Indoor air quality is a concern that often goes unnoticed, yet it plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. Modern homes, sealed tightly for energy efficiency, can sometimes trap harmful pollutants inside.
Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue, NASA conducted the Clean Air Study to identify natural ways to purify indoor air.
The study highlighted several plants capable of not only enhancing the aesthetic appeal of spaces but also purifying the air.
This article explores 15 of these beneficial plants, detailing how they can help you breathe easier at home.
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is a popular choice for indoor spaces not only because of its striking white blooms but also for its ability to remove harmful toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.
Thriving in shady areas, the Peace Lily prefers moist soil, making it a low-maintenance option for both offices and homes. Regular watering and occasional fertilizing will keep it healthy and effective at purifying the air.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Known for its resilient nature and unique appearance, the Spider Plant is excellent at absorbing carbon monoxide, xylene, and toluene.
This plant is incredibly easy to care for, thriving in indirect sunlight and requiring only occasional watering.
Its ability to produce offshoots readily makes it easy to propagate and share with friends, spreading its air-purifying benefits throughout your community.
3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy, with its dense foliage, is highly effective at reducing airborne fecal particles and formaldehyde. It’s an ideal plant for bathrooms or rooms with less ventilation.
However, it requires careful handling as it can be invasive if not maintained. It prefers moist soil and moderate temperatures, and regular pruning helps manage its growth and maintain its health.
4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the Snake Plant is renowned for its ability to produce oxygen at night, making it perfect for bedrooms.
It removes toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. Remarkably drought-resistant, it thrives on neglect, preferring dry conditions and occasional watering.
5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm adds a tropical feel while filtering out benzene and trichloroethylene. It is well-suited to spots with indirect sunlight and can add a refreshing green touch to any corner.
Keeping its soil consistently moist and providing occasional doses of plant food will enhance its growth and purification properties.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is well-known for its skin healing benefits, but it’s also an effective air purifier, removing formaldehyde effectively.
This sun-loving plant needs minimal water, making it perfect for sunny kitchen windowsills or bright bathrooms. Beyond air purification, it offers the practical benefit of providing aloe gel for minor cuts and burns.
7. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
This brightly colored plant is particularly good at removing benzene, found in inks. Thriving in well-lit environments, Gerbera Daisies need a bit more care than some other plants on this list.
They prefer the soil to be kept evenly moist and benefit from regular feeding during flowering months to enhance their stunning blooms and air-cleaning capabilities.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese Evergreen is one of the most versatile plants in the air-purifying category, capable of removing a variety of toxins and thriving in low-light conditions.
Its tolerance for lower light and humidity levels makes it an excellent choice for less sunny spots in homes.
Occasional watering and light dusting to keep its leaves clean are all it takes to maintain this powerful purifier.
9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The Boston Fern is renowned for its lush, feathery fronds and exceptional ability to act as a natural humidifier while removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene.
It thrives in high humidity with indirect light, making it perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Regular misting and a steady watering routine will keep this fern looking fresh and vibrant.
10. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Often found in offices and homes, the Weeping Fig is a robust plant that helps combat levels of xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde.
It prefers bright, indirect light but can be sensitive to drafts, so finding the right spot is crucial for its health.
It requires somewhat less water than other plants, benefiting from letting its soil dry out slightly between waterings.
11. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is not only stylish but also effective at cleaning the air of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds. Its large, glossy leaves absorb contaminants and release oxygen, enhancing indoor air quality.
It performs best in indirect light and requires relatively low maintenance. Regular misting can help keep its leaves dust-free and efficient at air purification.
12. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Dracaena plants come in over 40 varieties, all known for their ability to remove pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
These plants are flexible regarding lighting, but they prefer their soil to be lightly moist. They are sensitive to fluoride, so using non-fluoridated water can prevent leaf discoloration.
13. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons are easy to care for and excel at absorbing formaldehyde. These plants are best suited to indirect sunlight and can be grown as climbing or hanging plants, making them versatile for interior decorating.
Keeping their soil moist but not soggy will ensure they remain healthy and active in air purification.
14. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
The Lady Palm is effective at removing ammonia and other toxins from the air, making it an excellent choice for refining the home environment.
It grows well in shaded or semi-shaded areas and requires a bit more attention to watering and feeding than some other plants on this list. However, its elegant appearance and air-cleaning capabilities make it a worthy addition.
15. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is perhaps one of the easiest plants to grow, making it a great choice for beginners.
It thrives in low light and sporadic watering conditions. Capable of removing benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, it can be hung in baskets or left to trail over shelves, where it will vigorously grow with minimal care.
Incorporating these 15 air-purifying plants into your home can significantly improve indoor air quality while adding natural beauty to your surroundings.
Each plant has unique benefits and care requirements, offering options for every type of indoor environment.
From the resilient Spider Plant to the lush Boston Fern, these plants not only decorate your home but also do the hard work of cleaning the air you breathe every day.
Whether you choose a low-maintenance Pothos or an elegant Lady Palm, these natural purifiers can help create a healthier and more inviting living space.