This article covers the following areas –
- Why Do We Need to Purify Air?
- Why Should You Depend on Houseplants to Purify the Air?
- #1 Spider Plant
- #2 Snake Plant
- #3 Peace Lily
- #4 Boston Fern
- #5 Rubber Plant
- #6 Golden Pothos
- #7 Bamboo Palm
- #8 English Ivy
- #9 Aloe Vera
- #10 Chinese Evergreen
- In Conclusion
Having pure air at home and in the office is very important for numerous reasons, ranging from health and well-being to productivity and overall quality of life. Therefore, today, I’ll introduce you to 10 amazing plants that not only add beauty to your home and office but also help keep your indoor air clean and fresh.
Trust me! These plants are a real game-changer. So, let’s dive in and explore these wonderful green companions!
Air-purifying plants are an affordable, natural, and visually appealing solution to indoor air pollution. They help remove pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene while also providing additional benefits such as increased humidity, stress reduction, and improved cognitive function. Ten excellent air-purifying plants include:
- Spider Plant
- Snake Plant
- Peace Lily
- Boston Fern
- Rubber Plant
- Golden Pothos
- Bamboo Palm
- English Ivy
- Aloe Vera
- Chinese Evergreen.
Now let’s try to understand the necessity of purifying the air first. Then we’ll learn how the above-mentioned plants can help us to purify the air.
Why Do We Need to Purify Air?
Indoor air pollution is a significant concern that can have negative effects on our health and well-being. Common indoor pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, furniture, and cleaning products, as well as allergens like mold, pollen, and dust mites.
Prolonged exposure to these pollutants can lead to various health issues, including allergies, asthma, and respiratory illnesses.
Our modern lifestyle has led to an increase in indoor air pollution, as we spend more time indoors, often in well-insulated, energy-efficient buildings. These structures are designed to keep the outdoor environment at bay, but this can also result in a buildup of indoor pollutants. This is known as a sick-building syndrome and can lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and other health problems.
Additionally, indoor air pollution can have a significant impact on our cognitive function and mental health. Poor air quality can lead to a decrease in productivity, concentration, and decision-making abilities. It can also contribute to increased stress levels, anxiety, and depression.
Why Should You Depend on Houseplants to Purify the Air?
Air-purifying plants offer an affordable, natural, and aesthetically pleasing solution to help mitigate indoor air pollution. By absorbing pollutants through their leaves and roots, these plants can effectively break down and neutralize harmful chemicals.
Moreover, they release oxygen and increase humidity levels, which can help to alleviate dry skin, eye irritation, and respiratory issues.
Incorporating air-purifying plants into our living and working spaces is an excellent way to create a healthier environment. By reducing the levels of indoor pollutants, we can improve our overall well-being, reduce the risk of illness, and enhance our cognitive function.
Also, the presence of plants has been shown to have psychological benefits, such as reducing stress, boosting mood, and increasing a sense of connection with nature.
So, let’s see which plants you can incorporate into your living and working space to keep your indoor air pure and healthy. The following table gives an idea of how these 10 plants purify the air of your home and office.
| Plant | Air Purification | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Spider Plant | Removes formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene | Absorbs carbon dioxide, releases oxygen |
| Snake Plant | Removes formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene | Releases oxygen at night, improves sleep |
| Peace Lily | Removes ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene | Increases humidity, helps with dry skin and allergies |
| Boston Fern | Removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene | Natural humidifier, releases moisture into the air |
| Rubber Plant | Removes formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia | Reduces airborne mold by absorbing spores |
| Golden Pothos | Removes formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene | Lowers carbon dioxide levels |
| Bamboo Palm | Removes formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene | Produces high levels of oxygen, improves air quality |
| English Ivy | Removes airborne mold and formaldehyde | Reduces airborne particles, such as dust and allergens |
| Aloe Vera | Removes formaldehyde and benzene | Releases oxygen at night, promotes better sleep |
| Chinese Evergreen | Removes formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide | Increases humidity by releasing water vapor |
Now, let me share why I have selected these 10 plants among hundreds of indoor plants. There are so many deciding factors behind this list.
#1 Spider Plant
First on my list is the Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), one of my all-time favorites. I simply adore this plant because it’s super easy to grow and care for, even if you’re a newbie plant parent.
The Spider Plant is well-known for its ability to remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air. Plus, its cascading leaves add a touch of elegance to any room.
| Factors | Spider Plant |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect (tolerates medium) |
| Watering | Water when top inch of soil is dry |
| Humidity | Moderate to high |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix |
| Fertilizer | Balanced, every 1-2 months |
| Growth | Arching leaves, trailing |
| Size | 12-24 inches tall and wide |
| Air-Purification | Effective |
| Pet-Friendliness | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
| Ease of Propagation | Simple, via division or spiderettes |
#2 Snake Plant
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant, the Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a perfect choice. This hardy plant can survive in low light and doesn’t need much water, making it an ideal addition to your home or office.
The Snake Plant is a star when it comes to air-purifying properties, as it removes toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. As an added bonus, it releases oxygen at night, which can help you sleep better.
| Factors | Snake Plant |
|---|---|
| Light | Tolerates low to bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry partially between watering |
| Humidity | Tolerates low humidity, but benefits from increased levels |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix |
| Fertilizer | Infrequent, every 2-3 months |
| Growth | Tall, upright leaves |
| Size | 12-48 inches tall, 6-24 inches wide |
| Air-Purification | Highly effective at removing toxins from the air |
| Pet-Friendliness | Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested |
| Propagation | Easy, via division or leaf cuttings |
#3 Peace Lily
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is another fantastic air-purifying plant that also doubles as a beautiful decoration. Its elegant white flowers and glossy green leaves can brighten up any space. Peace Lilies are known for removing pollutants such as ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene.
Just remember that this plant prefers indirect sunlight and should be kept away from pets, as it can be toxic if ingested.
| Factors | Peace Lily |
|---|---|
| Light | Tolerates low to bright indirect light |
| Watering | Water when top inch of soil is dry |
| Humidity | Prefers high humidity levels |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix |
| Fertilizer | Monthly, with balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer |
| Growth | Clumping, upright leaves |
| Size | 18-24 inches tall and wide |
| Air-Purification | Excellent at removing pollutants from the air |
| Pet-Friendliness | Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested |
| Propagation | Simple, via division or leaf cuttings |
#4 Boston Fern
I can’t help but love the lush, feathery fronds of the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata). This plant is not only a wonderful air purifier but also a natural humidifier, making it perfect for those with dry skin or allergies.
The Boston Fern is great at removing toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Keep in mind that this beauty requires a bit more attention, as it loves high humidity and regular misting.
| Factors | Boston Fern |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect (tolerates medium) |
| Watering | Keep soil consistently moist, avoid overwatering |
| Humidity | High humidity preferred, benefits from misting or humidifier |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix with added peat moss |
| Fertilizer | Weekly with balanced or fern-specific fertilizer |
| Growth | Arching fronds, can grow quite large |
| Size | 18-36 inches tall and wide |
| Air-Purification | Excellent at removing pollutants from the air |
| Pet-Friendliness | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
| Ease of Propagation | Moderate, via division or spores |
#5 Rubber Plant
The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a popular choice for many plant enthusiasts due to its large, shiny leaves and air-purifying capabilities. This plant can effectively remove formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia from the air. The Rubber Plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring moderate sunlight and occasional watering.
| Factor | Rubber Plant |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect to low light |
| Watering | Water when top inch of soil is dry, avoid overwatering |
| Humidity | Tolerates low to high humidity levels |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix with added perlite |
| Fertilizer | Monthly, with balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer |
| Growth | Large, glossy leaves and upright growth habit |
| Size | 6-10 feet tall in optimal conditions |
| Air-Purification | Effective at removing pollutants from the air |
| Pet-Friendliness | Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested |
| Ease of Propagation | Easy, via stem cuttings or air layering |
#6 Golden Pothos
If you’re a fan of trailing plants, the Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is an excellent option. This plant not only looks lovely cascading down from a shelf or hanging basket, but it also has incredible air-purifying abilities.
The Golden Pothos can remove pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene. It’s an easy-to-grow plant that can tolerate low light and minimal watering.
| Factors | Golden Pothos |
|---|---|
| Light | Tolerates low to bright indirect light |
| Watering | Water when top inch of soil is dry, avoid overwatering |
| Humidity | Tolerates low to high humidity levels |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand |
| Fertilizer | Monthly, with balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer |
| Growth | Trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves |
| Size | Can grow up to 10-20 feet in length |
| Air-Purification | Excellent at removing pollutants from the air |
| Pet-Friendliness | Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested |
| Ease of Propagation | Easy, via stem cuttings or layering |
#7 Bamboo Palm
The Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a touch of the tropics in your home or office. This elegant palm is not only visually appealing, but it’s also a powerhouse when it comes to purifying the air. It effectively removes formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Bamboo Palms thrive in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity.
| Factors | Bamboo Palm Summary |
|---|---|
| Light | Tolerates bright indirect to low light |
| Watering | Water when the top inch of soil is dry |
| Humidity | Prefers high humidity levels, but tolerates lower levels |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand |
| Fertilizer | Monthly, with balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer |
| Growth | Clumping, upright leaves with thin stems |
| Size | Can grow up to 5-8 feet tall |
| Air-Purification | Effective at removing pollutants from the air |
| Pet-Friendliness | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
| Ease of Propagation | Difficult, typically propagated through division or seeds |
#8 English Ivy
English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a charming climbing plant that is perfect for adding a touch of greenery to your walls or shelves. It’s not just a pretty face, though. This plant is known for its air-purifying abilities, particularly in removing airborne mold and formaldehyde.
English Ivy is relatively easy to care for, requiring moderate sunlight and regular watering. Just be cautious if you have pets or children, as its leaves can be toxic if ingested.
| Factors | English Ivy |
|---|---|
| Light | Tolerates low to bright indirect light |
| Watering | Water when top inch of soil is dry, avoid overwatering |
| Humidity | Tolerates low to high humidity levels |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand |
| Fertilizer | Monthly, with balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer |
| Growth | Trailing vines with small, pointed leaves |
| Size | Can grow up to 50-100 feet in length |
| Air-Purification | Effective at removing pollutants from the air |
| Pet-Friendliness | Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested |
| Ease of Propagation | Easy, via stem cuttings or layering |
#9 Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is a versatile plant that offers more than just air-purifying benefits. It’s also known for its healing properties, and many people use the gel from its leaves to soothe burns and skin irritations.
Aloe Vera helps to remove pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene, making it a valuable addition to your indoor plant collection. This succulent is easy to care for, requiring minimal water and bright, indirect sunlight.
| Factors | Aloe Vera |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light |
| Watering | Water thoroughly, then allow soil to dry before watering again |
| Humidity | Tolerates low to high humidity levels |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix |
| Fertilizer | Rarely requires fertilization |
| Growth | Rosettes of spiky, succulent leaves |
| Size | Can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and wide |
| Air-Purification | Effective at removing pollutants from the air |
| Pet-Friendliness | Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested |
| Ease of Propagation | Easy, via offsets or division of mature plants |
#10 Chinese Evergreen
Last but not least is the Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema), a popular houseplant known for its attractive, variegated leaves. This plant is not only a stunning decorative piece but also a powerful air purifier. It can effectively remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
Chinese Evergreens are relatively low-maintenance, requiring moderate sunlight and occasional watering.
| Factors | Chinese Evergreen Summary |
|---|---|
| Light | Tolerates low to bright indirect light |
| Watering | Water when top inch of soil is dry |
| Humidity | Tolerates low to high humidity levels |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix |
| Fertilizer | Monthly, with balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer |
| Growth | Upright, glossy leaves with silver or white markings |
| Size | Can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide |
| Air-Purification | Effective at removing pollutants from the air |
| Pet-Friendliness | Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested |
| Ease of Propagation | Easy, via stem cuttings or division of mature plants |
In Conclusion
Adding air-purifying plants to your home or office is a simple yet effective way to improve the quality of the air you breathe. Not only do these plants help to remove harmful toxins, but they also contribute to a sense of well-being and relaxation. So why not give some of these green friends a try? I’m sure you’ll enjoy their presence as much as I do.
Happy planting!
