The Best Plants to Keep in Your Home for Air Purification

We all want to breathe easy in our homes, but did you know that the air inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside? Many factors contribute to indoor air pollution, from off-gassing furniture to dirty ductwork.

Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to help improve the air quality in your home, and one of the best is by keeping plants. Not only do they add a touch of nature and beauty to your space, but they also help to purify the air by absorbing harmful toxins.

There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing plants for your home. But if you’re looking for something that will help purify the air, there are certain types of plants that are better than others. Here are a few of the best plants to keep in your home for air purification:

Spider Plant

One of the most popular houseplants, spider plants are not only beautiful but also very efficient at absorbing carbon monoxide and other toxins from the air. It’s easy to care for and can remove up to 90% of toxins from the air, making it ideal for bedrooms and other small spaces.

You can place spider plant pots in different areas of your home to help purify the air and create a more natural feel. But the best thing about them is that they’re very easy to care for—even if you’re not the best gardener, you can probably keep a spider plant alive.

Bamboo Palm

Another good choice is the bamboo palm, which can grow up to 10 feet tall and does an excellent job of filtering out harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. Bamboo palm is also known to boost humidity levels, making it a good choice for dryer rooms like the kitchen or bathroom.

Taking care of a bamboo palm is a bit more work than some of the other plants on this list, but it’s worth it for the air-purifying benefits. Make sure to keep it in a bright spot and water when the soil is dry—overwatering can kill this plant.

Aloe Vera

You might already have this one in your medicine cabinet, but aloe vera is not only good for treating cuts and burns—it’s also great for purifying the air. Aloe vera plants can remove harmful toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making them a good choice for homes with smokers or pets.

Rooms that tend to be dry, like the kitchen or bathroom, are a good place for an aloe vera plant. Just make sure not to put it in direct sunlight, as this can damage the leaves.

Peace Lily

If you have pets, you might also want to consider the peace lily, which is known for its ability to remove ammonia from the air. Ammonia is a common pollutant in homes with pets, and peace lilies can help to reduce those levels. Plus, peace lily plants are beautiful and relatively easy to care for.

The perfect placement for peace lilies is in a bright, indirect sunlight spot—they can actually suffer from too much light. Water them when the soil is dry to the touch, and be careful not to over-water, as this can lead to root rot.

Snake Plant

Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, this tough and easy-to-care-for plant is great at filtering out formaldehyde, which is commonly found in cleaning products, carpeting, and paint. Snake plants are a good choice for busy households since they don’t need a lot of attention, and can even tolerate being neglected for long periods of time.

You can simply have a snake plant in any room that could benefit from improved air quality. Just make sure to give it some bright, indirect sunlight and let the soil dry out between watering.

Golden Pothos

Golden pothos is a great all-purpose plant that does a good job of filtering out a variety of toxins, including formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene. Golden pothos is also very easy to care for, making it a good choice for beginners.

If you’re looking for a plant that can purify the air in multiple rooms, golden pothos is a good option. It can tolerate low light but grows best in bright, indirect sunlight. Allow the soil to dry out between watering—over-watering can lead to root rot.

Dracaena

Last on our list is dracaena, which is a type of plant that comes in many different varieties. Some of the most common include the Janet Craig and Warneckii dracaena. These plants are known for their ability to filter out harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

Dracaena plants can grow quite large, so they’re a good choice for rooms with high ceilings. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light. Allow the soil to dry out between watering since too much water can lead to root rot.

Takeaways

There you have it—our list of the best plants to keep in your home for air purification. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your needs. Just remember to give them some bright light and water when the soil is dry, and you’ll be on your way to cleaner, healthier air.

What’s your favorite air-purifying plant? Do you have any tips to share for keeping them healthy and happy? Let us know in the comments below!