Publication: Mansion Global
Article Title: Ferns, Figs and Snake Plants: These Indoor Plants Combat Mold.
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Author: Ameena Walker
One of my absolute favorite things about my work is when the topics I’m most passionate about — biophilic design, building biology, creating spaces that actively support your health — find their way into the broader conversation. So when writer Ameena Walker reached out from Mansion Global for expert commentary on indoor plants and mold prevention, I was genuinely delighted. Plants sit right at the intersection of everything I believe about intentional design, and this was a fun one to contribute to.
The article covers how certain indoor plants function as natural dehumidifiers, helping regulate moisture and create environments that are less hospitable to mold growth. I was asked about high-humidity spaces, plant placement, and my personal recommendations. Here’s the perspective I shared and everything there wasn’t room for in the article.
Plants Are One Layer of a Healthy Home Strategy — Not a Standalone Fix
The first thing I always want to say when this topic comes up is this: plants are wonderful, and they are genuinely effective contributors to a healthier indoor environment. But they are one layer of a thoughtful, whole-home approach — not a replacement for addressing the root causes of moisture, air quality issues, or an active mold problem.
If mold has already taken hold somewhere in your home, that requires professional remediation. Plants will not fix it. What they will do — when placed thoughtfully — is help create conditions that make it harder for mold to get started in the first place.
That distinction matters, and I think it’s important to say it clearly.
Where Mold Loves to Grow (And Where Plants Help Most)
Mold is opportunistic. It needs moisture, warmth, and something organic to feed on, and it finds those conditions most readily in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. These are the spaces with the most humidity fluctuation, the least ventilation, and often the least natural light.
This is exactly where a thoughtfully placed plant or two makes the most meaningful contribution. Not as just a decoration (though they are beautiful), but as functional elements of a layered approach to a healthier indoor environment.
The science is real: certain plants absorb excess moisture through their leaves, release oxygen, and help filter airborne particulates — including mold spores. The key is choosing the right plant for the right space, and caring for it in a way that doesn’t create new moisture problems in the process.
My Top Plant Picks for High-Humidity Spaces
English Ivy One of my favorites for bathrooms and kitchens. English ivy is a natural air purifier with a well-documented ability to reduce airborne mold spores. It trails beautifully from a shelf or hangs near a window — elegant and hardworking at the same time.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria) The snake plant is a workhorse. It tolerates low light and inconsistent watering, making it forgiving for busy households. It filters air effectively and, notably, converts carbon dioxide to oxygen at night rather than during the day — which makes it a particularly good choice for bedrooms as well as bathrooms.
Boston Fern Boston ferns thrive in humidity and indirect light, which makes them a natural fit for bathrooms. They are among the most effective plants for both air purification and moisture regulation. The caveat: they can get large. If space is limited, a snake plant or peace lily will serve you just as well.
Peace Lily Peace lilies are elegant, low-light tolerant, and effective at filtering a range of indoor air pollutants. They prefer consistent moisture and indirect light — the same conditions most bathrooms naturally provide. A note of caution: peace lilies are toxic if ingested, so they’re not the right choice for homes with curious pets or young children.
Spider Plant A wonderful choice for less-trafficked spaces like bedrooms and home offices. Spider plants are nearly indestructible, highly adaptable, and effective at removing common indoor toxins. They trail beautifully and are non-toxic, which makes them a safe choice for most households.
The Underrated Plant That Deserves More Credit
I’ll be honest — my personal favorite doesn’t usually make the official mold-fighting hot lists. But I recommend pothos constantly, and I grow several varieties in my own home.
Pothos are easy, gorgeous, and incredibly forgiving. They’ll trail from a high shelf, cascade from a hanging planter, or sit quietly on a bathroom counter without complaint. They don’t require a perfect watering schedule, they tolerate low light, and they come in so many varieties — golden, marble queen, neon, silver — that there’s truly one for every aesthetic. While they may not be the highest performer on a moisture-absorption chart, they contribute to overall air quality and bring the biophilic element that supports nervous system regulation in a very real way.
Sometimes the best plant for your home is simply one you’ll actually keep alive and enjoy looking at every day!
A Note on Plant Care and Moisture
Improper plant care can actually contribute to the problem you’re trying to prevent. Overwatering is the most common mistake. Soil that stays consistently wet (especially in a pot without proper drainage) creates the damp conditions that mold loves.
A few simple practices make a significant difference:
- Always use pots with drainage holes, or layer the bottom with gravel or lava rocks before potting
- Let soil dry appropriately between waterings (the right amount varies by plant (for example snake plants need far less water than Boston ferns)
- Empty saucers after watering so water doesn’t pool underneath
- If you’re the kind of person who appreciates a reminder, there are several excellent plant care apps that track your specific plants and send watering notifications
Read the full article on Mansion Global →
The Bigger Picture: Biophilic Design and Healthy Homes
Plants are one of the most accessible entry points into biophilic design — the intentional integration of natural elements into our living spaces. The research supporting biophilic design is extensive: exposure to natural elements reduces cortisol levels, lowers heart rate, supports the parasympathetic nervous system, and improves cognitive function.
But beyond the science, there’s something deeply intuitive about it. We are wired to respond to nature. A room with plants feels different than a room without them. That’s not coincidence or just us weird plant lovers trying to hype our favorite things. It’s biology.
At The Intentional Design Studio, biophilic design isn’t an add-on or a trend. It’s a foundational principle of how we create spaces that don’t just look beautiful – they support how you actually feel, function, and rest inside them.
If you’re curious about what that looks like in practice, I’d love to talk.
Ready to create a home that supports how you live and feel?
Our complimentary discovery call is the first step — no pressure, no commitment, just a conversation about your space and your goals.
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Curious to see what else we’ve been featured in? Explore our full collection of press mentions and expert insights on our Press Page.
Catherine Shuman is the founder of The Intentional Design Studio, a biophilic interior design practice in Athens, Georgia specializing in nervous system design, building biology, and non-toxic materials. Her expertise has been featured in Elle Decor, Southern Living, Martha Stewart Living, Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Mansion Global, Realtor.com, The Spruce, The Kitchn, The Everygirl, House Digest, and more.
