The top three common toxins in indoor air of major concern are: benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde, which could lead to serious health problems like asthma, cancer and various allergies. Lucky for us, nature has a way of keeping itself clean. In recent years, scientists at NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) have discovered that the best way to detox the air in your home or office is to buy keep and grow houseplants.
There are many powerful air-purifying houseplants that naturally remove pollutants from the air. Some well-placed greenery can not only brighten your space but also help in keeping you healthy. Houseplants are much cheaper than buying expensive air purifying machines or humidifiers.
The following are our top 6 indoor plants that are easy to maintain and are extremely effective in purifying air.
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Our top houseplant is the peace lily, which is known to reduce harmful indoor toxins that may cause cancer. An easy-to-care-for houseplant, the peace lily is a great pollution fighter and air-purifier. Peace lilies absorb benzene and formaldehyde present in the house.
Pet Friendly: Toxic to animals. Light: Thrives in low light and Bright Light. Low light inhibits flower production. Water: Heavy Eliminates: formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia
2. Areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
The best performer at removing airborne toxins as well as releasing moisture in the air, thereby regulating humidity is the Areca Palm.
Pet Friendly: Safe. Light: Moderate to bright light. Water: Heavy Eliminates: formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and ammonia
3. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe Vera is the miracle plant possessing a variety of medicinal properties. Not only does it help with skin burns and digestion when the flesh is eaten, but also with filters gas emissions from dangerously toxic materials.
Pet Friendly: Toxic to animals Light: Moderate to bright light. Water: Low
Eliminates: formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene and ammonia
4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is best suited for people with asthma and allergic conditions. Easy to grow in bright sunlight, this plant has the amazing ability to remove benzene and formaldehyde and chemicals released by synthetic materials.
Pet Friendly: Toxic to animals Light: Low or Bright light, but not direct light. Water: Moderate Eliminates: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and more
5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Tests have shown that rubber plants are especially efficient at removing formaldehyde from the air.
Pet Friendly: Toxic to animals Light: Full or Bright light. Water: Heavy Eliminates: carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and more
6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
A beautiful houseplant with long grassy leaves, the spider plant also grows rapidly. This elegant plant is great at removing poisonous gases as well as other impurities like formaldehyde and xylene. For better effect, it should be kept in the kitchen or near the fireplace, as these are the places where carbon monoxide accumulates a lot.
Pet Friendly: Safe. Light: Moderate. Water: Low Eliminates: carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and xylene
—By Crystal Whaley
