Sometimes it can feel like no matter how hard you turn on the cooling fans or open the windows, you can't cool down a hot, stuffy house. But there's an inexpensive, eco-friendly way to keep your home cool in hot weather, and it's all down to houseplants.
According to NASA Earth science research, plants can change the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis. Forest canopies cause large amounts of transpiration, increasing water vapor in the atmosphere, increasing precipitation, and blocking sunlight, which increases the cooling effect.
Transpiration occurs when the atmosphere warms. Plants often release excess water from their leaves into the air, cooling both themselves and the surrounding environment as the water evaporates.
From palms to plantains, some plants have cooling powers that can help lower the temperature during heatwaves. With this in mind, the plant experts at Thejoyofplants.co.uk have revealed five houseplants that are perfect for creating a cooler environment indoors. Just in time for the warmer weather…
1. Ficus benjamina
One of the few trees that thrive indoors, this leafy tree (also known as the weeping fig) helps keep indoor air moist and cool, providing relief from the heat for those spending time indoors.
Choose tall trunks with bushy tops that act as a mini forest canopy for the plants below and around them. Plants grouped together create their own mini atmospheric ecosystem and improve humidity levels around them. Water regularly during the summer and place your fig in a medium light location so it can get some sun when you're not around.
Ficus benjamina 'exotica'
Tip: Figs absorb more water in light than in shade, so don't forget to water them. Place this plant in a sunny location with bright indirect light or afternoon shade. Figs will thrive if planted in a container filled with soil-based potting mix.
2. Rubber tree (Ficus spp.)
Increasing the humidity in a room has a cooling effect, and this house plant is very effective at replenishing moisture in the air. The more leaves a plant has and the larger they are, the more moisture they will release into the air. This plant absorbs water through its roots and releases it through the stomata on the underside of its leaves.
Large fig rubber tree (up to 67cm)
Tip: Water sparingly to keep the soil evenly moist and place in a bright but not direct sun location. This plant is sensitive to sudden temperature changes.
3. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
This plant is known for its ability to purify toxins from the air, and because it has a high transpiration rate, it also has the effect of humidifying the surrounding air. It is popular as an ornamental plant because of its beautiful leaves.
Aglaonema “Light Pink Star”
Tip: There are lots of attractive varieties available, some with beautiful variegated foliage, but the best thing about them is that they're easy to care for as they require very little water and light, making them perfect for filling sparse areas of your home with lush greenery.
4. Palm
The green leaves of palms such as the Areca palm, Fern palm, Livistona palm, Fishtail palm and Lady palm have tiny stomata that absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. The larger the surface area of the leaf, the more oxygen it can produce. Not only are palm arrangements beautiful to look at, they are also perfect for creating a sort of mini indoor rainforest, giving your home a tropical feel all year round.
Areca palm
Tip: Misting your plants weekly will keep them healthy and increase humidity.
5. The Mother-in-Law's Tongue
Like aloe vera, the leaves of the Cymbidium orchid contain a lot of water and when they transpire, they release cool, evaporated water into the air. They also release oxygen, helping to cool you down on hot summer nights. This attractive succulent is also known to remove toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
Sansevieria zeylanica
Tip: The Japanese laurel tree thrives in full sun, making it an ideal plant to place on a windowsill, where it will bring a cool feeling to the room and provide shade for other plants.
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