10 Easy Care Plants that Clean the Air | Air Purifying Plants


Air Cleaning Houseplants Collage

These easy care 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.

The air is filled with lots of hazardous gases, fumes, chemicals among others which are as a result of technological advancement.

Pollutants are found on 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.

According to a research conducted by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to find out the effectiveness of houseplants in cleaning indoor air for their spacecraft, it was found that some houseplants are effective in removing these VOCs in addition to increasing oxygen concentration.

Below is our list of ten NASA recommended easy care houseplants for removing toxins from the air.

10 Low Maintenance Indoor Plants for Increased Oxygen and Clean Air

Our list of the easy-care houseplants with air cleaning properties include Snake Plant, Pothos, Areca Palm, Dracaena marginata, English Ivy, Peace Lily, Spider Plants among others.

1. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Snake plant, Sanseveria spp

Snake Plant also called Mother in law's tongue was found to be effective in getting rid of carbon dioxide, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, toulene and formaldehyde.

Snake Plants are easy to grow and are a perfect addition to any houseplant collection for the purposes of air cleaning.

Apart from cleaning the air, Snake Plant also increases the oxygen concentration in the air. Read more on how to grow and care for Snake Plants.

2. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea erumpens)

Bamboo palm

Bamboo Palm was found to be effective in the removal of trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde from indoor air.

The spectacular Bamboo Palm is easy to grow and easily adapts to a wide range of growing conditions. Read more on how to grow and care for Bamboo Palm.

3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Areca palm

The Areca Palm also called Butterfly Palm or Golden Cane Palm was found to be excellent in the removal of formaldehyde, xylene and toulene from indoor air.

Areca Palm is a beautiful palm which bears yellowish bamboo-like stems and gracefully drooping fronds. Read more on how to grow and care for Areca Palm.

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)

Peace Lily, Spathiphyllum wallisii

Peace Lily was found to be effective in the removal of formaldehyde, toulene, benzene, xylene, ammonia, mold and feacal matter from indoor air.

The flowering Peace Lily bears glossy, dark-green leaves and white blooms which will add beauty to any space. Read more on how to grow and care for Peace Lily.

5. Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider Plant

Spider Plant was found to be excellent for the removal of benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toulene from indoor air.

Spider Plant is extremely adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions; hot or cool, sun or shade and will tolerate dry air. Read more on how to grow and care for Spider Plant.

6. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens)

Heartleaf Philodendron

The Heartleaf Philodendron also called Sweetheart Plant was found to be effective in the removal of trichloroethylene from indoor air.

Heartleaf Philodendron is easy to grow and easily adapts to a wide range of growing conditions. Read more on how to grow and care for Heartleaf Philodendron.

7. Corn Palm (Dracaena fragrans)

Corn Palm

Corn Palm was found to clean indoor air of various pollutants like toulene, xylene, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloethylene.

On account of the large, yellow-striped leaves, this Dracaena Plant is an excellent choice for any plant collection. Read more on how to grow and care for Corn Palm.

8. Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

Madagascar Dragon tree, Dracaena marginata

Madagascar Dragon Tree was found to be effective in removal of xylene, toulene, benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde from indoor air.

The beautiful and striking foliage of Madagascar Dragon Tree is an excellent addition to any houseplant collection. Read more on how to grow and care for Madagascar Dragon Tree.

9. Pothos (Scindapsus aureus)

Pothos

Pothos also called Devil's Ivy was found to be effective in the removal of benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toulene from indoor air.

The Pothos plants are easy to grow and are an excellent addition to any houseplant collection. Read more on how to grow and care for Pothos.

10. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy, Hedera helix

English Ivy was found to be effective in the removal of formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toulene, trichloroethlyene and air-suspended dust partcicles.

The English Ivy is easy to grow and adapts easily to a wide range of growing conditions. Read more on how to grow and care for English Ivy.

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