As the weather gets chillier it is incredibly important to keep your home cosy and warm as mould can quickly creep into homes at this time of year. 

Mould can begin to thrive in autumn as it can only grow in a damp environment and more people bring their laundry inside to dry in the cold weather which can lead to condensation building up in the air. 

It may seem obvious to turn your radiator on to try and prevent mould but it can lead to much higher energy bills as well as make the air dryer and stuffier. 

However, Jo, founder of Beards & Daisies, has shared that a simple way to control humidity in the home and therefore prevent mould from becoming a problem is by having certain houseplants in your home. 

She said: “Many people overlook how effective plants are at balancing humidity levels in the home. During autumn, when the air gets drier, plants act as natural humidifiers, making your home not only feel warmer but also healthier."

How do houseplants prevent mould? 

It may sound strange, but some houseplants naturally absorb moisture in the air through their leaves and can prevent mould from growing in a room as dampness will not have a chance to spread. 

Plants also release moisture to help regulate humidity levels when the air is too dry or too damp so you can keep your home cosy without having to worry about condensation. 

Some houseplants also improve the air circulation within a room and create a natural breeze around them, which prevents dust, pollen as well as mould from becoming an issue. 

Jo said: “One of the most important reasons to bring houseplants into your home during the autumn and winter months is their ability to improve air quality. 

“As we spend more time indoors with windows closed, our exposure to indoor pollutants can increase. NASA's Clean Air Study found that certain plants can remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia from the air if you have enough of them.” 

Best houseplants to own in autumn 

Spider plants 

Spider plants are one of the best houseplants to own during the cold weather as they are well known for their ability to rid the air of pollutants or toxins that mould feeds on to survive. 

Jo said: “This fast-growing plant is known for its air-purifying properties and is easy to care for.” 

ZZ plants  

ZZ plants are great for anyone who is new to owning houseplants as they also help purify the air but are incredibly easy to care for as they need hardly any water or sunlight to survive. 

Jo said: “A resilient plant that thrives in low light and needs minimal water.” 

Philodendron plants 

Philodendrons are great to own in autumn as they are extremely hardy and can tolerate temperature changes. 

They can also help purify the air and thieves in minimal watering or light so you can have a beautiful houseplant without worrying about taking care of it constantly. 

Jo said: “With its lush, heart-shaped leaves, this plant adds a tropical touch to any room and can thrive in indirect light.”