As pollution continues to worsen and health concerns increase, it’s essential that we pay more attention to our indoor environment. NASA has come up with some easy-to-grow houseplants that detoxify air in homes – great news!
These plants help eliminate toxins such as xylene, toluene, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the atmosphere. One particularly hardy example of this species is Philodendron warneckei; however, for optimal success it needs bright indirect sunlight for best growth.
1. Peace Lily
Peace Lilies have long been associated with purity and innocence. Not only do they symbolize these attributes, but they can also purify the air in your home by eliminating toxins – making them particularly useful in bathrooms where mildew spores thrive.
NASA research has additionally demonstrated that spider plants can absorb small amounts of trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, benzene and xylene from the air to help fight against mould spore formation in humid environments. Furthermore, spider plants can help combat mould spore formation.
This plant needs sunlight, but not direct sun (its native habitat prefers shade). They thrive best in bright but filtered windows with well-draining soil.
Peace Lilies are often believed to attract and circulate energy throughout a home, helping its occupants relax and relieve stress, as well as increase productivity at work and hasten recovery for hospital patients. Peace Lilies are easy to care for and an ideal option for novice gardeners looking for new plants to care for.
2. Sansevieria
Sansevieria, commonly referred to as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, has been shown to reduce harmful air pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene and toluene through its use of the crassulacean acid metabolism process – taking in carbon dioxide at nighttime before emitting oxygen when daylight comes around.
Sansevieria makes an excellent bedtime plant as its leaves absorb airborne pollutants, purifying your breathing space by drawing them in through their leaves and stems.
There are over 70 varieties of snake plants, so you are sure to find something suitable. Masoniana variety boasts large paddle-like leaves that resemble whale fins for an elegant touch in any room, while Hahnii features compact rosettes with short, wide leaves in a unique bird’s nest-like appearance, or Black Gold which features dark green leaves ledged with gold (formerly botanically known as Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Masoniana’, ‘Black Robusta’ and Futura Robusta).
Most snake plants are relatively easy to care for as they thrive in any light condition and tolerate drought while thriving at frosty or cold temperatures.
3. Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is one of the easiest indoor plants to cultivate, serving as an effective air purifier by absorbing formaldehyde from indoor air. This vining plant prefers bright, indirect light while still tolerating low lighting levels; making it an excellent addition for offices or dorm rooms alike.
Keep your plant in a well-draining soil, mixing in coco coir or perlite to increase its drainage capacity and help prevent root rot. This will also help increase its life span.
Keep the soil completely dry when watering a pothos, taking care not to overwater. Leaves of the plant can serve as indicators when it’s time for you to water; yellow leaves indicate when soil moisture levels have become excessively damp.
Plant in a hanging basket to show off its trailing vines or regular pot. They also work great as houseplant climbers on walls. Marble Queen and Pearls and Jade variegated cultivars offer beautiful swirls of green and white; neon variety has chartreuse foliage adding pop of color. Plus these easy-to-propagate plants make great gifts!
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera plants are well known for their healing and soothing properties, making them an excellent addition to any home. A succulent that loves sunlight with minimal watering needs makes this easy-care plant easy to keep alive and maintain. Aloe also excels at purifying air by eliminating toxic substances found in detergents, plastics and varnishes like formaldehyde and benzene which may pollute indoor air quality.
This plant contains vitamins A, B12, C and E as well as folic acid and choline, and an abundance of enzymes including aliiase, bradykinase, alkaline phosphatase, catalase, carboxypeptidase lipase peroxidase that all help reduce inflammation and speed wound healing.
This plant can help those suffering from cold or sinus issues by being used as both indoor and outdoor plants in temperate climates. It’s easy to care for, doesn’t require much sunlight, and only needs some moisture in its soil – you should repotted regularly or when roots become rootbound.