As we all are forced to spend most of our time indoors, we also think it is the best time to think about the air quality we breathe every second. Our home is also the home of many pollutants, dust particles, germs, and bacteria. Our AC and room heaters are the ones that increase the humidity level or dry the air completely which become the cause of several allergic reactions, headache, foul mood, and moldy air, etc. One of the best solutions to purify your home air or increase the air quality is opting for indoor plants for clean air. It has now become a very common classic trend, so you don’t have to worry about aesthetics, just choose some best indoor plants for clean air and improve the oxygen level of your home.
Best Indoor Plants for Clean Air – Do Air Purifying Plants Work?
According to NASA’s Clean Air Study that was conducted for space shuttle programs to increase the oxygen level of air and remove carbon dioxide. There are many indoor plants that not just look beautiful but are very effective in purifying the air around us.
These indoor plants for clean air not just improve the oxygen level and inhale carbon dioxide due to the photosynthesis process but also help in detoxifying your home by removing the airborne toxins, dust, germs that can be very commonly found in household products such as kitchen items, furniture, toxins released from paint jobs done on your metal gates and window, and from chemicals we use to clean our home.
In 2019, a follow-up study was conducted on indoor plants for clean air to confirm NASA’s previous theory. It also states that some plants purify the air and improve the oxygen level more than other plants that are also low maintenance.
However, they also said this couldn’t be done via just one plant. It depends on the size of the home and detoxifying strength of the plant itself. So, you will need more than one indoor plant for clean air in your home.
Other Advantages of Air Purifying Plants
Besides purifying and detoxifying your home air, studies have shown several other benefits of having indoor plants in your home. Here are a few other advantages of indoor plants for clean air.
- Keeps us healthy, Refresh both our mind and body
- Have fewer allergy symptoms and reactions
- Reduce headaches
- Reduce coughs and make you feel less tired
- Help in faster recovery
- They are the great stress relievers
- Being close to nature automatically makes your feel happier
- Make you more productive and creative
- And let’s don’t forget they brighten up the place
Best Indoor Plants for Clean Air
Last year has taught us “how important it is to take care of our environment” and using the traditional and natural methods to purify your surroundings instead of relying on synthetic products that might solve problems on an immediate basis but become the mother of many new harmful substances.
There is no better place than home to start improving our surroundings and take a step toward a better future. Here are our top 10 best indoor plants for clean air.
1. Dypsis Lutescens or Bamboo Palm
Bamboo palm or also known as the Golden cane palm has been listed as one of the best air purifying plants on NASA’s list. It is a tropical plant commonly found in the native areas of Madagascar. This plant is known for surviving in low or dim lights.
It is specifically known for removing the formaldehyde from the air and keep the place humid. Its arched leaves and graceful stature make it perfect for your living rooms. You can easily buy it online from Garden4you.
Position- Place it in a bright spot but not directly in sunlight or full sun.
Care- in summer water the plant 2-3 times a week with lukewarm water and once in a week in winters. Always check the soil before watering it should be slightly dry or you might end up over-watering and ruining the plant.
Toxicity- Bamboo plant is not toxic to you and your beloved cats and dogs
2. Snake plant or Mother-in-Law’s tongue
Snake plant is one of the best indoor plants for clean air. There are around 70 species of this plant all native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is known for removing cancer-causing pollutants and chemicals.
It is effective in removing harmful toxins like CO2, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. It can absorb many harmful toxins and can work effectively against air-borne allergies. It is a perfect plant to keep in your bedroom as it releases a rich amount of oxygen at night and helps you to get a good night’s sleep.
Position- they can thrive in any setting but keep them away from direct sunlight as their color may dull
Care- It is a very low-maintenance plant, needs light watering once a week. They tend to rot if over-watered.
Toxicity- It is not called Mother-in-law’s tongue for no reason besides its many health, feng- shui, and religious benefits all over the world. This plant is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. It releases a liquid that can cause a skin reaction so use gloves while handling and keep it away from kids and pets.
3. English Ivy
You want to get rid of moldy air and fecal particles in the air that can cause several allergic reactions and air-borne diseases. Choose English Ivy, a very easy growing plant, ideal for home with small kids, or bathroom. It is a great humidifier and removes harmful toxins from the air.
Position- ideal for bathrooms, kitchen, and living rooms
Care- needs a lot of watering and direct sunlight for at least 4 hours a day. It grows rapidly so mind the length.
Toxicity- it is a mildly toxic plant that might cause an allergic reaction in some people. Not meant for ingestion can cause diarrhea or neurological conditions if taken orally in large quantities regularly.
4. Peace Lily
The peace lily is also known as a closet plant, ideal for homes and offices. They are one of the top air-purifying plants and are known for removing several harmful compounds while adding a touch of glamour.
Position- Place them in bright places but indirect sunlight
Care- Water them regularly, its leaves turn brown if not watered properly
Toxicity- Poisonous to cats and dogs
5. Dragon Tree
Red-edged Dracaena or dragon tree is known for removing chemicals and pollutants like Trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, benzene, CO2, and xylene. It is a slow-growing plant with spiky red edges. Help in decreasing respiratory problems, anemia, headaches, and many more diseases.
Position- This plant can grow up to 8ft so keep it in place with a high ceiling.
Care- Place it in bright places and indirect sunlight, you can water them generously twice or thrice a week. Let the soil dry out a few inches before watering again.
Toxicity- It is a non-toxic plant for pets and humans, but do not ingest it
6. Weeping fig
Weeping fig or Ficus tree is a popular indoor plant for clean air. It can detoxify air around you by removing chemicals like formaldehyde, xylene, and Toluene according to NASA.
Position- the can be placed anywhere in the house and don’t like to change
Care- Place them in bright places with indirect sunlight. Only water once or twice a week if you find the soil is dry out a few inches.
Toxicity- It is a mildly toxic plant to both humans and pets and can cause some skin reactions and gastrointestinal issues if you touch or ingest its sap.
7. Rubber plant
The rubber plant is known for fighting several air-borne toxins and pollutants, It keeps away tropical diseases and parasites. It is highly resistant to insects. It is a great humidifier and has striking looks. Place it on your desk or near the windowsill.
Position-
Care- Place it in low-level light, doesn’t require much water use the sprayer if possible only twice a week
Toxicity- Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested
8. Aloe Vera
Besides its healing abilities and skin and hair care benefits. Aloe Vera is a great indoor plant for clean air. It is known for purifying the air from harmful chemicals that are found very commonly in every household such as floor finishes, detergents, and varnishes.
Position- Place it in your kitchen, balcony, and windows with direct sunlight
Care- It requires plenty of water every other day and thrives in a sunny location
Toxicity- It is a non-toxic plant but not meat for ingestion
9. Anthurium
Also known as Flamingo Lily. If you are looking for an indoor plant for clean air that can also add a pop of color to your home then anthurium is an excellent choice. As per NASA’s study, this evergreen plant is effective in removing airborne formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, and ammonia. Buy it from here.
Position- Place them in bright areas away from direct sunlight
Care- Watering flamingo lily is a challenging task they like evenly moist soil but rot quickly if slightly over watered. They like humid areas such as the bathroom and kitchen.
Toxicity- they are only toxic to humans and pets if taken orally
10. Dieffenbachia
It is also known as a dumb cane or leopard lily. It is a tropical plant that grows well in humid places with indirect sunlight. It is known for absorbing CO2 and several harmful toxins from the air and improving air quality. It is one of the best low-maintenance indoor plants for clean air.
Position- you can place them anywhere in your home
Care- They don’t require much water or direct sunlight. They thrive in a low level of lights. Let the soil dry out a few inches before watering again.
Toxicity- They are known as dumb cane because of their slightly toxic nature. They can cause temporary speech loss if ingested.