Indoor air quality should be of prime concern if you spend much of your time inside. Pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can come from furniture, cleaning products, paints or carpets - yet one effective natural method to improve it would be adding air purifying plants into living spaces for greater air purification.
Plant varieties with air purifying properties not only look stunning, but can help filter toxins, increase oxygen, and create an atmosphere of peace and serenity. With this guide you'll discover some of the top air-purifying indoor plants as well as practical care advice so that you can breathe healthier, fresher air naturally.
How Indoor Plants Purify Air
Indoor plants help purify air through phytoremediation - their leaves and roots absorb airborne toxins, convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, support microorganisms that decompose chemicals in soil, as well as filter pollutants out. It's best to opt for air purifying indoor plants that offer maximum benefits - see here for the top air purifying indoor plants for this task.
Most houseplants thrive in typical home environments with little attention and care required, making them suitable for beginners or busy homeowners looking for easy gardening projects.
Top Ten Air-Purifying Houseplants for 2018
Below are a selection of effective yet easily maintained air purifying plants you can grow indoors:
1. Sansevieria trifasciata (Snake Plant).
The snake plant is one of the best-known air purifying indoor plants. Tolerant of low light levels and minimal care requirements, its night-time oxygen release makes it perfect for bedrooms while helping eliminate formaldehyde, benzene and nitrogen oxide emissions from the atmosphere.
Care Tips: Provide bright indirect light or shaded corners; water when soil has completely dried out.
2. Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant).
The ZZ plant is another low-maintenance indoor favorite that boasts glossy leaves that thrive under low light environments and filter indoor air efficiently.
Care Tips: Water lightly and allow soil to dry between irrigations; tolerates indirect or artificial lighting sources.
3. Epipremnum aureum (Pothos)
Pothos plants are well known for their trailing vines and fast growth rates, which help remove formaldehyde and xylene while flourishing under various light conditions. Their cascading foliage makes them the ideal additions for shelves or hanging planters.
Care Tips: For optimal soil care, indirect lighting of bright, dim levels should be preferred, though lower lighting levels will do; topsoil will need water when feeling drier than expected.
4. Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)
Peace lilies not only clean the air but also boast beautiful white blooms. Their roots filter benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Care Tips for Medium to Bright Indirect Light; keep soil slightly damp but not waterlogged.
5. Chlorophytum Comosum (Spider Plant).
Spider plants are excellent options for newcomers looking to start gardening, with particular success at filtering carbon monoxide and xylene emissions from indoor air quality sources.
Care Tips for Soil Care: Provide direct or indirect light; water moderately while allowing some drying between irrigations.
6. Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen).
Chinese evergreens boast beautiful foliage that thrives under low lighting. Not only are these evergreens visually pleasing, they help purify air by filtering toxins out while adding some vibrant hues into our environment.
Care Tips: For best results, provide low to medium light conditions; water when the top inch of soil dries out completely.
7. Dracaena
These distinctive varieties of Dracaena plants can effectively filter both trichloroethylene and formaldehyde emissions while adding style to any room they inhabit.
Care tips: Make sure there is adequate light coming in from all directions; avoid overwatering by allowing soil to dry between irrigations.
8. Chamaedorea elegans (Parlor Palm).
A parlor palm brings tropical flair into any room or small space while helping improve indoor air quality. Perfect for shaded rooms and small areas.
Care Tips: Indirect lighting; regular but insufficient watering to avoid flooding the soil.
9. Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant).
Rubber plants boast large glossy leaves which help filter air naturally while remaining tough enough for indoor conditions easily.
Care Tips: For optimal leaf care, bright, indirect lighting with moderate amounts of water should be used; wipe leaves clean frequently so as to maintain their health and appearance.
10. Philodendron | Philodendrons are adaptable plants which excel at filtering air toxins while adding lush greenery to any decor.
Tips: For optimal soil care, indirect light should be utilized and water should only be added when soil becomes slightly depleted.
Tips to Optimize Air Filtration Systems
Make the most out of your air purifying indoor plants:
1. Cluster Plants Clustering your indoor plants together increases air purification efficiency.
2. Pick a Variety Different plants filter different toxins; choosing different species expands the scope of pollutants removed.
3. Provide Sufficient Light
While these plants can tolerate low light conditions, indirect bright lighting promotes healthier plant development.
4. Keep Leaves Clean Dust on leaves blocks light absorption and decreases air purification capabilities, so to maintain their beauty gently wipe them to eliminate dust accumulation.
5. Avoid Overwatering Root rot can severely weaken plants and decrease their air-purifying capacities, so always ensure good drainage to avoid root rot from developing in them.
Where Can Air Filtration Plants Be Planted
Living room: the primary source for air pollution sources in a home.
Bedroom: Increase oxygen to promote improved sleeping conditions
Home Office: Clean air to maximize focus and productivity
Bathroom: Here, humidity-tolerant varieties thrive well.
Position plants strategically to achieve maximum benefit. This could mean placing them near where you spend most of your time or where the majority of visitors to your business come.
Benefits Beyond Air Purification
Other than filtering toxins out, the best indoor plants for air purification also:
Reduce stress and improve mood
Natural decoration and aesthetic appeal
Increased humidity, along with quiet and relaxing environments are two benefits that contribute to overall well-being in an indoor space.
Final Thoughts on Indoor Plants for Air Purification
Add the best air purifying indoor plants to your home as an effortless, natural, and visually appealing way to improve air quality. From easy care options like snake plant and pothos to lush favorites like peace lily and rubber plant - greenery solutions help purify indoor air while simultaneously adding flair.
With proper care, lighting conditions, and placement consideration, indoor plants will transform any indoor space for years.
