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These plants all help to suck moisture from the air.
Did you know that spider plants, orchids and leafy palms can all help to remove mould spores in the home? From the bathroom to the kitchen, any room that suffers from humidity, dampness, mildew or mould could benefit from one of these clever houseplants.
In addition to embracing Lüften, the German practice of 'airing out' your home, indoor plants can be pretty beneficial. Aside from making a gorgeous addition to your living space, the right species can help to suck moisture from the air, which makes it a less desirable habitat for mould.
'Mould in the home is caused by excess humidity. Warm rooms, like bathrooms and kitchens are at particular risk,' Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk, says. 'Using plants to help keep mould at bay is a practical and natural way to control humidity and moisture in your home.'
Take a look at seven plants that help with mould...
A great choice for smaller bathrooms, English ivy can help remove airborne mould and other nasties. They grow best in bright, indirect light and need regular watering.
Chris reminds pet parents: 'Remember to keep the English ivy away from pets – the leaves are toxic to them.'
Aloe vera is loaded with antioxidant and antifungal properties. As well as soothing and calming the skin, the popular houseplant has moisture-absorbing abilities to reduce humidity levels in the home. Pop it in your bathroom and watch the plant work its magic.
The Peace Lily is another mould-buster. Usually found on the floor of humid rainforests, they can easily absorb mould spores in the bathroom. Don't forget to keep them away from curious pets — their leaves can be dangerous if ingested.
'Palms are a great choice to help control humidity and keep mould at bay, absorbing moisture through their leaves,' explains Chris. 'Varieties to look out for include Areca palms, bamboo palms, the lady palm, dwarf date palm and reed palm.'
These low-maintenance ferns love a humid atmosphere, making them excellent choices for steamy bathrooms. You'll just need to make sure they get plenty of sunlight and enough water to keep growing.
Dracaena trifasciata, commonly known as the snake plant, is another mould-loving variety. Ideal for the not-so-green-fingered, they are hardy, adaptable and can cleverly suck moisture from the air. Snake plants are especially efficient in warm, wet rooms, like bathrooms.
Orchids are loaded with benefits. Not only are they ornamental beauties, but they can also help to improve the quality of air and reduce humidity around you. They like regular watering and misting and may need to be grown in bark-based orchid compost, rather than houseplant compost.
And finally, taking the seventh spot is the easy-to-grow spider plant. 'This is a popular indoor plant which is great at removing harmful pollutants in the home,' adds Chris.
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