Many homes struggle with excess humidity, especially in rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Too much moisture in the air can make spaces feel uncomfortable and may even lead to mold. One simple way to manage this is by adding houseplants that naturally absorb humidity. These plants help maintain a healthier environment and bring beauty to your space at the same time. Here are some of the best indoor plants that can help control humidity and reduce the risk of mold.
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is one of the best indoor plants for reducing humidity. It releases moisture through its leaves, helping to balance indoor air. It also filters out mold spores and common toxins. Peace lilies prefer low to medium light and moist soil. They are easy to care for and ideal for humid areas like bathrooms. Their lush leaves and white blooms make them both useful and beautiful.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns love humidity and help control it by absorbing moisture through their leaves. This plant thrives in damp spaces and works best with regular misting. Its feathery fronds not only add greenery but also trap airborne particles. It needs indirect light and evenly moist soil. Keep it away from dry air, as it prefers a steamy environment to stay healthy.
3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy can reduce airborne mold and absorb excess moisture from the air. It is especially helpful in humid rooms with poor airflow. This vine can grow in hanging baskets or climb walls with support. It prefers bright, indirect light and cool temperatures. Regular trimming keeps it tidy and encourages dense growth. Be cautious if you have pets, as it is toxic if ingested.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are popular for their air-cleaning abilities and humidity control. They take in moisture through their leaves and grow well in most indoor settings. Their long, striped leaves and baby offshoots give them a fun look. They do best in bright, indirect light but can handle some shade. Spider plants are non-toxic and safe for pets and children.
5. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The areca palm is a top choice for humid rooms. It adds tropical beauty while pulling moisture from the air. This palm releases water through its leaves, helping to regulate humidity indoors. It prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering. Areca palms grow tall, so they work best in spacious areas. Their air-purifying qualities also make them a healthy indoor pick.
6. Reed Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Reed palms are compact and useful for managing indoor humidity. They remove moisture and filter out common air pollutants. These palms do well in low to medium light and need consistent watering. Their slender leaves and upright stems add vertical interest to a room. Keep them away from dry drafts to prevent browning tips. They are non-toxic and safe for households with pets.
7. Tillandsia (Air Plants)
Tillandsias, or air plants, absorb moisture directly from the air using special leaf structures. They do not need soil and are perfect for small, humid spaces like bathrooms. Air plants require bright light and regular misting or soaking. Their unique shapes make them great for creative displays. Just ensure good airflow around them to prevent rot.
8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The bamboo palm is known for its ability to absorb moisture and clean the air. It grows well in indirect light and prefers consistent soil moisture. This plant does best in rooms with moderate to high humidity. It also removes toxins like formaldehyde from the air. Its tall, arching fronds add a soft, tropical feel to any space.
9. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas thrive in moist, humid environments and help balance indoor humidity levels. Their broad, patterned leaves release moisture while filtering the air. They prefer low to medium light and evenly moist soil. Calatheas are sensitive to water quality, so filtered water is best. Their stunning leaf patterns also make them a decorative indoor choice.
10. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
Anthuriums love humidity and release moisture through their shiny, heart-shaped leaves. They also help clean the air of toxins. These plants grow well in bathrooms or kitchens with filtered light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Their bold red flowers make them both useful and eye-catching.
11. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe vera is a succulent that helps regulate air moisture in small spaces. It stores water in its thick leaves and can pull humidity from the air. Aloe is easy to care for and prefers bright light and dry soil between waterings. Besides its humidity benefits, aloe is valued for its soothing gel. Keep it near sunny windows for best growth.
12. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants are excellent for indoor humidity control. They absorb moisture through their large leaves and can filter mold spores. This plant likes bright, filtered light and moderate watering. It can grow quite tall indoors with proper care. Its glossy leaves add a bold, stylish look to living spaces.
13. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Dracaenas remove excess moisture from the air and filter harmful chemicals. They are adaptable and grow well in low to medium light. Dracaenas prefer well-draining soil and light, regular watering. Some varieties have colorful leaves with red or yellow edges. Avoid overwatering, as their roots can rot easily.
14. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden pothos is a great plant for beginners and helps control indoor humidity. It absorbs moisture and can remove mold spores from the air. Pothos grows quickly in low to bright indirect light. It thrives in hanging baskets or climbing up supports. Keep the soil slightly moist for best results.
15. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons adapt well to indoor humidity and help maintain air moisture. Their heart-shaped leaves are great at transpiring water. They prefer indirect light and evenly moist soil. Philodendrons are fast growers and easy to manage. Regular pruning encourages full, healthy growth.
16. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is slow-growing but stable in various humidity levels. While it has low transpiration, it still helps maintain indoor air balance. ZZ plants need little water and can tolerate low light. They are ideal for busy or forgetful plant owners. Their shiny leaves add a modern look to any room.
17. Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Bird's nest ferns thrive in moist, humid settings. Their wavy leaves help trap and release moisture into the air. They prefer low to medium light and steady humidity. These ferns are perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Keep the soil damp and avoid direct sunlight for healthy growth.
18. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Prayer plants enjoy and help manage humidity in indoor spaces. Their colorful, patterned leaves fold up at night, giving them their name. They need consistent moisture and indirect light. Prayer plants grow well in terrariums or humid rooms. Mist them often to keep their leaves healthy.
19. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Lady palms help reduce indoor moisture and clean the air. Their fan-shaped leaves transpire steadily and work well in low-light rooms. These palms like moist but not soggy soil. They are slow growers but very hardy indoors. Regular wiping of leaves keeps them free of dust and mold.
20. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Fiddle leaf figs have wide leaves that help manage humidity by releasing moisture. They need bright, indirect light and regular watering. This plant prefers stable conditions and does not like drafts. Its bold size and shape make it a popular statement plant. Keep the leaves clean to help it breathe better.
21. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Chinese evergreens are great for humid rooms and adapt to various indoor climates. Their broad leaves help absorb excess moisture. They grow best in low to medium light and prefer well-draining soil. Avoid cold drafts and overwatering. Many varieties have colorful leaves that brighten indoor spaces.
22. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)
Moth orchids are tropical plants that enjoy and help stabilize indoor humidity. They grow best in warm, moist environments like bathrooms. These orchids need indirect light and light watering once a week. Let the roots dry slightly between waterings. Their long-lasting blooms add a soft, elegant touch to your space.
23. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The cast iron plant is tough and thrives in a range of humidity levels. It can help manage damp air in low-light areas. This plant needs minimal care and tolerates neglect. Water when the soil feels dry and avoid soggy conditions. Its dark green leaves grow slowly but steadily.
24. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Gerbera daisies are bright flowering plants that can support moisture control. They work best in sunny rooms with good airflow. These plants prefer evenly moist soil and bright light. Gerberas also help remove toxins like benzene from the air. Their colorful blooms bring cheer to any indoor setting.
25. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake plants have thick, upright leaves that slowly release moisture into the air. While not as high in transpiration as some plants, they still help with humidity control. Snake plants are known for being tough and low maintenance. They grow well in low light and need little water. They are also excellent at removing airborne toxins.
Breathe Easier With the Right Green Companions
Adding the right houseplants to your home can make a real difference in how your air feels. These plants help reduce dampness and keep mold at bay without much work. Whether you want something leafy, flowery, or bold, there is a plant that fits your needs. Just choose the ones that match your light and care level. A few well-placed plants can help your space feel fresher and more comfortable all year round.