Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen; we all know this from grade school. But some plants can actually do much more, like purifying the air in your home. Toxins like dust and household chemicals can remain in the air. So try these plants to not only make your place look better but breathe better too!
Air Purifying Plants
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Aloe vera
Known mostly for its healing benefits, the plant version has plenty too. Sometimes referred to as an ‘oxygen bomb’ because of its ability to increase oxygen levels in your home. It can also absorb more carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde than most other plants. Being a tropical plant, it needs light and well-drained soil. It’s known as a succulent, so it doesn’t need watering often. (Keep this one out of reach if you have a curious dog or cat- ingestion can cause vomiting).
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Peace lily
Not just pretty to look at, this plant is also great for ridding the air of formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene and ammonia. It actually topped NASA’s list of best plants for purifying the air. Some shade and weekly watering is all it needs to survive so it’s easy to take care of. (Keep this one out of reach of your furry friends).
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Spider plant
A really common houseplant, it benefits from being able to work in indirect sunlight. It can also effectively filter a 200 square meter area of toxins like gasoline, formaldehyde, styrene and carbon monoxide. It’s a bonus that they’re easy to take care of and grow.
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Estragon
Because of its ability to live on little light, its resilience and ease of growing, it makes it a good choice for those looking for a simple plant to take care of.
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English ivy
Not to be confused with poison ivy, English ivy can eliminate 60% of toxins and 58% of feces particles within 6 hours. It requires 4 or more hours of direct sunlight a day, so keeping it near a window is usually best. (This isn’t recommended for pet owners because it can be toxic if eaten by cats and dogs.)
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Chrysanthemum
Aside from removing benzene, they’ve been found to remove up to 90% of formaldehyde in a 24 hour period. More than just a pretty face, place them near a window with direct sunlight to encourage the buds to open and get the full purifying effect.
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Golden pothos
Virtually indestructible, it’s hard to kill a golden pothos unless you really try. It’s one of the best air purifiers because it reduces levels of benzene and trichloroethylene immensely. Give it some bright, indirect light and watch it grow and help you breathe easier! (This is another one to avoid if you have pets; if ingested, it can cause swelling their mouths).
NASA says every household should have between 15 and 18 of these plants in an area of 500 square meters, and to keep at least one in the bedroom. Not only will they brighten up your décor, but they’ll improve your indoor quality of life.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103634.htm
http://www.livescience.com/5681-houseplants-air-healthier.html
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/119-a426/
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132310003008
http://www.livescience.com/38445-indoor-plants-clean-air.html
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19930073077.pdf
http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005IJTSM.125..118S
https://scholar.google.ca/scholar?cluster=8723844387301958734&hl=en&as_sdt=1,5
http://journals.usamvcluj.ro/index.php/agricultura/article/view/8127/6934
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