Looking for a natural air-cooling solution? These plants could be the answer. Updated: 21 June 2024
It seems like even with all the windows and fans open, a hot and stuffy house will never get cooler. But houseplants are a cheap and eco-friendly way to help keep your home cool when it’s hot outside.
NASA’s Earth Science Study says that photosynthesis is a process that plants use to change the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere. Forest canopies lose a lot of water through transpiration, which raises the amount of water vapor in the air. This makes it rain more and cools things down even more by blocking sunlight.
Transpiration happens when the air gets hot. When this happens, plants often release extra water into the air through their leaves. By doing this, they cool themselves and the environment around them.
Some plants, like mother-in-law’s tongue and palms, can cool things down, which could help during a heatwave. With this in mind, the plant experts at Thejoyofplants. co. uk have shared five top houseplants ideal for creating a cool environment indoors. Just in time for the warm weather.
This leafy tree, which is also called a weeping fig, is one of the few that can grow well indoors. It helps keep the air inside cool and moist, giving people who are inside much-needed relief from the heat.
Choose a tree with a tall, bushy trunk that can act as a little forest canopy for plants that are below or around it. By grouping plants together, they create their own little atmospheric ecosystem, improving its surrounding humidity. During the summer, make sure to water your ficus often and put it somewhere with medium light so it can get sun even when you’re not there.
Trying to beat the heat during summer? Instead of cranking up the AC let plants lend a hand. Certain houseplants can help cool your home naturally by releasing moisture into the air. Adding greens to your decor provides an eco-friendly way to create a more comfortable environment when temps climb.
How Plants Cool Your Home
Plants cool indoor spaces through the process of transpiration. As temperatures rise, plants release extra moisture from their leaves into the surrounding air. This added humidity causes a cooling effect, according to a NASA study. Plants essentially act as natural humidifiers, reducing reliance on energy-guzzling cooling appliances.
Best Plants for Cooling
Not all houseplants are created equal when it comes to cooling power Choose varieties with large, numerous leaves to maximize transpiration. Lush, leafy plants release more oxygen and moisture. Place them in sunny spots to enhance the cooling effect Here are some of the top choices
Snake Plant
With stiff, pointed leaves and upright shape, the snake plant, also called mother-in-law’s tongue, is an excellent cooling plant. It has a high water content and thrives in sunny windows, making it ideal for humidifying warm, dry air.
Peace Lily
Known for its graceful white blooms, the peace lily has large leaves that can dramatically cool down a room. For best results, choose a plant with huge leaves to allow maximum transpiration. Keep it moist by misting the leaves regularly.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent that holds a large volume of water in its thick, fleshy leaves. It releases moisture into the air through transpiration, helping reduce indoor temperatures. Aloe prefers full sun and frequent watering during summer’s heat.
Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm, with its lush, full foliage, pumps out moisture to cool and humidify indoor spaces. It also filters harmful toxins like benzene and trichloroethylene from the air. Keep this palm hydrated and place it away from direct sunlight.
Boston Fern
With long, delicate fronds, the Boston fern naturally increases humidity. NASA rated it tops for removing pollutants like formaldehyde from the air. Keep your fern healthy by misting it often and keeping it away from hot, dry window spots.
Golden Pothos
Known as devil’s ivy, golden pothos is an easy-care vining plant with heart-shaped leaves. It helps humidify the air while removing toxins like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. For best results, provide bright, indirect light.
Spider Plant
Spider plants release ample moisture into the air through transpiration. Their graceful, trailing leaves also absorb harmful toxins like xylene and formaldehyde. Let your spider plant thrive in a location with plenty of filtered sunlight.
Grow a Cooling Oasis
Creating your own indoor oasis can help drop the temperature naturally. Group several moisture-releasing plants together in problem areas like sunny windows. Their collective transpiration will increase humidity for enhanced cooling power. With the right plants, you can chill out all summer long without blasting the AC.
Ficus benjamina ‘Exotica’ Now 10% Off
First, make sure to water your ficus. It needs more water in a light spot than in the shade. Position these plants in bright, indirect light or a sunny spot with afternoon shade. It enjoys being planted in containers with soil-based potting mix.
Large Ficus Rubber Plant (up to 67cm)
Tip: Give it little sips of water so that the soil stays evenly damp, and put it somewhere bright but not in direct sunlight. They can be sensitive to dramatic temperature changes.
10 Best Indoor Plants that can absorb heat & make room extra Cool and Cozy
FAQ
Is there a plant that absorbs heat?
Which plant decreases temperature?
What is the best house plant for a hot, sunny room?
What are the best plants to cool your home?
The extra surface area of the leaf means there are more pores through which water can be released, increasing the rate of transpiration. Some of the best houseplants to cool your home include snake plants, peace lilies and aloe vera. Sometimes a provider is available in your Zip code, but not at your exact address.
What plants are good for a living room?
Having an aloe vera plant on hand will not only come in handy if you get any nasty sunburns, but it is also effective at cooling the air temperature and removing formaldehyde from the air. 2. Areca Palm Tree One of the most popular living room plants is the areca palm tree, a decorative house plant that acts as a natural humidifier.
Which houseplants keep your house cool during hot weather?
Sometimes it feels like no amount of cooling fans or windows wide open will make a hot and stuffy house cooler. But there’s an inexpensive and environmentally friendly way to help keep your home cool during hot weather – and it’s all down to houseplants. 1. Ficus benjamina 2. Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant) 3. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) 4. Palms
Do houseplants keep the air in your home cool?
There are many houseplants that can help keep the air in your home cool through the process of transpiration. However, it should be noted that you will need multiple plants for the effect to take place.
Can indoor plants help keep your home cool?
Instead of cranking up the AC, let indoor plants offer an environmentally friendly alternative for beating the heat. Adding a touch of green to your decor may help combat warm, stuffy air so you can stay cooler all summer long. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
What are the best houseplants for transpiration?
The best houseplants for transpiration all have one thing in common: They have larger leaves than other plants. The extra surface area of the leaf means there are more pores through which water can be released, increasing the rate of transpiration. Some of the best houseplants to cool your home include snake plants, peace lilies and aloe vera.