The Best Houseplants to Keep Your Home Cool Naturally
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to beat the heat, the solution might be growing right in your living room. Certain houseplants can cool your home by releasing moisture through a natural process called transpiration, making them a cost-effective alternative to fans and air conditioners.
How Plants Help Cool Indoor Spaces
Plants cool their environment through transpiration, a process where water evaporates from leaf surfaces when temperatures rise.
- This evaporation releases moisture into the air, helping lower indoor temperature naturally.
- According to NASA’s Earth Science Study, forests cool the Earth similarly by increasing humidity and blocking sunlight.
This principle applies at home with the right selection of high-transpiration houseplants.
Ficus Benjamina (Weeping Fig)
The Ficus Benjamina, also known as the weeping fig, is one of the few trees that can thrive indoors while helping moisturize and cool the air.
- Choose a tall trunk with a dense canopy, which can mimic a small indoor forest effect.
- Group it with other plants to create a mini humidity zone, boosting the cooling effect.
- Position it in bright, indirect light, and keep the soil consistently moist during hot weather.
Top tip: The more light it gets, the more water it will need, so adjust watering based on lighting conditions.
Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant)
The Rubber Plant is a large-leafed, moisture-releasing plant ideal for humidifying dry indoor spaces.
- It absorbs water through the roots and releases it via the pores on the underside of its leaves.
- Its thick, glossy leaves hold moisture well, enhancing evaporative cooling.
Top tip: Give it small, regular waterings to keep the soil evenly moist, and avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Aglaonema, or Chinese Evergreen, is known not only for its attractive foliage but also for its high transpiration rate and air-purifying qualities.
- It effectively removes indoor toxins like benzene while also humidifying the room.
- Varieties such as ‘Light Pink Star’ add a decorative touch with variegated leaves.
Top tip: It thrives in low-light and low-water conditions, making it perfect for less sunny spots at home.
Palms (Areca, Fern, Lady, Fishtail)
Palms create a cool, tropical ambiance indoors thanks to their large, moisture-emitting leaves.
- Their wide leaves are covered in tiny pores that release oxygen and water vapor, improving air circulation.
- A group of palms can simulate a mini rainforest effect, helping reduce ambient temperatures.
Top tip: Misting palms once a week boosts humidity and keeps the leaves healthy.
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Snake Plant)
The Mother-in-law’s tongue, or snake plant, is a succulent that not only releases moisture but also emits oxygen at night.
- Its stiff, upright leaves store water, allowing it to transpire slowly and consistently throughout the day.
- It’s also a powerful air purifier, eliminating chemicals like formaldehyde from the environment.
Top tip: Place it in a sunny window spot where it can both cool the room and shade nearby plants.
Adding these houseplants to your home can help reduce your reliance on electric cooling, improve air quality, and create a more comfortable indoor climate during warm seasons.
