5 Best Houseplants for Clean Air

Plants are known to bring natural beauty into our living spaces, but they do far more than just look pretty. Plants are essential for detoxifying the air we breathe and are connected to our overall well-being. Whether you live in a tiny apartment or a large house, introducing plants into your home is an easy way to improve your health and happiness.

Today, indoor air quality is one of the top five environmental risks to public health. This is largely due to furnishings, personal-care products, synthetic building materials, and cleaning products that can emit a variety of toxic compounds, such as formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene.

The good news is that plants are an easy, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing way to combat the icky stuff we may be breathing in. By absorbing toxins and purifying our air, plants actually reduce stress levels, improve concentration, and boost mood - making them the perfect addition to any room in your home.

Here are a few of our favorite houseplants that are proven to clean the air in your home (and how to care for them):

Peace Lily

Peace Lily plants may be small in size, but they still pack some major air-cleaning abilities. Believe it or not, this beautiful white flowered plant is easy to grow, extremely low maintenance and tops NASA’s Clean Air Study list for removing all three of the most common air pollutants: benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Make sure your Peace Lilies are in a shady spot and keep the soil moist without overwatering.

Snake Plant

Also known as Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, the Snake Plant is one of the most recommended plants for improving air quality. Not only does this yellow-tipped succulent absorb over 107 airborne toxins, it also releases copious amounts of oxygen at night, helping you to breathe better while sleeping. Better yet, this plant seems to thrive in just about any climate with low light, making it an excellent choice to keep in the bedroom.

Barberton Daisy

Add a pop of color to your home, lift your spirits, and detoxify your air with the Barberton Daisy. These colorful daisies are effective at cleansing toxins found in a range of household materials, from paints to synthetic fibers. They like well-drained soil and direct sunlight, so keep them by a window and mist their leaves a few times a week.

Boston Fern

The Boston fern specializes in cleansing the air of formaldehyde (found in shampoos, cosmetics, and detergents), which the American Cancer Society considers a known human carcinogen. These plants are killer at purifying air, while also being totally stylish. Pot this plant in a hanging basket in your bathroom or bedroom and watch its foliage grow! They like some sun, but not too much, and like to be misted down a few times a day.

Pothos

Looking for the perfect houseplant that is low-maintenance? With very little care, the indoor-friendly Pothos plant will grow and grow, with only a limited amount of sunlight and water. Not to mention, the plant’s dark leaves with yellow, cream, or white marbling spruce up any room you add it to.