As temperatures drop, homes are increasingly kept with windows shut, leading to condensation on windows each morning. Left untreated, this moisture can quickly develop into mould, which poses risks to both property and health, including respiratory problems and significant structural damage.
One effective, natural way to combat mould and condensation is through houseplants. Certain varieties can help keep condensation under control by balancing indoor humidity levels.
Expert Advice on Natural Humidity Control
Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: "Condensation is a problem a lot of households will face during the winter. Too much of it can cause some serious problems and lead to mould growth."
"The good news is there are ways to control this and prevent condensation from forming in the first place. If your windows are particularly steamy, it means you need to bring down the moisture levels in your home and plants can help do this. Certain plants are a great natural solution to help balance humidity in the home and they look great too."
Seven Plants to Help Prevent Mould
English Ivy thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering. It is important to keep it well out of reach of pets, as its leaves are toxic to animals.
Peace Lily, with its striking white flowers, thrives in high humidity, making the bathroom or kitchen ideal locations. It draws moisture from the surrounding air and can manage without direct sunlight. However, like English Ivy, it can also be toxic to pets.
Palms excel at drawing moisture through their foliage. Recommended varieties include Areca palms, bamboo palms, the lady palm, dwarf date palm, and reed palm.
Boston Fern flourishes in damp conditions, naturally drawing air moisture and balancing humidity levels throughout the home. It requires only indirect sunlight and consistent watering.
Snake Plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, is a resilient and versatile plant that flourishes in bright light but manages well in dimmer conditions, making it ideal for bathrooms.
Orchids assist in reducing household humidity, obtaining all their nutrients and moisture directly from the surrounding air.
Spider plant is excellent at eliminating harmful pollutants from the home and is straightforward to maintain, requiring watering approximately once or twice weekly. Given its undemanding nature, it makes an excellent choice for beginners.
