Improve Indoor Air Quality With Air Purifying Houseplants

Given the challenges of depreciating air quality and lifestyle changes, there arises a need to watch the quality of air we breathe. A refreshing indoor plant can do much more than adding aesthetics to your home décor. Going by recent studies, most of the indoor houseplants are effective at cleansing the air circulating around. These can absorb harmful substances such as formaldehyde, which is said to cause irritation of respiratory tract. Easy to grow, sitting pretty in your home or office, air purifying houseplants are the best natural way to filter out unhealthy toxins from the air that goes into your lungs.

Top 10 Indoor Air Purifying Houseplants

1. Spider Plant

A usual sight, Spider Plant is easy to grow and maintain. One of the best air purifying houseplants, it gets to work quickly, removing upto 90% of toxins in two days time. It effectively removes carbon monoxide, benzene and formaldehyde from the air. The plant also does well at removing mold and other allergens, being an added advantage for those with common allergy symptoms.

2. English Ivy

The most effective at filtering out formaldehyde and benzene, English Ivy works wonderfully for both home and office. It is ideal for those who have pets as it removes airborne allergens such as mold and fecal-matter particles. An evergreen climbing plant, English Ivy is adaptable and thus easy to grow.

3. Boston Fern

A classic beauty, Boston Fern adds to both look and health of your home. A natural humidifier, it is an excellent plant to have if one suffers from dry skin problems. Also it helps maintain air moisture level in dry winter season. It absorbs the commonly found toxin formaldehyde, a chemical related to neurological diseases. A beautifully placed Boston Fern lights up the room while one enjoys health benefits of purified air.

4. Peace Lily

Living up to its name, Peace Lily is a wonderful flower plant. It has been proven to absorb the highest number of toxins than any other plant. It eliminates substances like xylene, benzene, ammonia, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Peace Lily does fine in both low and bright light, however low light conditions are ideal for flowering. In order to make the most of your plant’s air purifying ability, ensure the foliage is dust-free.

5. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen is an easy to grow evergreen perennial that produces tiny red berries. It is great at absorbing toxins including formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide. The best part is that it begins to remove more toxins as time and exposure continues. The long lasting Chinese Evergreen requires repotting every two to three years.

6. Golden Pothos

This speedily growing foliage is another great air-purifier. Golden Pothos effectively eliminates benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene and carbon monoxide. Whether cascading from a hanging basket or spiraling your garage (busy absorbing formaldehyde from car exhaust), Golden Pothos looks beautiful with its neon tinge. It is also known as Devil’s Ivy due to its ability to remain green even when kept in dark.

7. Bamboo Palm

An attractive, sturdy looking indoor plant, Bamboo Palm is easy to care for. With highest transpiration ratings and good overall score, Bamboo Palm is excellent at eliminating toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide and trichloroethylene. It also helps maintain moisture level during dry winter months. Bamboo Palm thrives on low to medium light and even produces tiny buds on reaching maturity.

8. Rubber Plant

These evergreen trees of Indian origin have broad leaves that are deep green in color with a glossy touch. However some variants have purplish tinge to their color. Excellent at eliminating formaldehyde, these also absorb carbon monoxide and trichloroethylene from surrounding air. Rubber plant is easy to grow and may be trimmed to control growth or allowed to grow into a tall tree. A point to note is that it produces latex when trimmed or its branches are broken, so there is a need to be careful with kids or pets in the house.

9. Aloe Vera

A member of the Lily family, this is one of a gem. With its medicinal and air cleansing properties, Aloe Vera finds place in many homes. Its gel works wonder at healing minor burns, cuts, skin problems and even insect bites. Also an effective air purifier, Aloe Vera filters out common indoor air toxin formaldehyde.

10. Philodendron

Heart-leaf philodendron is a commonly grown indoor plant, often found hanging from baskets or sitting nicely at a corner. Having a refreshing feel about it, Philodendron is an effective air purifier. However, keep the plant out of reach with kids and pets around. If eaten, the plant is toxic. Philodendron can easily adapt to a wide range of conditions and is drought tolerant.