Best Houseplants That Purify The Air In Your Home
Best Houseplants That Purify the Air in Your Home
Indoor air pollution is a growing concern for many households, as it can lead to respiratory issues and even exacerbate existing health conditions. One effective way to combat this issue is by incorporating houseplants that purify the air into your home decor. Not only do these plants beautify your space, but they also work tirelessly to remove pollutants and toxins from the air you breathe.
Here are some of the best houseplants that purify the air in your home:
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene
- Benefits: Easy to care for, can grow up to 2 feet tall, and produces white flowers
Spider plants are one of the most popular air-purifying houseplants due to their ability to remove formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. They’re also great at removing other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like xylene and toluene.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
- Removes: Ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene
- Benefits: Can grow up to 6 feet tall, produces white blooms, and is low-maintenance
Peace lilies are known for their elegant white blooms and ability to purify the air. They’re effective at removing ammonia, a common indoor pollutant, as well as other VOCs.
3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Removes: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene
- Benefits: Can grow up to 4 feet tall, is low-maintenance, and can thrive in low-light conditions
Snake plants are a popular choice for air purification due to their ability to remove a range of VOCs. They’re also great at removing formaldehyde, which is often found in building materials and furniture.
4. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
- Removes: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene
- Benefits: Can grow up to 10 feet tall, produces fragrant flowers, and is low-maintenance
Dracaena plants are known for their ability to remove VOCs like formaldehyde and benzene. They’re also great at removing other pollutants like trichloroethylene and xylene.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Removes: Formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene
- Benefits: Can grow up to 6 feet tall, produces delicate fronds, and is relatively low-maintenance
Boston ferns are a popular choice for air purification due to their ability to remove VOCs like formaldehyde. They’re also great at removing other pollutants like benzene and trichloroethylene.
6. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
- Removes: Formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene
- Benefits: Produces medicinal gel, can grow up to 2 feet tall, and is relatively low-maintenance
Aloe vera plants are known for their medicinal properties, but they’re also great at removing VOCs like formaldehyde. They’re a popular choice for air purification due to their ability to remove other pollutants like benzene and trichloroethylene.
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Removes: Formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene
- Benefits: Can grow up to 8 feet tall, produces delicate leaves, and is relatively low-maintenance
English ivy plants are a popular choice for air purification due to their ability to remove VOCs like formaldehyde. They’re also great at removing other pollutants like benzene and xylene.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
- Removes: Formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene
- Benefits: Can grow up to 2 feet tall, produces delicate leaves, and is relatively low-maintenance
Chinese evergreen plants are known for their ability to remove VOCs like formaldehyde. They’re also great at removing other pollutants like benzene and trichloroethylene.
Tips for Maximizing Air Purification
- Place plants in areas where air pollution tends to accumulate, such as near heating or cooling vents.
- Choose plants that fit your lifestyle and the specific conditions of your home.
- Water and fertilize your plants regularly to ensure they’re healthy and effective at purifying the air.
- Consider combining multiple plants for enhanced air purification benefits.
By incorporating these air-purifying houseplants into your home decor, you can enjoy improved indoor air quality and a healthier living space.
The information here is provided for informational purposes only. It is not presented with the intention of diagnosing or treating any disease or condition. It is in no way intended to substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional. (Read more)
Sources:
Dr. B.C. Wolverton, How To Grow Fresh Air, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, Great Britain, 2008.
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