15 March 2024 , 14:00
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Mould is a dreaded sight as it can cause a whole host of issues in your home - but there are plants that can help banish it.
Home improvement specialists at Everest have revealed that people have searched for mould removal tips on social media more than five million times in the last 30 days alone - so it's a real issue for the nation. The good news is, no matter how much space you have for a plant, there is something that will be suitable for you.
ITV Love Your Garden star and gardener David Domoney, who regularly appears on This Morning, says that plants can help boost the air quality in your space - and there are certain ones that can help.
David said: "Toxins easily build up in our homes through products we use in our daily lives, such as aerosols, fires, cleaning products and more. Adding plants is such a beautiful change to make which will also have a positive impact on your life and overall health, as they, with the microorganisms in the soil, neutralise some of the toxins and produce refreshing oxygen, which is great for our respiratory health."
Best plants for mould
Boston fern
The Boston fern is another popular houseplant that is easy to maintain and loves a humid atmosphere.
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Most ferns are native to humid and shaded environments such as woodlands which makes them perfect for bathrooms and corners of the house that have little direct sunlight. The plant will turn yellow if it is not getting enough moisture in its leaves - simply mist them with water if they are not getting enough moisture.
Place the plant in your bathroom, near a shower or in a shaded corner of the kitchen where it can happily absorb steam from cooking and hot water. The Boston fern can also remove toxic airborne chemicals like xylene and toluene.
Boston ferns can be bought from B&Q for £36.99.
Spider Plant
The Spider plant, sometimes known as a ribbon plant is a widely popular houseplant that is a natural dehumidifier - the perfect plant for bathrooms or kitchens.
One feature of the spider plant is that they reproduce excessively - small plantlets will grow at the end of the long branches (spider babies) and these can be detached and potted again as new plants. The plants are perfectly low-maintenance for a beginner. You can position the plant in low light and direct sunlight where they will adapt.
Peace lily
A peace lily is an elegant and beautiful plant that has many surprising benefits making it a perfect house plant to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels.
Native to tropical rainforests, the peace lily has lush, dark green foliage and elegant white spathes which create a focal point in any room. The plant is known to help purify indoor air while reducing humidity.
They thrive in moderate to high-humidity environments, and their watering needs are easily met by keeping their soil consistently moist without overwatering. Peace Lilies are happy in low-light environments and can thrive under fluorescent lights.
If you need another reason to love this plant, they can also be a friend to anyone who has asthma or allergies, as they can extract harmful VO2s from the air, such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and ammonia. However, they can be toxic to your pet.
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Snake plant
The hardy snake plant is known for its air-purifying qualities and its ability to reduce moisture in the air.
The snake plant, also known as Mother-in-Law's tongue, is ideal for beginners as it is so easy to care for. You can forget to water it for a few weeks and the plant will still thrive. You can also place the plant in high-humidity or dry rooms.
The snake plant is perfect for a bedroom as it absorbs water vapour at night, helping to tackle evening condensation on windows. Also, the plant will remove carbon dioxide from the air during the night and produce oxygen which is needed for a good night of sleep.
Snake plants can be bought online from £14.99 via B&Q.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is best known for its medicinal properties and is cultivated for its soothing acemannan gel found in the leaf. A lot of people use aloe vera gels to soothe burns, bites and abrasions.
It should be noted that although the gel is tolerated, the skin of aloe vera can be toxic, especially for pregnant women. However, the plant is safe for humans and pets.
When it comes to care, the aloe vera plant is not as forgiving as some others on this list; it prefers plenty of bright light and well-drained soil. So, place the plant on a bathroom or kitchen windowsill that gets plenty of light and this plant will help to reduce excess moisture and humidity.
The plants are priced at £13.99 each at B&Q.
What causes condensation?
Condensation is caused by water beads that form when hot moist air meets a cool surface, and manifests on our windows in the colder months due to warm air from inside the home hitting the cold glass windows.
While condensation is mostly harmless, if your windows aren't maintained, the moisture could develop into dangerous mould that can cause health issues like asthma, eczema and bronchitis.
What causes mould?
Excess moisture can cause dampness and mould and can impact your health. Dampness caused by too much condensation can lead to mould growth on walls, ceilings and furniture, which is why it's important to take steps to eradicate condensation before it has a chance to become mould.