Looking to make your home a bit healthier? A super simple way to do that is by bringing in some good indoor plants that clean the air. These leafy plants not only liven up your space but also work to filter out toxins and make the air you breathe better.
In this guide, we’re going to share the top 8 indoor plants that are great for air purification, plus some easy care tips to keep them thriving. Let’s jump in and see how to change your home into a fresher, greener spot!
The Role of Indoor Plants in Improving Indoor Air Quality
Before you get down on a list of good indoor plants that clean the air you must know their role in cleaning up the air. Indoor plants aren’t just there to make your space look nice; on the other hand, they’re a great option for cleaning up the air, too.
These green buddies take in carbon dioxide and let out oxygen, which is a win-win. Plus, some plants can even soak up nasty toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and other chemicals right through their leaves.
How Do Indoor Plants Purify the Air?
Photosynthesis Process: Plants help purify the air by soaking up carbon dioxide and sending out oxygen.
Absorption of Toxins: Some plants can soak up toxins floating in the air, like volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Pollutant Breakdown: These toxins are taken in through the leaves and broken down in the plant’s roots.
8 Best Indoor Houseplants For Air Quality
To help you decide which indoor plants are best suited to clean the air in your home, here are our top picks along with the toxins they absorb, their maintenance requirements, and a little about each plant.
Spider Plant
Maintenance: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
The Spider Plant is famous for its curvy leaves and cute little baby plantlets, called “spiderettes,” that hang down from the main plant. It’s super easy to take care of, which makes it great for newbies. Not only does it clean the air, but it’s also a tough plant that can do well in all sorts of environments.
Snake Plant
Toxins Absorbed: Formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, trichloroethylene.
Maintenance: Thrives in low light and requires minimal watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Maintenance: Thrives in low light and requires minimal watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Peace Lily
Toxins Absorbed: Ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene
Maintenance: Prefers low to bright indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
The Peace Lily is well-known for its beautiful white flowers and rich green leaves. Not only does it improve the air quality, but it also brings a calm vibe to any room. This plant is really good at taking moisture out of the air, which keeps the humidity at a comfy level.
Aloe Vera
Toxins Absorbed: Formaldehyde, benzene
Maintenance: Needs bright, indirect sunlight. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Bamboo Palm
Toxins Absorbed: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene
Maintenance: Prefers bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and mist the leaves regularly.
Golden Pothos
Toxins Absorbed: Formaldehyde, benzene, xylene
Maintenance: Tolerates low light but prefers bright, indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Dracaena
Toxins Absorbed: Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene
Maintenance: Prefers bright, indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and avoid overwatering.
Dracaena plants are available in many different types, each featuring unique colors and leaf shapes.Not only do they help improve air quality, but Dracaenas can also handle a bit of neglect, making them great for folks who are new to taking care of plants.
Weeping Fig
Toxins Absorbed: Formaldehyde, xylene, toluene
Maintenance: Needs bright, indirect light. Water moderately, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings.
Wrapping Up
Thus good indoor plants that clean the air are the best means to tackle air pollutants at your home. Additionally, not only do these plants help remove toxins, but they also bring life and vibrancy into your home. Whether you’re new to plant care or an experienced gardener, there’s a plant on this list that’s perfect for you.