Scientists have discovered that not only do house plants make us happier by livening up our living
space, but they can also help to purify the air in our homes. NASA’s Clean Air Study discovered that there is a plethora of air-purifying indoor plants that can help to detoxify your house from dust, germs, and even airborne toxins. This is great news for anyone who suffers from allergies!
Popping a few of these impressive plants around your home can make a substantial difference to the air quality within your home; just be mindful that if you suffer from hay fever you will want to avoid introducing air purifying plants that create pollen. So which indoor plants are best for purifying the air in your home? Let’s take a look.
Snake Plant, also Known as Mother-In-Law’s Tongue
Placing the Snake Plant in your bedroom is a great way to aid sleep. The Snake Plant, or Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, is a succulent that releases oxygen during the night, helping you to breathe better when sleeping. This is why it’s one of the best indoor plants for purifying the air.
This particular air purifying indoor plant is known for its ability to filter xylene, benzene, toluene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. As the Snake Plant is a succulent, it’s easy to care for and doesn’t require much in the way of maintenance. Just be sure not to overwater it as the roots are prone to rot if they sit in moist soil for too long.
Rubber Plants
Rubber Plants can be bought in most garden centres and I’ve even seen them for sale in shops such as Lidl and ALDI. Rubber Plants were recommended by NASA as one of the best indoor plants for purifying the air, however, it’s worth noting that they are toxic to dogs and cats, so be extra careful if you have pets. Rubber Plants are extremely hardy and low-maintenance. They act as natural humidifiers and also have a wonderful, striking look to them.
Aloe Vera
If your kitchen or bathroom window sills are looking a bit empty, why not liven them up with some air purifying Aloe Vera? Aloe Vera is famously known for its properties that help to soothe the skin, but did you know that it is also one of the best indoor plants for purifying the air?
It’s great at absorbing harmful toxins that are found in cleaning chemicals, such as formaldehyde and benzene. Just like the Snake Plant, Aloe Vera is a relatively hardy succulent. Place it in a bright, sunny place and watch it thrive!
Devil’s Ivy, Also Known as Pothos
Another indoor plant that’s great at purifying the air in your home is Devil’s Ivy, also known as Pothos. Devil’s Ivy is another great air purifying indoor plant for beginners as it will thrive pretty much anywhere. These plants prefer sunny spots, but they also love humidity and moisture which makes them good bathroom additions.
Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is one of the easiest indoor air purifying plants to care for in your home. The Spider Plant absorbs harmful toxins that are found in solvents, rubber, and other industries such as xylene. It’s also known for its ability to absorb carbon monoxide, making it an extremely worthwhile plant.
Not only is the Spider Plant extremely resilient, but it’s also one of the few air purifying indoor plants that are non-toxic to dogs.
These are Just a Handful of Some of the Best Indoor Plants for Purifying the air in Your Home
With indoor plants becoming more and more of a design trend, we are starting to see lots of wonderful houseplants popping up that make great humidifiers and air purifiers. According to studies, the more air purifying indoor plants you have in your home, the greater the air quality will be, therefore, why not bring a little bit of nature into your house and start breathing better?
About the Author: Tina Bailey is the founder of the MotherGeek family and a mum of two. She has been featured on many notable publications including The Independent and BBC Radio. You can read more from her on GirlsGospel.
