I’ve heard that a person can survive about three weeks without food, roughly three days without water, and only around three minutes without air. Considering this, air quality is crucial for our health since we take in more air than any other substance, and harmful chemicals can easily enter our bodies through our lungs.
But isn’t it just outdoor air that’s full of toxins? Not exactly. While there are plenty of pollutants outside because of pesticides, car emissions, and industrial waste, the air inside our homes can be pretty toxic too.
Indoor air quality can be improved with some simple actions. Just opening your windows helps a lot, but you can also use plants! After researching air filters for our home—especially since one of our kids has allergies—I found that plants are a great and cost-effective way to clean indoor air. NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America did a study back in the ’80s which showed that some houseplants can filter out common indoor air pollutants. These plants can significantly help improve the air quality in our homes. Certain plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, while also eliminating harmful chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
NASA even recommends using 15 to 18 medium-sized houseplants for an 1,800-square-foot home to optimize air purification. Since we don’t have indoor pets, I looked for plants that are safe around kids and easy to care for. After testing and researching many types, I found some favorites that are fantastic for indoor air:
1. Bamboo Palms: Great for removing chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene and for adding moisture to the air during dry winter months. These plants have a tropical look with tall canes and fanned leaves.
2. Rubber Plant: Highly effective at clearing formaldehyde and features large, attractive leaves. It grows well, even in less-than-perfect conditions, and can reach up to 8 feet tall.
3. English Ivy: Often seen in atriums, this plant is excellent for removing formaldehyde and thrives in various conditions with adequate light and moderate temperature.
4. Boston Fern: Known for its ability to purify air and increase humidity, it requires frequent watering and attention.
5. Dwarf Date Palm: Ideal for tropical plant lovers, this mini palm tree excels at filtering pollutants like xylene, found in solvents.
If you prefer plants that are not just effective but also visually appealing, consider:
– Tulips: Beautiful and effective at removing formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia.
– Dwarf Azalea: With seasonal blooms, it’s a lovely plant that also purifies the air.
– Orchids: Some types, like the dendrobium orchid, are better at filtering air than others.
For plants with multiple uses, try:
– Aloe Vera: Great for soothing burns and useful in smoothies. It also cleans the air at night by releasing oxygen.
– Lavender: Its calming scent can be used for teas and soaps, and it helps reduce carbon dioxide levels.
– Rosemary: Known for its culinary uses, it also has antimicrobial properties that help purify the air.
If you don’t have a green thumb, opt for hardy plants like:
– Palms: Including the bamboo variety, they’re robust and easy to maintain.
– Syngonium: Pretty and forgiving with moderate air purification abilities.
– Philodendrons: Very hardy and excellent at air purification.
– Snake Plant: Although not the top air purifier, it cleans the air at night and is easy to grow.
If you were to choose a few from the list, the top picks considering effectiveness and beauty are palms, tulips, and philodendrons. Keep in mind, some houseplants can be toxic to children and pets, so it’s crucial to check the safety of plants before bringing them home. I personally keep my houseplants out of reach to prevent any accidents.
You don’t need to visit every local greenhouse to find these plants—ordering them online is an option too. We’re always working on improving our indoor air quality, and plants are a big part of that effort. So, are you ready to enhance your home with plants? Which air-purifying plants are you going to start with?
