Given the challenges of air quality depreciation and lifestyle changes, there is a need to monitor the quality of the air we breathe. A refreshing houseplant can do much more than adding aesthetics to your home décor. According to recent studies, most indoor plants are effective in cleaning the circulating air. These can absorb harmful substances like formaldehyde, which is said to cause respiratory tract irritation. Indoor plants, easy to grow and pleasant in your home or office, are the best natural way to filter harmful toxins from the air that enters your lungs.
The listed below are the top 10 Best Air Purifying Indoor Plants.
1. Spider Plant
A common sight, Spider Plant is easy to grow and maintain. One of the best air purifying plants, it gets to work quickly, removing up to 90% of toxins in two days. Effectively removes carbon monoxide, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. The plant also works well to kill mold and other allergens, which is an added bonus for those with common allergy symptoms.
2. English Ivy
English ivy, the most effective at filtering out formaldehyde and benzene, works wonderfully in both the home and office. It is ideal for those who have pets, as it removes allergens from the air, such as mold and particles of fecal matter. An evergreen climbing plant, English Ivy is adaptable and therefore easy to grow.
3. Boston Fern
Boston Fern, a classic beauty, adds to both the look and health of your home. A natural humidifier is an excellent plant to have if one suffers from dry skin problems. It also helps maintain the humidity level of the air in the dry winter season. It absorbs the commonly found toxin formaldehyde, a chemical linked to neurological diseases. A beautifully placed Boston fern brightens the room as one enjoys the health benefits of purified air.
4. Peace Lily
Living up to its name, Peace Lily is a wonderful floral plant. It has been shown to absorb the most toxins of any other plant. Removes substances such as xylene, benzene, ammonia, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Peace Lily does well in both low light and bright light, however low light conditions are ideal for flowering. To get the most out of your plant’s air-purifying ability, make sure the foliage is dust-free. The best among indoor plants.
5. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen is an easy-to-grow evergreen perennial that produces small red berries. It is excellent at absorbing toxins, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. The best part is that you start to remove more toxins as time and exposure progresses. The long-lasting Chinese evergreen requires a transplant every two to three years.
6. Golden Pothos
This fast-growing foliage is another great air purifier. Golden Pothos effectively removes benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, and carbon monoxide. Whether cascading from a hanging basket or spiraling in your garage (busy absorbing formaldehyde from car exhaust), Golden Pothos looks beautiful with its neon tint. It is also known as Devil’s Ivy due to its ability to stay green even when kept in the dark.
7. Bamboo Palm
An attractive and robust-looking houseplant, Bamboo Palm is easy to care for. With the highest breathability ratings and a good overall score, Bamboo Palm is excellent at removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide, and trichloroethylene. It also helps maintain the humidity level during the dry winter months. Bamboo Palm thrives in low to medium light and even produces small buds when it reaches maturity.
8. Rubber Plant
These evergreen trees of Indian origin have broad, deep green leaves with a glossy touch. However, some variants have a purplish tint to their color. Excellent at removing formaldehyde, they also absorb carbon monoxide and trichloroethylene from the surrounding air. The rubber plant is easy to grow and can be pruned to control growth or allowed to grow into a tall tree. One point to keep in mind is that it produces latex when it is trimmed or its branches break, so it is necessary to be careful with children or pets in the house.
9. Aloe Vera
Member of the Lily family, she is a gem. With its medicinal and air-cleaning properties, Aloe Vera finds a place in many homes. Its gel works wonders to heal minor burns, cuts, skin problems, and even insect bites. Also an effective air purifier, aloe vera filters out common toxin formaldehyde from the indoor air.
10. Philodendron
The heart-leaved philodendron is a commonly cultivated houseplant, often found hanging from baskets or sitting in a corner. With a cooling sensation, Philodendron is an effective air purifier. However, keep the plant out of the reach of children and pets. If ingested, the plant is toxic. Philodendron can easily adapt to a wide range of conditions and is drought tolerant.
