Eek! In general, large-leafed philodendron plants, including the monstera deliciosa, were shown to be one of the most effective at reducing air pollutants, like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde, according to a NASA study. It's also relatively easy to maintain and particularly forgiving of forgetful waterers. After all, that's where you're likely to use household toxins, like harsh cleaners, hairspray, and nail polish remover that often contain these chemicals. Especially during the warmer season, expect to see a new leaf weekly. 7. "Aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties." Position: In a bright spot but indirect light. ", If your windows face a different direction, don't worry–that's not a plant death sentence. Their loose-hanging branches and dense foliage have made weeping figs popular since Victorian times. "Over the last few years, there was much scientific investigation around the impact of houseplants on indoor air quality, particularly on their ability to remove CO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) e.g. Pot Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) This indoor air purifying plant is ranked among the top plants for air purification. Jade plant requires full … Syngonium is a genus of flowering plants found in tropical rainforests around the world. 8. It can improve the indoor air quality by 60 per cent and help reduce the levels of mould spores from the air. Dr Blanusa adds that a recent RHS-supported case study in an office environment found that introducing desk plants had significant positive effects on people's focus, creativity and productivity. But let's be real—most people aren't plant experts and have no idea where to start (admitting it is the first step). "The hardiest of of these group is Draacena Lisa," she explains. According to Vassilkioti, they're "tolerant to some degree of neglect" (phew) and "handle under-watering better than over-watering.". "Although the snake plant prefers bright light, it can survive lower light levels," she adds. One of the pollutants that this plant can take care of that others cannot is ammonia. Jade plant is a decorative houseplant with wooden stem and thick oval-shaped leaves. "Sometimes referred to as the 'cubicle plant,' the pothos is a great pick if you're a self-proclaimed 'black thumb,' says Marino. Effective at fighting off pollutants (including benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene), they’re a beautiful addition to any … Position: Medium light is preferred. Hailing from east Asia, the money plant is easy to grow and propagate, making it great for those who are new to houseplants. The EPA estimates indoor air can be up to 1,000 times dirtier than outdoor air! Its round, flat leaves can grow up to 15cm and it's also known as the UFO plant or pancake plant. Position: In a bright spot but not the full sun. "The hardiest of of these group is Draacena Lisa," she explains. Care: Very little water every few weeks when the soil feels dry. One thing to note: "The peace lily's flowers have pollen, so this plant might not be the best choice for people who struggle with allergies," says Vassilkioti. Put your aloe vera plant in a bright, sunny spot and don't worry about keeping it alive. However, plants can help to improve indoor air quality and clean the air you and your family breathe. Snake plants have also been shown to filter out nasty chemicals, like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene, so you can breathe easy having this in your home. Oh, and Marino notes that many cultures believe a ZZ Plant "symbolizes prosperity and friendship," making it a great housewarming gift. The rubber plant, or ficus elastica, boasts glossy green leaves and is ideal popped on a table when it is small, before being repotted and placed on the floor as it grows taller for a fabulous statement plant. Plus, it looks like a palm and while often mistaken for one, it's actually from the yucca family. Not only are they decorative, but they’re also on NASA’s list of the best air-purifying plants. Position: It likes a bright room while kept out of direct sun. Results to date suggest that due to typically low light levels indoors the contribution of individual plants to the removal of these compounds is relatively low and that either higher light levels or larger numbers of plants are required to elicit an effect. "This plant isn't just easy to care for, it's also known as a healer," says Vassilkioti. 7 easy to keep indoor plants that purify the air in your home naturally. Care: Water freely but make sure the soil dries out in between. Aside from improving the quality of your work-from-home space, they're also more cost-effective air purifiers than the ones that use electricity. Position: Snake plants thrive in most light conditions, withstanding full sun and low light. How Plants Clean Indoor Air According to an article on Greatist medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D, “Spider plants are among the easiest air-purifying indoor plants to grow, making them a great choice for beginners or forgetful owners. There is mounting scientific evidence about positive impacts of houseplants on productivity and wellbeing.". Marino explains that the snake plant simply gets its name from the thin, upright leaves with "irregular green banding" that look like—you guessed it—snakeskin. Best Seller in Shrub Plants & Seeds. "It's all af big game of trial and error," Horton adds. Though houseplants won't clear the air nearly as much as, say, an air filter, they come with other … Ivy doesn’t like high temperatures and prefers to stay cool. Short-term exposure to ammonia will cause eye irritation, a sore throat, and coughing. Care: Water when it is dry. Lady palm, or rhapis excelsa, is native to Asia and has a unique appearance of broad fan-like leaves and bamboo-style stems. A healing aloe plant is a lovely addition to your kitchen windowsill, as it loves a sunny spot. In terms of its air cleaning properties, the air purifying plant helps remove toxins like xylene, toluene and benzene. NASA says aloe vera is one of the best air purifying plants you can buy as it continuously releases oxygen throughout the night while simultaneously taking in carbon dioxide (a good one for adding to the bedroom too). If you already have experience keeping an indoor plant alive (congrats), then it might be time to add a peace lily into the mix. As an added bonus, this plant is super easy to grow, adds Marino, and propagates (translation: breeds more pothos) in water. Because the bird's nest fern thrives in medium indirect light and a humid environment, Marino says, "it would do great in a bathroom with a shower, as long as there are windows that receive natural light.". Besides looking cool, it's a low-maintenance plant that's known for surviving droughts, making it perfect for newbies living in almost any environment. As this research was conducted under sealed space station conditions, we spoke to Dr Tijana Blanusa, the Principal Horticultural Scientist at the RHS, to find out whether air purifying plants really work in the home. Now that we're spending more time than ever at home, you're probably thinking of ways to boost your happiness, remove toxins and add a touch of nature to your space. With increasing evidence that air purifying plants can clean the air in our homes and have a positive effect on our mental wellbeing, there's never been a better time to invest in one. Amazon's Choice for air purifying plants indoor. Spider Plant. This Air Purifier Is Really Marked Down On Amazon, 10 Best Air-Purifying Plants For A Healthier Home. NASA and RHS-approved for having in the house, they help clear the air of formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and benzene, a known carcinogen. Care: The low-maintenance air purifying indoor plant's leaves droop when it is thirsty, essentially telling you when it needs water, but once a week is recommended. Here is a round-up of the best air purifying indoor plants using NASA's Clean Air Study that will add a touch of colour and clean air to your home. Jade plants purify indoor air pollution. It's tall, slim and ideal for placing on your desk as it requires little space or care. It's known for storing water for a long time and its eye-catching foliage makes it a hip plant that even the Instagram crowd loves. It is native to Mexico, Central and South America and South Asia. If you live in a lower light environment, Marino and Horton suggest getting a ZZ Plant because they're drought tolerant and incredibly low maintenance. "Generally good all-rounders and relatively easy-to-grow plants include peace lilies, zamioculcas zamiifolia and devil’s ivy, to name a few". William Loved His First Christmas Gift From Meghan. Care: The lady palm enjoys generous amounts of water, with proper drainage needed to avoid root rot. Costa Farms Clean Air-O2 For You Live House Plant Collection 4-Pack, Assorted Foliage, 4-Inch, Green. It converts carbon dioxide to oxygen while you sleep and is an affordable pick, also on NASA's list, which is known as the 'bedroom plant'. Also known as golden cane palm, bamboo palm and areca palm, dypsis lutescens is a popular palm to have in the home as a tropical species native to Madagascar. Best air-purifying Houseplants. A sunburn soother, face mask ingredient and air purifying plant, aloe vera is the multi-tasking succulent every house needs. Position: Peace lilies aren't fans of direct sun light as their leaves can burn so place it in a shady spot, while the flowers are more plentiful if they get more light. Care: Water well in summer and less in winter, mist the leaves to keep the humidity levels high. … Women's Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Lindsay Geller is the Associate Love & Lifestyle Editor at Women’s Health. They also release a bunch of oxygen into the air, which is good for anyone who may need an indoor boost. And even if you don't use aloe vera for its healing properties, you can still reap all its air-purification benefits as it removes formaldehyde. Here are 12 of the best air purifying house plants. Its roots grow upwards and often form interesting shapes around the stems. You'll score major cool points with this signature-looking plant, especially if you put it in a hanging planter, as Marino recommends. General Guidelines for Growing Indoor Air Purifying Plants Use potting soil rather than soil from your garden Potting soil is developed for growing plants in containers–not in the ground. Horton has reaped the rewards herself. Care: Water every seven days in the summer and every 10 days in the winter. 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,444. Whether you live in a polluted city or you're looking to bring more zen into your isolation space, air purifying indoor plants could improve the quality of the air you breathe during lockdown. That means keeping it moist without over-watering and placing it in a bright but shady spot, she explains. The best indoor plants and how to care for them, Pots and planters to spruce up your patio, 12 travel toiletry bags for your next staycation, 12 scented candles to fragrance your home, Easy planting ideas to get the garden of your dreams. In addition to adding beauty to your home, indoor plants can actually help to purify the air. JADE PLANT. The air purifying plant clears common household toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, and they're easy to maintain too. And they're super easy to care for, says Vassilkioti. Harmful pollutants are not confined to outdoor spaces, and they can be found in homes and offices. See what areas would look better with more green." Position: It prefers light shade but close to a window. She recommends watering it once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every two months when it goes dormant in the fall. "It's a great plant to have if you're somebody who happens to travel a lot," Horton adds. Get it as soon as Thu, May 21. Indoor houseplants are one of the most effective ways to immediately shift the feng shui of your home. Houseplants help create a welcoming environment in your living space. This large ficus (ficus robusta) is bred for toughness, which means that it’s not only one of the most effective plants for purifying indoor air, but it’s sure to be hardy even in less than ideal conditions. Position: It withstands low light and likes indirect bright light too. This air purifying plant needs through watering only once or twice a month. Ferns have been shown to filter formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, so it's not a bad idea to put one in your bathroom. The Chinese Evergreen is one of the most common household plants and for good reason. Some of the best plants for indoor air cleaning are: English ivy (Hedera helix) is a popular, hardy plant that is easy to grow. Once you've identified the spots that can accomodate plant life, consider your climate. (And jsyk, she says even experts occasionally kill plants, too.). It also helps restore moisture to dry air. If nothing brings you more joy than tending to your houseplants, you'll get on well with the Boston fern, which likes attention. So not only can you use this plant to brighten up your home, but you can also use it to heal wounds and different skin conditions. This gorgeous air purifying plant can stand as tall as six feet and tolerates dark spaces in the home. Another thing to keep in mind: "While there are many plants that are marketed as 'indoor plants,' all plants are native to being outside in some realm" says Horton. "South-facing windows, for those in the United States, that's going to be your brightest, most consistent light throughout the day," she adds. These plants need bright light, but no direct sun, so they're perfect to put in a room with big windows. Position: Keep in a cool spot out of direct light. Air Purifying Plant Numbers There was a famous NASA study that was conducted back in 1989 that found that many houseplants are able to remove many toxic and cancer causing volatile organic compounds from our indoor air. When it comes to purifying the air, though, the Dracaena Marginata Plant is your best bet. The study, led by Dr. B. C. Wolverton, found that plants … Care advice: This plant will thrive in a sunny location. These Easy-to-Grow Air Purifying Houseplants are safe for dogs, cats, and kids, which makes them the perfect addition to any home! ", "Certainly! Just keep it away from the windowsill. It filters formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene and benzene from the air, and around six to eight of them are recommended per person in the home if you want to get the best out of this air purifier. They can survive almost anything, promise. 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