Indoor air quality is often overlooked, yet it plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. One reliable way to ensure excellent air quality in your home is through the use of low-light air-purifying plants. Not only do these plants improve air quality, but they can also alleviate stress, increase humidity, and reduce carbon dioxide levels.
Scientific studies such as those conducted by NASA in the 1980s show that some plants can filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds, like benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, and many more, are often found in homes. Many plants can thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for spaces that don’t get a lot of natural sunlight.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata):
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a popular indoor plant that requires little sunlight to grow. It’s considered one of the best plants for filtering out formaldehyde, commonly found in cleaning products, toilet paper, and personal care products. The snake plant also absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at night, contributing to a restful night’s sleep.
2. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum):
Golden pothos is a low-light loving, air purifying champion. This fast-growing vine can help filter out formaldehyde from the air. It’s easy to care for, making it a great choice for novice plant owners. While it thrives in a variety of lighting conditions, low light induces a beautiful variegation in its foliage.
3. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.):
Dracaena is a large group of popular houseplants that comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors. These plants are excellent for removing trichloroethylene, xylene, and formaldehyde from indoor air. However, they are toxic to cats and dogs, so they should be placed somewhere pets can’t reach.
4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia):
Highly resilient and requiring minimal care, the ZZ plant can purify the air by eliminating toxins like toluene and xylene. Although the ZZ plant prefers bright indirect light, it can thrive in areas where other plants might not, such as rooms with few windows or fluorescent light.
5. English Ivy (Hedera Helix):
English Ivy, also known as European Ivy, not only filters out formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene but also has antibacterial properties. Its ability to grow in low light conditions and ease of maintenance makes it an excellent choice for improving indoor air.
6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum):
Known for its remarkable adaptability, the spider plant is perfect for beginners. It helps to purify air by removing formaldehyde and xylene. One unique feature of the spider plant is its ability to replicate swiftly, providing more plants to distribute throughout the home.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.):
A beautiful addition to any room, the peace lily removes multiple toxins from the air such as ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. While it is easy to care for, it does need to be well-drained and should not be overwatered.
8. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata):
Boston Ferns are one of the best plants for removing indoor air pollutants, especially formaldehyde. They prefer high humidity and indirect light, making them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens with minimal natural sunlight.
9. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron Scandens):
This particular plant variety is excellent at filtering formaldehyde. It’s great for hanging or trailing off bookshelves due to its vining characteristics. The Heartleaf Philodendron should be kept out of reach of pets and children, as its leaves are toxic when ingested.
These low-light plants have proven air-purifying abilities and can significantly improve the indoor air quality and aesthetics of your home. Most of these plants are very easy to care for, needing minimal water and low-light conditions. They offer an affordable, simple way to breathe clean, pure air in your own home, even with minimal windows or sunlight.
Still, while plants can measurably improve indoor air quality, experts agree they can’t replace other recommended methods for air purification. Ventilation, air cleaners, and controlling the sources of pollutants, such as not allowing smoking indoors, still hold significant value. Air-purifying plants should then be considered a part of a larger indoor air quality solution.
