The Best Air-Purifying Plants to Boost Your Indoor Air Quality

Imagine this: You’re finally relaxing after a long day, but something feels off. The air feels heavy, and your mind won’t settle. You wonder, ‘Could it be the air I’m breathing? Air pollution is a serious problem that not only affects the outdoor environment but can also harm our indoor environment. Sources of indoor air pollution include cigarette smoke, chemicals, paint, and cleaning products. Air-purifying plants can be a simple and effective solution to deal with these problems.

According to NASA’s Clean Air Survey, some plants can absorb common toxins from the air, but it is important to note that they may not be as effective in completely cleaning the air as we would expect.

What are air-purifying plants?

Air purifier plants are renowned for their exceptional ability as indoor houseplants to improve air quality by removing or neutralizing common indoor air pollutants and toxins.

These plants keep your home’s indoor environment clean as well as provide a green and beautiful environment. By paying attention to their benefits and how to care for them, you can ensure a healthy and fresh environment.

Discover the 10 great air purifying plants that can help improve your home’s air quality and are capable of removing pollutants.

How do indoor plants clean the air?

Indoor plants help clean the air in several ways:

Air purifier plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen during photosynthesis, thereby improving air quality.

Plants absorb airborne toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethane. This process takes place through the roots and leaves of the plant.

Houseplants evaporate water through their leaves, which helps maintain humidity in the atmosphere and also freshens the air.

Plant roots promote a microbial community in the soil that helps destroy harmful bacteria and viruses.

Through all these processes, plants play a vital role in keeping the indoor atmosphere clean and healthy.

Which air-purifying plants are most effective?

Some of the most effective air purifying plants are:

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a great and popular air purifier plant. It is also called the air plant because it can remove pollutants from the air.

This plant grows rapidly and requires relatively little care. The spider plant looks great in hanging baskets. Its long, thin leaves hang down, giving it an attractive look.

This plant helps remove formaldehyde, benzene, and other harmful pollutants from the air, making it an ideal plant, especially for various places in the workplace or home.

Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Golden pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a very resilient and easy-to-care plant.

Golden pothos can thrive well in a variety of conditions, whether it’s low light or normal room conditions. This plant can grow up to 8 feet tall, and its long, glossy leaves look very beautiful.

Golden pothos helps remove pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and germanium from the air, making it a great air quality enhancer.

Areca palms (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)

The areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), also known as the butterfly palm or areca palm, is a beautiful and popular indoor plant, especially for places where bright filtered light is available. This plant can become a special attraction due to its attractive arched leaves and compound form.

If you grow it outdoors, it can grow well in sunny or shady areas.

The areca palm is a thirsty plant and needs constant moisture. During the summer, it should be watered regularly so that the soil is always moist.

Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

Chrysanthemum, commonly called “Mums”, is a popular and colorful flowering plant. It is especially known for its beautiful and varied color blooming flowers. Check the soil moisture every other day and make sure the soil remains moist. Watering too much can cause root rot, while watering too little can cause the plant to dry out.

This plant flowers usually bloom for 6 weeks. After this, the flowers may fade. If you want flowers blooming for a long time, you can fertilize the pot when new growth appears in the spring.

Bamboo palms (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

The bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii), also known as the bamboo palm, is a beautiful and sturdy indoor plant known for its effortless beauty and height.

This plant is famous for its elevated leaves and bright green foliage. It grows to a height, making it a great landscaping element.

The bamboo palm is a sturdy and beautiful plant that creates a refreshing and lush atmosphere inside your home. By taking proper care of it, you can make it a long-lasting and healthy member.

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is one of the plants that is famous for removing household toxins. It is often considered one of the most toxic plants when cared for properly.

The Peace Lily is capable of absorbing many harmful chemicals from the air, such as Formaldehyde, Benzene, Trichloroethylene.

The Peace Lily not only makes your home green and beautiful, but its air purifying abilities also make it a great indoor plant. With proper care, this plant can help create a healthy and refreshing atmosphere in your home.

Rubber plants (Ficus elastic)

The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a very attractive and popular indoor plant, often also known as the rubber plant. This plant is known for its large, shiny leaves and vigorous growth. In India, it is also known as an evergreen tree.

The rubber plant can help absorb some harmful chemicals from the air, but its main feature is its attractive look and flexible care.

This plant can be toxic to pets and small children. Ingestion of it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other health problems. If you have pets at home, keep it in a place where it is out of their reach.

Rubber plant is a beautiful and vigorous growing plant that adds greenery and charm to your home. Proper care and keeping it in the right conditions can make it a healthy and beautiful plant.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)

Chinese Evergreen is a popular and easy-care indoor plant. This plant is especially good for those who want a green environment in a low or medium light area.

Chinese evergreen thrives well in low to medium light. This plant also does well in indirect light and should be protected from direct sunlight.

It should be watered regularly, but avoid overwatering. It is best to keep the soil lightly moist. Allow the soil surface to dry before watering.

Chinese evergreen helps absorb some harmful chemicals from the air, but its main strength is its attractive foliage and low care requirements.

Chinese evergreen contains irritants such as calcium oxalates, which can be toxic to pets (such as cats and dogs).

Chinese evergreen is a beautiful, sturdy, and low-maintenance plant that can add greenery and freshness to your home, but make sure it is kept out of reach of pets.

Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.

Aloe vera is a versatile and easy-care plant that does well in a variety of environments. It is also considered useful for making your own skincare and haircare products.

This plant loves good sunlight. It should get plenty of indirect sunlight. It grows better if you keep it in a bright place.

Aloe vera is an ideal houseplant that not only makes your home green but is also useful for skincare and hair care. It is easy to care for and its benefits fully justify the effort of maintaining it.

Conclusion

While these plants help reduce pollutants, a significantly higher number of plants are needed to completely purify the air. The air purifying effect of plants is usually slow and for full improvement, they should be used as part of a complete system that also includes good ventilation and regular cleaning. Despite this, the presence of these plants adds greenery and freshness to your home, and they can help maintain a healthy environment.