Houseplant has power to remove ‘78% of mould from the air’

Beyond being decorative, many houseplants quietly act as natural air purifiers, filtering toxins, balancing humidity, and even reducing mould in the air. Bathrooms are one of the trickiest areas of the home to keep fresh due to their humidity and limited ventilation. 

However, some houseplants have the ability to reduce harmful compounds in the air. And among them, one humble green climber stands out: ivy. While many houseplants help improve air quality, English ivy (Hedera helix) has earned special attention from scientists. Research has found that ivy is exceptionally effective at removing mould particles from the air. In fact, one study suggests that ivy can eliminate up to 78.5% of airborne mould.

According to an experiment shared at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology annual meeting, a researcher found that over a 12-hour period, ivy reduced airborne mould and fecal particles. 

During the study, mouldy bread and dog feces were place din a sealed container with English ivy. After six hours, mould decreased by about 60% and faecal particles by 58%, after 12 hours, reductions rose to 78% and 94%.

According to co-author Hilary Spyers-Duran, a nurse practitioner and investigator at West Coast Clinical Trials, “Aerosolized proteins are actually absorbed through the roots and soil of the plant.”

Through photosynthesis and natural biological processes, households absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

Many species also remove harmful compounds such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. These compounds are often released from cleaning products, paints, and everyday materials in the home.

Bathrooms, in particular, can benefit from plants because moisture often leads to mould spores lingering in the air, cleaning products may leave chemical residues in enclosed spaces and poor ventilation can make the room feel musty and damp.

According to The Residence Collection, the best plants to put in your windows to reduce mould are:

English Ivy

The English Ivy’s dense foliage is ideal for trapping particles in the air, making this plant highly effective at ridding homes of unwanted mould spores and absorbing extra moisture.

Peace Lilies

Peace Lilies enjoy rooms with high humidity and low to moderate sunlight, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Like the English Ivy, the Peace Lily has air-purifying abilities and can reduce moisture in the air through its leaves to prevent mould growth. Their elegant white flowers bring a sense of tranquillity and beauty to spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms and dining areas.

Boston Ferns

Boston Ferns are fantastic at balancing the humidity in your home, making it less favourable for mould to grow. They thrive in indirect light and love high humidity, so they are perfect for sprucing up your bathroom or kitchen windowsills.

Spider Plants

Spider Plants are great for filtering out air pollutants and absorbing that extra moisture, as well as improving your indoor air quality, which prevents mould formation.

Spider Plants, with their love for bright, indirect light, are perfect for windows in living rooms, kitchens or other well-lit areas of the home.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a natural mould fighter, thanks to its moisture-absorbing and antifungal properties. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, making it a great choice for sunny window sills to reduce humidity and keep mould at bay.

Snake Plants

Snake Plants are excellent at absorbing toxins and moisture from the air, reducing the damp conditions that mould loves. They also release oxygen at night, enhancing the air quality in your home. Their adaptability to various light conditions makes them perfect for any window in your home.