Should You Actually Mist Your Plants? Experts Weigh In

Is misting beneficial or detrimental to your plants? Many plant owners love to water and mist their plants. After all, giving plants a good spritzing is a time to check in and connect with ones that haven’t been cared for during a busy work week.

Misting is also said to boost moisture and improve air quality, but experts differ on the value of the practice. While it may benefit tropical plants like ferns and orchids, it may harm others like succulents and hairy plants.

Here is what experts say about misting plants, the pros, cons, and alternatives by plant variety.

Should You Mist Your Plants?

The importance of misting your plants depends on their specific needs and the growing environment. Mike Drouin of Reefertilizer tells us that many tropical plants thrive with a boost in humidity that misting provides, which mimics their natural, humid habitat.

While misting is commonly believed to increase humidity levels for plants, in most homes, that effect lasts just a few minutes before the water evaporates. In a greenhouse, however, it could last much longer.

Misting also removes dust on leaves and washes away bugs on the plant’s surface. Additionally, it can facilitate nutrient absorption through the leaves.

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Plants That Benefit from Misting

1. Tropical plants, like ferns and orchids. These plants naturally grow in humid environments, and misting can replicate these conditions, promoting their health and growth.
2. Majesty palms. They positively respond to regular misting by displaying more vigorous growth and deeper green leaves, according to Luke Steffensmeier of Reedy River Landscapes.
3. Orchid species
4. Boston fern
5. Many aroids, including the philodendron and monstera varieties. These plants originate from humid, tropical environments where the air moisture is naturally high.

The Cons of Plant Misting You Should Know

Depending on the plant, misting can do more harm than good.

“Not all plants appreciate misting—those with hairy leaves or succulents can suffer from fungal diseases if misted,” Steffensmeier tells us. “The key is understanding the humidity requirements of your plants and observing how they respond to misting over time.”

In a poorly ventilated space, water droplets on the leaves create a perfect breeding ground for fungi. Also, irregular misting could lead to inconsistent humidity levels, which may stress the plant.

“Personally, I mist my tropical plants regularly to keep them vibrant and healthy, always ensuring the surrounding environment aligns with their natural conditions,” Drouin says.

Alternatives to Misting That Really Work

For plants that do not fare well with misting, there are alternatives, like clustering plants together. This creates a microclimate that naturally increases humidity levels, according to Steffensmeier.

Another strategy is to use a pebble tray filled with water under your plant pots. As the water evaporates, it increases moisture around the plants without wetting their leaves directly. These alternatives have been particularly beneficial in creating lush, vibrant spaces without compromising plant health.

Drouin uses the pebble tray for his herb garden, but he uses another trick for his indoor, tropical plants.

“Using a humidifier can help maintain moisture in the air, essential for my home office where I keep most of my tropical plants,” he says. “This allows me to control the environment more precisely, ensuring all my plants receive the care they need based on their specific requirements.”

Are There Plants That Don’t Need Misting?

Succulents are drought-tolerant plants that thrive in dry environments and do not require misting. They enjoy dry, low humidity. Steffensmeier reminds us that these kinds of plants might even suffer from fungal diseases when misted.

Other relatively adaptable plants that can handle lower humidity levels include the snake plant, the ZZ plant, cacti, fiddle leaf figs, spider plants, and pothos. Also, avoid spraying, misting, or washing hairy-leaved plants like the African Violet, because water on the crown can cause rot.

If your plants are originally from a dry climate with low humidity, it’s best to preserve those same conditions in your home or garden, too.

Instead of misting to clean off the leaves, try dusting or wiping down the leaves with a paper towel or microfiber cloth. These methods are just as effective at removing surface dirt and keeping your plants looking lush and well-loved.