Houseplants That Clean Mold from the Air: Nature’s Secret to a Healthier Home

May 15, 2025 Rana Faizan

Table of Contents

Can Houseplants Really Clean Mold from the Air?

If you’ve ever worried about mold in your home, you’re not alone. Mold spores are common indoors and can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weak immune systems. While cleaning and dehumidifiers help, there’s a natural and beautiful solution many people overlook: houseplants.

Yes, you read that right. Some houseplants can help clean mold spores from the air, acting like tiny air purifiers. In this article, we’ll explore how houseplants do this, which plants are best, how to use them effectively, and tips to keep your home clean and green.

What is Mold, and Why is it a Problem?

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp, warm areas. It spreads by releasing tiny spores into the air. These spores float around and can land on surfaces, where they grow if conditions are right.

Why is Mold Dangerous?

Breathing in mold spores can cause:

Sneezing and coughing
Itchy eyes or skin
Asthma attacks
Headaches
Fatigue
Serious infections (in rare cases)

If your home is damp or has poor airflow, mold can build up and silently affect your health.

How Do Houseplants Help?

Houseplants clean the air in several ways:

1. Natural Air Filters

Some plants absorb pollutants and toxins through their leaves and roots. This includes not just mold spores but also:

Formaldehyde
Benzene
Ammonia
Toluene

2. Increase Humidity Balance

Houseplants release moisture through a process called transpiration, which helps balance humidity. Proper humidity discourages mold from growing too much or spreading quickly.

3. Produce Oxygen

Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This improves air quality, making your home feel fresher and cleaner.

Top 10 Houseplants That Help Clean Mold from the Air

Here are the best houseplants that help fight mold spores and improve indoor air quality.

1. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Mold-killing power: High
Best location: Bathrooms or kitchens
Benefits: English Ivy is known to reduce airborne mold by up to 60%. It’s a top pick for mold-prone areas.

2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Mold-killing power: Excellent
Best location: Bedrooms or living rooms
Benefits: Peace Lilies absorb mold spores through their leaves and feed on them through their roots. Plus, they remove other toxins from the air.

3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Mold-killing power: Moderate
Best location: Low-light rooms
Benefits: Known as the “mother-in-law’s tongue,” this plant is great at purifying the air and removing moisture.

4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Mold-killing power: Good
Best location: Humid rooms
Benefits: Boston Ferns absorb moisture and help lower mold levels in the air. They also increase humidity naturally, keeping the air comfortable.

5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Mold-killing power: Moderate
Best location: Anywhere
Benefits: This easy-to-grow plant filters air pollutants and helps with mold spore reduction.

6. Aloe Vera

Mold-killing power: Mild
Best location: Kitchen or sunny windows
Benefits: While not as strong at filtering mold, Aloe Vera helps with other toxins and is great for skin, too.

7. Areca Palm

Mold-killing power: Moderate
Best location: Living rooms
Benefits: Helps maintain air moisture levels, making the environment less inviting to mold spores.

8. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Mold-killing power: Good
Best location: Bathrooms
Benefits: A fast-growing vine that thrives in low light. It fights mold, absorbs toxins, and is very low-maintenance.

9. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Mold-killing power: Moderate
Best location: Shady corners
Benefits: This palm removes airborne pollutants and controls indoor humidity.

10. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Mold-killing power: Good
Best location: Bright rooms
Benefits: Great at absorbing mold spores and other toxins from the air.

How to Use Houseplants to Control Mold

To truly benefit from these plants, use them the right way.

1. Place Them in Mold-Prone Areas

Focus on humid spots like:

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Laundry rooms
Basements

Place plants near windows or vents to improve air circulation.

2. Avoid Overwatering

Too much water in the soil can grow mold in the pot! Follow these tips:

Let the top inch of soil dry before watering
Use pots with drainage holes
Use indoor plant soil, not garden soil

3. Clean the Leaves

Dust and mold can build up on leaves. Clean leaves every week with a damp cloth.

4. Use Several Plants

One plant alone won’t clean your entire home. A good rule is 1 plant per 100 square feet. Use a mix of small and medium plants in each room.

Do Plants Really Work Like Air Purifiers?

This is a big question. Let’s look at what science says.

NASA Clean Air Study

NASA did a study showing certain houseplants can remove toxins from the air. They found plants like Peace Lily, Spider Plant, and English Ivy were highly effective at cleaning indoor air.

Other Research

Some recent studies argue that houseplants only slightly affect air quality. However, most agree that plants improve humidity, reduce stress, and help trap dust and spores.

Bottom Line

While they’re not a full replacement for HEPA filters or dehumidifiers, houseplants are a great natural support system in your fight against mold.

Extra Tips to Keep Mold Away

Adding houseplants is a great start, but here are more simple ways to prevent mold:

1. Use a Dehumidifier

Keep humidity levels between 30–50%. Mold loves moisture, so keeping air dry helps.

2. Ventilate Your Home

Open windows when possible. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

3. Fix Leaks

Check for water leaks under sinks, around toilets, and in basements. Fix them fast.

4. Clean Regularly

Wipe down wet areas like shower walls and window sills. Don’t let damp items sit too long.

5. Use Mold-Resistant Paint

In bathrooms and kitchens, mold-resistant paint can help prevent future problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can houseplants really remove mold from the air?

Answer: Yes, certain houseplants can help reduce mold spores by trapping and absorbing them. They work best when combined with other mold-control methods.

Q2: How many houseplants should I have in my home?

Answer: A good starting point is 1 plant per 100 square feet. More plants can provide better air-cleaning effects.

Q3: What is the best plant for mold in the bathroom?

Answer: English Ivy and Golden Pothos are excellent for bathrooms. They love humidity and fight mold well.

Q4: Can plants themselves get moldy?

Answer: Yes, if overwatered or placed in poor light. Always use well-draining soil and clean pots.

Q5: Do plants replace air purifiers?

Answer: No, but they are a great supplement to air purifiers and dehumidifiers for healthier indoor air.

Conclusion: Go Green to Breathe Clean

Bringing houseplants into your home is more than just a décor choice—it’s a natural, effective way to improve air quality and reduce indoor mold. From English Ivy to Peace Lily, each plant offers unique benefits that can help you create a cleaner, healthier living space.

While houseplants won’t solve mold problems overnight, they’re an easy and affordable way to support your home’s air quality. Combine them with smart habits like cleaning, ventilating, and using dehumidifiers, and you’ll be on your way to a mold-free, fresh-smelling home.

So go ahead—fill your home with greenery, breathe easier, and enjoy the calm that only nature can bring.