Mold and damp patches are a common sight in most homes, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. It happens due to humidity, dampness, and poor ventilation. Mold not only distorts the room's visual appeal but also causes allergies, headaches, respiratory problems, and other health issues. The primary concern for homeowners is finding ways to control mold growth. In this blog, we primarily focus on houseplants as an effective measure to control mold growth.
How Do Houseplants Improve Air Quality?
These plants work in different ways. Some plants act like a vacuum, sucks pollutants from the air, and trap them in the roots and leaves. This process is called phytoremediation. Other plant species trap moisture from the air and regulate humidity. Houseplants break down toxins that promote mold growth as they interact with soil microbes.
Best Houseplants to Prevent Mold Growth
English Ivy
English ivy is one of the best plants for removing airborne mold in a small bathroom. All they need to thrive is regular watering and bright and indirect light.
Caution: Keep pets away from English ivy, as its leaves are toxic.
Dragon Tree Plant
The dragon tree plant, also known as Dracaena, prevents mold growth in a different way from many other houseplants. This plant releases phytochemicals that suppress the spores. It reduces the toxins present in the air. It contains antioxidant properties that help neutralize the free radicals present in the air. When it comes to caring, all it needs is weekly or fortnightly watering, but make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a versatile plant known for its multiple features. It lowers the room's moisture content by absorbing it. It also has antioxidant and anti-fungal properties and can provide a soothing, calming effect on the skin. Place it in the bathroom or any area with mold and see the effect.
Peace Lily
Another houseplant that absorbs moisture in the air with its leaves is the “peace lily”. It is preferred for its low-maintenance property. Peace lilies do best in bathrooms and kitchens, as they thrive in warm, humid conditions. They absorb moisture in the air through their leaves. All it needs is a little care: keep it out of direct sunlight, keep it in a damp area, and water as and when needed (leaves begin to droop when it needs water).
Caution: Keep pets away from the Peace lily plant because its leaves are toxic to pets.
Palms
Palms are one of the houseplants that help prevent mold growth by reducing moisture. Just like many other houseplants, palms also remove moisture by absorbing excess moisture through their leaves. The best feature is that it tolerates a bit of dryness.
Boston Fern
The feathery leaves of Boston ferns absorb moisture due to their moisture-absorbing property, and they release oxygen. As a result, the air is purified, and mold growth is prevented. Caring for Boston ferns is simple: just keep them in indirect light and mist the leaves regularly. Frequent watering can also satiate the water requirement.
Snake Plant
Snake plants effectively reduce mold growth by absorbing moisture and purifying indoor air. Snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a perfect choice for bedrooms as it releases oxygen at night. This is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers dry soil between watering, so water it only when needed. It’s a low-maintenance plant.
Spider Plant
It is another efficient houseplant to prevent mold growth in the home. The spider plant has pointed leaves that absorb mold spores and help purify the air by removing carbon dioxide, dust, and mold. It acts quickly against toxins, removing almost 90% within a couple of days. One of the best features is that it is safe for pets and kids, so you can place it without worrying about them. All it needs is weekly watering and moderate amounts of indirect sunlight.
Weeping Fig
The weeping fig is known for its microbial properties, which help prevent mold growth, remove harmful toxins from the air, and release oxygen. The stems and leaves of the weeping fig contain phenolic acid, which prevents the growth of fungi and mold. It’s not a fussy plant because it can grow in poor conditions with minimal light and water. It is best suited for bedrooms because the weeping fig is a large plant, making it easy to purify the air in a larger space. Make sure you keep it in indirect light and water when the soil dries out.
| Some Tips | During the summer months, mist the leaves to keep them moist. |
Orchid
Orchids are preferred not only for their air-purifying and humidity-reducing properties, but also for their ornamental value, thanks to their vibrant colors and textures. It requires regular misting to maintain its moisture content and regular watering.
| Some Tips | Use bark-based orchid compost and not houseplant compost. |
Which is the Right Place to Keep the Plants?
Place the plants in areas with the highest moisture, like the bathroom, kitchen, basement, or laundry area. For example, place a Boston fern or a peace lily in the musty corner, English ivy in the exterior door and windows, and a spider plant in a small bathroom.
Conclusion
Houseplants to prevent mold growth in homes are a natural and cost-effective way. However, the choice of houseplants depends on the area where you plan to place them. This is because certain large houseplants may not be suitable for a small bathroom or kitchen. This blog features a variety of plants for different parts of the home, especially areas with limited or no ventilation.
