February tends to be the coldest month in the UK so it is best to stay warm and cosy indoors as much as possible, but it is also important to be on the lookout for mould in your home.
Mould tends to be a big problem in winter as more people keep their windows closed and dry laundry indoors, which causes lots of moisture to build up in rooms.
Moisture will cause condensation, dampness, and eventually mould to begin growing on surfaces, which can be difficult to remove completely without paying for professional help.
However, experts at The Balcony Garden have shared there is a natural way to prevent mould in the home and that is to own certain houseplants.
They said: “While houseplants generally increase humidity, creating an environment where mould might thrive, some specific plants actually combat the formation of indoor mould naturally.
“These typically tropical native plants not only add greenery to your space but also act as natural dehumidifiers, absorbing ambient moisture, and in some rare instances, releasing antimicrobial and antifungal compounds that can naturally inhibit mould growth.”
How do plants stop mould and dampness?
Some tropical plants that live in rainforests in the wild can only survive by absorbing moisture from the air and are perfect mould away from your home.
Not only do these plants take away any excess moisture but some release lots of oxygen which can improve the airflow in a home and stop condensation from being able to cling to surfaces.
This is a simple way to regulate indoor air quality and moisture levels to stop mould growth but will also make your home look spectacular depending on the houseplats you have.
What houseplants help keep mould out of your home?
Peace Lilies
Peace lilies are popular houseplants due to their elegant white flowers and are excellent at pulling moisture out of the air to prevent mould from being able to grow in the home.
What is fantastic about these flowers is that they can remove spores from the air, so there is much less chance of mould spreading.
The expert said: “Peace lilies are excellent at absorbing moisture from the air, making them effective in rooms with high humidity levels, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Their glossy leaves release natural compounds that can limit mould growth.”
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a soothing plant popular in homes as their gel is a natural way to treat burns, but they are also known to aboard toxins or humidity in the air.
The expert said: “Aloe vera is not only a well-known medicinal plant but also effective at absorbing moisture and releasing antimicrobial compounds that inhibit mould growth. It’s an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms.”
Aloe vera has natural antifungal properties, which will also prevent mould from growing on nearby surfaces where you keep the plant.
Snake Plant
Snake plants are one of the best houseplants for any new to owning plants due to how easy they are to grow as they do not need much water to survive.
These plants are known to release lots of oxygen at night, which prevents moisture from being an issue while you are sleeping.
The expert said: “Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, release oxygen at night, making them great for bedrooms. They absorb moisture and filter out toxins from the air, which may help reduce mould spores indoors.”
