Dehumidifying Plants: Breathe Easier with Plants that Absorb Moisture
From your every day showers to leaving washing to dry, plenty of factors will add to the moisture levels in our homes, especially in rooms like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. And this can be much worse in the winter months where cold conditions mean that our rooms will take even longer to dry out than usual.
Having a humid home is more than just an issue of comfort. Homes that have more moisture are the ideal breeding ground for mould and mildew which in turn can trigger health issues such as asthma and further breathing problems. While extractor fans and dehumidifiers are effective, where is another way to dehumidify your home: the humble houseplant!
In a previous guide, we explored the air quality benefits of flowers when it comes to purifying our house’s air. But these benefits also extend to dehumidifying, plants can actually help absorb the moisture in our air–a lesser known superpower of our favourite home decor. Here at Eflorist, we believe in the power of plants to create healthier, happier homes. As such, we have explored the best moisture absorbing plants for reducing humidity and preventing mould, and shared the best places to put them around your home.
How do dehumidifying plants work?
While many believe plants simply “drink” moisture from the air, the process is a bit more complex. Houseplants can absorb tiny airborne water vapour particles through their leaves in a process known as ‘foliar uptake’.
And certain plants, especially those native to tropical, humid climates, will be best adapted to this and actually prefer being in a moist room as opposed to a drier home.
Plants will also regulate their own moisture release through another process called ‘transpiration’. However, research shows that in humid environments plants will adapt and release less water vapour–meaning they won’t be adding excess to moisture in any damp rooms.
Where should I put plants that absorb moisture indoors? Which rooms are best?
Naturally, plants that enjoy a humid environment will enjoy the rooms in your home that are more moist. Meaning they will suit rooms such as kitchens, laundry rooms, and of course bathrooms.
You may also find that your bedroom becomes humid overnight while you’re sleeping, so it can be ideal to pop a dehumidifying plant in any bedroom to combat waking up with extra wet windows from all that condensation.
The best plants for humid homes
Below, Eflorist have listed 5 of the best plants that absorb moisture in your home:
1. Boston Ferns
If you’re looking for the champion of dehumidifying plants, look no further than the Boston Fern. Featuring dense, feathery leaves that provide a massive surface area, these plants are incredibly efficient when it comes to naturally dehumidifying and balancing the moisture in your home.
These ferns thrive in moist climates and will happily soak up any excess humidity in your home making them one of the best plants for bathrooms and any humid laundry rooms. Place them in a hanging basket or on a shelf where it can benefit from any steam from your shower or washing machine.
Boston Ferns prefer to stay consistently moist, so if you notice the tips turning yellow at all it’s a sign they may need more misting.
2. Peace Lilies
As highlighted in our previous air quality guide, the Peace Lily is a powerhouse purifier. In fact, research from NASA has identified them as one of the best air-purifying houseplants due to their ability to remove common household toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
But its benefits don’t stop there as peace lilies are also perfect for absorbing excess moisture in your home through its leaves. Place it in bedrooms and bathrooms–or anywhere that feels humid and has lower light levels that peace lilies can tolerate.
3. English Ivy
If you’re looking for bathroom plants that absorb moisture, an English Ivy can be a great bet for those dark, damp corners where mould seems to love appearing. When it comes to mould, English Ivy is your go-to defender as this hardy, trailing vine has been specifically identified by NASA for its ability to remove airborne mould spores.
Place English Ivy anywhere you have poor ventilation or are having recurring mould problems. You can place it on a high shelf or in a hanging pot and let it trail down, and you only need to water it sparsely, when the top inch of soil feels dry.
4. Snake Plants
Snake plants are one of the most resilient and adaptable houseplants you can own, making them particularly great for any beginner plant owners.
What makes snake plants unique is their very low transpiration rate, meaning that they add almost no moisture back to the air and so are perfect for very damp homes. Snake plants also release oxygen at night, making them a great choice for any bedroom plant options as it will improve your room’s air quality while you sleep.
5. Spider Plants
Spider plants are known for being powerful air purifiers that can also help to absorb moisture from the air, tackling both humidity and pollutants.
They prefer bright, indirect light and will thrive in a humid room–so place in any bright kitchens or bathrooms!
Use dehumidifying plants in tandem with other tools
While houseplants are fantastic for natural humidity relief, they work best as part of a complete strategy for managing humidity.
Make sure your home has good ventilation, especially in those high-humidity areas, and consider using a dehumidifier for any severe damp issues. By combining these methods with a few carefully chosen green companions, you can create a home that is not only beautiful but is benefitting the air you breathe.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dehumidifying Plants
Some of the best plants for bathrooms are those that thrive in humid conditions and can help absorb excess moisture from the air. Top choices include Boston ferns, peace lilies, English ivy, spider plants, and snake plants. These bathroom plants that absorb moisture enjoy steam from showers and can help reduce condensation while improving air quality.
Yes, certain plants that absorb moisture can help reduce humidity levels indoors. They take in airborne water vapour through their leaves via a process called foliar uptake. While they won’t replace a dehumidifier, moisture absorbing plants can support humidity control in naturally damp rooms like bathrooms and kitchens.
Some of the most effective plants that absorb moisture indoors include Boston ferns, which have large leaf surface areas, and peace lilies, which are well adapted to humid environments. English ivy is also highly effective, particularly in areas prone to mould, making these excellent dehumidifying plants for your home.
Yes, dehumidifying plants can help reduce the conditions in which mould thrives by absorbing excess moisture from the air. Plants like English ivy have even been shown to reduce airborne mould spores. However, for best results, plants should be used alongside good ventilation and regular cleaning.
If you’re looking for easy-care moisture absorbing plants, snake plants and spider plants are great options. Snake plants have a very low transpiration rate, meaning they won’t add moisture back into the air, while spider plants are resilient and thrive in humid indoor environments with minimal care.
While plants that absorb moisture can help manage mild humidity, they won’t fully replace an electric dehumidifier in cases of severe damp. Instead, think of plants that absorb moisture indoors as a natural, decorative addition to a wider humidity-control strategy that includes ventilation and, if needed, mechanical dehumidifiers.
The best places for plants that absorb moisture indoors are rooms with naturally higher humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and bedrooms. Position them near sources of moisture like showers or drying laundry, while still ensuring they receive the appropriate light for their needs.
Yes, several dehumidifying plants are suitable for bedrooms. Snake plants are particularly popular as they release oxygen at night and don’t increase humidity. Peace lilies can also work well in bedrooms with lower light, helping to manage moisture caused by overnight condensation.