Plants that soak up humidity: Keep Boston fern, peace lily, others in your bathroom to absorb moisture

Indoor plants: These plants, including Boston Fern, Peace Lily, English Ivy and others, act as natural dehumidifiers by absorbing excess moisture through their leaves during the process of transpiration (Images: Canva)

Excess humidity in your home can be the perfect breeding ground for mould, mildew, and dust mites, leading to unpleasant odours and even health issues like allergies or respiratory problems. Whether it’s caused by poor ventilation, seasonal changes, or high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens, controlling humidity is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy living environment.

While dehumidifiers and air conditioners are common solutions, nature offers a beautiful, eco-friendly alternative: humidity-absorbing plants. These plants act as natural dehumidifiers by absorbing excess moisture through their leaves during the process of transpiration. Not only do they help regulate indoor humidity, but they also purify the air, add a calming green touch to your space, and improve overall indoor air quality.

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Boston fern

Boston ferns are natural dehumidifiers, as they absorb moisture from the air through their lush green leaves. They thrive in damp environments, making them an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens where humidity levels tend to be higher. To keep your Boston fern healthy, place it in indirect sunlight and water it when the soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Peace lily

Peace lilies are most known for their capacity to draw moisture directly from the air while neutralising toxins, including mould spores. These no-fuss plants thrive in warm, humid areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. Place them in indirect sunlight and water only when the topsoil feels dry to avoid root rot. Their eye-catching white blooms and deep green leaves make them beautiful and useful.

English ivy

English ivy is one of those versatile climbing plants that tolerates moisture but will help absorb moisture and reduce mould spores in the air. It's excellent for the bathroom or hanging from the kitchen. Put English ivy in bright, indirect light or partial shade and then water it when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Areca Palm

Also known as the butterfly palm, the Areca palm is an excellent moisture absorber while filtering toxins from the air. It thrives under moist conditions and bright indirect sun. Water it regularly with good drainage to avoid soggy soil. Mist the leaves every now and then for their health and brightness, especially in drier places of your home.

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Tillandsia (air plants)

Air plants are unique in that they absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the air, making them perfect for humid environments. They require minimal maintenance: just mist them frequently or soak them in water once a week. Keep them in bright, indirect light to encourage healthy growth. Tillandsias are perfect for bathrooms or decorative displays in areas prone to humidity.

Snake plant

Snake plants are well-known for their air-purifying abilities, and they also help absorb excess humidity while releasing oxygen at night. That makes them ideal for bedrooms or other indoor spaces. Snake plants are very low-maintenance—place them in indirect sunlight and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.

Bamboo palm

The bamboo palm thrives in damp environments and helps reduce indoor humidity while improving air quality. Place it in filtered sunlight or partial shade and water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. With its lush green foliage, the bamboo palm works beautifully in living rooms or corners of humid spaces.

Spider plant

Spider plants are efficient moisture absorbers and hence enjoy being placed in water logging conditions, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Being hardy plants, these provide an incredible splash of colour in the room. Place this in bright, indirect light with occasional watering, when it's time the top soil goes dry. These spider plants also contribute to being the best room air purifier.

Also read | Best indoor plants for every room: Choose peace lily, snake plant, and more for a natural touch

Calathea

Calatheas are ornamental plants with great foliage that thrive in humid environments. They absorb moisture and add a splash of colour to your space. Keep calatheas in indirect light and maintain moist soil, but do not overwater. Regular misting keeps their leaves fresh and healthy.

Rubber plant

The rubber plant is a hardy option that absorbs excess humidity while filtering toxins from the air. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires watering only when the soil is slightly dry. Regularly wipe the leaves to remove dust and ensure they remain efficient at absorbing moisture.

Lady palm

An elegant lady palm is ideal for spaces that are humid since it controls moisture levels in addition to purifying the air. Place it in indirect light or partial shade and make sure the soil is constantly moist, though avoid overwatering because it can damage roots. This palm is a classy accent to add to living rooms or entryways.

Philodendron

Philodendrons are perfect for humid environments as they naturally absorb excess moisture and thrive in damp conditions. Place them in indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry. These plants are easy to care for and can be pruned occasionally to encourage new growth.

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Golden Pothos

Also known as devil’s ivy, golden pothos is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in both low and high humidity. It effectively absorbs moisture and is perfect for hanging baskets in kitchens or bathrooms. Place it in indirect light and water only when the soil feels dry.

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera plants thrive in humid environments and are excellent at absorbing moisture from the air. With their iconic split leaves, they make a stunning addition to any room. Place your Monstera in bright, indirect light and water when the soil is partially dry. Regularly wipe the leaves to keep them healthy and dust-free.

To maximise the benefits of humidity-absorbing plants:

Cluster plants together: Grouping plants enhances their ability to absorb moisture.

Choose the right location: Place plants in naturally humid areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or near windows where condensation occurs.

Maintain plant health: Regularly dust and mist (when required) to keep your plants thriving.

By incorporating these plants into your home, you can naturally regulate humidity levels, improve air quality, and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable living space. Plus, they’ll add a refreshing touch of greenery to your decor.