Lots of homeowners with conservatories like to have lots of plants in their summer house, as they want their orangery to feel like an extension of their garden and to feel closer to nature.
However, there are other benefits to filling your traditional conservatory with greenery, including keeping it cool during the hot summer months.
To find out more about how plants can stop the space from overheating and what plants are best for this, read on.
How do plants keep your conservatory cool
Whether you want rich succulents, hanging baskets or spider plants, you probably have an idea in mind of what you want your conservatory greenery to look like.
As well as just thinking about the aesthetics, however, it is worth considering which plants to have indoors that will regulate the temperature of your orangerie too. This way, you can rest assured it will stay nice and cool despite the floor-to-ceiling windows.
So, how do plants lower the temperature?
1) Shade
Firstly, if you get lots of large plants or trees, they provide shade from the sunlight. Make sure these are set up high so they can block out the sunshine when it is at its highest and strongest.
By reducing the amount of sunlight that comes into the room, this will avoid heating the building throughout the day, and help it maintain a pleasant temperature.
2) Reduce humidity levels
Plants can help reduce humidity, which can be particularly beneficial when it is hot and stuffy outside.
They do this as their leaves absorb the moisture from the air, particularly if they have large leaves.
This helps to reduce excess moisture in the environment and make the area feel cooler by maintaining humidity levels.
Plants then release the moisture back out through the process of transpiration, which can help the room feel fresher and cooler.
3) Improve air quality
Simply by having lots of plants in your conservatory, you could improve its air quality, as they absorb carbon dioxide and subsequently release oxygen.
By filtering out CO2 and other pollutants, they improve the quality of the air and make the space feel more comfortable and easier to breathe in. This instantly makes the conservatory feel cooler and more pleasant to be in, particularly during the hottest of days.
While plants, trees and flowers are great natural humidifiers and temperature regulators, it is important to get the most out of them by watering them regularly to aid the transpiration process and positioning them to provide the most shade from the windows.
It is also important to choose the right kinds of plants that will reduce the indoor temperature most effectively.
What plants help to keep conservatories coolest?
All plants are able to absorb water and carbon dioxide, and release moisture and oxygen, which help keep the indoor area cool, but some are better at doing these jobs than others.
1) Bamboo palm
For a tropical look, get some bamboo palms for your conservatory, as these are able to absorb excess water in the room really well.
Their long spiny leaves also work well at providing adequate shade if you have several bamboo palms close to one another, helping to shield the room from the sunlight.
2) English ivy
If you’re going for a classic, countryside look, English ivy might be the plant you choose. This vine plant is a great dehumidifier, making rooms feel less stuffy and more airy.
They are also very hardy, so homeowners who don’t have much time on their hands to look after their plants will still be able to enjoy their greenery even if they don’t give it much attention.
Another benefit to having English ivy is that it is able to cope in dry and low light conditions, as well as damp, sunny ones, which means it is a good option for the winter months, as well as the summer ones.
3) Ficus elastica (rubber plant)
This evergreen plant grows large glossy leaves that are typically 30 to 45 cm long, with the height of the tree able to reach four metres high.
The rubber plant originates from Asia and can produce yellow figs in the right climate. Its green oval leaves have a bronze underside, and they are really effective at cooling their environment.
4) Citrus plants
You could also opt for citrus plants, as these help the air circulate and replenish the moisture in the air through the transpiration process.
They thrive in hot environments and lots of sunlight, so are a perfect choice for a bright conservatory.
They also have the added benefit of producing delicious citrus fruits, which not only taste great but smell pleasant too, creating a lovely atmosphere in your orangerie.
