Not only can houseplants add a colourful and earthy touch to any room - they can also make your home safer.
As the energy bills are rising and the nights are getting colder, it's a prime time for damp, mould and condensation to thrive with a lack of condensation and heating.
With the correct plants, the damp and humidity in the air can be fought off, making it a safer environment. The key, as the Express writes, is knowing which plans will do the best in certain areas. Ideally the best plants are the ones that don't need too much tending to.
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Bathroom plants, for example, need a specific amount of light, water and soil to thrive as many plants can't cope in such a humid room.
Experts at Gardening Express explained: "Mould in the home is caused by excess humidity. Warm rooms, like bathrooms, are at particular risk. Using plants to help keep mould at bay is a practical and natural way to control humidity and moisture in your home.
"How good a plant is at reducing humidity is all to do with its ability to absorb dew, fog and other moisture through its leaves. This moisture then moves down to its roots. The beauty of this natural solution is that you will notice an improvement while having beautiful plants to enjoy too."
English Ivy
One plant that can thrive in damp rooms, such as the bathroom is the English ivy. It can remove airborne mould from humid rooms, and is great for smaller bathrooms.
The experts adds that it "grows best in bright, indirect light and needs regular watering."
But be warned that the leaves are toxic to pets, so keep them away from dogs and cats. For this reason, English Ivy is great in a hanging pot or placed on top of a cabinet.
Peace Lily
A peace lily "loves the shade and thrives in high humidity so the perfect choice for areas prone to mould". The plant takes in moisture from the air through its leaves and so it can be beneficial for those who suffer from asthma. The peace lily also doesn’t need direct sunlight to grow - it can thrive under fluorescent lighting.
However, this is another plant that should be kept well away from pets, especially cats. The pollen, which can get everywhere easily, is lethal to them and even if they brush up against it can cause them harm.
Snake plants
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is an adaptable plant and one of the best for condensation or moisture. The plant grows best in bright light and warm temperatures, and is fairly low maintenance, requiring watering every week or two - making it a great starting plant for beginners.
The plant comes in a variety of leaf shapes and colours, many of them reminiscent of snakeskin, and not only do the leaves absorb excess moisture, but they also filter common household toxins. For pets, if the leaves are chewed, it can cause vomiting or diarrhea
Palms
Palms are also said to be a "great choice to help control humidity and keep mould at bay" because they absorb moisture through their leaves.
There are several varieties to choose from, but areca palms, bamboo palms, lady palm, dwarf date palm and reed palm are the best for condensation. Other plants that enjoy humidity are orchids, Boston ferns and spider plants. Palm tree plants aren't toxic to animals.
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