loves the increased humidity levels in kitchens and is a great addition to your indoor garden.
Remember to give your kitchen plants enough light and maintain adequate humidity levels to thrive fully.
With the right care, these beautiful houseplants will not only improve your home’s ambiance but also help increase the humidity levels in specific rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plants increase humidity naturally?
Numerous plants increase humidity naturally through a process called transpiration. Some popular and beneficial houseplants include English ivy, Lady palm, Rubber plant, Boston fern, Peace lily, Golden pothos, and Dwarf date palm. These plants release moisture into the air, making them excellent choices for improving the humidity of your indoor environment.
What are the top high-transpiration plants?
High-transpiration plants are known for their ability to release large amounts of moisture into the air through their leaves. Some of the top performers in this category are Boston Fern, Peace Lily, Rubber Plant, Spider Plant, and Golden Pothos. These plants are known for their ability to increase indoor humidity significantly.
How do plants influence indoor humidity?
Plants add humidity to the air by transpiration, in which water evaporates from the leaves. More than 90% of the water plants absorb is lost through transpiration, making them natural humidifiers. By increasing the humidity in your home, plants can create a more comfortable environment, particularly during dry seasons.
Which plants are best for adding humidity in bedrooms?
If you want to increase humidity in your bedroom, consider adding plants like the Snake plant, Spider plant, or Peace lily. These plants help improve humidity levels and have air-purifying properties that can contribute to healthier and more restful sleep.
What are the most humidity-loving houseplants?
Some houseplants thrive in high-humidity environments and can even absorb moisture from the air. Examples of humidity-loving houseplants include Ferns (especially Boston and Maidenhair ferns), Calatheas, Philodendrons, and Orchids. These plants will appreciate the extra moisture and help maintain balanced humidity levels.
Can having plants in the shower area increase humidity?
Yes, placing plants in your shower area can help increase humidity levels, as the steam and moisture generated during showers will be absorbed by the plants. Humidity-loving plants such as Ferns, Peace lilies, and Spider plants are great bathroom choices due to their moisture affinity, making them perfect companions for your shower area.