10 Indoor Plants that Clean the Air and Remove Toxins
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According to a research conducted by NASA, some houseplants were found to be effective in cleaning indoor air of harmful pollutants like ammonia, xylene, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene in addition to increasing oxygen concentration.
Indoor air pollution is a growing concern due to chemicals released from furniture, cleaning products, and poor ventilation. Fortunately, the air-purifying plants can naturally filter toxins, improve humidity, and enhance overall well-being.
Pollutants are found in computers, phones, furniture, paints, detergents, varnish, sprays and others. These pollutants are especially in higher concentrations in our indoor spaces basically because air circulation is limited.
Some of these pollutants may have adverse effect on human health. Of major concern are the Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs).
What Toxins Do Plants Remove From The Air?
Some of the most common toxins or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in our living spaces are:
Trichloroethylene: This is found in paints, varnish, dry cleaning chemicals and adhesives.
Formaldehyde: This is a water soluble organic compound found in grocery bags, cleaning agents, lacquers, varnishes and paper tissues.
Xylene: Xylene is mainly found in tobacco smoke, rubber products, paints and vehicle exhaust fumes.
Benzene: Benzene is a common solvent mainly found in gasoline, oils, rubber and plastics.
Ammonia: Ammonia is commonly found in house cleaners, floor wax and fertilizers.
Below we have outlined 10 of the NASA recommended easy-care houseplants for removing toxins from indoor air.
10 Indoor Plants for Increased Oxygen and Clean Air
The best air-cleaning plants are Snake Plant, Pothos, Areca Palm, Bamboo Palms, Dracaena marginata, English Ivy, Peace Lily, Spider Plants, Heartleaf Philodendron among others.
1. Snake Plants (Dracaena trifasciata)
Snake Plants also called Mother in law's tongue are effective in getting rid of carbon dioxide, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, toulene and formaldehyde. Theu also increase the oxygen concentration in the air
Snake Plants are hard to kill plants which will withstand low light, dry air, drafts and long periods without water.
Dracaena trifasciata require bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, warmth of 16-290C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, loose, fertile, succulents soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for Snake Plants.
2. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea erumpens)
Bamboo Palm is one of the favorite Indoors Palms on account of its beauty, ease of care and air-cleaning properties as it removes trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde from indoor air.
Chamaedorea erumpens can grow to a height of 6-10 feet placing it among the tree-like plants for the home, office and other suitable spaces.
Chamaoderea erumpens blossoms in bright indirect light (filtered light), warmth of 15-260C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Bamboo Palm.
3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Areca Palm also called Butterfly Palm or Golden Cane Palm is a 6-10 feet plant with long, feathery fronds and smooth, yellowish, bamboo-like canes which is excellent in the removal of formaldehyde, xylene and toulene from indoor air.
As indicated by ASPCA, Butterfly Palm is non-toxic to humans and pets placing it among the pet-friendly plants that you can grow in a home with cats, dogs and other pets.
Dypsis lutescens prospers in bright indirect light, warmth of 15-260C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained potting soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for Areca Palm.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
Peace Lily also called White Sails or Spathe Flower is great in the removal of formaldehyde, toulene, benzene, xylene, ammonia, mold and feacal matter from indoor air.
Apart from cleaning the air, Spathe Flower is among the popular plants for the home on account of the dark-green, glossy leaves and white blooms which will brighten any space.
Spathiphyllum wallisii flourishes in bright indirect light, warmth of 18-260C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, Peace Lily potting mix coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for Peace Lily.
5. Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plant also called Airplane Plant, Spider Ivy or Ribbon Plant is good in the removal of benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toulene from indoor air.
Airplane Plant produces numerous, long stems which bear tiny plantlets and hang down beautifully placing it among the well-liked plants for hanging a basket.
Chlorophytum comosum thrives in bright indirect light, warmth of 16-240C, humidity of 50-55% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Spider Plants.
6. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens)
Heartleaf Philodendron also called Sweetheart Plant is one of the popular Philodendron varieties, featuring magnificent, glossy, dark-green, heart-shaped leaves and trailing stems which can grow to 6 feet long.
As indicated by the the NASA Clean Air Study, Sweetheart Plant is effective in the removal of trichloroethylene from indoor air and is among the best plants for a study table for increased productivity.
Philodendron scandens grows best in medium to bright indirect light, warmth of 18-260C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained potting soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for Heartleaf Philodendron.
7. Corn Palm (Dracaena fragrans)
Corn Plant also called Corn Palm, Striped Dracaena, Compact Dracaena or Cornstalk Dracaena is among favored Dracaena varieties and gets rid of toulene, xylene, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloethylene from indoor air.
Corn Palm is a slow-growing, 6 feet tall plant and is one of the best large low-light plants for the living room where it will stand out to give a great impression.
Dracaena fragrans flourishes in bright indirect light (dappled light), warmth of 16-280C, humidity of 50-55% and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Corn Plant.
8. Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
Madagascar Dragon Tree is one of the colorful Dracaena plants and is effective in removal of xylene, toulene, benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde from indoor air.
The Madagascar Dragon Tree is among drought-tolerant plants, bears an aggressive root system and easily adapts to a wide range of growing conditions.
Dracaena marginata grows best in bright indirect light, warmth of 15-280C, humidity of 45-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained potting mix coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for Madagascar Dragon Tree.
9. Pothos (Scindapsus aureus)
Pothos also called Devil's Ivy, Devil's Vine or Money Plant are loved Pothos Varieties with air-purifying properties and get rid of benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toulene from indoor air.
Devil's Vines are fast-growing plants whose trailing stems can reach up to 6 feet making them perfect for hanging baskets.
Scindapsus aureus also called Epipremnum aureum flourish in medium to bright indirect light, warmth of 18-290C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, Pothos potting soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Pothos.
10. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy also called Common Ivy or European Ivy is effective in getting rid of formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toulene, trichloroethlyene and air-suspended dust partcicles.
On account of its trailing growth habits and ability to tolerate less than perfect growing conditions, European Ivy, is one of the low-light, small-sized plants for the shaded spaces.
Hedera helix prospers best in bright indirect light, warmth of 16-260C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for English Ivy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are air-purifying plants scientifically proven?
Yes. The NASA Clean Air Study demonstrated that several indoor plants can remove common indoor toxins.
2. How long do plants take to clean the air?
Results are gradual and improve as the plants grow and mature.
3. Can plants replace air purifiers?
No. Air-cleaning plants complement air purifiers by naturally improving indoor air quality
4. What plant purifies the air the most?
The Snake Plant is one of the most effective air-cleaner due to its ability to remove toxins and release oxygen at night.
5. Which plant is best for allergies?
Peace Lily and English Ivy are excellent for reducing mold spores and allergens.
6. What is the easiest air-cleaning plant for beginners?
Snake Plant and Pothos are the easiest and most forgiving of the air-cleaning plants.
7. Do artificial plants clean the air?
No, only live plants provide air-purifying properties.
8. Can air-purifying plants survive in low light?
Yes. Snake Plant, Peace Lily and Pothos do well in low-light conditions.
