When it comes to making your home a healthier and more pleasant place to be, indoor plants are an excellent place to start. Not only do they add a touch of natural beauty to your decor, but they also have the added bonus of purifying the air you breathe. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best indoor plants for purifying the air in your home, as well as some tips on how to care for them.
Why Indoor Plants Are Great for Air Purification
Indoor plants are able to absorb harmful pollutants from the air, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released by common household items such as cleaning products, paint, and furniture. Plants also release oxygen into the air, making it healthier and more pleasant to breathe. Plus, they add a touch of greenery to your home, which has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and stress levels.
Types of Air Purifying Indoor Plants
1. Spider Plant
The spider plant is a great air-purifying plant. This plant is low-maintenance and can thrive in a range of conditions, including low light levels. The spider plant is effective in removing toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
In addition to its air-purifying properties, the spider plant is also an excellent choice for people with pets. This is because the plant is non-toxic to animals and can help improve the air quality in your home, creating a healthier environment for you and your furry friends.
2. Peace Lily
Another excellent choice for indoor air purification is the peace lily. According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, the peace lily is effective in removing toxins such as ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.
In addition to its air-purifying properties, the peace lily is also a beautiful plant that can add a touch of elegance to your home. The plant produces stunning white flowers, making it a popular choice for those looking for a plant that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
3. Boston Fern
The Boston fern is a great air-purifying plant that can thrive in low light conditions. This plant is effective in removing toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air. The Boston fern is also a great plant for improving humidity levels in your home. This can be particularly helpful during the dry winter months when indoor heating can cause the air to become dry and uncomfortable.
One thing to keep in mind when caring for a Boston fern is that it requires regular watering and prefers to be kept in a humid environment. This means that it may not be the best choice for people who travel frequently or those who live in particularly dry climates.
4. English Ivy
English Ivy is a popular plant that is known for its ability to purify the air. This plant is effective in removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air. English Ivy is also a great plant for people with allergies, as it can help to reduce airborne mould particles.
One thing to keep in mind when caring for English Ivy is that it can be toxic to pets, so it may not be the best choice for households with furry friends. It also prefers to be kept in a cooler environment, making it an ideal plant for those who like to keep their homes on the cooler side.
5. Snake Plant
The snake plant, also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the best air-purifying plants. This plant is incredibly resilient and can tolerate low light levels and irregular watering. According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, the snake plant is effective in removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the air.
Another benefit of the snake plant is that it releases oxygen at night, making it an ideal plant for your bedroom. By having this plant in your bedroom, you can breathe easy knowing that you’re getting a good night’s sleep in clean, purified air.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular plant known for its medicinal properties. However, it is also an effective air-purifying plant that can help to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Aloe vera is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a range of conditions, including low light levels.
Aloe vera also has many other benefits, such as soothing sunburns and moisturising dry skin. Having an aloe vera plant in your home can help improve the air quality while providing natural remedies for common ailments.
7. Rubber Plant
The rubber plant is a beautiful indoor plant that is known for its air-purifying properties. This plant is effective in removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air. It is also an easy plant to care for, making it a popular choice for those who are new to gardening.
One thing to keep in mind when caring for a rubber plant is that it requires bright, indirect sunlight and regular watering. Overwatering can cause the plant to develop root rot, so it’s important to ensure that the soil is well-drained.
8. Golden Pothos
The golden pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular indoor plant with great air-purifying abilities. Its heart-shaped leaves come in shades of green and yellow, adding a touch of beauty to any space.
This forgiving plant is effective in removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air. It can survive in a wide range of lighting conditions and doesn’t require frequent watering. The golden pothos prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can also survive in low-light conditions. It’s a natural air humidifier and can grow up to 10 feet long. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that can help improve the air quality in your home, the golden pothos is a great choice.
9. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese evergreen is a great plant for purifying the air in your home or office. This plant is effective in removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air. It is also an easy plant to care for, making it a popular choice for those who are new to gardening.
One thing to keep in mind when caring for a Chinese evergreen is that it prefers low to medium light levels and well-draining soil. Overwatering can cause the plant to develop root rot, so it’s important to ensure that the soil is well-drained.
In conclusion, incorporating air-purifying plants into your home or office can have many benefits, from improving air quality to reducing stress levels. There are many different types of air-purifying plants to choose from, each with its unique benefits and care requirements. By selecting the right plants and providing them with the proper care, you can create a healthier, more vibrant indoor environment.
