How effective are plants against fungus really?
Plants can play a valuable role in creating a healthy indoor environment, especially when it comes to air purification and moisture regulation. Yet it is important not to overestimate their effect. Find out all about it in this blog
Plants against fungi: how does it actually work?
The good thing about plants is that not only are they fun to decorate and personalise your home with, they are often useful too. After all, they contribute to healthier air in your home:
But did you know that some plants can do just the opposite? Certain species, often tropical plants, extract moisture from the air instead of absorbing water exclusively through their roots. This makes these types of plants useful tools in rooms where humidity is on the high side. And high humidity is exactly the kind of situation in which fungi can quickly develop.
Top 7 plants that help against fungus
1. Palms (e.g. golden palms or dwarf palms)
With a palm plant in your home, you instantly bring in a tropical atmosphere. These plants are used to dry soil and draw their moisture from the air through their leaves, which makes them ideal for balancing humidity, in addition to naturally filtering formaldehyde and other common pollutants from the air.
Fun fact: the Arecapalm was named one of the best air-purifying plants in the world by NASA in 1989.
2. Ferns
Ferns are also completely at home in humid environments. Typically, they need little light to grow well, which makes them ideal for bathrooms. They come in all shapes and sizes and are known for their ability to purify pollutants from the air.
3. Ivy
Ivy is a wonderful plant for outdoors, but according to a UK study, it is also effective at absorbing fungal spores indoors. This plant is not demanding in terms of light or water.
Please note: ivy is poisonous to humans and pets, so place it out of reach of children or animals.
4. Spoonplant
The spoon plant is somewhat similar to an arum with its large, glossy leaves and white flowers. This plant also absorbs moisture through its leaves, which can help with a higher humidity. According to NASA studies, it also removes a wide range of pollutants and can even filter fungal spores from the air, which can cause respiratory problems and asthma. A handy tool against mould, in other words.
Please note: the plant is toxic to pets.
5. Snake plant (or sanseveria)
Furthermore, the snake plant has also already proved its usefulness against mould. This little plant helps reduce condensation by absorbing moisture and does not need much water itself. The snake plant also purifies the air of benzene, formaldehyde, TCE, xylene and toluene, among others. This robust plant will look best in a bright, warm room such as the bathroom.
Please note: the plant is toxic to pets.
6. Grass Lily
Another low-maintenance alternative is the grass lily. This plant thrives in low-light areas. It purifies the air of pollutants and also absorbs moisture, which helps prevent mould. Thanks to its strong air-purifying properties, it is an ideal choice for all kinds of indoor spaces.
7. Orchids
Finally, orchids are a good alternative if you want to add a splash of colour to your interiors. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they are also useful in the fight against mould. They absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, which makes them particularly suitable for windowsills near kitchens or bathrooms. They require little water, so they do not increase humidity unnecessarily.
Note: plants are not a magic panacea for fungus
While it sounds appealing to use plants as natural 'moisture-eaters', it is important to remain realistic. Plants can certainly contribute to a better indoor climate, but they are no substitute for effective ventilation or solving structural moisture problems.
So don't blindly choose, say, ivy instead of an air purifier or moisture control If you want to fight mould in your home. Mould never just happens, often the cause is poor ventilation, a hidden leak or an underlying problem. You need to address those causes to avoid permanent damage and health risks.
Get assistance from AquaConsult
As mentioned earlier, mould in the house not only a threat to your home, but also to your health. Trying to combat the problem yourself is often not a good idea, as the underlying cause then remains unsolved. A damp expert will take a thorough approach, not only removing the fungus, but also fixing the damp problem.
Are you suffering from house fungus or another moisture problem? Ask now a free moisture expertise to AquaConsult.
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