The 7 Best Indoor Plants To Reduce Condensation According to Expert David Domoney

Can plants really help to reduce condensation?

Most plants release moisture into the air in a process called transpiration. Whereas some plants have adapted to conserve water by minimising transpiration and can reduce humidity levels in their immediate vicinity, which in turn will help to reduce condensation.

Examples of plants that are known to have relatively low transpiration rates and can help reduce moisture in the air include:

• Cacti: are well-known desert plants that have adapted to dry environments. They have specialised tissues and modified leaves that reduce water loss through transpiration.
• Succulents: also have adaptations that allow them to conserve water and reduce transpiration.

We need to be clear that a plant is not as effective at reducing condensation as ventilation or dehumidifying and will not absorb all the humidity in a steamy bathroom. But, plants have many benefits to creating more healthy living environments and some plants thrive where there is lots of moisture.

Why do I need to remove condensation?

Condensation and moisture on windows and walls are not only unsightly, it encourages the growth of mould that can be more serious for health. So, keeping on top of condensation to avoid mould is important.

Removing moisture in the air is the most effective way to eliminate condensation through measures such as ventilation and dehumidifiers. Although, lifestyle changes can also help to remove moisture, such as how you cook, how long you shower, or drying clothes on radiators.

David Domoney, Chartered Horticulturalist and plant expert says that ‘Houseplants are a wonderful way to naturally clear our homes of excess moisture and toxins, whilst also providing a relaxing and beautiful sight to enjoy.’

David also says ‘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.’

On that basis, some plants can help improve the quality of air and reduce the moisture in the air.

The Best Indoor Plants for Condensation Control

The following are some of the most popular house plants in the UK that can help to absorb moisture and control humidity.

These plants will thrive in moisture-laden rooms and are ideal for positioning in bathrooms and kitchens.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum):

The 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, adding elegance and sophistication. It’s worth knowing that the white spathe is a modified leaf and not a flower as commonly thought.

Not only is the Peace Lily visually appealing, but also known to help purify indoor air alongside reducing humidity.

Caring for Peace Lilies is relatively straightforward, making them an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned plant enthusiasts. 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. This elegant lily is the perfect natural air purifier for your home.

One important point to note is that lilies can be toxic to your pet, so keep them away from animals.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata):

The Boston Fern is another popular houseplant that is easy to maintain and loves a humid atmosphere. With lush feathery fronds, the fern will bring plenty of green to your indoor space without needing lots of care and attention.

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 Boston Fern is especially fond of humidity and will turn yellow if it's not getting enough moisture in its leaves. Generally an easy plant to take care of, simply mist them with water if they are not getting enough moisture and the atmosphere is too dry.

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.

Apart from being a lush plant that can drink up moisture, the Boston Fern can also remove toxic airborne chemicals like xylene and toluene.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria):

The hardy Snake Plant is known for its air-purifying qualities. its ability to reduce moisture in the air and is an easy to care for low-maintenance option.

The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s tongue, usually has tall slim leaves with a striped pattern which lends itself to looking a little like a snakeskin (although, not all Snake Plants have this striped pattern). It’s a striking plant for anyone who doesn’t like a mass of foliage and prefers a minimalist style.

This super moisture-loving plant is ideal for beginners as it is so easy to care for. You can forget to water it for a few weeks and it will not mind. You can also place the plant in high humidity or dry rooms and it’s very forgiving.

The Snake Plant is perfect for a bedroom as it absorbs water vapour at night, helping to tackle nighttime 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.

Apart from being a mould-buster and a sleep aid, your snake plant can also absorb harmful chemicals in the air, such as trichloroethylene found in cleaning products. Making it the perfect all-rounder for a bedroom.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis ‘Miller’):

Aloe Vera is a classic succulent plant originating from the Arabian Peninsula arid regions in North Africa, it has developed water-storing adaptations that make it proficient at reducing excess humidity in your home.

There are a variety of Aloe plants worldwide that all share a similar appearance of thick leaves that have a spiked edge and in some regions, it's considered an invasive plant.

Aloe Vera is best known for its medicinal properties and is cultivated for its soothing acemannan gel found in the leaf. Widely used for soothing burns, bites and abrasions, aloe vera gel is a popular addition to cosmetics.

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 to handle 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. Although note that if you have a garden-facing window with plenty of bird visitors, you should keep your plants away from the window to reduce bird strikes.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum):

The Spider plant, sometimes known as a ribbon plant is a widely-popular houseplant that has long thin tendril leaves in green and white. Due to its long draping leaves, the plant is often placed on the edge of high cupboards or in hanging plant holders to allow it to hang elegantly.

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 repotted as new plants.

Spider plants are native to tropical and southern Africa and are the perfect low-maintenance plant for a beginner. You can position the plant in low light and direct sunlight where they will adapt.

As the spider plant is a natural dehumidifier, they are the perfect plant for bathrooms or kitchens.

The only note to watch about the spider plant is that they can be sensitive to fluoride in tap water. This will show when the ends are brown or burnt.

Alongside removing moisture, spider plants are known for their air-purifying capabilities, removing pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene.

English Ivy (Hedera Helix):

In the outdoors, English Ivy can quickly grow out of control, but as a controlled houseplant, it can look striking in a hanging plant holder or on shelves where the leaves are allowed to cascade.

English Ivy is a hardy plant originating from the woodlands of Europe and Western Asia that has adapted to thrive in a variety of conditions, including those with fluctuating humidity levels. Its trailing vines not only look good in your living space, but also assist in the active reduction of excess moisture in the air.

English Ivy likes bright but indirect light and well-drained soil with a regular top-up of water when the soil feels dry. Place in an area with medium to high humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens.

With its adaptability and moisture-regulating capabilities, English Ivy is an excellent choice for various indoor settings, whether it graces the shelves or hangs from plant holders. Its enduring charm and condensation-fighting abilities make it a welcome addition to any household.

Alongside removing moisture from the air, Ivy can also filter airborne toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. However, ivy is harmful to animals and pets, so ensure it’s placed away from where curious pets can get to it.

Palms

Palms, with their iconic fronds and tropical allure, are a group of indoor plants that can effectively contribute to reducing condensation and maintaining a balanced indoor environment. While there are various palm species suitable for indoor cultivation, many share common attributes that make them valuable allies in the battle against excess moisture.

Some popular house palms include: Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens), Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix robelenii), Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis exelsa) and Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans).

Palms are native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, where they have evolved to thrive in warm, humid climates. These natural adaptations make them particularly well-suited for regulating indoor humidity levels and curbing condensation issues.

Palms are an elegant addition to homes and due to their potential for size will thrive in large rooms and homes where their height can easily fill corners of rooms.

Caring for palms typically involves providing them with bright, indirect light and ensuring consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist. With their adaptability and natural moisture-regulating abilities, palms can thrive in various indoor settings.

Palms can also remove toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air to keep living spaces healthy.

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Using Plants for Moisture Control

Incorporating the right indoor plants into your home decor can be a stylish and eco-friendly way to reduce condensation and maintain a comfortable living environment. While these plants may not entirely replace the need for dehumidifiers or proper ventilation in extremely humid conditions, they can certainly be valuable allies in your quest for a moisture-free home.

So, go ahead and bring some greenery indoors – not only will your space look more beautiful, but it will also feel more comfortable and welcoming.

If you want to learn more about the houseplants you should have in your home to help improve air quality and your mental well-being, we can recommend David’s book, My Houseplant Changed My Life.