Houseplants to Help Maintain a Cool Home During Summer Heatwaves in the UK
Cooling Your Home Naturally: The Power of Indoor Plants
Indoor plants are not just decorative additions to your home, they can also help cool your living space during hot summer months. Here are some of the most effective cool-inducing houseplants that you can consider for a natural cooling effect.
The Boston Fern, known for its ability to purify the air, is also a great choice for cooling. Its high moisture output requires regular misting or access to humidity, making it suitable for kitchens or bathrooms where humidity levels are naturally higher.
Another plant that can contribute to cooling is the Ficus Elastica, more commonly known as the Rubber Plant. This hardy plant has big leaves that release water vapour into the air, helping increase humidity and create a localized cooling effect. The Rubber Plant is tolerant of indoor conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for cooling your home.
The Areca Palm is noted for its efficiency in transpiration, making it an ideal plant for cooling your home. Its large fronds release significant amounts of moisture, helping to increase humidity and cool the air.
The Ficus Benjamina, or the Weeping Fig, is another plant that can help cool your home while also improving air quality. This plant is easy to care for and thrives in a variety of indoor conditions.
Peace Lilies are not only beautiful, but they also help purify the air by absorbing pollutants and toxins. They flower sporadically and can be encouraged to grow more by providing enough water, light, and maintaining a good temperature. Peace Lilies contribute to cooling by releasing moisture and improving air quality.
Lastly, the Parlor Palm, also called the Victorian Parlor Palm, thrives in medium to low light and is a natural humidifier. Its ability to release moisture helps cool the air and regulate humidity, making it a great addition to your home during hot weather.
While the cooling effects of these plants are subtle and won’t typically match the rapid temperature drop of fans or air conditioning, they can contribute meaningfully when combined with good ventilation, especially during temperatures around 30°C (86°F). In addition, these plants contribute to better indoor air quality and humidity regulation, which enhances comfort during dry heat episodes.
So, if you're looking for a natural and eco-friendly way to cool your home during heatwaves, consider placing several of these plants indoors. Their transpiration process helps cool the room air modestly and improves indoor comfort.
The Boston Fern, known for its air-purifying properties, is additionally beneficial for cooling due to its high moisture output that requires regular misting, making it suitable for humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms.
The Peace Lily, with its beautiful blooms, not only purifies the air but also contributes to cooling by releasing moisture, improving air quality and adding to the overall comfort in hot weather.
