19 hours Ago
There is nothing worse than your home being so hot that it becomes unbearable, and you can't seem to escape the heat. While a rare thing to happen in the UK, every so often the nation is treated to a heatwave, seeing temperatures reach the high 20s and sometimes even in the 30s. Unfortunately, many homes in the UK are not built for hot weather and can often feel like ovens.
You can open as many windows as you want and buy all the fans or air conditioner units on supermarket shelves, but the cost will add up. However, there is a cheap and affordable way to make your home cool with the help of seven types of houseplants. Houseplant expert Craig Morely from Budget Seeds, with the help of Barratt London, explained that the plants can cool your home down using transpiration.
Craig shares: "Transpiration is the process by which water flows upwards through a plant, from the soil to the leaves and stem. "As well as delivering water and nutrients to the plant’s cells, this process keeps plants cool as water evaporates from the leaves." The bamboo palm.
(Image: Getty Images) Adding: "On a smaller scale, having houseplants in your home can help cool your home in summer - free, eco-friendly air conditioning, if you like." Expert Craig also shared the specific type of plants that can cool your home down. The seven "air conditioning" plants are: Explaining why these plants can cool a home down, Craig says: "Plant species have different leaf structures which affect their rate of transpiration.
"A larger leaf size means more ‘pores’ through which to release excess water, which means increased transpiration." Craig also revealed the best ways to encourage transpiration in your home, including making sure the plants are well-watered and are grouped together. “If a plant is not watered often, this can reduce the rate of transpiration as the plant tries to conserve water.
"Giving your houseplants ample water will encourage transpiration and help to cool your home during hot weather.” Aloe vera can help cool a home down. (Image: Getty Images) “Placing your plant wet pebble tray can also promote transpiration.
"As the water evaporates from the tray, it creates a bubble of humidity surrounding the plant. Investing in a humidifier also has the same effect.” “Grouping plants together also helps to create a humid microclimate.
This prevents each plant from drying out, which hinders transpiration.” “Plants in containers may transpire less, as their roots are often confined within a small space, and this can make them prone to water stress. "Of course, houseplants are usually kept in pots but opting for a larger pot can mitigate this issue.
” Recommended Reading Best unkillable plants to help spruce up your patio space 7 of the most stunning houseplants that are almost impossible to kill How can I stop my houseplants from dying? Mistake to avoid “Pruning can also decrease transpiration in a plant, as it reduces water uptake. "Avoid pruning during warm weather to ensure transpiration is not hampered.” “Houseplants placed in an environment that does not satisfy their needs will not be as efficient at cooling your home.
"Consult your plant’s care tag or use the internet to research ideal growing conditions.".
