Five houseplants that thrive in autumn and can help banish mould from homes

As summer draws to a close and the weather begins to get colder and darker, you might be concerned about the likelihood of mould appearing at home. 

Since there's less ventilation during the cooler months, it provides the prime conditions for mould to thrive. 

This is especially true when it comes to warm, damp and dark environments, with the bathroom being one of the biggest culprits. 

Thankfully though, there's a natural solution that also makes your home look much more lush, green and full of life. 

According to experts, there are certain houseplants that boast natural air-purifying qualities, and since they don't require a lot of care, they're perfect for naturally darker rooms. 

Bringing nature inside not only enhances the aesthetic of your home, but it can also provide scientifically proven benefits, particularly during the colder, cosy months.

The plant experts from Beards & Daisies say that 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.

Here are five houseplants that can help purify the air, reduce the chances of mould, and don't require a lot of maintenance - making them perfect for autumn. 

Plants with air-purifying qualities 

1. Snake plant

Also known as Mother In Law's Tongue, this low-maintenance plant acts as a natural air purifier, filtering harmful substances while also adding moisture to dry indoor air. 

They can tolerate both shade and direct sunlight, making them ideal to place wherever you want in your home. According to Healthline, since they release oxygen into the air, they can also help to lessen the impact of airborne allergens like dust and dander. 

2. Spider plant

According to the experts, this fast-growing plant is known for its air-purifying properties and is easy to care for. If you have pets, the Spider plant is ideal as it is one of the few houseplants that is non-toxic to animals, meaning it's safe for your furry friends. 

It helps to battle environmental toxins like carbon monoxide and xylene, and because they don't require much care, they're ideal for beginners. 

3. ZZ plant 

The ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a resilient plant that thrives in low light and needs minimal water, so it's perfect for placing in rooms that may not get a lot of natural light. 

And of course, it boasts natural air purifying qualities too, according to the experts at Beards and Daisies. An attractive and easy-to-care-for plant with wide, dark green leaves that help to reflect light and brighten rooms, it's the ideal addition to any home.

4. Peace lily 

Peace lilies are one of the most popular houseplants around - and for good reason. They're fairly low maintenance, and the elegant flowering plants can be effective in removing toxins and pollutants from the air at home.

They come in a range of different sizes, but they all have those classic dark green shiny leaves and white lily flowers. However, if you have pets, these plants are toxic to cats and dogs, so it might be worth choosing something else. 

5. Philodendron 

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

According to Bloombox, philodendrons also help to improve the air quality of your home by filtering substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.

Its foliage acts as a dust collector, keeping your furniture surfaces cleaner, and it's also very robust - meaning it doesn't require a lot of care to keep alive.