When it comes to increasing indoor humidity, most people think of a humidifier. But what if a couple of houseplants, like the Spathiphyllum (peace lily) or the Ficus elastica (rubber plant), could compete? Let’s dive into a fun comparison to see how these popular houseplants stack up against a common cool mist humidifier! 🌿💧
The Competitors
Cool Mist Humidifier
Our modern champion in the battle for indoor humidity! It’s efficient and effective for boosting indoor air moisture quickly.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Known for adding a touch of humidity through transpiration (natural moisture release), the peace lily also cleans the air, so it’s not just there to look pretty.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Another powerhouse plant for air purification, the rubber plant is also known to release moisture, though a bit less than the peace lily. Plus, it’s easy to care for and brings a bold, tropical look to any room.
Humidifier vs. Peace Lily vs. Rubber Plant: The Showdown
| Feature | Cool Mist Humidifier | Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily) | Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture Output per Day | 🏆 3.8–7.6 liters | 🥈 ~0.1 liters per plant | 🥉 ~0.05 liters per plant |
| Area Coverage | 🏆 28–46 square meters | 🥉 ~1 square meter per plant | 🥉 ~1 square meter per plant |
| Humidity Increase per Hour | 🏆 ~5–10% in a small room | 🥉 ~1% in a small room (multiple plants) | 🥉 ~0.5-1% in a small room |
| Maintenance Required | 🥈 Regular refills and cleaning | 🏆 Occasional watering and light care | 🏆 Occasional watering and light care |
| Power Requirement | 🥉 15–30 watts (electric) | 🏆 None (natural) | 🏆 None (natural) |
| Cost | 🥈 $30–$100+ | 🏆 $10–$30 per plant | 🏆 $15–$40 per plant |
| Additional Benefits | Humidity on demand, quick results | Air purification, aesthetic appeal | Air purification, easy care, bold look |
Let’s Break it Down
1. Moisture Output per Day
The humidifier wins by producing about 3.8–7.6 liters of moisture daily! The peace lily, in contrast, provides about 0.1 liters, while the rubber plant offers around half that, at 0.05 liters. So, while they can’t replace a humidifier, a combination of peace lilies and rubber plants can give a subtle boost in humidity.
2. Area Coverage
A single humidifier can cover about 28–46 square meters, while each plant affects roughly 1 square meter. That’s perfect for small spaces or close-by desk areas. Placing several plants in a room can have a cumulative effect, but it won’t match a humidifier in area coverage.
3. Humidity Increase per Hour
Humidifiers raise room humidity quickly, about 5–10% per hour in smaller rooms. Peace lilies contribute around 1%, while rubber plants can add between 0.5–1% in smaller spaces, making them subtle contributors.
4. Maintenance Required
Humidifiers need regular water refills and cleaning to prevent mineral buildup and bacteria. Peace lilies and rubber plants are simpler, needing only occasional watering and indirect sunlight to stay happy.
5. Power Requirement
Humidifiers consume about 15–30 watts, while plants, of course, are power-free! Just let them photosynthesize and they’ll do their thing.
6. Cost
While a good humidifier can cost anywhere from $30 to over $100, peace lilies are a more affordable $10–$30, and rubber plants range from $15–$40. You could buy several plants for the price of one humidifier.
7. Additional Benefits
Humidifiers are a straightforward solution, quickly and effectively adding moisture. Peace lilies and rubber plants go the extra mile, purifying the air while adding humidity. Rubber plants, in particular, also add a bold visual statement with their large, glossy leaves.
And the Winner Is…
It all depends on what you’re looking for! If you need rapid humidity, a cool mist humidifier is your best bet. But for a natural, subtle increase in humidity along with air purification, a few peace lilies and rubber plants make an excellent choice. Why not combine the two? Let your humidifier handle the bulk of the work, and let your plants add an extra layer of freshness and beauty to your space.
Final Thoughts
Comparing appliances to houseplants might seem funny, but it reveals a lot about the unique benefits each can bring to your home. If you want a natural solution and an excuse to bring more greenery indoors, peace lilies and rubber plants are a winning combination. And if your friends are impressed by your home’s green vibe, you can even tell them that your plants are “doing the humidifier’s job!”