We love essential oils. You love essential oils. And we love finding all the ways to enjoy them throughout our homes. Chances are you have a favorite carrier oil, a go-to roll-on, and an ultrasonic diffuser in your most important rooms. If you’ve decided to branch out and give passive diffusion a try, it might strike you as, well, a tad underwhelming. But even though passive diffusion is more subtle than other forms, it has a lot going for it.
Passive Versus Active Diffusion
With active diffusion, usually by an ultrasonic or nebulizing diffuser, your essential oils are pumped into the air and dispersed throughout your space. It can fill larger rooms with the scent of your favorite sweet treat, like Pumpkin Pie, or a much-needed feel better blend like Sniffle Stopper or Germ Fighter. And when you use an intermittent setting, you’ll get a fresh boost of scent throughout the day (or night).
Passive diffusion acts much differently as there’s nothing pushing the oils into the air. They evaporate on their own and gently scent the air around your passive diffuser until the scent dissipates completely. Some examples of passive diffusion include our Passive Lotus Diffuser, the Crystal Carfresh Diffuser, aromatherapy necklaces, or reed diffusers.
Benefits of Passive Diffusion
With passive diffusion being so subtle, you might wonder why bother with it all? Because passive diffusion is so subtle, it makes it perfect for scenting small spaces like a desk, small bathroom, car, or bedside table. Only a few drops are needed and you can enjoy a brain-boosting blend while you work, or take in the soothing scents of Sweet Slumber while you sleep. Passive diffusion is one of the best ways to enjoy your essential oils without having to worry about bothering other people and with very little risk. If you find yourself sensitive to essential oils, passive diffusion would be a good way for you to benefit from the oils without them being too overpowering or irritating.
Tips for Getting the Most of Your Passive Lotus Diffuser
The biggest thing to keep in mind when considering passive diffusion is that it isn’t going to be as strong or powerful as a regular diffuser. It isn’t going to scent an entire room, smell as strong, or last as long as an ultrasonic or nebulizing diffuser. Passive diffusers are great options if you want to enjoy essential oils while sitting at a desk but aren’t going to make much of a difference in a bedroom or living room setting.
It’s also important to keep your passive diffuser clean. If you have one of our beautiful passive lotus diffusers, an occasional dusting is sufficient to keep it looking and working great. Just be sure to dust before adding new essential oils. After using your passive lotus diffuser several times, you can do a deep clean by using a cotton cloth dipped in diluted white vinegar to gently wipe the plaster clean.
If you’re going for longevity when you’re passively diffusing your essential oils, there are some that are going to perform better than others: base notes. These heavier oils are the slowest to evaporate and will stick around the longest. Blends like Maple Leaf, Key Lime Pie, Lemon Cupcake, Luckier, Pumpkin Pie, and Chocolate Truffle are all rich, delightful blends that are full of wonderful base notes and are perfect for passive diffusion. But if citrus and florals are your favorites, don’t let that stop you! Just know that they might not last as long.
Other Forms of Passive Diffusion
Our Passive Lotus Diffuser isn’t the only way to enjoy subtle scents in your home. Reed Diffusers are another excellent option! Instead of using undiluted essential oils, the oils are diluted in an alcohol mixture. When reeds are placed in the bottle, the liquid travels up the reeds and releases the scent into the air. By choosing how many (or few) reeds you use, you’re able to have greater control of the strength of the aroma. Also, reed diffusers will last longer and provide more of a continuous aroma than something like the Lotus Diffuser. Plus, now you can get everything you need directly from Plant Therapy with our Reed Diffusers, available in Wood Spice or Tangerine Jasmine.
What oils are your favorite in passive diffusers? Tell us in the comments below!
I use Lavender and Worry Free in my lotus diffuser. I keep in on my bed table. If I’m having trouble falling asleep I sit it on my pillow where as a side sleeper I can breathe in the lovely scents.
How about a passive diffuser in the closets with cedarwood ??
Would the Tummy All Better work with this in the car? I’m thinking something that puts the scent in the air lightly would work best for my child but also want it to be useful to her as well.
Absolutely! You can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of your essentials in the car or wherever you need them through passive diffusion. A tummy soothing blend is a great for helping your little one in the car.
I’m just starting to learn about and use essentials oils. Thanks!
I love peppermint to keep me fresh the whole day working
i use any and ALL of my oils in my lotus diffuser in the powder room!
Love my lotus diffuser!
I have some nice aroma stones ( really made from clay) and use them with different oils and blends. But in Winter I have a great opportunity to enjoy another kind of passive “diffuser”. I simply put some drops of oil on a small cotton cosmetic pad and place it on the water heating battery)). Some gentle warm gives a long lasting smell of my favourite aromas.
I would like one of the passive flower diffusers when they come back into stock.
Good article
Recién recibí mi Lotus, necesito encontrar una buena mezcla para usarlo en mi baño. Esta precioso
Anything citrus!
I have the lotus flower passive diffuser in my office at work and I love using Mercury Retrograde. Working at a college, this helps with all the emotions flying around!
My favorite oils in passive diffusers are citrus oils! Anything bright like lemon, grapefruit, or mandarin.
I have only used a necklace passive diffuser, but liked it a lot. I used lemongrass <3
vanilla
My go to diffused combo is cedarwood & lavendar. Both help minimize/manage my migraine frequencies.
Honeybell
I diffused cinnamon and nutmeg over the cold weekend. My house smelled amazing!
Any of the citrus since I can’t use them in a normal diffuser with the cats.
I love citrus scents for passive diffusing. I have a small, terracotta little pot. Would this work well for passive diffusing, or would it absorb most of the essential oil?
I enjoy the Worry Free synergy blend. I put a couple drops on a cotton pad and insert it into my mask at work. If things start to get stressful I just take a few deep breaths, and it helps to recenter.
I have been using passive diffusion more to be careful around my cats. I use the lotus diffuser next to my computer when I’m working. I like to use uplifting oils or blends while working. I use one of the aroma plush animals at night to help me sleep. I really like that passive diffusion gives a few more options when it’s not ideal to use a regular diffuser. I even bought a bracelet to use when I have errands.
Love lemongrass and lemon together!
I like to passively diffuse my stronger oils. Peppermint and lavender with lemon during windy season.
Have only used passive diffusion on bracelet or necklace – not in the room yet. Love immune aid – especially now !
I have not heard much about passive diffusion. I want to try this by my bed for sleep so I’m not running my diffuser all night – get more longevity out of my diffuser!
Love Let it Go
I love Germ Fighter and Blood Orange together for a disinfecting spray I make . The smell is amazing.
I’m afraid to try it because I love strong scents and am afraid I’d be disappointed. I don’t really sit down too much during the day.
We use passive diffusion all the time because we have cats in the house so can’t use our diffusers. I often wear a leather bracelet with a drop or two of Immune Aid – one of my favourite blends! I currently have a cotton pad with a drop of organic peppermint on it in my pre-wear mask pouch so when I pull out a mask to wear it has the calming and cooling scent of peppermint, reducing my anxiety at having to wear the mask and pre-emptively helping circumvent the debilitating headache that folllows.
I have never tried this type of diffuser. How long would the scent last on your night table? Would the scent be similar to what you would smell from lighting a scented candle?
Hi Dawn, how long the scent lasts depends on the size of your room, how many drops you use, and what oils you use. So it’s hard to say exactly. Passive diffusion doesn’t last as long as an ultrasonic diffuser and probably doesn’t permeate the room as much as a candle. That being said, it is the perfect choice for a nightstand as it should give you at least a couple of hours of scent at bedtime.
Tropical Passion is great to use with the Lotus Passive Diffuser!
the Relax blend is one of my all-time favorites. i’ve never tried passive diffusing, but i’m sure i would love it!
I had never heard of passive diffusing. Might be a good choice for me to use in my office and avoid bothering coworkers.
lemon is a favorite for passive for me
Peppermint and Tea Tree
I like lavender in passive diffusing!
I like lavender, in my bathroom, with a passive diffuser!
Lavender for sure
Lemon and anything fall related!
I don’t have passive diffuser yet. I’d like to use it in small spaces. Great idea!
Peppermint
I have not tried passive diffusing as of yet, but I believe this is what I need for my son who suffers from anxiety. With Covid here, he is participating in online schooling and this seems perfect to set up on his desk! Going to try the tranquility one I think first. Has more smells he already knows and likes. Thanks for the info!
I have not tried that yet… still reading and learning … I have not used any of my oils yet… will be soon…
We have not bought the passive diffuser yet. With all of these great recommendations, we will have to surely consider it!
I love orange and cinnamon together!
It’s stinkbug season, so I go for lemongrass to keep them out of the bedroom
I like to blend lavender and patchouli to get the benefit of long-lasting patchouli with a floral edge!
Lavendar is my favorite scent.
I have been thinking about trying this!
Lavender or Germ Fighter.
Lemon
I love lemon and lavender together! I put my lotus beside!
My favorite way to use a passive diffuser is to make my own Diffusers necklaces and earrings. I would love to try the Lotus Flower!
Now I can’t wait to get one
Would like to try Patchouli with passive diffusion.
Would like to try with Patchouli. I also would like to try the Ho wood oil.
Lemon
Anything floral!
Anything citrus although it needs more frequent refreshing
I love the passive lotus diffuser. I have placed one in several rooms of the house and add a few drops each morning. The result is one amazing smelling home!
Haven’t had the best luck with passive diffusing but love to put a few drops in my palms or wrists and inhaling 10 deep breaths.
Haven’t had succes with passive diffusers but love normal diffusing! ; )
Lemon or eucalyptus
I really like using lavender or any blend with Jazmin and orchid in it
Pink Grapefruit and Lavender
This article makes me want to try passive diffusing!
I dont know if a have a fav, there are so many. But for passive diffusing at my desk i love to mix patchouli and sweet orange.
Orange and cinnamon
eucalyptus & peppermint
Grapefruit pink is my favorite.
I haven’t tried the passive diffuser but I definitely love the idea.
Candycane
I love Cedar wood and lavender
Tranquility is my go to!
Vetiver!
Eucalyptus
I love lavender. It’s so relaxing
Currently, peppermint and either lemon or orange is my favorite in the craft room, though I think the bathrooms definitely need their own lotus diffusers with…. lemon or orange and peppermint? Ok, maybe Defender or Germ Fighter.
Definitely Spearmint 🙂
peach artemistia is wonderful to defuse is it available to buy?
I just ordered my lotus diffuser and I cannot wait to use it. It looks beautiful.
lavender for sleep 🙂
lavender all the way!
I haven’t tried this way before but may try in the near future. I have put cinnamon on a basket of pine
cones.
I haven’t tried passive diffusion before but I think I will now.
I can’t wait to try it!
Lavender and all fall favorites!
I really enjoy using anything lacey and vanilla.
I have been contemplating getting a passive diffuser but want something I can put in my daughter’s bedroom. I don’t want her messing with a normal diffuser but wondering if it would give off enough scent for her room??
Hi Angela, that depends on the size of her room. But something like this would be perfect for a bedside table or desk!
I have the Lotus passive diffusers in all of the bedrooms. I LOVE using Lavender with it. I just helps create a relaxing, calming, sleepy time vibe in the rooms.
Lavender and Lemon
lavendar
I tend to enjoy anything with a hint of fall or winter – so something like Pumpkin Pie or Holly Berries. Those scents tend to bring back fond memories and a sense of comfort. And my husband tends to prefer them as well.
lavender 🙂
Lemon and lime have always been my favorite scents and it is no different since I got into essential oils….
Definitely will give lotus passive a try and see which oils work best for me. Thank you for your input
Lavendar & Eucalyptus
Love this!
Lavendar & lemon- the dynamic duo!!
I love the fresh smell of Orange.
Germ fighter!!! And I love the new fall blends too!
I haven’t tried a passive diffuser yet!
Lavender for sure
Anything citrusy or woodsy
Currently enjoying fall rain
I’ve been wondering about this lotus diffuser, now I’ll definitely have to try!
Citrus, for sure!
I love to diffuse grapefruit and spearmint. It’s so uplifting!
citrus + mint. yeah baby!!
CS Casres
I love citrus scents.
I love anything citrus
Those would be great for the shepherds huts Im putting in for farm stays.
What a good option for those who don’t want to bring a larger diffuser, especially when traveling!
I love lemon and peppermint for energy and cleaning the air!
I’ve never tried a passive diffuser.
Love to smell patchouli in aromatic form, it just gives me such a calm feeling
Can’t wait to put a passive diffuser on my Wish List!
I like to diffuse a patchouli and frankincense blend!
I would love to try a fall scent in the lotus!
i will buy this diffuser to enjoy my favorite oil while sitting at my desk
I am going to try passive diffusing. Thanks for this.
Lavender is my favorite
You can never go wrong with lavender!!
I absolutely love taking Germ Fighter and a couple drops of Geranium mix in a spray bottle with witch hazel and water and spritzing my lotus diffuser down and sitting it in my living area. It gives off a great mild fall smell while helping sanitize the air. And the Geranium just adds a mild beauty to the air.
Rosemary is a go to for my necklace!
I have only used Sweet Orange in my passive diffuser but I really haven’t noticed it. I may need to try a stronger scent.
I think I will need to get one of these. Lavender is my go to.
Lavender is always a winner with some frankincense.
Key Lime!
I have not tried the passive diffuser, pied my curiosity. I’ll have to order the lotus diffuser soon! I can imagine Holiday Blend mixed with Tangerine. Perfect for Fall and Winter.
lemongrass
Just got 2 of the lotus diffusers. 1 us a gift, the other I out in the entranceway, using Harvest Moon.
All the citrus oils!
Lavender. You can’t go wrong!
Lavender
I have both types of diffuser and agree to this blog.
I love the idea of Chocolate Truffle! I am thinking this would be a great way to scent my closet.
Love lavender and Eucalyptus
Lavender and eucalyptus are my favorite
I have not tried the Passive Diffusers yet but have read a lot about them recently. Will certainly have to give them a try. Right now I love the warm woodsy scents along with the holiday scents too.
Lavender is my favorite.
Lavender is always my favorite!!
Anything Citrus based
I use vanilla and chamomile
I’m new to the EO world so I am excited to try passive diffusing in the near future!
I like lavender or vetiver on my pillowcase for passive diffusion as I sleep!
Harvest Moon this time of year is lovely!
Right now my favorite is Respir-Aid! It’s really been my go
To!
I have loved using Harvest Moon in my lotus diffuser. I use it in a small bathroom and can smell it for a good 2-3days ❣️
I’ve not tried a passive diffuser, but after reading this article, I will!
I’d like to give a passive diffuser a try for use in a small bathroom! Seems like a great alternative to reed diffusers using synthetic fragrances.
Peppermint or lemon
I bought a lotus diffuser for myself and love it. I have it on my nightstand next to my bed. I bought one for my daughter whose boyfriend didn’t like her diffusing oils into the air, she loves it… Today I bought another for one of my other daughters…she is going to love it, too!
I like Germ Fighter
Can’t wait to try for homeschool. Less of a distraction for my ADHA troll!!
Germ fighter!
I am a creature of habit! I use lime for passive diffusion. It is clean, fresh and universal! I use it year round, in the fall I add a drop of clove to the lime, and in the winter, I add a drop of peppermint for a fresh, crisp winter smell!
Lavender, clary sage, and cedarwood right now.
I love to diffuse pumpkin during the fall. It enhances a feeling of calm in my home.
Lavender and peppermint are my favorits these days
I haven’t tried a passive diffuser yet but certainly will!
I keep buying them for me and end up giving them as gifts. I’m going to try again.
I use peppermint in my passive diffuser at my desk.
does the passive give the same benefits as the Electric Diffuser? If I am using a oil like Germ Fighter?
Hi Annette, you’ll definitely get the same benefits with passive diffusion when it comes to personal health. But a passive diffuser may not provide the same air-purifying benefits that an ultrasonic diffuser will.
I’m completely obsessed with Germ Fighter!!! and a couple drops of eucalyptus!!!
I usually love lemon and lavender for passive diffusion. Both are a must have!! They are so powerful and today they act also as antivirals
I’ve been eyeing that lotus flower! I want it for my desk now! Great tips for active vs passive diffusion!
Spearmint is one of my favorite oils to diffuse passively. It’s fresh and uplifting to me.
Thank you, I am excited to try this!!
I like pink grapefruit
I’m excited to try passive diffusing with a lotus diffuser! Thank you for explaining which oils would last longer. This is very helpful
I frequently used lavender and peppermint via passive diffusion during my pregnancy to help with nausea and overall stress and found it to be gentle yet effective. Plant Therapy’s Lotus diffuser is by far one of the most attractive that I have seen.
I use lime, bergamot, and lemongrass for my 4th grader at her “virtual classroom” desk every morning. She loves it and asks for it if I happen to forget! It’s such a refreshing and bright blend it puts her in the right mood to tackle the day ahead.
I love the scent of rosemary and lime.
this is the first time i’ve heard about + read about passive diffusing. i’ll definitely consider it fit oils i diffuse around our dog and grandkids!
A very great alternative to a diffuser. Mine is by my bed with wood spice. I can smell it for a few days with a few drops applied the first day. I hope I can snag the Mercury retrograde bundle!
Is it better to use this type of diffuser for one oil or oil blend long term, or can you clean it daily and use a different oil every day?
It doesn’t matter if you use singles or blends, whatever is best for you! The lotus diffuser can be cleaned regularly, but daily might not be the best option. You’ll probably have the best experience if you use the same or similar oils for a bit before you clean your diffuser and swap it out.
I had a friend give me the blend Meditation. I just purchased the Lotus Passive and used the Meditation in it and I am in LOVE!! I put it in my home office and it was as if my mind opened up a whole new creative side.
I have purchased the lotus passive diffuser for my daughter to use in her college dorm for the purpose to ensure that if the use of her active diffuser may intrude on her roommate, the passive diffuser is a backup option. The use of her essential oils on campus during the current health concerns have been paramount to ensure she maintains a strong immunity. She doesn’t want to be without her oils and we appreciate having this option. The lotus passive diffuser is also so adorable 🙂 I’m going to get a few more for gifts this holiday season.
Do you have examples of additional heavier oils that would be best for passive diffusion? I enjoy Sleep Tight at night as a traditional diffuser is too loud – I’m a light sleeper. Going to try Luckier on the lotus diffuser too. Love the suggestions!
Hi Lacey, any oil that’s a base note (or a blend that’s heavy with the base notes) is going to linger a little longer. You can find a comprehensive list of top, middle and base notes in this blog post. Lucky for you, many base notes are grounding and woodsy oils that are great for relaxation and sleep!
Germ fighter!
This is a good alternative to an electric diffuser , especially when trying to sleep and don’t like the sound.
Lemon cupcake is one of my favorite oils to add to my assume diffuser. I use it in a small 1/2 bath and it smells so lovely
I would love to try passive diffusing. Thank you for the information.