10 Air Purifying Plants For Your Home

You don’t need to have a green thumb to take care of these plants. This list is all indoor plants that have a natural way to help purify your home. According to NASA’s research findings, “plants that require low light demonstrated a surprising potential to improve the air in your home. They help remove the build-up of pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia. These can cause a headache, dizziness, nausea, and eye, ear, nose irritation.”

How does it work? Plants absorb the pollutants in the air as well as carbon dioxide. The plants then undergo photosynthesis and transform these harmful elements into oxygen. Isn’t that wonderful? Just having these potted green life will give you a breath of fresh air. With that being said, it means less stress, better blood pressure, lesser mental fatigue and a more relaxing environment for both your home and in your office.

Here is the list for your reference:

1. PEACE LILLY (Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’) – This is resilient tropical plant and yields bouquets of fragrant flowers in the summer.

Plant care : Easy to grow. They want shady spots and keep the soil moist without overwatering. Keep soil slightly moist. Too little light can prevent flower blooming.
Non-toxic : Toxic to cats, dogs and children. It can cause burning, swelling and skin irritation.
Eliminates : benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia and more

2. CHINESE EVERGREEN (Aglaonema Modestum) – This is one of the most common. It is easy to grow and maintain.

Plant care : Water moderately and allow compost to almost dry out before watering. They like high humidity, a little regular misting, and getting repotted every few years.
Toxic to animals : Toxic to dogs.
Eliminates : benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and more

3. SPIDER PLANT (Chlorophytum comosum) – They grow quickly and sometimes produce small white flowers. Got its name from long droopy leaves.

Plant care : Water your spider plants two to three times a week.
Non-toxic : For children or animals who like to play with swinging things, this plant is safe.
Eliminates : formaldehyde, xylene, toluene

4. DRACAENA – (Dracaena marginata) – This comes in all shapes, sizes and color.

Plant care : Keep the soil damp but not soggy, as too much water is a kiss of death for this plant.
Toxic to animals: Your cat or dog may vomit, salivate more, or have dilated pupils if they eat dracaenas.
Eliminates : formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, trichloroethylene

5. CHRYSANTHEMUM (Chrysanthemum morifolium) Or “mums” – They are ranked the highest for air purification. Take note that the flower only bloom for about six weeks.

Plant care : Check the soil’s moisture every other day, and keep it damp.
Toxic to animals: Even though it has a friendly name, mums are toxic to both cats and dogs.
Eliminates : formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, ammonia

6. BOSTON FERN (Nephrolepis Exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’) – These are lush fern with featherlike fronds and thrives in humidity.

Plant care : They are harder to care for than others. They need to stay moist. Prefer high humidity and indirect light.
Toxic to animals: Toxic when ingested
Eliminates : formaldehyde, toluene and xylene

7. SNAKE PLANT/ MOTHER-IN-LAW’S PLANT (Sanseviera trifasciata) – They thrive in almost all conditions.

Plant care : They prefer dry condition and some sun. Require occasional watering.
Toxic to animals: Toxic when ingested
Eliminates : benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene

8. BAMBOO PALM (Chamaedorea Seifritzii) – They thrive in full sun or bright light.

Plant care : They thrive in full sun and bright light.
Toxic to animals: Pet friendly
Eliminates : benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene

9. ALOE VERA (A. barbadensis) – leaves hold a fluid that has full of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and other compounds that has healing, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties.

Plant care : They need to drain properly. They do not thrive in standing water.
Toxic to animals: Not to be ingested raw
Eliminates : formaldehyde

10. Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – This plant is as close as plants can get to being indestructible. It’s also considered one of the most effective indoor air purifiers for removing common toxins.

Plant care : Water when the soil is dry. You can trim the tendrils when the plant gets too big.
Toxic to animals: Keep this plant out of reach for both cats and dogs.
Eliminates : formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, carbon monoxide, and more.

**Photos gathered online. Thank you!