Mold loves damp, poorly ventilated spaces, and once it spreads, it can be a nightmare to manage.
While proper cleaning and airflow are essential, you can also enlist the help of nature.
Certain indoor plants not only purify the air but also absorb excess moisture, making your home less hospitable to mold.
If you want to freshen your space naturally, here are ten indoor plants that can help keep mold at bay.
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is famous for absorbing mold spores in the air, especially in humid rooms like bathrooms and laundry areas.
Its broad leaves filter moisture and pollutants, while its elegant white flowers brighten any corner.
Peace lilies thrive in low to medium light and prefer consistently moist but not soggy soil.
Place one near a bathroom window or in your kitchen to keep mold under control while enjoying its air-purifying beauty.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are natural humidifiers, pulling excess moisture from the air while keeping indoor conditions balanced.
Their feathery fronds make them perfect hanging plants, especially in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity runs high.
They love indirect light and like their soil to stay evenly moist.
With proper care, a Boston fern not only prevents mold growth but also adds lush greenery to your home.
3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is one of the best plants for tackling airborne mold and toxins.
Its climbing vines thrive in hanging baskets or wall planters, making it both decorative and functional.
English ivy grows best in bright, indirect light and appreciates moderate watering.
Studies, including NASA’s Clean Air Study, suggest that ivy can reduce airborne mold levels significantly.
You should keep it in bathrooms, near showers, or in damp basements to see its benefits.
4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The areca palm is a tropical beauty that balances indoor humidity while filtering toxins from the air.
Its feathery fronds add a breezy, elegant touch to living spaces, and its moisture-absorbing ability makes it useful for mold-prone homes.
It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers evenly moist soil.
You can place it in living rooms or near sunny windows to reduce dampness and freshen your air naturally.
5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants are sturdy, low-maintenance houseplants that absorb excess moisture from the air.
Their thick, glossy leaves also help filter out indoor pollutants.
Rubber plants enjoy bright, indirect light and weekly watering, though they’re tolerant of less frequent care.
Larger specimens are perfect for corners of living rooms or hallways, where they act as natural dehumidifiers while adding bold greenery.
6. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the toughest indoor plants.
Its upright, sword-like leaves absorb toxins and help regulate moisture indoors.
Snake plants thrive in low to bright light and require very little water, making them perfect for beginners.
They are ideal for bedrooms since they release oxygen at night while quietly working to keep mold spores under control.
7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bamboo palms thrive in humid environments, making them excellent mold-fighting plants.
They act as natural air filters, removing toxins and excess moisture.
Bamboo palms prefer bright, indirect light and soil that’s kept evenly moist.
They grow into tall, graceful plants, perfect for placing in larger rooms where air circulation is limited.
With their lush fronds, they freshen up indoor spaces while improving air quality.
8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are hardy and adaptable, well-known for filtering impurities and reducing airborne moisture.
Their arching leaves and baby spiderettes make them charming additions to kitchens and bathrooms.
They thrive in bright, indirect light but tolerate lower conditions too. Water them moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Easy to care for and safe for pets, spider plants are reliable helpers in keeping your home mold-free.
Refer to: Top 10 Secrets to Growing the Biggest, Healthiest Spider Plants
9. Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans)
Dracaena plants are excellent at removing moisture-loving pollutants from indoor air, which indirectly helps reduce mold growth.
Their tall, narrow leaves add height and elegance to any room.
Dracaenas prefer moderate light and watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. They’re ideal for living rooms, hallways, or offices where mold may form due to poor ventilation.
With over 40 species to choose from, there’s a dracaena for every home.
10. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden pothos is a hardy trailing plant that absorbs humidity and filters toxins, making it great for mold prevention.
It grows well in low to medium light and only needs watering when the soil dries out.
You can hang it in bathrooms or kitchens, or let its vines trail from shelves and cabinets.
Golden pothos is forgiving, easy to propagate, and a must-have for anyone looking to combine beauty with functionality.
Final Thoughts
While no plant alone can completely eliminate mold, these ten indoor plants can make your home less welcoming to it by absorbing excess moisture and filtering the air.
Combine them with good ventilation and regular cleaning for the best results.
By placing the right plants in the right spots like bathrooms, and damp corners, you’ll not only reduce the risk of mold but also enjoy a greener, healthier living space.
