Bathrooms are notorious for attracting mould due to the constant steam, poor ventilation, and lingering humidity that create ideal conditions for spores to take hold. While bleach and fans can help, they don’t always address the root problem: moisture in the air. That’s why more homeowners are using natural, low-maintenance solutions to improve their bathroom’s air quality and appearance at the same time.

Indoor plants are trending far beyond aesthetics, especially when it comes to damp-prone areas of the home. Some species that love humid environments can actively help to combat the moisture that mould depends on.

“After years of dealing with moisture problems in homes, I've seen how the right plants can make a real difference,” said Peter Jones, Director of ADI Leak Detection.

“Aside from being pretty decorations, these are working plants that actively pull moisture from the air.”

Among the top performers is the trusty English ivy, a hardy climbing plant that has been shown to dramatically reduce airborne mould spores — by up to 78% in just 12 hours.

“English ivy is particularly good for bathrooms because it actively fights the mould that's already trying to establish itself,” noted the expert.

English ivy is well-suited to bathrooms thanks to its love of lower light and low-maintenance nature. Let it trail from a high shelf or train it to climb a trellis, and water only once the soil has dried out.

A good alternative is the Boston fern, which is another powerful natural dehumidifier.

“Boston ferns are like little humidity hoovers,” explained Peter. “They absorb water through their leaves, which means they're constantly pulling excess moisture from your bathroom air.”

And for those with less of a green thumb, the snake plant offers a nearly indestructible option.

Peter explained: “Snake plants are perfect for people who travel a lot or forget to water.”

“They can go weeks without attention, and they're still working hard to purify your bathroom air.”