Keep Your Home Clean and Safe With These Mold-Killing Plants

You might think that coughing fit in the middle of night is from a dry throat or that sneezing episode in the afternoon is from pollen flying into your home, but it could be a sneaky, more dangerous culprit.

There could be mold somewhere in your house, and it can be a cause for concern.

How Mold Forms

Mold doesn't need much — just a little moisture, a warm surface, and time. It often starts growing in places you don’t regularly check, like behind furniture, around windows, or even inside your plant pots.

When the air in your home is humid or damp, mold spores floating in the air can land on surfaces and begin to grow. Overwatering plants, poor ventilation, or leaks from windows and pipes can all create the perfect environment for mold to thrive.

You might not see it right away, but mold can spread quickly. And once it finds a steady source of moisture, it can be tough to get rid of without addressing the root cause.

How Mold Can Affect Your Health

Being exposed to mold can lead to a range of health issues, especially for people who have allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms include nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, and skin irritation. (1)

For people with asthma or mold allergies, exposure can trigger severe reactions, including asthma attacks. People with compromised immune systems or chronic lung diseases may develop infections in their lungs when exposed to mold.​

Being exposed to mold indoors overtime has been associated with respiratory issues and may contribute to the development of asthma in children. ​

However, not everyone exposed to mold will experience health problems, but the risk increases with the amount and time of exposure.

Best Mold-Killing Plants

While plants can sometimes contribute to indoor humidity if overwatered, the right plants can actually help reduce mold by absorbing moisture, purifying the air, and improving circulation in your home. Some species are particularly good at keeping fungal spores in check and making your space less suseptible to mold growth.

Here are a few mold-killing plants worth adding to your home.

English Ivy

English ivy is known for its air-purifying qualities and can reduce airborne mold spores. According to a study by NASA, it’s one of the top plants for improving indoor air quality. (2)

Peace Lily

This low-maintenance plant absorbs moisture through its leaves and helps reduce humidity levels in a room. Peace lilies are also known to filter out toxins like benzene and formaldehyde—common in mold-prone areas.

Boston Fern

Boston ferns act as natural humidifiers but also absorb mold spores from the air. They thrive in bathrooms or kitchens where moisture tends to build up but should be monitored to avoid contributing too much humidity.

Snake Plant

Also called mother-in-law’s tongue, snake plants are incredibly hardy and can help purify the air. They don't need much water and are great for reducing the chance of mold buildup in soil.

Spider Plant

Spider plants are effective at removing pollutants and airborne mold. They’re easy to care for and grow quickly, making them a great option for beginners.