Top 10 Air-Cleaning Houseplants for a Healthier Home
March 29, 2023
6 min read
Clean air indoors is essential for maintaining our health and well-being. But how can we ensure that our home or office air is free of dust, toxins, allergens, and other pollutants? The answer may surprise you—houseplants!
Houseplants can help clean the air in your home by absorbing toxins and other pollutants and producing oxygen to make the environment healthier.
Air Pollution and Its Impact on Health
Air pollution poses a grave concern that has impacts not only on the environment but also on our health. Toxic particles like smoke, dust, and ozone can cause serious respiratory issues, allergies, and even cancer. To protect ourselves from air pollutants, it's important we take steps to improve the quality of our indoor environment.
Introducing houseplants into our homes is one way to do this. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but studies have shown that plants can act as natural filters that absorb air pollutants.
Additionally, certain species of plants can also release uplifting aromas, which help reduce stress levels and increase productivity. No wonder why many are seeking ways to make their indoor spaces greener and more eco-friendly, given these numerous advantages!
10 Must-Have Houseplants for Clean Air
Introducing some greenery into your home is the best way to bring the outdoors in. Houseplants add life and beauty to any space and can also help purify the air and reduce stress levels.
Let's take a look at ten houseplants that can help make your indoor environment healthier and more enjoyable.
1. Snake Plant
As one of the hardiest plants around, snake plants are incredibly easy to care for and can be found in various colors, shapes, and sizes. Snake plants have air-purifying qualities which help absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making them perfect for bedrooms where you need extra oxygen at night.
Snake plants can thrive in low light conditions and require little water, making them perfect for busy households. The leaves of the snake plant are thick and leathery, each filled with air pockets acting as natural air filters that absorb excess carbon dioxide in the air.
Additionally, these plants release oxygen at night—great for those who need extra oxygen while sleeping. Even better, they are also known to help reduce airborne allergens like pet dander and dust mites, so they can be beneficial if you suffer from allergies or asthma!
2. Spider Plant
The spider plant, originating from tropical regions, is recognized for its elongated stems that yield delicate white blooms. It is a highly adaptable species that can tolerate low and bright light levels and drought or moist conditions.
It's also cleverly able to absorb harmful air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and carbon monoxide—perfect if you have a smoke-filled environment. Not only that, but they produce oxygen while they photosynthesize during the day, making them a great choice for making your indoors healthier and more breathable!
3. Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm is not only an attractive addition to any room but also a powerful ally in the fight against indoor air pollution. Known as one of nature's best purifiers and lauded by cultures around the globe, this tropical plant has proven effective at reducing levels of carbon dioxide while removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene—common pollutants found in plastics and detergents.
Best of all, its lush leaves can reach up to several feet high! Consider welcoming a bamboo palm into your home for improved interior air quality.
4. Chinese Evergreen
Consider the Chinese evergreen if you're looking for a houseplant that can add a touch of exotic beauty to your home while also helping reduce pollutants. Not only are they known for their stunning foliage with interesting patterns, but they also help reduce the level of pollutants in your home from furniture and carpets.
Chinese evergreens also require very little maintenance and care. Their leaves don't need to be dusted and only require modest amounts of water, making them the perfect choice for busy households or those with limited time for upkeep. In addition, they can thrive in indirect sunlight, making them sturdy enough to withstand fluctuating temperatures in homes and offices.
5. Rubber Plant
Rubber plants are a popular and hardy choice for any home, especially those with low light conditions. Not only do they look great in bedrooms, but they also help improve the air quality in your home.
Rubber plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air while simultaneously releasing oxygen, helping to keep indoor air fresh and clean. Plus, rubber plants are easy to maintain with minimal care requirements and often require very little watering or pruning. It also comes in various sizes and styles, so you can effortlessly find one to match your interior design tastes.
6. Dracaena
Dracaena is an excellent option for those seeking to enhance the air quality within their home. This tall, evergreen plant has arching leaves and comes in different styles and sizes, making it the perfect decorative addition to any room.
Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but Dracaena also has a powerful ability to remove several pollutants from the air, including xylene, ammonia, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Dracaenas are also very easy to care for. They can tolerate low light and typically require minimal watering or pruning.
7. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are a popular houseplant for a reason—not only are they incredibly beautiful, but they also boast powerful air-purifying capabilities. Peace lilies can withstand bright light levels without drooping or wilting away, making them a great choice for any home or office.
They are a great choice to bring a touch of nature indoors while improving air quality! These leafy plants have powerful filtering capabilities that neutralize toxic pollutants like acetone, formaldehyde, and benzene. Plus, they require minimal maintenance—just some occasional watering and pruning for maximum beauty and health benefits.
8. Boston Fern
Boston ferns provide a great way to bring a touch of green décor to any home or office without taking up too much space. These ferns have long, trailing leaves and provide a pleasant aesthetic when placed in the right area.
Not only do they look good, but Boston ferns are also highly effective at filtering out formaldehyde from carpets as well as other chemicals found in household cleaners and deodorizers. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking for cleaner air indoors. They're also very easy to care for—make sure to keep them slightly damp and watch out for signs of humidity stress or pests like spider mites!
9. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is known for its amazing skincare benefits, and it turns out that this popular plant is also excellent at filtering out indoor pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde.
But that's not all—aloe vera can also be used directly on your skin for instant relief from common issues such as sunburn or dryness. For a refreshing and soothing sensation, break off a small piece of aloe vera leaf and apply it directly onto your skin. Not only is aloe vera soothing, but its antioxidant properties can also help protect against environmental stressors.
10. English Ivy
English ivy has been prized since ancient times for its ornamental beauty and symbolizes good luck and health. With its thick oval-shaped leaves, this tough species is visually pleasing and highly effective at tackling tougher indoor pollutants such as xylene, benzene, formaldehyde, and airborne mold spores.
English ivy is ideal for those looking to improve indoor air quality while adding decorative flair to their home or office. It requires minimal care, with occasional pruning and occasional misting of the leaves to keep it looking healthy and vibrant.
Air Quality Boosters
In terms of purifying the air in your home, these ten houseplants are the superheroes of the indoor garden world. With their ability to absorb toxins, reduce stress and boost mood, these plants are more than just a pretty addition to your decor. They're like personal air quality supervisors, keeping you and your home healthy and happy, one breath of fresh air at a time.
