Houseplants not only beautify our living spaces but act as powerful air purifiers, enhancing indoor air quality and controlling harmful pollutants. Certain plants have impressive abilities to absorb harmful toxins from the environment, making them natural and efficient air purifiers that contribute to your overall health and well-being.
The efficiency of houseplants in purifying the air was first discovered by NASA in a study published in 1989. This study is colloquially known as the NASA Clean Air Study and provides a substantial foundation in understanding how plants remove toxins from the air.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
The Spider Plant is perhaps one of the best houseplants for novice planters. These prolific growers are extremely hardy, preferring indirect light and a well-draining pot. The long, arching leaves make it a perfect choice for hanging baskets. According to NASA’s study, Spider Plants were capable of eliminating formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
Also known as the Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the Snake Plant is a popular indoor plant known for its green, vertical sword-like leaves. It needs minimal water and light, making it pretty easy to maintain. The Snake Plant can cleanse the air of benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde, improving your home’s air quality substantially.
Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
The Rubber Plant, with its large, glossy leaves, doesn’t just make a dramatic interior design statement; it also works diligently to cleanse the air. It excels at removing formaldehyde from the air, making it ideal for improving indoor air quality.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
Famous for its frilly leaves and arching fronds, the Boston Fern thrives in a humid environment and shady locations. The plant is recognized for its ability to remove toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.
Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)
Also known as the Golden Pothos or Money Plant, the Devil’s Ivy is a hardy plant known for its heart-shaped leaves. Besides being arguably one of the easiest plants to grow indoors, it is an excellent air-purifier, capable of removing benzene, xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum Wallisii)
The Peace Lily, recognized for its striking white blossoms, is more than just a beautiful houseplant. It is a practical addition to any indoor space due to its ability to remove harmful toxins like ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.
Dracaena (Dracaena Marginata)
Dracaenas require little water and can tolerate a host of lighting conditions, making them a popular choice for indoor gardening. These plants can remove a variety of toxins from the atmosphere, including benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde.
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller)
Aloe Vera, widely recognized for its medicinal properties, is also a robust air purifier. It was found to be efficient in removing formaldehyde and benzene from indoor spaces.
Barberton Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
Aside from brightening up rooms with its radiant colors, the Barberton Daisy is also a potent air purifier. It can remove pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea Seifrizii)
Also known as Reed Palm, this plant thrives in shady indoor spaces and can grow up to several feet in height. The Bamboo Palm is proficient at filtering formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
While these houseplants significantly contribute to removing toxins and improving indoor air quality, it’s important to note that they should not be the sole measure for clean air. Proper and regular cleaning, adequate ventilation, and reducing the use of products that emit harmful toxins are other crucial elements of maintaining healthy air quality indoors.
Moreover, these plants require the right care and conditions to thrive and carry out the air-cleaning process. Incorporating these houseplants into your decor not only adds life to your living spaces but also contributes to a healthier and cleaner environment.
As a side note, some of these plants may be toxic if ingested. Therefore, if you have pets or small children, you should make sure the plants are out of their reach or choose species that are safe if ingested.
To sum up, houseplants that remove toxins are a natural, affordable, and aesthetic solution to improving your home’s air quality. Whether you’re new to gardening or have a natural green thumb, bringing these plants into your home can significantly enhance your living environment.
