Filling your home with plants could be a solution to keeping mould at bay. Mould thrives in damp areas, often appearing around windows during winter when the cold air outside meets the warm air inside, causing condensation. It's also frequently found in bathrooms throughout the year, where shower condensation provides an ideal breeding ground. There are numerous mould-removing products available if you spot this fungus growing in your home, and it's crucial to address it promptly to prevent further growth. However, prevention is always better than cure, so it's essential to stop mould from developing initially.

Keeping windows and other damp areas as dry as possible can help, but there's another method you can try. A gardening expert suggests that strategically placing a few houseplants in damp areas can effectively keep mould at bay. The plants will absorb the moisture in the air, preventing it from reaching your walls and windows. Bex Edwards from You Garden shared a TikTok video listing some of the best houseplant choices for tackling mould, which she categorised into two types - jungle plants and desert plants, reports the Express.

Bex explained that jungle plants such as ferns and palms are "evolved to live in tropical environments" which makes them great at reducing humidity in damp areas of your home, while desert plants like succulents take in moisture and "hold onto it". Then, Bex recommended some specific plants for anyone looking to combat mould in their house - including a popular "pet friendly" option. Leading the list is the Areca Palm, an ornamental plant with bamboo-like stems and feathery fronds that can grow up to eight feet long, making it unsuitable for cramped quarters but a statement piece for larger areas. The Areca Palm is noted for its quick growth, ease of care, and being safe for cats and dogs because it's non-toxic.

For a houseplant staple that helps keep mould at bay, Bex highlighted the Spider plant. Renowned for being one of the most effortless plants to care for by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), they are compact enough for placing in bathrooms or on windowsills. Their non-toxic nature means they're ideal for households with pets. Lastly, Bex mentioned the Snake plant, well-regarded as a houseplant ally in the fight against mould.

If you're after a desert dweller rather than a jungle giant, Bex suggests going for the Sanserveria, or snake plant. This sturdy option is also fairly compact and grows upwards, meaning it won't take up much space in your home. But pet owners beware: snake plants are poisonous to cats and dogs, so they're a no-go if you've got furry friends roaming about. Aloe Vera is another top pick that's hitting the headlines as a fantastic mould-fighting addition to your home.

According to Gardener's World, it's dubbed an "excellent, low-maintenance plant for beginners" because it hoards water in its leaves, hence doesn't need frequent watering – great news if it can lap up moisture from your bathroom!. Like the snake plant, Aloe Vera isn't pet-friendly due to its toxicity to cats and dogs. Commentators on Bex's informative video were quick to praise her guidance as "brilliant" with heaps of viewers planning swift trips to grab some greenery themselves. One person commented: "The succulents are definitely on my wish list! " And another chimed in with cheerful agreement: "Brilliant news.".