House Plants That Purify the Air: Nature’s Natural Air Fresheners
When we think of fresh air, we often imagine stepping outside to breathe in the crisp, clean atmosphere of nature. But what if you could bring that same refreshing feeling into your home? Enter house plants—nature's very own air purifiers. Not only do they add a touch of greenery and beauty to your living space, but they can also improve the air quality in your home. Studies have shown that certain house plants are capable of removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels, creating a healthier indoor environment.
In this post, we'll explore some of the best air-purifying house plants to add to your collection, helping you breathe easier and live healthier.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The humble Spider Plant is one of the easiest and most effective air-purifying plants to grow. Known for its air-cleaning abilities, it can remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. This plant is low-maintenance and thrives in indirect light, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking to add some greenery without too much effort.
Care Tip: Keep it in a pot with good drainage and water it moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
You can buy one of the Spider Plants here: Bonnie; Reverse; Green
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as the Mother-in-law’s Tongue, the Snake Plant is a resilient and air-purifying powerhouse. It’s particularly effective at removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the air. Unlike many plants, it thrives in low light and only needs watering every couple of weeks, making it one of the easiest plants to care for.
Care Tip: Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again, and avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
We have four kinds of variants: Zeylanica; Laurentii; Jade; Hahnii
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is not only known for its ability to purify air by removing harmful substances such as ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, but it also adds an elegant touch to any room with its glossy green leaves and delicate white flowers. This plant is perfect for bright indoor spaces and can even help maintain higher humidity levels, which is particularly beneficial in drier climates.
Care Tip: Keep it in indirect sunlight and water it when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. It also enjoys a bit of misting for added humidity.
You can purchase one here!
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera isn’t just famous for its soothing properties when applied to the skin—it’s also a fantastic air purifier. This succulent removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air, and it thrives in dry conditions. Aloe Vera’s fleshy leaves contain a gel that can be used to treat burns, minor cuts, and even acne.
Care Tip: Aloe Vera prefers dry soil, so only water it when the soil is completely dry. It loves direct sunlight, so place it near a sunny window.
This is definitely one of my favourites, you can get an aloe vera here
5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a versatile and attractive plant that works wonders in purifying the air. It’s known for its ability to filter out benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. This vining plant is perfect for hanging baskets or growing along shelves, making it a stylish addition to any room. It also helps reduce mold in the air, making it a great choice for bathrooms or areas with high humidity.
Care Tip: English Ivy prefers cooler temperatures and indirect light. Water it regularly, but make sure the soil drains well to avoid root rot.
6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns are lush, feathery plants that thrive in humid environments. They are excellent at removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air and are especially effective at improving air quality in kitchens or bathrooms. The Boston Fern also helps in maintaining a healthy indoor humidity level, which can improve skin and respiratory health.
Care Tip: Boston Ferns love moisture, so keep the soil consistently damp. They prefer indirect light and will benefit from occasional misting.
7. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that also acts as an air purifier. It works wonders in removing toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. As an added bonus, the Areca Palm naturally humidifies the air, making it a great addition to dry indoor spaces. It can grow quite large, adding a tropical vibe to any room.
Care Tip: The Areca Palm prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered regularly to keep the soil lightly moist, but not soggy.
8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is an attractive and robust house plant that’s not only easy to care for, but it also purifies the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde. Its large, glossy leaves make it an eye-catching addition to your home, and it can grow quite tall, making it ideal for adding height and drama to any room.
Care Tip: Rubber Plants prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
9. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm, also known as the Reed Palm, is a wonderful plant that thrives in low light and is highly effective at purifying the air. It removes formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene and is especially useful for homes with low humidity. It’s a perfect addition to your living room or bedroom for both aesthetic appeal and air quality improvement.
Care Tip: Keep it in moderate to low light and water it consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
10. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese Evergreen is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant that removes toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene. It thrives in low light and tolerates a variety of indoor conditions, making it a perfect choice for offices, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Plus, it’s available in several attractive varieties, with colorful foliage that can add a pop of color to your home.
Care Tip: Keep it in a spot with low to moderate light and water it when the top of the soil feels dry. It’s also tolerant of irregular watering.
Why Should You Care About Air-Purifying Plants?
Indoor air quality is often overlooked, but it can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. Many common household products and materials, such as cleaning supplies, paints, and even furniture, can release harmful toxins into the air. House plants can help combat this by naturally filtering the air, absorbing pollutants, and increasing oxygen levels. Plus, they contribute to a calming and aesthetically pleasing environment, which can improve mood and reduce stress.
Adding air-purifying plants to your home is an easy, cost-effective way to enhance the air quality while adding beauty and life to your space. So why not create a greener, healthier home with these natural air purifiers?
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, these air-purifying house plants are a great choice for improving the air quality in your home. From the hardy Snake Plant to the elegant Peace Lily, there’s a plant for every space and lifestyle. So, get growing and start enjoying the benefits of cleaner, fresher air today!