The best indoor plants that absorb humidity

Ever feel like your home is turning into a rainforest, complete with sticky air and potential mold? High humidity can lead to pesky problems such as dampness, mold growth, or even health issues and respiratory discomfort. Sure, you could grab a store-bought dehumidifier, but why not let nature do the heavy lifting? It’s time to bring home plants that absorb humidity. 

Such plants are a fantastic, natural way to manage indoor moisture while adding a touch of greenery to your space. They thrive in high humidity environments, absorbing excess moisture and helping regulate humidity levels. Plus, they improve indoor air quality and add a dash of charm to your décor.

So, let’s explore some of the best plants for managing humidity and turning your home into a lush, comfy haven.

English ivy

English ivy is like the superhero of houseplants for humid spaces! Not only does it thrive in high humidity conditions, but it’s also a pro at purifying the surrounding air and tackling mold and dampness. 

The best part? English ivy is a super low-maintenance plant when it has the right humidity levels. This fast-growing plant doesn’t need much from you and loves to spread its leafy charm all around. Plus, it’s not picky about light. You can pop it in shaded corners, bathrooms, kitchens, or even your bedroom.

Just a little tip: keep its soil moist, but don’t go overboard with watering – nobody likes soggy roots, and root rot is a no-no! For a fun twist, try planting it in hanging pots. These plants absorb moisture from the air even better that way. 

Bamboo palm

The bamboo palm isn’t just a plant; it’s your personal humidity ninja! With its thin, dark green leaves, it quietly slurps up excess moisture like a pro. This beauty thrives in warm weather and is perfectly content in medium to low light. 

Keep the soil moist, especially during summer, and watch the leaves gleam as if they’ve just been polished. High humidity and a little TLC bring out their shine.

Whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom, the bamboo palm is your go-to for taming clammy air. It not only brings down high humidity levels like a champ but also adds fresh air and a tropical vibe to your space. 

Calathea

The Calathea is like the diva of houseplants – gorgeous and a little bit particular! Its striking green leaves look fabulous while soaking up moisture from the air, making it a total humidity lover. But here’s the catch: it’s not a fan of dry environments (who is, really?).

While it enjoys soaking up some sunlight, don’t go overboard. Too much intense light can give its beautiful foliage a washed-out look. Oh, and about water? Calatheas love a drink, but not a flood. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, or you might end up with a sad, droopy plant. Treat it right, and it’ll be the star of your indoor jungle!

Read more: Keeping plants in the living room

Peace lily

Meet the peace lily, your home’s new best friend! With its lush green leaves and elegant white blooms, it’s like having a little piece of paradise indoors. Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s also a pro at keeping your home’s humidity levels in check. Peace lilies absolutely love damp soil and thrive in humid spots, so they’re perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. The best part? They’re low-maintenance and happy in bright, indirect light, making them a good choice for busy folks who still want a touch of green magic at home.

Begonias

Begonias are like the humidity whisperers of the plant world. They absolutely adore warmth and moisture! These beauties don’t just sit there looking pretty; they actively absorb moisture through their leaves, making your space feel a whole lot less sticky. Think of them as tiny air conditioners with petals! Begonias thrive in humid conditions, as long as they’ve got well-draining soil to keep their roots happy and a cozy spot with indirect sunlight.

Spider plant

Spider plants are the ultimate low-maintenance roommates. They practically take care of themselves! Their quirky name comes from the tiny spider-like baby plants they sprout when they mature. It’s like they throw their own little family reunion right on your windowsill.

These champs are adaptable too, thriving in both dry conditions and humid atmospheres. Their slender, arching leaves work hard to absorb moisture from the air, making them perfect for tackling humidity. Got a muggy room? Pop a few spider plants together in a cluster. Not only will they help cool things down, but they’ll also add a fresh, lively vibe to your home. It’s a win-win!

Boston fern 

Meet the house fern, your green superhero for managing indoor humidity! It loves soaking up moisture from the air, keeping your home feeling fresh and balanced. It’s like having a natural dehumidifier with style!

But here’s the deal: house ferns are super sensitive when it comes to dry air – they simply can’t handle it and might wilt on you. Keep their soil nice and moist, and treat them to some cozy filtered light. 

Orchids

Orchids absorb moisture and dehumidify your home while looking absolutely fabulous! These tropical beauties thrive when the humidity levels are dialed up to a comfortable 60 to 80 percent. But don’t worry, they’re not too high-maintenance. Just give them some bright, indirect light, and they’ll happily do their thing. Provided with the right type of atmosphere, an orchid will bloom and how – adding to your home’s aesthetic value.

Nerve plant

This plant gets its name from the striking thin veins that stand out against its dark leaves – pretty dramatic, right? Like all humidity-absorbing plants, it loves soil that’s consistently moist. So, keep your watering can handy! 

It’s also a pro at slurping up extra moisture from the air, which helps cool things down to a healthy temperature and balance out humidity levels. But here’s the catch – it hates direct sunlight (think vampire vibes) and gets fussy in stagnant air. So, keep it in a breezy spot with indirect light, and you’ll have one happy, hardworking plant.

Read more: Birkin philodendron care

Cast-iron plant

If you’re looking for a fabulous indoor plant that brings a little luck and charm to your space, say hello to lucky bamboo! This decorative gem thrives in warm, humid homes, making it the perfect companion for those cozy corners of your house.

What’s really cool about lucky bamboo is its versatility. It can grow in both soil and water. That means you can choose how you want to display it, whether in a cute pot or a stylish glass vase.

Not only does this plant help reduce humidity, but it also doubles as a trendy decor item. Imagine a stunning arrangement of lucky bamboo gracing your coffee table or window sill, adding a touch of greenery while keeping your space feeling fresh and inviting. It requires easy care and brings good fortune along for the ride! 

Lucky bamboo

This decorative indoor plant does well in a warm, humid house. The best feature is that it can be grown in both soil as well as a water medium. It not only reduces the ambient humidity but also serves as a decor item in your house.

Air Plants

Air plants are the cool kids of the plant world! Unlike most plants, they don’t need soil to thrive. Instead, they sip water directly from the air, making them fantastic little humidity busters. If you’ve got a steamy bathroom or a cozy kitchen, air plants love to hang out in those humid spots. Just give them a gentle mist now and then to keep them happy and healthy. Not only do they help manage indoor humidity levels, but they also bring a fun splash of greenery to your home. 

Tips for using plants to manage indoor humidity

• Placement: Position these plants in areas with higher humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms, to maximize their moisture-absorbing benefits.
• Care: Ensure each plant’s specific light and watering needs are met. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering may reduce the plant’s effectiveness in absorbing humidity.
• Maintenance: Regularly dust and clean the leaves to keep the plants healthy and efficient at absorbing moisture and pollutants.
• Variety: Incorporate a mix of these plants throughout your home to enhance both humidity control and aesthetic appeal.

Last thoughts on plants that absorb humidity

Excess humidity in your home causes dampness, mustiness, and winter mildew. If you want to try a natural alternative to dehumidifiers, a good bet is to keep certain moisture-loving plants. By introducing these humidity-absorbing plants into your living spaces, you can naturally regulate indoor moisture levels, improve air quality, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility that houseplants bring to your home.

Written by Ramona Sinha. April 4, 2022

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.