Indoor air pollutants are a real BIG problem in homes today. These pollutants may include several products from different types such as solvents (like perfumes, scented products, paint, glue, carpeting, cleaning products) and dust and particles (pet dander, molds, pesticides and building chemicals). To reduce the impact of these pollutants, different practices can be followed. Among these practices, the use of indoor plants presents a solution that can both help detoxify the air in your home and add a touch of beauty to your interior design. In what follows, we will list 10 of the best indoor plants to consider.
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The Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is a tropical plants and do exceptionally well when potted indoors under the right conditions. This tropical plant with striking white flowers absorbs pollutants such as formaldehyde (found in carpeting) trichloroethylene (found in plastics), benzene (found in paints), xylene (found in adhesives), toluene & ammonia. The peace lily also removes acetone, which is commonly used to make plastic and fibers and can be found in tobacco smoke and car exhaust, which could be present in your home environment.
Aloe Vera Plant
This trusty succulent is an old houseplant favorite. You may know this plant as a sunburn soother, but what you may not know is that it is a great indoor plant for improving air quality. Tests have shown that Aloe Vera helps to keep your home free from benzene and formaldehyde which are commonly found in paint and certain chemical cleaners. It even gives you a warning sign by developing brown spots if the chemicals reach a high level. Although it is totally safe for humans, it is toxic for cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of your pets.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
This plant is well known for its ability to filter out formaldehyde, which is common in cleaning products, toilet paper, tissues and personal care products. Snake plant can be placed in bathroom as it will grow efficiently in low light and humid conditions. It’s also interesting that you place this sharp-leafed plant in bedroom thanks to its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night (the opposite of the process most plants follow).
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy (Hedera helix) is a very vigorous and aggressive woody evergreen vine. It’s also a very popular indoor houseplant for hanging baskets. English ivy is excellent at removing benzene from the air and even reduces airborne particles of fecal matter. Also filters formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, & toluene. Be aware, this plant is toxic to pets.
Florist’s Daisy/Pot Mum
The Pot Mum or Florist’s Mum is a classic houseplant often brought as a present at Christmas, Easter or Mothering Sunday. It filters benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) is a wonderful choice of indoor plant in the form of palm tree to bring a touch of the tropics into your home. It pumps out loads of oxygen during the day and was named as one of the best air purifying plants, after a scientific clean air study was completed by Wolverton and Nasa. Additionally, the Areca palm helps restore moisture to dry winter air at levels comparable to an electric humidifier. It’s also known as one of the best plants for removing airborne toxins. ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) state this plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden Pothos is a species of flowering plant in the arum family Araceae, native to Mo’orea in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. Despite its already wide natural range, it has been imported to locations all over the globe. This fast-growing vine absorbs formaldehyde, benzene and xylene. Placing this plant in or near the garage is good choice since engine exhaust is a primary source of formaldehyde.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants produce a rosette of long, thin, arched foliage that is solid green or variegated with white. This indoor plant is easy to grow and is resistant to even the most neglectful indoor gardeners. The spider plant is effective in detoxifying benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene – a solvent found in leather, rubber and printing industries. It also helps to reduce asthma-causing mold. In addition, the abundance of leafy foliage and tiny white flowers are totally safe plants, even for pets.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is among the most common Ficus plants used as indoor plants. With their ease of care, these are perfect indoor plants for beginners or those who consider themselves having a black thumb. The thick, deep green leaves of rubber plants are efficient in filtering formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia from the air – all while improving the aesthetic of your home space.
Gerberas (Gerbera)
Gerberas are long-lasting and best known for their brightly colored petals, they are the most popularly used blossoms among florists. Gerberas (sometimes called Gerber Daisies) are suitable for the slightly more adept home gardener. They are known to be effective toxin absorbent. In fact, this indoor flowering plant is effective at removing trichloroethylene, which can be produced by dry cleaning. It’s also good for filtering out the benzene that comes with inks. In addition, Gerberas release oxygen at night. That’s why they are especially helpful in bedrooms to refresh nighttime air.
