Plants have been used for centuries to cleanse the air. In fact, they were one of the first tools people had when it came to cleaning their homes.Today, there are a variety of plants that can be used to purify the air in our homes and offices. The key is finding the right type of plant for the job.
When it comes to clearing the air of specific contaminants, certain species of plants are more effective than others. For example, plants like spider plants, ferns, and peace lilies are good at removing formaldehyde. Other plants are better at removing other types of pollutants. For instance, plants like yucca, aloe vera, and bamboo are good at removing benzene.
The best part is that most of these air purifying plants are inexpensive, easy to care for, and require very little maintenance. So if you want to improve the indoor air quality in your home or office, in ways that go beyond regularly changing your air filter, then buckle up! We are about to go over some of the best plants to keep around to assist in air purification and indoor air quality.
Why and How Plants Improve Air Quality
How exactly can plants help enhance the quality of the air inside? Well, they do so by using two different methods: absorption and filtration.
Absorption
When it comes to absorbing airborne particles, plants use their leaves to filter out toxins. Leaves contain millions of tiny pores called stomata which allow oxygen into the leaf but prevent toxins from entering.
As the plant breathes, it absorbs toxins through its stomata. When the plant needs more oxygen, it closes up the stomata and releases the absorbed toxins back into the atmosphere.
Filtration
While absorption is important, plants also use another method to improve the quality of air in a space: filtration. This process involves trapping airborne particles with the roots of the plant.
As the plant grows, it creates a network of root hairs that trap dust, pollen, mold spores, and even bacteria.
This trapped material is then moved throughout the plant via the phloem (the plant's circulatory system). Once inside the plant, the material is broken down and recycled.
Best Plants to Improve Air Quality
Below is a detailed list of the best air purifying plants.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is an excellent choice for just about anyone given that it requires very little maintenance. You can place it practically anywhere since it can resist a wide variety of temperatures and light. Just be careful not to overwater the soil. It requires moist soil, not wet.
Formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide, benzene, and xylene are just a few of the pollutants that snake plants are very good at eliminating from the air.
Peace Lily
The peace lily is a beautiful addition to any room. It has a long history as a symbol of love and beauty. Another one of its many well-known abilities is that it removes formaldehyde from the atmosphere.
Formaldehyde is a chemical molecule that may be found in many different types of consumer goods, including paint, nail polish, and furniture polish. In addition, if you live near a factory or industrial area, this plant will help reduce the amount of formaldehyde that may be released into the air by the factory.
English Ivy
This climbing plant is ideal for hanging baskets and a wonderful way to add some freshness to your decor. Put this plant in a location that receives plenty of direct sunlight, but be sure to maintain a consistent temperature. It requires a large amount of water as well as soil that drains well.
English ivy not only eliminates benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, but it may also help stop the spread of airborne mold in your house.
Golden Pothos
The golden pothos is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. They are available practically everywhere that houseplants are sold.
They need bright indirect lighting and a well-draining potting mix. Because they cannot withstand the cold, you need to make sure that they are kept warm during the winter months.
Pothos is one of the best air purifying indoor plants, removing formaldehyde from the air, as well as other volatile organic compounds.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are great for improving air quality because they remove formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. They are also effective at reducing noise pollution.
They do need to be kept well-watered. Thus, it is important to water them on a consistent basis. You should also avoid fertilizing them too much as this will cause them to grow quickly and become leggy.
Yucca
The hot, arid regions of the Americas and the Caribbean are where the yucca plant first originated. It is an extremely hardy plant that is capable of surviving and even thriving in virtually any setting.
Yucca is growing in popularity as a garden or interior addition since it is easy to maintain, looks great, and has a variety of applications, including being a potent air purifier since it helps remove carbon dioxide from the air.
Yuccas grow on broad, woody stems or canes, so taking care of them is easy and uncomplicated. The best setting is in a sunny to somewhat shaded area since indirect light substantially enhances leaf color, while direct sunlight may result in browning tips or white patches on the leaves.
Both indoor and outdoor yucca plants need very little water, and they can actually withstand various levels of drought. When a plant is cultivated in a container, light fertilization may aid in its development, but it is not essential for established plants.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular plant used for its medicinal properties. But were you aware that it also has the ability to help clean the air?
Not only does this plant help you breathe better, but it also helps you sleep better. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce stress levels and increase energy. It also cleanses the air of formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfides, ammonia, and sulfur dioxides.
It's important to note that aloe vera needs plenty of sun exposure. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to place it near a window or under a lamp.
They'll pay for themselves if you make sure they get enough sunlight (or add indoor grow lights if natural light isn't an option), as well as adding a natural look to whichever room you put it in.
Basil
Basil is another plant that improves the air quality inside. It absorbs odors and reduces airborne bacteria. It also helps prevent mold growth, and it removes formaldehyde, benzene as well as other harmful chemicals from the environment.
To ensure the continued vitality and growth of your basil plant, it is essential to water it on a regular basis.
Bamboo
The bamboo palm, also known as the reed palm, reaches heights of three to six feet. This strong indoor plant's long, graceful leaves filter out pollutants, including formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene, and chloroform.
Bamboo not only allows you to breathe cleaner air, but it also works wonders to keep spider mites away.
During the dry and frigid winter months, the bamboo palm will secrete some much-needed moisture into the air. It thrives on all-purpose liquid fertilizer throughout the summer and is best maintained away from direct sunshine.
Boston Fern
These ferns have been around for centuries and have been used by people for their healing properties. The Boston fern is a good choice for your home's air quality. In fact, these plants are able to absorb up to 50% more oxygen than most houseplants. This means that when you're breathing through your nose, you're inhaling less polluted air.
This type of fern requires a lot of direct sunlight, which makes it perfect for living rooms and bedrooms.
Chrysanthemum
If you want to enhance the quality of the air in your house, chrysanthemums are an excellent option to take into consideration. They are one of the simplest plants to cultivate indoors, and they do not take up a significant amount of room at all.
You can use them to create beautiful arrangements, but they can also be grown in pots and placed anywhere in your home.
Chrysanthemum is great for removing formaldehyde, benzene, and other harmful chemicals from the air in your home.
Cacti
A cactus is a succulent plant with spines that grows naturally in deserts and semi-desert areas.
When you buy a cactus, you are getting a plant that is already adapted to survive in harsh conditions. That means that it doesn't need to be watered regularly, and it will thrive even without any kind of sunlight.
The removal of formaldehyde, benzene, and other potentially hazardous substances from your home makes cacti an excellent choice for enhancing the overall quality of the air in your home or office.
Daisies
Daisy flowers are known for being cheerful and bright, making them a great addition to any garden, but did you know that daisies are also effective at cleaning the air?
Daisies remove formaldehyde, benzene, and other harmful chemicals from our homes. They are also extremely easy to maintain, and they won't cost you a fortune.
Rubber Plants
One of the most effective houseplants for cleaning the air in modern homes is the rubber plant.
Not only do they contribute to the improvement of air quality, but they also add to an environment that is more calming.
Rubber plants are very easy to care for, and they don't need too much attention. All you really need to do is give them enough light and water them every few weeks.
Rubber plants are also very resilient, and they can withstand extreme temperatures. So if you live somewhere where there is a lot of cold weather, then this plant might just be the right choice for you.
Spaces to Keep Plants
Maintaining high air quality throughout your house is ideal. If you’re going to invest in plants to add throughout your home or office, below are a few of the rooms where a boost in air quality can be especially beneficial.
Bedroom
It's important to keep air purifying plants in your bedroom in order to help prevent indoor air pollution.
In the bedroom, air-purifying plants may help create cleaner air by absorbing and trapping pollutants while also releasing oxygen to create a more hygienic and fresh sleeping environment.
Office
As you spend a large amount of your time in the office, higher air quality is important. Air purifying plants assist in ensuring that all your indoor air is filtered, removing harmful gasses and toxins, and making sure that the air you breathe is pure and safe. At the end of the day, higher air quality in an office space can reduce brain fog and increase one's ability to focus.
Bathroom
Adding some air-cleansing plants to your bathroom is a great method to maintain a sanitary and healthy environment in this space.These plants not only filter out airborne particles but also release oxygen into the air, creating a healthier and fresher environment — perfect for a bathroom.
Living Room
Plants are a wonderful way to make your living room feel like a sanctuary, but beyond that, plants can ensure the air quality within this space leaves you feeling relaxed. Whether you’re using your living room as a place to nap or a place to spend time with family, plants in this space can help to pick up toxins and provide a higher air quality for everyone in the room.
Kitchen
One of the top contributors to poor indoor air quality is the smoke that comes from kitchen appliances when cooking. For that reason, adding plants to the kitchen or in the rooms surrounding the kitchen can be beneficial. Doing so can help to reduce the amount of pollutants caused by appliances while cooking.
Play Room
Children spend a significant amount of their day playing indoors. This means that they are exposed to a wide range of contaminants, including dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and even lead paint.
Your child's playroom may be made safer and healthier by adding air-purifying plants, which will help decrease the number of toxins.
Why Filters Should Be The First Line of Defense for Air Quality
While plants can contribute to a better indoor air quality, they aren’t the first line of defense. The air filters in your home are going to catch significantly more pollutants and allergens than your plants will, which is why it’s important that you prioritize changing your air filter regularly. Even a house full of plants won’t be able to capture all of the pollutants that your air filter normally would.
Aside from that, air filters are going to be the first contact that pollutants come across when being filtered into and throughout your home. Whether your HVAC unit is pulling air in or your system is filtering air throughout your home, the air will have to travel through the air filter. With routine changing of your air filter, you can better maintain the air quality within your home.
Improve Air Quality With Airzey
At Airzey, our primary objective is to raise awareness among families and companies about the potentially hazardous toxic compounds that are always present in the environment and that you inhale while at home and at work, respectively.
We provide a subscription service for high-quality air filters, which makes it easy for you to replace your existing f
