With heatwave after heatwave arriving in the UK, people up and down the country will be looking for ways to cool down their homes
A gardening expert has offered up five useful houseplants to help make the home cooler during hot weather.
As the UK puts up with one humid heatwave after another this summer, many are trying to find inventive ways to keep the temperature from overwhelming them. One straightforward approach is to introduce air-purifying plants into your living space.
While they won’t chill a room as an air conditioning unit does, they can make it feel more refreshing and less stifling due to a process known as transpiration. This is essentially how plants ‘sweat’, emitting water vapour through minuscule pores in their foliage, which adds moisture to the air and helps create a cooler and more agreeable environment indoors.
Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk elaborates: “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.”
Bonnett also notes that while plants won’t reduce temperatures as much as air conditioning, they do contribute to a fresher atmosphere, reports the Express. He added: “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 to cool down your home
Boston Fern: The Boston fern is known for its high moisture output and air purifying properties. It’s perfect for bathrooms and kitchens due to its need for a humid environment.
Although it requires regular misting and access to high humidity, it’s worth the effort.
Areca palm: The areca palm is highlighted as a particularly effective plant for this purpose due to its high transpiration rate, which allows it to release plenty of moisture into the air. It’s also low-maintenance and tolerant of dim lighting conditions, making it an ideal choice for busy homeowners.
In addition to its benefits, the areca palm will bring a tropical and exotic flair to your home, making it an ideal summer addition to your indoor plant collection.
Aloe Vera: Not only does the aloe vera plant create a cooling atmosphere, but it also requires minimal watering, making it a great choice for those seeking low-maintenance plants. The gel from this plant can be used to treat sunburns, which is particularly useful during the hot summer months.
Peace Lily: The peace lily is another popular choice for houseplants, thanks to its beautiful cream flowers. Known for its air purifying qualities, it fits well in any room – plus, it’s easy to maintain and blooms occasionally.
Rubber Plant: The rubber plant is a statement piece that would make a great addition to any home. Its large leaves contribute to humidity control, and it’s incredibly easy to look after, even indoors.