There are a number of air-purifying houseplants that could help make your rooms feel cooler and less stuffy this summer
With the scorching summer temperatures showing no signs of letting up, households across the country are desperately seeking ways to keep their homes cool. One straightforward solution is to introduce some air-purifying plants into your living space.
While these won’t lower the temperature as an air conditioner would, they can make rooms feel fresher and less stuffy through a natural process known as transpiration. This is the mechanism by which plants essentially ‘sweat’, releasing water vapour through tiny pores in their leaves, reports the Express.
Indoors, this adds humidity to the air, helping to create a cooler and more comfortable atmosphere. Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk explained: “Plants ‘sweat’ like us. They take in water through their roots, send it to their leaves, and release it as vapour through tiny pores. This process is called transpiration.
“Similar to how sweat cools our skin, the vapour from the plants cools the air around them. Essentially, the more water a plant gives off, the more it cools the air around it.
“Of course it’s not going to cool your home down the way air conditioning would, but adding some moisture back into the air can definitely make the room feel fresher and less stuffy – think of them like small, natural humidifiers.”
Five houseplants that will make your home feel cooler
Areca Palm
Boasting an impressively high transpiration rate, the areca palm releases a substantial amount of moisture into the air. This resilient plant also thrives in low light, making it require very little maintenance or attention.
In addition to these advantages, the areca palm will bring a tropical and exotic feel to your living space, making it the ideal summer addition to your houseplant collection.
Boston Fern
The Boston fern produces a high level of moisture and helps to cleanse the air. Perfect for bathrooms and kitchens, this fern thrives in environments that are already humid.
Slightly more demanding than the areca palm, it needs regular misting and plenty of humidity to flourish.
Aloe Vera
As well as creating a cooling atmosphere, aloe vera plants need very little watering, making them a brilliant choice for those seeking a low-maintenance option. The plant’s gel is also handy for soothing sunburn, a particularly useful perk during the sweltering summer months.
Rubber Plant
This bold and striking plant makes a fantastic addition to any home. Its broad leaves help regulate humidity, and it’s incredibly easy to care for, even when kept indoors.
Peace Lily
The peace lily is another firm favourite among houseplant enthusiasts, thanks to its beautiful cream blooms. Renowned for its air-purifying qualities, it suits virtually any room in the house.
It’s also simple to maintain and produces flowers from time to time.
