The Mold-Fighting Power of Houseplants

Britt Ringstrom
May 23
2 min read

Nature’s Quiet Air Detoxers

When we think of air pollution, most of us imagine the ole' smog, smoke, or city traffic. But indoor air? That’s the real villain in many homes. And if you’ve ever dealt with water damage, humidity, or that faint musty smell… you already know mold isn’t just a basement problem.

What most people don’t realize is that certain houseplants can do more than just look cute on a windowsill — they actually help detoxify the air and support your body’s ability to live and breathe in a cleaner space.

Let me break it down.

Let's be Honest about Mold

Let’s be real—mold is everywhere. It’s a part of nature, and while we don’t need to panic, we do need to be proactive. Think of indoor plants as allies, not saviors. They're not a magic fix, but they are a smart, beautiful way to support air quality and add a natural line of defense in your home. A little green goes a long way.

With that said, let us not put our heads under a rock: mold spores are microscopic — and when they’re in your air, they can impact your lungs, skin, brain fog, and even hormones. Certain types of mold also release mycotoxins, which are harder to detect but can seriously affect your immune system.

What’s worse? Mold often comes hand-in-hand with VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from things like paint, furniture, cleaning products, and synthetic candles.

So again, this is where plants come in.

Plants as Natural Air Filters? Yes — and It’s Not Just a Pinterest Trend

Some plants have been shown to absorb toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, while others help regulate humidity and combat mold spores. They do this through a combo of phytoremediation (absorbing toxins through their leaves) and microbial activity in their soil.

According to studies originally conducted by NASA (yep, NASA), these plants don’t just sit pretty — they work 24/7 to improve indoor air.

Top Mold-Fighting Plants to Have at Home

Here’s a quick cheat sheet from the post I shared:

Plant	Why It Works
Boston Fern	Increases humidity and filters airborne mold spores
Peace Lily	Absorbs mold spores and common indoor toxins
English Ivy	Especially effective against airborne mold and fecal particles
Snake Plant	Filters formaldehyde + oxygenates your space at night
Spider Plant	Hardy & efficient at filtering VOCs and mold spores

Note: While these help, they’re not a substitute for proper mold remediation. Think of them as part of your layered defense system.

Pro Tips for Using Plants to Improve Air Quality

Use real soil, not synthetic potting mixes, to support the plant’s microbial root network
Keep plants clean — wipe down leaves to help with absorption
Avoid overwatering — too much moisture in soil can feed mold instead of fighting it
Rotate plants through rooms that need extra help — bathrooms, kitchens, or older basements