Cool Your Home Naturally: How Houseplants Can Help Beat the Summer Heat

Plants: Nature’s Air Conditioners

We are all aware that plants are pleasing to the eye, and with enough of them (or even one of those supercharged houseplants), you can purify your home’s air. However, these natural wonders may also help you endure a heatwave. Plants can actually cool the air in your home through a process called transpiration, according to plant expert Craig Morley of Budget Seeds. The plant specialist collaborated with home builders Barratt London to demonstrate how adding plants to your space may lower the overall temperature and reduce the need for air conditioning.

Understanding Transpiration

Transpiration is the process where water travels up from the soil through the plant to its leaves and stem. This process not only delivers water and nutrients but also keeps plants cool as water evaporates from their leaves.

How It Benefits Us

So, how does this benefit us? “Transpiration also cools the area around the plant,” says Morley. NASA’s Earth Science Division conducted a study showing that plants on a large scale help combat rising temperatures caused by global warming. On a smaller scale, adding plants to your home could help regulate indoor temperatures, although there is less research on transpiration’s effect on temperature at a smaller scale. But, as Morley suggests, it certainly can’t hurt to try.

Tips for Increasing Plant Transpiration

Morley shared some tips for enhancing your indoor houseplant’s transpiration to maximize their cooling effects:

1. Keep Houseplants Well-Watered:Regular watering is crucial. If a plant isn’t watered often, it will reduce the rate of transpiration to conserve water.
2. Increase Humidity:Placing your plant on a wet pebble tray can promote transpiration. As the water evaporates from the tray, it creates a bubble of humidity around the plant.
3. Group Plants Together:Grouping plants helps create a humid microclimate, boosting overall humidity.
4. Upsize Your Pot:Plants in containers may transpire less due to restricted root space. Using a larger pot can enhance transpiration.
5. Avoid Pruning in the Summer:Pruning can reduce transpiration by decreasing the plant’s water uptake.

Best Houseplants for Cooling the Air

Is there anything houseplants can’t do? Here are seven of the best air conditioning plants to keep your home cool this summer. What do they have in common? Larger leaves.

“Plant species have different leaf structures which affect their rate of transpiration,” explains Morley. “A larger leaf size means more pores through which to release excess water and increased transpiration.”

1. Areca Palm:This plant is known for its feathery, arching fronds. It not only cools the air but also adds a tropical touch to your interior.
2. Boston Fern:Boston Ferns are excellent at adding humidity and cooling the air. Their lush, green foliage can also enhance the aesthetics of your home.
3. Ficus Tree:With its large, glossy leaves, the Ficus tree is another great option for cooling the air. It’s also a popular choice for indoor decor.
4. Rubber Plant:Rubber plants have broad, shiny leaves that are perfect for transpiration. They are also relatively low maintenance.
5. Spider Plant:Spider plants are easy to care for and effective at cooling the air. Their long, arching leaves can fit well in various spaces.
6. Peace Lily:Known for its beautiful white flowers, the Peace Lily is also great for transpiration. It can add a touch of elegance to any room.
7. Aloe Vera:*Aloe Vera not only has cooling properties but also serves as a handy remedy for minor cuts and burns.

By incorporating these plants into your home, you can take advantage of their natural cooling properties and potentially reduce your reliance on air conditioning. It’s a simple and aesthetically pleasing way to enhance your living environment, especially during the sweltering summer months.

Summary

Plants are more than just decorative pieces; they have the ability to cool your home through transpiration. Craig Morley of Budget Seeds, in collaboration with Barratt London, has demonstrated how plants can lower indoor temperatures. Transpiration, where water moves from the soil through the plant to its leaves and then evaporates, cools the surrounding air. NASA’s Earth Science Division has shown that plants combat rising temperatures on a large scale, and while there is less research on their impact indoors, adding plants to your home certainly doesn’t hurt. Morley offers tips for maximizing plant transpiration, such as keeping plants well-watered, increasing humidity, grouping plants together, using larger pots, and avoiding pruning in the summer. The best plants for cooling the air include Areca Palm, Boston Fern, Ficus Tree, Rubber Plant, Spider Plant, Peace Lily, and Aloe Vera. With their larger leaves, these plants have higher transpiration rates, making them effective natural air conditioners for your home.