Indoor plants not only add beauty and tranquility to your home, but they also provide a host of health benefits, such as improving air quality. Many plants have the ability to filter toxins, reduce pollutants, and increase oxygen levels, making them ideal companions for a healthier indoor environment. Here’s a list of some of the best indoor plants for air purification, backed by studies, including NASA’s Clean Air Study.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is a popular choice for homes and offices, known for its ability to purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide. It’s incredibly easy to care for, making it ideal for beginners. It thrives in indirect sunlight and only requires moderate watering. As a bonus, it’s safe for pets!
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is not only elegant with its white blooms but also a powerhouse for air purification. It helps filter out harmful toxins like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. Peace Lilies are low-maintenance and grow well in low light, making them perfect for darker rooms. However, they are toxic to pets, so place them out of reach of curious animals.
3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Known as “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” the Snake Plant is one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality. It’s a tough plant that survives in various conditions and works by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen at night, which can improve sleep quality. It also removes toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.
4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe Vera is widely known for its medicinal properties, especially for skin treatment, but it’s also excellent at filtering formaldehyde and benzene. Aloe is an easy-to-care-for succulent that loves bright, indirect sunlight. Not only does it purify the air, but you can also use its gel for minor cuts and burns.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns are highly efficient air purifiers, especially effective at removing formaldehyde and xylene. Their feathery, arching fronds add a lush feel to any space. They do, however, require a bit more attention in terms of humidity and watering. Place them in a spot with indirect light and mist regularly to keep the plant healthy.
6. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm is another air-purifying plant that thrives indoors. It’s highly effective at removing toxins such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene. Known for its lush fronds, this plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and consistent watering. In addition to purifying the air, the Areca Palm also acts as a natural humidifier.
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is an attractive trailing plant that works wonders for filtering airborne mold and formaldehyde. This makes it a great choice for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. English Ivy prefers moderate light and should be watered regularly. Keep in mind, though, that it can be toxic to pets, so keep it out of their reach.
8. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as “mums,” are more than just vibrant, colorful blooms; they are also excellent air-purifying plants. Mums are effective at removing ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. However, they are seasonal and need bright, indirect sunlight to bloom. Once they’ve bloomed, they require moderate care.
9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is great for improving air quality by filtering out airborne pollutants like formaldehyde. It’s a hardy plant with thick, glossy leaves and can tolerate low light conditions. In addition to being a great air purifier, the Rubber Plant is easy to care for and makes a bold statement in any room.
10. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm is another NASA-recommended plant for air purification, especially effective at filtering formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. It thrives in shady indoor environments and acts as a natural humidifier, helping to increase moisture in dry air. Regular watering and low light conditions make it a popular houseplant.
Caring for Indoor Air-Purifying Plants
While many of these plants are low-maintenance, they still need some basic care to thrive. Here are a few general tips for keeping your air-purifying plants healthy:
- Watering: Most indoor plants prefer their soil to be kept moist, but avoid overwatering. Check the soil regularly to ensure it doesn’t dry out completely between waterings.
- Light: While some plants thrive in low light, others need bright, indirect sunlight. Make sure to place each plant in the appropriate lighting for optimal growth.
- Cleaning Leaves: Dust can accumulate on the leaves, blocking the plants’ ability to filter the air effectively. Wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth periodically to help them breathe.
- Humidity: Some plants, like ferns, thrive in humid conditions. Mist these plants regularly or place a tray of water nearby to increase humidity levels.
Conclusion
Adding air-purifying plants to your home is an easy and effective way to enhance the air quality while also boosting the aesthetic appeal of your living space. Whether you’re looking for low-maintenance options or plants that double as natural humidifiers, this list offers a variety of choices to suit your needs. Not only will these plants make your home feel more refreshing, but they will also contribute to a healthier indoor environment.