The Best Indoor Plants to Keep Your Home Cool: Trees and plants are of extreme importance to our life, as we are aware that they offer us numerous advantages. It can be stated that without them, humans would not have been able to exist. We get food to consume, oxygen to inhale, etc., from trees and plants.

We attempt every kind of strategy to cool down our homes during the summer months. We are using machines like air conditioners and coolers. But we may be aware that indoor plants can also cool down our home naturally but not like cooling appliances.

Those plants beautify the house by purifying the air and making the atmosphere free from humidity, hence reducing the temperature. We are going to learn about those types of plants in this article that can cool the house during summers.

How do plants cool your home?

Before we go any further, let’s consider how Indoor Plants to Keep Your Home Cool:

1. Transpiration or Evaporation:

Transpiration is the way in which plants take up water via their roots and emit it in the form of water vapor through small pores referred to as stomata on the leaves of the plant.

When plants release water vapor through soil, it’s called evaporation. These natural processes assist plants in temperature control, nutrient transport, and hydration.

These processes help control temperature and hydration in the room and make the air feel cooler.

How transpiration cools your home

When water vapor is released by plants into the atmosphere through transpiration, the humidity content increases. The water, as it evaporates, removes heat from the surrounding air, causing a cooling effect. It operates on the same principle as the sweating of the human body.

Putting moisture-releasing plants indoors, such as the Areca palm or Boston fern, can cool your house naturally and keep it cooler and more comfortable without running energy-hungry cooling devices.

NASA explains that when plants “sweat,” they cool themselves and the surrounding air. Through transpiration, water and nutrients are taken up by plant roots and delivered to the stem and leaves, leading to a cooling effect.

2. Shade:

Shade reduces or blocks direct sunlight. This is usually from trees, curtains, and large indoor plants with broad leaves. If sunlight is shut out, less heat gets into the house, reducing the overall indoor temperature.

Big houseplants such as ficus trees or rubber plants can also be used as natural shades if they are put in windows or sunny areas. They scatter and absorb sunlight, which avoids the accumulation of heat and creates a cooler and more pleasant atmosphere.

The natural shading reduces the need for air conditioning; hence, your home is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly without sacrificing the freshness of the air.

3. Air Purification:

Air purification is the process of eradicating pollutants, toxins, and impurities from air, typically done by plants through the mechanism of photosynthesis and other processes.

Certain plants, like peace lilies and snake plants, absorb harmful chemicals like carbon dioxide, benzene, and formaldehyde and replace them with oxygen. This makes the air smell fresher and cleaner, making the indoor atmosphere more comfortable.

In addition, while air purifier plants purify the air, they reduce the need for artificial air ventilation systems, which tend to generate heat. With improved air quality and reduced reliance on heat-emitting appliances (AC, coolers, etc.), air purifier plants contribute to making the home environment cooler, fresher, and healthier.

4. Humidity Regulation:

Humidity control involves maintaining air moisture in equilibrium. Plants have a great deal to do with it by siphoning extra moisture from air via roots and releasing water vapor via the method of transpiration.

When there is high humidity, plants remove humidity, and when air is dry, plants add humidity. This leads to a healthier climate indoors.

By controlling humidity, plants make the air cool, as properly humidified air enhances the efficiency of natural cooling mechanisms such as evaporation.

A study by The University of Vermont found that homes with cooling plants required less artificial cooling, reducing electricity bills significantly.

For instance, plants such as Boston ferns and Peace Lilies emit water into the atmosphere, which draws heat and reduces the temperature, causing your house to feel naturally cool and cool.

The World Health Organization approximated that about 30% of all new construction or renovated structures contain some level of indoor air pollution.

Interesting fact: Indoor air is 2-5 times more contaminated than outdoor air, as reported by the EPA (the United States Environmental Protection Agency).

We all know the space station needs to be completely sealed. There is no fresh air in space, so naturally NASA was worried about how astronauts would live for a long period of time in such small places.

We are all aware that plants take CO2 and release O2 via photosynthesis.

In 1989, NASA researches and experiments on indoor plants like English ivy, spider plants, etc. They discovered that these plants uptake CO₂ as well as toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, ammonia, and trichloroethylene, etc.

If you want to read NASA’s full report on indoor plants from Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement.

Indoor plants are not a replacement for AC (air conditioning). It won’t significantly lower the temperature of the room.

Let us learn about some of the most effective indoor plants to maintain your house naturally cool.

1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)  

The areca palm is the best plant to cool the house naturally while imparting an essence of tropical grace. It’s a great choice for a living room.

It does a fantastic job of evaporating moisture in the air through the process of transpiration and therefore can lower room temperatures (up to 10°F (5°C)) effectively as well as maintain humidity at livable levels. It makes for a perfect natural humidifier when placed in arid or air-conditioned areas.

The areca palm is low-maintenance: it adores bright, direct light and must be watered at regular intervals to keep its soil constantly moist (never soggy). It’s even pet-friendly, making it a good choice for homes.

Areca Palm is also one of the top natural humidifiers and air purifiers, according to Dr. B.C. Wolverton, author of “How to Grow Fresh Air.”

Aside from its cooling ability, the areca palm purifies the air by removing toxic chemicals (formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene), giving a cleaner, healthier environment. With its feathery, curved leaves, it’s not only functional—it’s a stunning decoration for any room!

Note: The Areca Palm can release up to 1 liter of moisture per day, increasing humidity and reducing dryness, making rooms feel cooler and more comfortable. According to Dr. B.C. Wolverton’s NASA study, Areca Palm improves humidity levels by nearly 40% in enclosed spaces.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)  

The snake plant, also known as Sansevieria (mother-in-law’s tongue), is a great home coolant and air purifier. The plant converts carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, improving air quality and keeping your home smelling fresh.

Snake plant, or mother-in-law’s tongue, works best at night. Ideal for people with busy schedules or small apartments.

It is very easy to care. It grows well even in low light and requires little water. The plant is known for its hardiness and air-purifying properties, making it an ideal choice for home.

Benefits: Removing formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides.If you don’t have much time to care for plants, the snake plant is perfect for you!. It should be kept near a window, but it only needs watering every 2-8 weeks

3. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Aloe vera is not just good for your health, it also helps keep your house cool. Its large, thick leaves provide shade and help cool the air.

Aloe vera doesn’t require much maintenance – it grows well in bright, indirect light and moderate watering is enough. Plus, aloe vera gives your home a tropical vibe that makes the interior look beautiful.

A study published in the Journal of Environmental Science found that Aloe Vera reduces indoor VOCs (volatile organic compounds), improving air quality. Aloe vera is best in Windowsills and kitchens.

Also, this plant is extremely beneficial for the skin and can be used as a natural remedy for burns or cuts. Bringing aloe vera into your home can bring both natural cooling and beauty!

Benefits: Remove formaldehyde and benzene.

Note: Unlike most plants that release oxygen during the day, Aloe Vera and Snake Plant (Sansevieria) release oxygen at night, absorbing heat and cooling the air. The Indian Journal of Plant Sciences states that CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) plants, including Aloe Vera, reduce air temperature by improving humidity levels.

4. Ficus Tree (Ficus benjamina)  

Ficus Ali, also known as Banana Leaf Fig, is a great plant to keep your home cool naturally. It has large, green leaves that not only provide shade but also help cool the air.

This plant prefers soft, indirect light rather than bright, direct sunlight and requires only a moderate amount of water. Place near large windows to filter excess sunlight.

It makes your home look more attractive by adding a tropical vibe to it. Ficus Ali not only keeps your home cool but also brightens up your living space with its beauty and freshness.

If you want natural beauty and coolness in your home, Ficus Ali is a great choice!

Note: Some plants, like Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant) and Ficus Benjamina, absorb heat and harmful radiation from electronic devices, reducing the warming effect inside homes. A NASA study on air-purifying plants found that Ficus species absorb airborne toxins and radiations, making indoor air cleaner and cooler.

5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) 

The Boston fern is a beautiful and beneficial indoor plant that helps keep your home cool naturally. Its large, green leaves not only provide shade but also make the air cool and fresh. NASA-rated air-purifying plant.

A NASA research study confirmed that Boston Ferns remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene while increasing indoor humidity.

This plant creates a home atmosphere that is comfortable by adding moisture to the air. The Boston fern needs bright, indirect light and moderate watering, so it is simple to maintain.

This plant brings a tropical touch to your home, so any room in your home will be green and beautiful. If you desire to make your home cool and naturally beautiful, the Boston fern is an excellent option!

6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)  

The rubber plant, or Ficus elastica, is a wonderful plant to have in your home to keep it cool and green. The big, shiny leaves not only are lovely, but they naturally cool your home by shading the sun and evaporating moisture into the air.

The plant thrives in bright, indirect light and needs moderate watering, which makes it easy to maintain.

Benefits: Remove formaldehyde.

The rubber plant not only cleans the air but also provides your house with a tropical atmosphere, and thus it is a great decorative choice for the living room or bedroom. If you would like to give your house a cool and gorgeous look, then the rubber plant is a good choice!

7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)  

Peace lily is a beautiful and handy indoor plant that cools your home and freshens the environment. The leaves of the plant are wide, and they cast a cool and shady feeling. The plant purifies the air by drawing the toxins in it, and thus your house environment remains clean and healthy.

The peace lily requires direct, strong sunlight and moderate water, making it simple to maintain. It will give you white flowers and green foliage, adding a tropical touch that is perfect for decoration too. If what you want is a beautiful and useful plant, then the peace lily is perfect for you!

Benefits: Removes formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia.

The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) reduces heat by absorbing harmful toxins like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, which contribute to indoor warmth. NASA’s Clean Air Study found that Peace Lilies cool down indoor air by removing pollutants that increase temperature.

8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)  

The spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum, is one great plant with which to chill your home and make it fresh. Its wide, green leaves not only provide shade but also make the air cool.

It grows best under mild, indirect light and not under bright light and requires moderate watering and is thus considered a low-maintenance plant. Spider plants eliminate up to 95% of carbon monoxide from indoor air.

A study by the University of Technology Sydney found that Spider Plants can reduce room temperatures by up to 2-3°C in small, poorly ventilated spaces.

Benefits: Remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

Not only does the spider plant purify the air in your home, but the beautiful leaves also provide a tropical touch that will make any room look presentable. If you want a decorative and useful plant, the spider plant is perfect for you!

9. English Ivy (Hedera helix)  

English ivy, or Hedera helix, is a great houseplant that can naturally cool your home. Its large, fleshy leaves shade and cool the air through transpiration, making your space cooler and fresher.

This plant thrives in bright, direct light and moderate watering, making it quite low-maintenance. Its trailing vines and vibrant green leaves add a tropical touch of sophistication to any room, enhancing the decor of your home.

Other than its cooling properties, English ivy is also renowned for its air-purifying qualities, as it cleanses the air of toxins like mold and airborne toxins.

Benefits: Remove formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene.

Regardless of whether it’s placed on a shelf, used in a hanging basket, or as an ornamental piece, English ivy brings both form and function to your home. It’s the perfect option for individuals who desire balance between style and nature-based cooling solutions!

10. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)  

Dracaena is a beautiful houseplant that not only makes your home look beautiful but also cools it naturally. It has large leaves that provide shade and are helpful in cooling the air. The plant prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering, which makes it easy to care for.

Dracaena provides your home with a tropical feel, and that makes your home even more welcoming. Not only does it green and freshen your home, but it also purifies the air. If you want a little bit of nature in your home, Dracaena is your top choice!

Other Indoor Plants

• Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – Removes formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene.
• Dracaena (Dracaena spp.) – Removes formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene.
• Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) – Remove benzene and trichloroethylene.
• Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) – Remove formaldehyde.
• Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) – Remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
• Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) – Remove formaldehyde and benzene.

Tips for Maximizing the Cooling Effects of Indoor Plants  

1. Group plants together: Planting several plants together makes the environment more humid and forms a microclimate, keeping the house naturally cooler.
2. Placing Strategically: Position plants near windows so they filter the sunlight and make the house cool. Positioning them in corners enhances air flow.
3. Select Large-Leafed Plants: Larger-leaved plants (such as Rubber Plant or Banana Leaf Fig) cast more shade and give off more moisture.
4. Daily Watering and Misting: Spray water mist on leaves regularly so they give off more moisture and create more of a cooling effect.
5. Integrate with natural coolers: Make use of curtains, cross-ventilation, and light colors of furnishings and decorations along with plants for augmented cooling effects.
6. Healthy Plants: Keep the plants healthy by maintaining proper health of plants—pruning from time to time, fertilization, and protecting from pests.

Plants for indoor gardens are a holistic and eco-friendly means of ensuring your home is cool, but also more stunning and healthy-looking. From areca palm to increase humidity, snake plant to clear the air, there’s a perfect plant that can fit in every home and lifestyle.

Adding a few plants to your garden is how you get to enjoy the cooler, healthier, and warmer home without dependence on electricity-demanding cooling technologies. So why not bring some nature into the house and have the cooling benefit of these phenomenal plants? Your pocket – as well as your house.

Among these plants, which one does your home currently have? Discuss in the comment section below!