Indoor plants not only add a pop of color and freshness to our homes but also act as a functional element in improving air quality. They are handy partners in purifying indoor air by removing harmful toxins released from everyday objects like furniture, carpet, and electronic devices.
One of the most remarkable studies into indoor plants and air quality was conducted by NASA in the late 1980s. The study concluded that various common indoor plants can indeed eliminate toxin particles from the air, including large quantities of harmful chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
The Spider Plant is a great place to commence as it’s relatively easy to maintain and is non-toxic to pets, ranking high in the list of beginner-friendly indoor air-purifying plants. It excels at fighting pollutants including benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene. So, position a few of these charming, striped plants in any part of your home or office.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, is a popular choice for an indoor plant and for good reasons. While most plants take away oxygen at night, this one gives off oxygen whilst simultaneously taking in carbon dioxide—a boon as humans naturally produce carbon dioxide. Furthermore, it filters out common household toxins from the air.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies are not only a beautiful addition to your home with their luscious white blooms, but they’re also great purifiers. They break down and neutralize toxic gases like benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia. In addition, high moisture levels are maintained in your home as Peace Lilies give off moisture into the air.
4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
The Boston Fern, characterized by delicate fronds and a somewhat frilly appearance, is also a potent air purifying plant. This plant acts as a natural humidifier and can purify the air of toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
5. Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
The Rubber Plant, part of the Ficus family, helps in the removal of formaldehyde from indoor air. Its large, thick leaves not only aid in the photosynthesis process but also absorb airborne chemicals, turning them into plant food.
6. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
This beautiful ivy, with its cascading vines, can remove toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Furthermore, English Ivy is a fantastic mold-targeting plant that can improve symptoms for people with allergies and asthma.
7. Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller)
Besides being a handy plant to have for treating sunburn, Aloe Vera also works to clean the air. This plant helps to remove chemical pollutants from the air while its sharp-pointed leaves release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide at night, leading to improved air quality.
8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm, also known as the Reed Palm, is a lovely indoor plant with air purifying abilities. It has a high resistance to insect infestation and can remove harmful toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
9. Philodendron (Philodendron Bipinnatifidum)
With their characteristic heart-shaped leaves, Philodendrons are not only a visually appealing plant but also a boon for your indoor air quality. Known for their ability to cleanse the air of Formaldehyde, they are both efficient and easy to maintain.
10. Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena Marginata)
Capable of growing up to ceiling height, the Red-Edged Dracaena can make a real style statement while also being an effective air purifier. This plant removes pollutants like xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde, often released by lacquers, varnishes, and gasoline.
Despite the exceptional air-purifying capabilities of these ten houseplants, it’s essential to remember that the key to a healthy indoor environment is adequate ventilation and frequent cleaning. House plants are to be regarded as a complement to these practices rather than a substitute. Ensure you maintain these plants properly to prevent the buildup of allergens like mold or dust on leaves. It is also advisable to select plants most suitable for the conditions in your house including light levels, temperatures, and humidity. With the right care, these indoor plants will reward you with not only cleaner air but also a splash of greenery and calmness in your home.
