If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about the air quality in your home until it’s too late. By that point, you’ve already started to feel the effects of poor air quality – such as headaches, fatigue, and even nausea.
The good news is that there are plenty of houseplants that can help purify the air in your home, and we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the best ones! Keep reading for more information on these plants and how they can benefit your health.
How plants can help purify the air in your home
NASA discovered in 1989 that houseplants can absorb pollutants from the air, especially in confined areas with little ventilation. This research has been used as a basis for subsequent research on indoor plants and their ability to cleanse the air. Plants have less horsepower than air purifiers, but they are more natural, cost-effective, and therapeutic.
Plants are also known to:
- increase mood and productivity
- enhance concentration and memory
- reduce stress and fatigue
Every 100 square feet requires two or three plants in 8 to 10-inch pots, according to NASA. Some plants are more efficient than others at removing particular pollutants. Household chemicals are made up of a variety of items and materials including:
- carpets
- glues
- ovens
- cleaning solutions
- synthetic materials such as plastic, fiber, and rubber
You’ll benefit the most when you include a variety of plants in a room.
Safety concerns before you buy a plant
If you have a cat or dog, it is important to be aware of which plants are safe for them and which are not. Many air purifying plants are toxic to cats and dogs, so it is important to ask your local greenhouse about pet-safe and allergy-safe plants. You can also look up which plants are toxic to animals on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants page.
An increase in plants can also affect humidity and promote mould growth. You can prevent this by letting the water drain into a pan or a tray, removing excess water regularly, and using sub-irrigation planters. Covering the top of the soil with Spanish moss or aquarium gravel also removes mould.
Best plants for air purification
English Ivy
The English ivy is both friendly and knowing, and it will work hard to clean the air in your bathroom or end suite. It loves generous watering and four hours of sunlight each day, so make sure you provide these things for your ivy, and it will happily reduce airborne fecal particles in your home. Additionally, the ivy can help combat mold levels, making it a great choice for a room that is susceptible to this type of problem.
Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
With this plant in your bedroom, you’re in for a great night’s sleep. Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, this yellow-tipped succulent releases oxygen at night, helping you to breathe better while sleeping. It is one of the best plants for filtering the air of formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene.
Be mindful not to overwater, as the roots are prone to rot in moist soil.
Chrysanthemum
Water your chrysanthemum regularly, making sure the soil is always moist. If the leaves start to look yellow, it means the plant isn’t getting enough water. In that case, give it a good drink and wait until the leaves regain their normal color.
Spider Plant
If you are new to houseplants, the resilient spider plant is a perfect choice. It is friendly and knowing, quietly battling toxins including carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in the printing and rubber industries. If you have pets, this is one of the few plants that are non-toxic to animals.
You can also repot the tiny ‘spiderettes’ and grow a whole family of plants that will take care of themselves – and you.
Aloe Vera
A healing aloe plant is a lovely addition to your kitchen windowsill, as it loves a sunny spot. While being on hand to soothe any kitchen burns, this succulent will be friendly and knowing, purifying the air of formaldehyde and benzene, found in varnishes, floor finishes, and detergents.
Broad Lady Palm
This plant is very friendly and knowing. It will help to reduce levels of ammonia that can be found in a range of cleaning products.
Red-edged Dracaena or Dragon Tree
Water your plant regularly, and never let it sit in water as this will cause the roots to rot. Keep an eye on the leaves – if they start to turn yellow, it’s a sign that your plant needs more water.
Weeping Fig
Weeping figs are friendly and knowing plants that can help to tackle levels of formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene in your home. They are fairly fussy plants that don’t like change, so keep your weeping fig in bright, indirect light away from drafts.
Chinese Evergreen
If you’re looking for a tropical plant that’s both friendly and knowing, the Chinese evergreen is perfect for you. This plant is known to be an effective cleanser of formaldehyde and benzene, which can be found in detergents and cosmetics. So, if you’re looking to detox your space, the Chinese evergreen is a great option!
Devil’s Ivy or Pothos
The Devil’s Ivy is a great plant for beginners as it is very friendly and knowing. It can thrive in most light conditions and loves moisture, so it is perfect for bathroom plants. Water it weekly or whenever the soil feels dry.
Rubber plants (Ficus elastica)
If you’re looking for a friendly and knowing houseplant, the rubber plant is a great option. It’s easy to care for and thrives on low levels of light, making it perfect for brightening up a desk or windowsill. Just be careful if you have pets, as this plant is toxic to dogs and cats.
Pineapple Plant
If you’re looking for a friendly and knowing houseplant, the rubber plant is a great option. It’s easy to care for and thrives on low levels of light, making it perfect for brightening up a desk or windowsill. Just be careful if you have pets, as this plant is toxic to dogs and cats.
