Did You Know That Some House Plants Can Help To Prevent Mold?
We have written before about how different types of houseplants can improve the quality of your indoor air.
In a similar way, some houseplants may help manage indoor humidity.
But First, a Few Words on How Mold Is Caused
High humidity and heat can contribute to mold growth, which is more likely to occur in places such as bathrooms and kitchens. To reduce the likelihood of mold forming, make sure the space is well ventilated. Open windows and doors to allow air to circulate, especially after baths or showers.
If you have a ventilation fan in your bathroom, remember to turn it on whenever the room is being used.
Even with these precautions, it is wise to keep an eye out for mold, as it can develop in places you may miss. Behind toilets or sinks are common areas where mold may be found.
Also read: allergy triggers and symptoms
Houseplants That May Help Manage Indoor Humidity
Some houseplants absorb moisture through their leaves. In rooms prone to dampness, they may be one small part of managing indoor humidity, while also adding attractive greenery.
So, which houseplants may help?
1. Hedera helix, or English Ivy
Easy to grow and pleasing to look at, English ivy has trailing foliage that works well in a hanging basket or a regular pot. It grows well with plenty of bright, indirect light in moist but well-drained soil. Water regularly, checking the top inch of soil and waiting until it is dry before watering again.
English ivy prefers medium to high humidity, so it may grow well in a bathroom or kitchen.
English ivy (Hedera helix) is also often listed among houseplants studied for their ability to filter certain airborne chemicals, including formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Some sources also describe English ivy as a plant that may contribute to indoor air quality. The amount of any effect in a typical home can vary.
2. Dracaena trifasciata, or Snake Plant
The snake plant is hardy and can be a good choice for people who find houseplants challenging to care for. It prefers a sunny position and can grow in rooms with different humidity levels.
Snake plants have been studied for their ability to filter certain airborne compounds, including trichloroethylene. However, the effect of houseplants on indoor air quality in everyday homes may be limited.
Snake plants release oxygen through photosynthesis. The amount and timing depend on the plant and its growing conditions.
3. Spathiphyllum, or Peace Lily
Peace lilies are popular for their glossy leaves and white flowers. They grow well in warm, humid environments and should be watered when the top of the soil dries out.
Peace lilies have been studied for their ability to filter certain airborne compounds, including benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and ammonia. Results from controlled studies may not reflect the effect of a single plant in a typical home.
4. Palms: Different Varieties
There are plenty of palm varieties to choose from, including Dypsis lutescens (areca palm), Phoenix roebelenii (dwarf date palm), Rhapis excelsa (broadleaf lady palm), and Chamaedorea elegans (parlor palm). Palms release moisture into the air through their leaves, so they are not necessarily suitable for reducing humidity in a room.
Some studies have examined palms for their ability to filter airborne compounds such as formaldehyde and xylene. The impact of houseplants on indoor air quality in a typical home is likely to be modest.
Palms come in a range of shapes and sizes, so there may be a variety suitable for your home.
To sum up, houseplants can add beauty and greenery to your home. They are not a substitute for ventilation or for addressing dampness and mold at its source.
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Sources
Addressing the prevalence of respiratory allergy in the home environment — ScienceDirect