Indoor air pollution is an often-overlooked environmental concern that affects many homes. Common indoor pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and particulates from various sources like cooking, paint, or even furniture. This is where the role of air-purifying plants becomes crucial. Plants have a natural ability to absorb pollutants through their leaves and roots, converting them into harmless substances. Additionally, plants increase humidity and produce oxygen, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Incorporating air-purifying plants into home décor not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also significantly improves air quality.
The Top 10 Air-Purifying Plants and Flowers
This list of the top 10 air-purifying plants and flowers is curated based on their effectiveness in filtering out common indoor pollutants, ease of care, and general availability. These plants are known for their ability to improve indoor air quality, and their varied sizes and appearances offer something for every home style.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
The Spider Plant is renowned for its ability to remove formaldehyde and xylene from the air. It’s a resilient plant that thrives in indirect sunlight and can tolerate some neglect, making it perfect for beginners. Keep the soil slightly moist and provide a well-draining potting mix to ensure healthy growth.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
Known for its striking, upright leaves, the Snake Plant is a hardy option that excels in filtering out formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene. It can survive in low light and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for busy individuals or those with a less-than-green thumb.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is not only visually appealing with its white blooms but also a powerhouse in removing ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It prefers shady spots and needs to be kept in moist soil. Be cautious, as it can be toxic to pets if ingested.
4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
This lush fern is effective at removing formaldehyde and xylene. It prefers a cool place with high humidity and indirect light. Regular misting and consistently damp soil will keep it thriving.
5. Aloe Vera (Aloebarbadensis Miller)
Aloe Vera is famous for its medicinal properties and its ability to purify the air of formaldehyde and benzene, typically found in household cleaning products. It thrives in sunny conditions and requires minimal watering, making it a great choice for sunny indoor spaces. The gel inside the leaves can also be used for soothing minor burns and skin irritations.
6. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English Ivy is a versatile plant that effectively reduces airborne fecal-matter particles as well as formaldehyde. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or as a climbing plant. English Ivy prefers moist soil and four hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can tolerate low-light conditions.
7. Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
The Rubber Plant is not only attractive but also excels at purifying air from formaldehyde. It prefers bright, indirect light and requires you to let the soil dry out between waterings. This plant is a great option for adding a touch of greenery to office spaces or living rooms.
8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea Seifrizii)
Bamboo Palm adds a tropical feel to any room and is effective at filtering out benzene and trichloroethylene. It thrives in shaded or indirect sunlight areas and enjoys moist soil. It’s also a pet-friendly option.
9. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
With its bright and cheerful flowers, the Gerbera Daisy is effective at removing trichloroethylene and benzene. This plant needs a lot of light, so placing it near a window is ideal. Keep the soil consistently moist for best results.
10. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum Morifolium)
Chrysanthemums are excellent for filtering out benzene, a common chemical found in detergents and plastics. They require bright, indirect sunlight and regular watering. The colourful flowers can add a beautiful touch to any room.
Maximising the Benefits of Air-Purifying Plants
To maximise the air-purifying effects of these plants, it’s important to consider their placement in your home. Plants positioned in areas where you spend most of your time, like living rooms or bedrooms, can provide the greatest benefits. Grouping several different types of plants can also enhance overall air purification, as different plants target different pollutants. Additionally, maintaining healthy plants is key, so regular watering, proper lighting, and periodic fertilising are essential for their air-purifying abilities.
