Plants are a beautiful addition to any room but they are not just a trendy decoration. All those pothos and monsteras aren’t just nice to look at, they are actually capable of improving the air quality of your home.
So if you’re looking to reduce toxins in your home, these 12 indoor plants that clean air will help you do just that!
Here is a round-up of easy-maintenance air-purifying plants using NASA’s Clean Air Study that will give you clean air and none of the hassle.
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Plants are the must for every home decor. They bring that coz-fresh atmosphere and add a hint of color capable of amping up any room.
To help you choose, I selected 12 of my favourite plants that are air cleaning, beautiful and easy to take care of (consider adding them to your household routines).
Do Indoor Plants Really Clean the Air?
A study published by scientists at NASA in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) and other respected institutions suggests that it can.
Plants naturally absorb gases through pores on the surface of their leaves. This is the ability that enables photosynthesis, the process of converting light energy and carbon dioxide into chemical energy to nurture growth. This chemical process creates oxygen as a byproduct.
The harmful chemicals are not removed by leaves or green parts of the plant, though, but via the soil and the root system. Plants use an active ventilation system to push contaminated air through the roots of the plant.
12 Beautiful Indoor Air Cleaning Plants
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are easy to care for and perfect for newbies. They are as resistant as they agree gracious with its bi-colour leaves.
Care: They prefer indirect sunlight and will survive at any humidity level and even in low temperatures.
Cleans From The Air: Formaldehyde, Xylene.
2. Aloe Vera (Aloe vera or A. barbadensis)
Aloe vera is a versatile plant with powerful medicinal properties, ranging from tissue repair to hydrating benefits. It’s also beautiful and a great air purifier.
Care: They thrive in bright and warm conditions.
Cleans From The Air: Formaldehyde.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Also known as closet plants, Peace Lilies are present in many homes and offices. Their glossy green leaves and delicate white flowers are very tolerant of low light conditions, making it the perfect addition to any room.
Care: Water them weekly and fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote growth and flowering.
Cleans From The Air: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene.
4. Flamingo Lily/Fleur (Anthurium andraeanum)
The exotic-looking Flamingo Lily is the perfect plant to add a pop of colour to any room. If healthy, they can flower year-round.
Care: She loves bright indirect sunlight and lightly moist soil (water one to two times a week). As a tropical plant, she’s comfortable in more humid conditions such as in your bathroom.
Cleans From The Air: Formaldehyde, Ammonia, Xylene, Toluene
5. Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena deremensis “Janet Craig”)
Janet Craig was one of the best plants that clean air tested for removing the substance trichloroethylene.
They can grow up to 10 feet tall and have a beautiful structure that combines leaves and trunk.
Care: Janet Craigs requires less light and is also slower-growing, so semi shades with indirect sunlight will work well. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, also make sure not to let the root ball dry completely.
Cleans From The Air: trichloroethylene.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Very popular on street walls and trees outdoor, the English Ivy is one of the main indoor plants with air-purifying properties, according to NASA. They look especially gorgeous on hanging pots or climbing walls.
Care: Water your English Ivy generously and give it at least four hours of direct sunlight daily.
Cleans From The Air: formaldehyde and benzene.
7. Money Plant or Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Otherwise known as pothos, Money Plant is an easy to grow indoor houseplant that is considered one of the most effective indoor air purifiers by its ability to remove common toxins.
Care: water every time you see that the soil is dry. You can trim the plant when it gets too big and easily propagate it.
Cleans From The Air: formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, carbon monoxide.
8. Snake Plant/Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Another popular, the Snake plant is actually a succulent plant that is low maintenance and thrives in adverse conditions.
Care: They will do well in spots with moderate sunlight. As a member of the succulent family, the Snake Plant is prone to rot in overly moist soil. So be careful not to overwater it.
Cleans From The Air: formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, benzene and xylene.
9. Cornstalk Dracaena
The Cornstalk Dracaena, also known as Dracaena Fragrans is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. It’s resistant to most pests and made the list of NASA studies as one of the best air-purifying plants.
Care: Dracaenas in general are very easy to care for, tolerating low humidity, infrequent watering, and low light. Water them when you notice the soil is dry, that can be more frequent during the summer.
Cleans From The Air: formaldehyde.
10. Rubber Plants (Ficus elastic)
One of my favourites, these burgundy trees are a very hardy plant that loves bright, indirect light. Rubber plants can grow in a small pot or be encouraged to grow into a large indoor tree in pots or straight in the ground.
Care: Water weekly or enough to keep the soil moist, especially in the summer. Wipe down the leaves to keep them shiny, they also love a good bath once a month.
Cleans From The Air: carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene.
11. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata v. Bostoniesis)
This sword-shaped plant is perfect for a hanging basket or pedestal. They are relatively easy to grow and thrive if they are moist.
Care: They love regular misting and moist soil. Position them in indirect sunlight and check the soil daily to see if your Bosten Fern needs water. Give it a good soak once per month to make them shine.
Cleans From The Air: formaldehyde and xylene.
12. Money Tree (Scindapsus aureus)
The Money Tree has been said by Feng Shui experts that it can reduce stress and anxiety, and even prevent sleeping disorders.
Care: They prefer deep but non-frequent watering. To prevent root rot, make sure your plant is never standing in water. To know when to water, put your finger in the soil and check if the top 2”- 4” is dry between waterings. Money Trees require less water in the winter months.
Cleans From The Air: benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
