Indoor plants are more than just a pretty face; according to recent research some varieties can significantly improve the air quality in your home while being an added attraction to your interior home decor. By absorbing toxins, increasing humidity, and producing oxygen, these green companions can make your living space healthier and more enjoyable. Here are ten live home décor options, identified as air-purifying plants by plant experts, that are perfect for creating a clean and natural home environment.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a fantastic addition to any home, not just for its air-purifying qualities but also for its aesthetic appeal and ease of care. It is renowned for its ability to remove harmful toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde and xylene. These toxins are commonly found in household products like cleaning supplies, paints, and furniture. By absorbing these pollutants, the Spider Plant helps to improve indoor air quality, making your home a healthier place.
2. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
This is a remarkable plant that offers a multitude of benefits, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly its soothing gel, the gel inside the leaves is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent remedy for various skin conditions. Aloe Vera also helps to purify the air by removing formaldehyde and benzene. Plus, it’s a low-maintenance plant.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
These are not only stunning houseplants with glossy, dark green leaves which contrast beautifully with their elegant white blooms, that are actually specialized leaf bracts called spathes that surround the true flowers. These blooms can last for several weeks, adding a touch of sophistication and tranquility to any room. Peace Lilies are exceptional at removing a variety of pollutants from the air, including ammonia, commonly found in cleaning products. Also, benzene which is present in paints, furniture wax, and detergents. Formaldehyde that is emitted by household products like paper towels, tissues, and synthetic fabrics. In addition, trichloroethylene which is found in solvents, adhesives, and paint removers. By absorbing these toxins, Peace Lilies help to greatly improve indoor air quality resulting in a healthier living space.
4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the Snake Plant is a hardy plant that can filter out a variety of ondoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides. It’s perfect for beginners due to its low maintenance needs. The Snake Plant is a resilient and versatile houseplant that offers numerous benefits. Its ability to absorb toxins helps to improve indoor air quality.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns are great for adding humidity to the air and removing pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene. They thrive in indirect light and require regular watering. They are not only beautiful but also incredibly beneficial for indoor environments. The Boston Fern, by absorbing these toxins, helps to improve indoor air quality. With their lush, feathery fronds, Boston Ferns add a touch of elegance and greenery to any space. They are perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or as a tabletop plant. Their cascading fronds create a beautiful, natural look that can enhance the aesthetic of any room.
Boston Ferns are non-toxic to pets, making them a safe choice for households with cats and dogs. You don’t have to worry about your furry friends nibbling on the leaves. They can also help to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Overall, Boston Ferns are a versatile and attractive addition to any home. Their ability to purify the air, add humidity, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space makes them a perfect choice for indoor gardening. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, Boston Ferns are sure to thrive and bring a touch of nature indoors.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is effective at reducing airborne mold and fecal matter particles, making it a great choice for homes with pets. It’s also known to remove several harmful pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. English Ivy is highly effective at reducing airborne mold and fecal matter particles, making it an excellent choice for homes with pets. It helps to improve indoor air quality by absorbing these particles and preventing them from circulating in the air. With its lush, trailing vines and vibrant green leaves, English Ivy adds a touch of elegance and natural beauty to any space. It can be grown in hanging baskets, pots, or trained to climb trellises and walls, making it a versatile decorative plant.
7. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is a powerful air purifier that can remove formaldehyde from the air. It’s also a striking plant with its large, glossy leaves. Rubber Plants are effective at removing toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. These pollutants are commonly found in household products like cleaning supplies, paints, and furniture. By absorbing these harmful substances, Rubber Plants help to improve indoor air quality, making your home a healthier place to live. With their large, glossy leaves and upright growth habit, Rubber Plants add a touch of elegance and greenery to any space. The leaves can range in color from deep green to burgundy, depending on the variety. Their bold, architectural form makes them a striking focal point in any room.
8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bamboo Palms are excellent at filtering out formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. With their lush, feathery fronds, Bamboo Palms add a touch of tropical elegance to any space. Their graceful, arching leaves create a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, making them a perfect addition to your home decor. They can be grown in pots or containers, making them versatile for various indoor settings.
9. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden Pothos is a versatile plant that can remove formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air. It’s also easy to grow and can thrive in low light conditions. Also known as Devil’s Ivy, it is a popular houseplant that offers numerous benefits. It is highly effective at removing harmful pollutants from the air. With its heart-shaped, variegated leaves, Golden Pothos adds a touch of greenery and elegance to any space. Its trailing vines can be grown in hanging baskets, pots, or trained to climb trellises and walls, making it a versatile decorative plant.
10. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens are known for their highly effective ability to remove a variety of air pollutants, including benzene and formaldehyde thereby improving indoor air quality. They’re also low-maintenance and can tolerate low light. With their lush, variegated leaves and attractive patterns, Chinese Evergreens add a touch of elegance and greenery to any space. They come in various shades of green, silver, and even red, making them a versatile decorative plant that can complement any interior decor.
TAKEAWAYS FOR HOME AND GARDEN LOVERS
By incorporating any, or all, of these air-purifying, low-maintenance plants into your home, you can create a healthier and more vibrant living environment. Not only do they help clean the air, but they also add beauty and tranquillity to any home decor space. The presence of greenery and the act of caring for plants have been shown to have positive effects on mood and overall mental health. Happy planting!
