Adding air-purifying houseplants to your home not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also helps to cleanse the air of toxins. Nature has an incredible ability to heal and restore balance, and incorporating plants into your living space is one of the best ways to harness these benefits. Plant-based health is a holistic approach that brings harmony to both mind and body, offering a natural and sustainable way to improve our well-being.
First, Help All Your Air-Purifying Houseplants Thrive With These Quick Tips.
Before we dive into our favorite air-purifying houseplants, we’ll start with some tips that are applicable to all. Help them thrive in your space by doing the following regularly.
- Dust Leaves: Regularly dust the leaves to ensure optimal air purification.
- Fertilize: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Repotting: Repot plants when they outgrow their containers to promote healthy growth.
- Pests: Check regularly for pests and treat promptly if needed.
1. Spider Plant
Benefits
Removes formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide.
Care Tips
Light: Indirect sunlight.
Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Humidity: Prefers humidity but can tolerate average indoor conditions.
Propagation: Easily propagated by planting the “spiderettes” that grow on the mother plant.
2. Snake Plant
Benefits
Filters out formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides.
Care Tips
Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Water: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Humidity: Tolerates low humidity.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
3. Peace Lily
Benefits
Removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Care Tips
Light: Low to moderate indirect light.
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist.
Humidity: Prefers higher humidity.
Toxicity: Keep away from pets and children, as it is toxic if ingested.
4. Boston Fern
Benefits
Excellent at removing formaldehyde and xylene.
Care Tips
Light: Indirect sunlight or partial shade.
Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity.
Pruning: Regularly remove dead fronds to promote new growth.
5. Aloe Vera
Benefits
Removes formaldehyde and benzene.
Care Tips
Light: Bright, indirect sunlight.
Water: Water deeply but infrequently; allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Humidity: Prefers low humidity.
Use: Gel can be used for minor cuts and burns.
6. Rubber Plant
Benefits
Removes formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.
Care Tips
Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Humidity: Prefers higher humidity but can tolerate average indoor conditions.
Pruning: Prune to maintain size and shape.
7. English Ivy
Benefits
Removes benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Care Tips
Light: Indirect sunlight.
Water: Keep the soil moist.
Humidity: Prefers high humidity.
Propagation: Easily propagated from cuttings.
8. Golden Pothos
Benefits
Removes formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
Care Tips
Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Humidity: Prefers higher humidity but tolerates average indoor conditions.
Growth: Fast-growing and easy to propagate from cuttings.
9. Bamboo Palm
Benefits
Removes formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Care Tips
Light: Indirect sunlight or partial shade.
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist.
Humidity: Prefers high humidity.
Placement: Ideal for living rooms or offices.
10. Dracaena
Benefits
Removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.
Care Tips
Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Humidity: Prefers higher humidity.
Toxicity: Keep away from pets, as it is toxic if ingested.
11. Zanzibar Gem
Benefits
Removes xylene, toluene, and benzene.
Care Tips
Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings; water sparingly.
Humidity: Tolerates low humidity.
Maintenance: Very low maintenance; ideal for beginners.
By incorporating these air-purifying houseplants into your home and following these care tips, you can enjoy cleaner air and a more vibrant living space.