Heat: Indoor Plants To Cool The House
In summer, when the mercury rises, we look for all sorts of tricks to keep our homes cool. Fans or air fresheners are usually used in place of air conditioning. But did you know that one of the easiest ways to keep your home cool is to add more green plants? We explain how to use indoor plants to cool your home.
Why are plants refreshing?
During the heat waves we experienced this summer, you may have noticed that it is warmer in the city center than in the countryside.
In the same street, you just have to pass on the side where there are trees to be less hot and this difference in temperature is not only related to the shade provided by the foliage...
Thanks to the process of photosynthesis that allows them to feed themselves, plants adapt to outside temperatures.
A NASA study confirmed that when the atmosphere warms, plants release moisture into the air at their leaves to cool themselves. This phenomenon called plant transpiration explains why Green plants are cooling.
Therefore, it is possible to use houseplants to cool the house when the temperature climbs and you don't have air conditioning at home.
Focus on plants that grow in moist environments in their natural state. Of course, remember to water them sufficiently so that the phenomenon of plant transpiration can take place and help improve the ambient humidity and temperature.
Which plants are the most refreshing?
Following the NASA study we told you about above, the UK-based company of The Joy of Plants has identified the most effective houseplants for cooling the home.
Here are the top 5 cooling plants for your home:
1- Plants in the palm family
All palms grown as houseplants are interesting for their cooling effect because their leaves have small pores that release moisture and oxygen.
If you want to create a miniature jungle at home, you can use fan palm, Rhapis, Areca or fishtail palm, among others. To keep them happy in your home, consider misting their leaves weekly.
2- Ficus benjamina
With its many leaves, the Ficus benjamina is a very useful small tree for cooling indoor air. Preferably choose a mature specimen, with a tall trunk and full foliage.
This ficus can even serve as a protective forest cover for other plants, provided they are placed around or under it.
To note: if you install it in a bright location and/or in high heat, it is important to water it regularly.
3- The Ficus elastica or rubber tree
In the ficus family, the Ficus elastica or rubber tree releases a lot of moisture into the air because it has large leaves.
As a general rule, remember that the larger the leaves of a houseplant, the more effective the plant is at cooling the house.
This ficus appreciates a bright location without direct sunlight and regular watering with small amounts of water to keep its substrate always moist.
4- The Sanseviera or mother-in-law tongue
Sanseviera or mother-in-law's tongue is a great houseplant for cooling your bedroom on hot nights.
This is because its leaves release moisture into the air and oxygen during the night.
As this Fat plant needs light, it is advised to place it in front of a window. Not only will it have a cooling effect, but its large leaves will protect the room from the sun's rays.
5- Aglanoema
This green plant known for purifying indoor air is also great for cooling the house because of the moisture it releases.
Since it makes do with low light, it is perfect for cooling a somewhat dark corner of your home.
This houseplant has only advantages because it requires little maintenance and little water.
How to make the most of this natural air conditioning?
In nature or in your home, you should group plants together to benefit from their freshening effect.
In other words, if you want to use houseplants to cool the house, consider grouping them together in a corner of your living room, for example, or in the same room to create a real cool bubble.
All you have to do is set up your favorite chair in this miniature jungle and enjoy the coolness that plants offer when the temperature outside is sweltering.
