Houseplants can do more than just brighten up a room—they actually help cool things down when it gets hot. These leafy friends release moisture and create a natural breeze that makes the air feel fresher.
I’ve noticed how a few well-placed plants can make my space feel calmer and cooler without cranking up the AC. They’re a simple, stylish way to beat the heat and keep your home comfortable.
If you’re looking for a natural chill, these plants are ready to step in.
1. Aloe Vera
This succulent does more than heal sunburns! Aloe vera releases cool moisture into the air and doesn’t need frequent watering, making it perfect for forgetful plant parents.
Native to hot climates, it’s naturally adapted to cool its surroundings. Place it near sunny windows where it thrives while helping maintain comfortable room temperatures.
2. Peace Lily
Elegant white flowers rise above lush green leaves, creating a striking display while naturally cooling your space. Peace lilies absorb hot air through their leaves and release oxygen and moisture.
They’re particularly effective in bathrooms where they thrive in humidity and help counteract steamy showers. Just remember they’re toxic to pets, so place them in pet-free zones.
3. Snake Plant
Nearly indestructible, snake plants are perfect for beginners. Their tall, sword-like leaves continuously release moisture throughout the day and night, unlike many plants that stop transpiring after dark.
They filter indoor air pollutants while cooling your space. Position them in bedrooms for improved air quality and temperature control while you sleep – they’re like natural air conditioners working 24/7.
4. Ficus Tree
Reaching impressive heights indoors, ficus trees create natural shade while cooling through transpiration. Their broad leaves release significant moisture, contributing to lower room temperatures during hot days.
Place them near windows where they’ll intercept harsh sunlight before it heats your living space. Regular misting enhances their cooling effect and keeps those glossy leaves looking their best.
5. Boston Fern
Lush and feathery, Boston ferns are humidity champions. They release moisture through countless tiny fronds, creating a natural humidifier effect that cools surrounding air.
Hang them in baskets where air circulation maximizes their cooling potential. These plants thrive in bathrooms and kitchens where they can absorb excess heat while adding a touch of woodland charm to your space.
6. Areca Palm
Nicknamed ‘butterfly palm’ for its graceful fronds, this tropical beauty ranks among NASA’s top air-purifying plants. It releases abundant moisture through its feathery leaves, effectively cooling surrounding air.
Each mature palm can transpire nearly a quart of water daily! Place several together for a stunning display that creates a cool microclimate in your living room or home office.
7. Spider Plant
Hardy and prolific, spider plants produce cascading baby plantlets while cooling your home. Their grass-like leaves continuously release moisture, helping maintain comfortable humidity levels even in dry environments.
They’re non-toxic to pets and children, making them safe for any room. Place them on shelves or in hanging planters where their arching form can showcase those distinctive striped leaves and maximize air contact.
8. Rubber Plant
With large, glossy leaves that absorb heat, rubber plants excel at temperature regulation. Their thick foliage releases moisture while creating shade, effectively lowering ambient temperatures in sunny rooms.
These sturdy plants grow tall with minimal care, making them excellent natural screens. Position them near windows facing south or west to block intense afternoon sun while benefiting from their cooling transpiration.
9. Golden Pothos
Almost impossible to kill, golden pothos vines purify air while releasing cooling moisture. Their heart-shaped leaves continue transpiring even in low light conditions, making them versatile coolers for any space.
Allow them to cascade from shelves or train them up trellises to maximize leaf exposure. Their rapid growth means more leaves working to cool your home – a living air conditioner that gets more effective over time.
10. Weeping Fig
Graceful and leafy, weeping figs create natural cooling zones in your home. Their dense canopy of small leaves provides excellent shade while releasing moisture through thousands of transpiration points.
These elegant trees prefer consistent conditions, so find them a perfect spot and let them work their cooling magic. With proper care, they’ll grow into statement pieces that significantly impact both décor and indoor climate.
11. Chinese Evergreen
Prized for patterned leaves and easy care, Chinese evergreens thrive in areas where other plants struggle. They release moisture continuously while filtering indoor air pollutants, improving both temperature and air quality.
Different varieties offer silver, red, or pink-tinged foliage. Place them in warm spots that need cooling – they’ll absorb heat and transform it through transpiration while adding exotic beauty to your space.
12. Bamboo Palm
Creating a tropical oasis effect, bamboo palms excel at natural air conditioning. Their delicate fronds release substantial moisture while filtering airborne toxins, providing multiple health benefits.
Unlike some cooling plants, they thrive in lower light conditions. Group several together to create a refreshing green corner that noticeably reduces ambient temperature while bringing resort-like tranquility to your home.
13. Philodendron
Adaptable and lush, philodendrons come in climbing or upright varieties that all share impressive cooling abilities. Their heart-shaped leaves continuously transpire moisture, creating a natural humidifying effect.
They thrive in medium light and forgive occasional neglect. Position them where their trailing vines can cascade or climb, maximizing leaf exposure to air and enhancing their cooling efficiency throughout your living spaces.
14. English Ivy
Elegant and versatile, English ivy removes airborne mold while cooling through transpiration. Its trailing vines can be trained to create living curtains that block heat while releasing moisture into your home.
Studies show it significantly reduces indoor air pollutants. Hang it in bright bathrooms where it will thrive in humidity while helping counteract steamy showers and maintaining comfortable temperatures throughout the day.
15. Money Plant
Also called jade plant, these succulents store water in thick leaves that release cooling moisture gradually. They’re perfect for hot, dry environments where consistent humidity is needed throughout the day.
Folklore says they bring prosperity along with comfort. Place them on windowsills where they’ll absorb sunlight without transferring heat indoors, creating a natural barrier against summer warmth while adding charm to your décor.
16. Dracaena
With dramatic, sword-shaped leaves often striped with red or yellow, dracaenas make bold statements while cooling your space. Their tropical nature means they constantly release moisture through their expansive foliage.
They grow tall with minimal care, making them perfect for empty corners. Place them near electronics that generate heat – they’ll help offset temperature increases while adding vertical interest to your room design.