The Best Houseplants that Reduce Allergies and Remove Toxins
Despite our best efforts and hours spent cleaning, getting “fresh air” can feel like an impossible task. With so many factors affecting indoor air quality – cleaning products, formaldehyde, chemical flame retardants, and more – it’s like fighting a losing battle.
Rather than spend hundreds of dollars on air filters, why not opt for a simple, inexpensive solution? One of the most effective, natural ways to purify the air is to spruce up your home with a few plants.
As it turns out, there are certain plant species with natural air-filtering systems that will help get rid of indoor air toxins and contaminants. In a study conducted by NASA, researchers found that houseplants can absorb dangerous toxins from the air, specifically in enclosed spaces with limited air flow.
It’s time we clear the air. Here are the seven best air-purifying houseplants, and how to care for each:
English Ivy
As the type of plant that will spread over most surfaces, English ivy is very adaptable to its environment. This plant is known for eliminating formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, benzene, trichloroethylene and more.
In terms of caring for English ivy, water it daily while it’s growing. However, during the winter months, occasional watering and misting will suffice.
Boston Fern
While the Boston Fern requires more attention compared to other plants (watering and misting daily), ferns remove more formaldehyde from the air compared to any other plant, according to a study from the American Society of Horticultural Science.
Spider Plants
Spider plants are known for removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air. These plants grow quickly and require watering two to three times per week.
Golden Pothos
If you’re a beginner when it comes to indoor gardening, don’t fret. The golden pothos is an excellent choice. Not only does it remove a wide range of indoor air pollutants (formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene, and several other toxins), but it’s also very hard to kill. So, even if you forget to water it, or over water it, this plant can withstand almost anything.
Bamboo Palms
Bamboo palms are effective at removing benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, xylene, and chloroform from the air.
These plants need bright sunlight (does not have to be direct) in an area where there is enough air circulation. It’s also important to keep the soil moist.
Rubber plants
These plants are known for their ability to eliminate carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
They thrive in bright, filtered light. Water to maintain moist soil, especially during the winter months.
Fun fact: Rubber plants can grow up to 8-feet tall!
Peace Lilies
Not only are these plants beautiful to look at, but they can also grow in almost any type of lighting, and require minimum soil moisture.
Peace lilies remove formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia, and more pollutants.
Worried about toxic cleaning products harming your plants? Learn about what green cleaning products are (and what they aren't).
Are you ready to try these air-cleaning superstars? Share your favorites in the comments!