Why choosing the right houseplant can keep your home warm and dry

By Lizzie Burt, Associate Director at Chinneck Shaw Estate Agents

If you’ve ever stepped into a damp Victorian house and felt an immediate chill – and we’re not talking ghost stories – you’ll know the signs: condensation-covered windows, musty air, and dreaded black mould creeping across the ceilings.

Victorian homes were built with the expectation that a fire would always be burning. This constant heat helped circulate fresh air through the property while keeping the brick and stonework warm and dry. But modern upgrades – like sealing up draughts and removing open fireplaces – have disrupted this natural airflow, often leading to trapped moisture and damp problems.

And it’s not just older properties. Many homes struggle with excess humidity, especially in colder months when the last thing anyone wants to do is open a window. With heating bills on the rise, it’s understandable. However, without proper ventilation, moisture builds up, creating the perfect conditions for mould.

At Chinneck Shaw, we see this time and again in the properties we sell or let. While Southsea is known for its sunny coastal charm, we also experience plenty of damp, chilly weather, making it tempting to keep windows shut tight.

Fortunately, there’s a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to manage humidity while enhancing your living space: houseplants.

The power of houseplants

Moisture levels in the home rise due to everyday activities like cooking, drying clothes, and even breathing. Left unchecked, this excess moisture can lead to condensation and, ultimately, mould growth. The good news? Certain houseplants naturally absorb humidity, helping to purify the air and create a healthier living environment.

We did a bit of digging and came across an excellent guide to the best houseplants for reducing condensation, from Ideal Home:

Here are five houseplants they suggest you consider for your home to help reduce condensation:

1. Areca palm – according to houseplant experts, this is an ideal plant for preventing condensation and damp.
2. Spider plant – one of the best plants for the bedroom and one of the easiest to look after.
3. Chinese evergreen – highly effective at reducing humidity levels.
4. Peace lily – ideal, moisture-absorbing plants.
5. Aloe Vera – popular medicinal plant that can absorb moisture and reduce humidity in your home.

Luckily, Southsea is home to some fantastic independent plant shops where you can pick up these humidity-busting plants. One of our favourites is Grounded in Southsea (104 Marmion Road), where you’ll find a beautiful selection of indoor plants and stylish pots to match.

Another great recommendation, is the lovely, local (online) company, Rose Clover. They are super passionate about beautiful plants and pride themselves on providing expert knowledge to help you feel like an empowered “plant parent.”

You can join their plant gang via their Instagram page @rosecloveruk or buy online  – as they deliver all over the UK.

Landlords, take note!

Want to offer an extra perk to your tenants while also protecting your property from damp and mould? Consider providing a few of these houseplants as a thoughtful housewarming gift. A small note explaining how each plant helps regulate moisture could go a long way in encouraging tenants to maintain a fresh and healthy living space, and it could potentially reduce costly maintenance issues down the line.

Selling your home?

The same principle applies when preparing your home for a viewing. Damp is a significant issue that can devalue your property and deter prospective buyers. Displaying carefully placed houseplants throughout your home is a simple, creative, and sustainable way to signal that the house has been well cared for and is less likely to suffer from damp issues.

A home should be as fresh as a daisy!

No one wants to feel trapped in stale, damp air. By introducing these plants into your home, you’re not just adding a touch of greenery, you’re investing in cleaner air, a warmer and drier home, and a fresher, more inviting space.

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