When you’re inside the comforts of your own home, it’s easy to think that you’re free from any outdoor hazards. However, the Huffington Post warns that indoor air can be two to five times as polluted as outdoor air, even when you’re not around cars or factories.
It goes without saying that a house plagued by indoor air pollution can be very harmful to your wellbeing, as it can cause some serious respiratory problems. Moreover, a stuffy indoor environment can lead to mold, which HomeServe points out can cause even more health risks like allergic reactions, throat irritation, and asthma. Plus, it can also damage carpets and any wood you have in your home.
Fortunately, one simple yet effective way to combat all these effects is by having more indoor plants. Not only are they extremely efficient in harvesting moisture in the air through their leaves, but they help you breathe with ease while keeping your home green. While plants undoubtedly look great in pictures, their strong fighting powers against indoor air pollution proves that they are more than just pretty decorations.
That being said, here are some of the best plants for purifying indoor air.
Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Credit: Patch
This indoor plant is a powerful force against toxins as it effectively increases oxygen in your home. Not to mention, it’s called devil’s ivy for a reason — it’s more difficult to kill it than keeping it alive. And since it thrives on indirect sunlight, be sure to water it only when it’s dry.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Credit: Refinery 29
Did you know that ancient scientists from Greece and Egypt praised aloe vera for its potent medicinal properties? And its healing power still holds true today, as its presence in your home will help purify the air. But don’t forget that it’s also a succulent; so wait for the soil to be sufficiently dry before watering.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Credit: Plant and Pot NZ
Apart from acting as a dehumidifier, the Boston fern also removes indoor air pollutants, such as formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene. These particular houseplants love humidity, so it’s essential to keep them in an area with warm and humid conditions for them to properly grow.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Credit: Crocus
While the bamboo palm is known for its rich green foliage, they work extremely well as air purifiers, as they diffuse toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. This plant can grow rather tall, so make sure it’s placed somewhere that’s exposed to indirect sunlight.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Credit: UnitedSeedCorp
Blooming with lovely white flowers, the pretty peace lily is actually a force to be reckoned with, as it helps eliminate volatile organic compounds that emit in your home. To water this houseplant, the Chicago Tribune recommends placing a drainage hole in its pot to prevent overwatering. Just ensure that it gets medium, indirect light to keep the leaves glossy and green.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Credit: Bloomscape
The spider plant is a great addition to your home, not just for its striking appearance. It is able to clear out toxins like formaldehyde and xylene while dehumidifying the air inside. Additionally, they’re the perfect low-maintenance fern since they can grow in any condition, as long as you place them under direct sunlight and water them regularly.