7 houseplants that will cool your home down for free

» 7 houseplants that will cool your home down for free


While a rare thing to happen in the UK, every so often the nation is treated to a heatwave, seeing temperatures reach the high 20s and sometimes even in the 30s.

Unfortunately, many homes in the UK are not built for hot weather and can often feel like ovens.

You can open as many windows as you want and buy all the fans or air conditioner units on supermarket shelves, but the cost will add up.

However, there is a cheap and affordable way to make your home cool with the help of seven types of houseplants.

How houseplants cool your home down

Houseplant expert Craig Morely from Budget Seeds, with the help of Barratt London, explained that the plants can cool your home down using transpiration.

Craig shares: “Transpiration is the process by which water flows upwards through a plant, from the soil to the leaves and stem.

“As well as delivering water and nutrients to the plant’s cells, this process keeps plants cool as water evaporates from the leaves.”

The Bamboo Palm.The bamboo palm. (Image: Getty Images)

Adding: “On a smaller scale, having houseplants in your home can help cool your home in summer – free, eco-friendly air conditioning, if you like.”

7 houseplants that can cool your home down

Expert Craig also shared the specific type of plants that can cool your home down.

The seven “air conditioning” plants are: 

  1. Snake plant (Dracaena Trifasciata)
  2. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum Wallisii)
  3. Aloe vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller)
  4. Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea Seifrizii)
  5. Boston fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
  6. Golden pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
  7. Spider plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

Explaining why these plants can cool a home down, Craig says: “Plant species have different leaf structures which affect their rate of transpiration.

“A larger leaf size means more ‘pores’ through which to release excess water, which means increased transpiration.”

How to encourage transpiration in plants and have a cool home

Craig also revealed the best ways to encourage transpiration in your home, including making sure the plants are well-watered and are grouped together.

1. Keep your houseplants well-watered 

“If a plant is not watered often, this can reduce the rate of transpiration as the plant tries to conserve water.

“Giving your houseplants ample water will encourage transpiration and help to cool your home during hot weather.”

Aloe Vera can help cool a home down.Aloe vera can help cool a home down. (Image: Getty Images)

2. Increase the humidity 

“Placing your plant wet pebble tray can also promote transpiration.

“As the water evaporates from the tray, it creates a bubble of humidity surrounding the plant. Investing in a humidifier also has the same effect.” 

3. Group plants together

“Grouping plants together also helps to create a humid microclimate. This prevents each plant from drying out, which hinders transpiration.”

4. Upsize your pot

“Plants in containers may transpire less, as their roots are often confined within a small space, and this can make them prone to water stress.

“Of course, houseplants are usually kept in pots but opting for a larger pot can mitigate this issue.” 


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5. Avoid pruning in the summer 

“Pruning can also decrease transpiration in a plant, as it reduces water uptake.

“Avoid pruning during warm weather to ensure transpiration is not hampered.”

6. Satisfy your plant’s needs 

“Houseplants placed in an environment that does not satisfy their needs will not be as efficient at cooling your home.

“Consult your plant’s care tag or use the internet to research ideal growing conditions.”





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