Did you know that the air inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside? Not to worry, though! There's a simple, natural solution to improve your indoor air quality: plants. Not only do they bring life and beauty into our homes, but they also work as living air filters, helping to remove toxins and purify the air around us. Let's delve into the best plants to improve air quality and create a healthier, more breathable living space.
NASA, in collaboration with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, has conducted extensive research on this topic. Their findings, published in a report titled "Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement," revealed that certain common houseplants can effectively remove harmful compounds like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. Let's explore some of these air-purifying plants in more detail.
Top Air-Purifying Houseplants
The best plants to improve air quality come from diverse families and have varying care requirements. However, they all share the remarkable ability to absorb toxins through their leaves, roots, and stems, and release cleaner air as a result. Here, we'll uncover the top performers and provide tips for caring for them.
Do keep in mind that while plants are efficient at removing air pollutants, they should not be relied upon as the sole means of improving indoor air quality. Regular ventilation, dust control, and limiting the use of chemical-based cleaners should also be part of your air-purifying strategy.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is a stunning, easy-to-care-for plant that excels in removing three common air pollutants: benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It thrives in low-light conditions and only needs to be watered when its leaves begin to sag. Be sure to keep it away from pets and children, though, as it can be mildly toxic if ingested.
To maximize its air-purifying capabilities, place Peace Lilies around 14-16 inches apart from one another. Not only will they be more effective at filtering the air, but you'll also enjoy a beautiful display of white blossoms throughout the year.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Known for its architectural, upright leaves and vertical growth habit, the Snake Plant is another powerful air purifier. It converts carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms. The Snake Plant also helps filter out formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, as well as cleaning the air of other common toxins like xylene and toluene.
Snake Plants require minimal care and can tolerate low light and infrequent watering. They grow better when slightly pot-bound, so there's no need to repot too frequently. Place them about 12-14 inches apart for optimal air purification.
Air Quality-Beneficial Plants for Specific Pollutants
In addition to the top purifiers, there are several other plants that excel at removing specific pollutants. Incorporating these into your indoor garden can provide even greater air quality benefits.
While these plants may not be as efficient as the top performers when it comes to multiple toxins, they still play a valuable role in creating a cleaner, healthier living environment. Let's discover some of these specialized air-purifying plants.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that's perfect for hanging baskets or trailing along shelves. It's exceptionally effective at removing formaldehyde, a common toxin found in many household products. Pothos also helps clean the air of xylene and benzene.
Pothos can thrive in low light and only needs watering when its leaves begin to yellow. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the stems every few months. Space Pothos plants about 12-14 inches apart for optimal air purification.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is an attractive, easy-to-care-for plant that excels at removing formaldehyde. It also helps clean the air of other common pollutants like carbon monoxide, xylene, and toluene. Spider Plants are particularly useful in kitchens or bathrooms, where formaldehyde can be present in high concentrations, thanks to products like furniture polish, plywood, and floor tiles.
Spider Plants prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering. They produce small, white flowers that eventually develop into baby plants, or "spiderettes," which can be propagated and transplanted into new pots. Space Spider Plants about 14-16 inches apart for the best air-purifying results.
As you welcome these air-purifying plants into your home, not only will you be creating a healthier living environment, but you'll also be adding beauty and life to your interior space. So, go ahead and breathe easy – quite literally – as you enjoy the many benefits of greening your home with nature's own air filters.