Plants that remove mould from your bathroom and are 'impossible to kill'

As the season for spring cleaning kicks off, searches for 'mould in bathrooms' have seen a 64 percent rise in the past month.

With many homeowners clearly concerned, luxury bathroom supplier, Sanctuary Bathrooms, has revealed how houseplants could help reduce mould in your bathroom.

Bathrooms provide perfect conditions for plants due to their increased moisture levels from hot baths and showers, creating a high-humidity environment ideal for greenery. However, this high moisture also makes bathrooms susceptible to mould growth.

But in good news, some plants can help prevent mould by improving air quality and controlling humidity levels, thus creating an environment less favourable for mould growth.

Incorporating plants into bathroom decor not only serves a practical purpose but is also aesthetically pleasing too. So what plants should you look at buying? Here is what you need to know.

What houseplants will remove mould from my bathroom?

1. Spider Plants

Spider Plants are perfect for bathroom shelves and cabinets, as they fit well in smaller pots and can handle changing temperatures and low light.

They effectively purify the air, control humidity levels and eliminate harmful toxins and pollutants. Being almost impossible to kill, they're the ideal low-maintenance bathroom plant.

2. Air Plants

Air Plants are great as they are low maintenance and flourish in humid bathroom environments, requiring temperatures between 10-32 degrees and moderate humidity levels of 40-60 percent to grow. These conditions are optimal for dampness and mould, so adding air plants can help by managing moisture levels and humidity.

3. Ferns

Ferns flourish in bathrooms due to their preference for high humidity and ability to grow in low light, making them perfect plants for such steamy conditions. They efficiently soak up excess moisture from the air, helping to reduce dampness and mould growth.

4. Bamboo

Bamboo's natural resistance to water makes it a perfect bathroom plant, thriving in humid conditions where other plants may struggle. Requiring little light to grow, it's an excellent plant for smaller bathrooms too.

5. Peace Lilies

These are perfect bathroom plants as they thrive in low light and adapt well to changing humidity levels. They are excellent for removing mould as they purify air and absorb mould spores.

6. Aloe Vera

The plant can get sufficient water from the steamy bathroom environment, reducing the need for manual watering. Its preference for bright, indirect light makes it a versatile choice for bathrooms with limited space. With its impressive air-purifying abilities, aloe vera is an excellent plant for reducing mould growth in bathrooms.

7. Orchids

Orchids flourish in bathrooms, replicating their tropical habitat with regular watering and misting. They add elegance and a splash of colour to a bathroom, while improving air quality and reducing humidity, helping to minimise mould growth.

8. English Ivy

English Ivy thrives in damp and humid bathrooms, as they require frequent watering. Although they grow best in bright light, they can tolerate low light and various temperatures. This makes them an ideal choice for easy-care bathroom greenery, and with their ability to remove airborne nasties, they are an excellent plant for removing mould.

9. Snake Plants

Snake plants thrive in high humidity and low light conditions, making them perfect for smaller bathrooms with limited light. They help to purify air by removing moisture, mould spores and unpleasant ingredients found in bathroom cleaning products.

What plants should I be looking for?

James Roberts, Director of Sanctuary Bathrooms, offered some advice when selecting the ideal plant for your bathroom. And assessing the space is essential, he says.

He explains: "Bathrooms with minimal natural light, such as ensuites, WC, or cloakroom bathrooms, require plants that thrive in low-light conditions. Conversely, larger bathrooms, typically found in homes with multiple residents like a family bathroom, benefit from plants that require more light."

"In smaller bathrooms, or when looking to spruce up shelves or vanity spaces, opting for smaller potted plants can add a touch of greenery without overwhelming the limited space. By carefully assessing your bathroom's lighting, size, and humidity levels, you can select the perfect plant to enhance the ambiance of your space."

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