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Mould and mildew are common issues (and can be a real pain), especially in humid environments like bathrooms and kitchens. They can pose health risks if not controlled and can be incredibly unsightly if they take hold of your beautifully painted windowsills or perfectly patterned wallpaper. Luckily, there are a ton of cleaning products on hand to help you tackle the issue and keep regrowth to a minimum. Plus a ton of easy steps you can take to prevent mould and mildew, like using extractor fans, opening windows, avoiding drying clothes inside and improving general room ventilation.
But did you know that certain houseplants can also help fight mould and mildew naturally by improving indoor air quality and contributing to a healthier home? They also look great and are fantastic for our mental wellbeing - so it’s a win-win!
Plants can help tackle mould and mildew in several ways:
Air Purification: Plants can naturally purify the air by removing toxins that contribute to mould growth.
Humidity Control: They can absorb excess moisture in the air, which can help reduce humidity and prevent mould and mildew growth.
Mould Spore Reduction: Some plants naturally filter out airborne mould spores, reducing their presence in the air.
Whilst it sounds a little frightening, the spider plant is a real winner - and not a creepy crawly in sight! The spider plant is not only a hardy and low-maintenance plant (great news for those who are not so green-thumbed), but it’s also well known for purifying the air. It absorbs the pollutants that promote mould and mildew growth. By reducing these toxins, this long-leaved companion helps create a less mould-friendly environment.
The spider plant thrives in a variety of conditions, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of your home. Plus, they are notorious for growing baby plants off their stems (probably the only time you’ll be glad to see baby spiders), which are super easy to propagate and grow brand new spider plants - the more the merrier and well worth every penny!
The Peace lily is another great air purifier, known for its ability to remove mould spores, dust, and bacteria from the air (no wonder Sgt. Nicholas Angel is such a fan!) It loves humid environments, making it the perfect pick for your bathroom and other moisture-rich spaces where mould and mildew love to thrive. The peace lily has beautiful, broad, glossy leaves that act as natural filters for pollutants.
Whilst easy to care for, they are known for being… a bit dramatic. But with proper care, the right environment and a bit of TLC, you can avoid the dreaded dropping leaves and bask in the glory of its glowing white petals.
Aloe vera is truly an iconic plant known for its soothing properties for the skin, with a ton of health and beauty benefits. But did you know it also helps to combat mould and mildew in your home? Aloe’s natural antimicrobial properties help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and mould. Aloe vera also thrives in dry conditions, which can prevent the excessive humidity that fosters mould growth.
It’s another super-easy plant to care for, so perfect for not-so-perfect plant parents. With its beautifully long, pointed leaves and vibrant green hues, it makes a fantastic visual impact and a great addition to any windowsill, shelf or mantle.
The Boston fern is also a favourite for humid areas like bathrooms and can tackle mould and mildew. Known for its high transpiration rate, the Boston fern increases the humidity around it -but also helps to filter out airborne allergens, including mould spores (super smart!)
Fab for hanging baskets or your favourite planter, its lush green feathery, sword-shaped leaves give this fern the real wow factor, guaranteed to add a pop of colour and vibrancy to your home.
The snake plant is a hardy plant that thrives on neglect (to an extent) and is much less slithery than it sounds - promise! It’s well-known for its ability to purify the air by removing toxins, which can contribute to mould growth. The snake plant also does well in low-light conditions, making it an ideal choice for rooms with limited natural light.
Palms, like the areca palm, bamboo palm, and lady palm, are great at absorbing moisture in the air, which can help prevent mould from developing. They thrive in humid environments, which means they can absorb excess moisture and keep humidity levels balanced. Palms also help purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants.
Orchids, especially those grown in pots with proper drainage, are not just decorative beauties, they also contribute to improving the air quality around them. Their placement can enhance air circulation, which helps regulate humidity levels in the surrounding area.
Adding mould-fighting plants into your home is an effective, natural way to help combat mould and mildew. These plants offer multiple benefits, such as purifying the air, regulating humidity, and absorbing excess moisture, all contributing to a healthier living environment (plus they look fantastic!)
While these plants can be a valuable addition to your home, it's important to remember that they should complement, not replace, regular cleaning and moisture control. If mould issues are severe, direct mould remediation should still be prioritised to ensure a safe and healthy space.
