Mother Nature’s air purifiers
Plants are magical. Well technically, it’s science, but either way, they’re pretty incredible. With winter fast approaching, we will be spending more and more time indoors. This is a perfect time to consider some indoor plants to help keep the air clear of toxins—perhaps at your workstation?
Torpedoing toxins
Of course, houseplants aren’t the only tactic for aiding air quality. Other important strategies include getting a professional to inspect appliances and chimneys annually, vacuuming to help keep dust and particles from the air, and having vents for the stove.
9 air-purifying plants
Remember, some houseplants are toxic if consumed, so keep out of reach from children and pets.
1. Aloe vera
Aloe is great for treating minor cuts and sunburns—and for ridding the air of formaldehyde. Grow aloe vera by a bright or sunny window in well-drained soil that’s kept slightly on the dry side.
2. English ivy
English ivy is an attractive climbing or trailing evergreen plant. It prefers moisture in the air (or misting) and moist, well-drained soil in a partially sunny to shady location. The plant is adept at clearing several toxins from the air, including toluene and benzene.
3. Spider plant
Grown for its grasslike, often striped foliage, this is an undemanding plant that thrives in medium to light shade and moist air. The spider plant cleans several toxins from the air, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ethylbenzene, and formaldehyde.
4. Snake plant
The snake plant has long, fleshy, pointed leaves. It is undemanding, though it prefers well-drained soil with bright to indirect light. In a recent study of plant species, snake plant was the most effective at removing toluene from the air.
5. Golden pothos
Golden pothos is an attractive evergreen vine that is effective as a trailer or climber. It prefers fairly rich, moist yet well-drained soil in bright, filtered light. Golden pothos can help clear the air of formaldehyde and benzene.
6. Boston fern
The Boston fern has a graceful arching habit that is especially attractive in hanging baskets. It is a hardy, easy-to-grow evergreen plant. It prefers fairly rich, well-drained soil, moderate to high humidity with good air circulation and bright, filtered light. The Boston fern works well against formaldehyde.
7. Peace lily
The peace lily blooms well indoors with attractive oval, white, papery spathes and leathery, glossy leaves. These plants prefer well-drained soil and filtered light with moderate to high humidity levels. The peace lily helps clear the air of toxins including benzene, trichloroethylene, and more.
8. Weeping fig
The weeping fig is a popular houseplant that prefers fairly rich, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade exposure. The weeping fig helps to remove a variety of pollutants including octane, terpene, and xylene.
9. Dracaena
Draceanas are well-known indoor houseplants that prefer well-drained soil and partial shade. The red edged variety is particularly good at clearing xylene from the air, while D. deremensis varieties are adept at clearing trichloroethylene.
