12 Best Air Purifying Plants – Mood Boosting House Plants

Why do we need air purifying plants in our homes?

This article introduces air purifying plants, explores the science behind their air-purifying abilities, and presents a handpicked selection of 12 remarkable plants that can transform your home into a cleaner place.

Unfortunately our homes can contain lots of nasty chemicals and air pollutants! Studies show that the air inside our homes is more toxic than the air outside. These indoor air pollutants can come from our furniture, carpet, cleaners, air conditioner, and so many other products and items in our homes!

How can we help to remove these toxins?

Clean air is a vital component of a healthy home, and understanding why air purification matters can greatly impact your well-being. Here are some key points on the importance of purifying the air in your home.

Now let’s see why is it important to purify the air in your home?

1. Health Benefits

Purifying indoor air reduces the risk of respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma. It helps remove allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander, which can trigger health issues.

2. Allergen Control

Air purification systems can effectively trap and remove allergens, providing relief to allergy sufferers and improving overall comfort.

3. Enhanced Respiratory Function

Cleaner air can improve lung function and breathing, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

4. Elimination of Smells

Air purifiers can help eliminate odors from cooking, pets, smoking, and other sources, creating a more pleasant living environment.

5. Sleep Quality

 Improved air quality can lead to better sleep, as cleaner air may reduce nighttime allergies and improve overall comfort.

6. Long-Term Health

Exposure to indoor air pollutants over time can have cumulative health effects. Purifying the air can mitigate these risks and promote long-term well-being.

7. Increased Productivity

Cleaner air may enhance cognitive function and productivity, making it easier to focus and concentrate.

A pop of green leaves planted in some new indoor pots may be all that’s needed to brighten up our house!

Aside from mood-boosting qualities, houseplants are known for cleaning indoor air. If you think of all the furniture, paint, carpet, flooring, upholstery, and other products that may be off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home, getting a few more houseplants sounds like a great idea.

Dating back to the late ’80’s, a study funded by NASA found that certain houseplants purify the surrounding air of VOCs. Since the measurements were taken in a laboratory setting in small, confined chambers, critics have questioned how well this study translates to the square footage of a room or office.

How Many Plants Do You Really Need for Air Purification?

Experts estimate that with the most effective VOC-filtering plant, you would need one plant per square foot, and with a less effective plant, a room would require around 10 plants per square foot. That’s a lot of plants!

We probably won’t be able to install a jungle in our house. But even if there is a bit of an air-purifying exchange between houseplants and VOCs, it doesn’t hurt to have a few houseplants around. As we explored earlier, green plants can have a positive effect on your mood and health. So with that in mind, I’m ready for some new houseplants. 

Here are 12 air-purifying plants to get you started

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

This lovely but undemanding plant extracts harmful substances from the air with its beautiful green and white striped leaves, while its popularity is due to the fact that it is easy to propagate and grows quickly, and it does not require extra water and sun.
Their long, arching leaves and small white flowers make them a popular choice for both novice and experienced plant lovers.
Add a spider plant to your bedroom for better sleep, improved mood, and reduced cortisol levels. It’s one of the best indoor purifying plants according to NASA’s 1989 Clean Air Study.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Certainly one of my most loved is Sansevieria – although picking just one is like choosing a favourite child. Plants that grow leaves that vaguely resemble snakes are known as snake plants. The resemblance to snakes is not extremely striking, so do not be alarmed if you are.

We enjoy a few of the common traits of snake plants. When it comes to carelessness, they are almost survivors. This means they are very hard to kill which is great for beginners! They are very effective in removing pollutants from your home, creating some incredibly clean oxygen to keep you and your co-habitants healthy and happy.

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are known for their elegant white blooms and their ability to purify the air by removing ammonia, formaldehyde, and other pollutants.

They thrive in low to medium light conditions, making them suitable for various indoor spaces.

This attractive plant with dark leaves and creamy white flowers not only purifies the air, but it also absorbs harmful vapors, promotes restful sleep, and prevents the formation of mildew.

It can also be a favorite of beginner plant lovers due to its unpretentiousness – it doesn’t mind if we sometimes forget about it.

4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

This versatile plant not only has healing properties for skin, but it also purifies the air and reduces stress. Just place it in indirect sunlight and don’t water it too frequently.

A sunburn soother, face mask ingredient and air purifying plant, aloe vera is the multi-tasking succulent every house needs. It’s especially good at filtering out formaldehyde, which can be found in wood varnishes and carpets.

According to NASA aloe vera is one of the best air purifying plants you can buy as it continuously releases oxygen throughout the night while simultaneously taking in carbon dioxide (a good one for adding to the bedroom too). It’s also relatively easy to maintain and particularly forgiving of forgetful waterers.

5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

The rubber plant is one of the best air purifier houseplant. Rubber plant increases humidity within a room and prevents the pollutants and any other unwanted particles to turn into dust and harm your respiratory system. Placing a rubber plant in your home can help you reduce the chances of respiratory allergies which can lead to health issues like asthma.

Rubber plants are effective at filtering out formaldehyde, which can be found in many household items.
Their glossy, deep green leaves add a touch of elegance to your interior decor.

6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns are very popular houseplants because they’re relatively easy to grow in cool places with indirect light. They grow to be quite large! With its lush, feathery fronds and air-purifying prowess, this plant is a fantastic addition to any home.

The Boston Fern is known for its delicate, arching fronds that resemble vibrant green plumes. These ferns have a graceful, airy appearance that can instantly elevate the aesthetics of your living space.

Boston Ferns are not just beautiful, they’re also champions at purifying indoor air. For example these ferns are adept at removing indoor pollutants like xylene and toluene, which can be released from common household items. By reducing indoor pollutants and increasing humidity, Boston Ferns contribute to better overall indoor air quality, promoting a healthier living environment.

Despite their elegant appearance, Boston Ferns are relatively low-maintenance, making them an ideal choice for both experienced and novice plant enthusiasts.

7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

The Bamboo Palm, also known as the Reed Palm, hails from the lush rainforests of Central and South America. Its slender, bamboo-like stems and gracefully arching fronds give it an unmistakably tropical appearance that can instantly transport you to a vacation paradise.

Bamboo Palm isn’t just a pretty face, this plant has fantastic Air Purifying Qualities. Bamboo plant is particularly adept at removing formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant found in various household products. Beyond its air-cleansing abilities, the Bamboo Palm infuses your space with a tropical ambiance, making it a striking decor element.

Loved by many for its air cleaning properties and dense green fronds, this slow growing easy care palm enjoys bright spaces and moderate watering to maintain soil moist. The Bamboo Palms are an excellent addition to any living room or office.

8. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ Plant is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that’s perfect for people who neglect to take care of their plants or don’t have a lot of free time. This plant has small but wide, dark green, glossy leaves that zig-zag up tall, slender stems that can help lower stress. The plant has air purifying qualities too, removing volatile organic compounds benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene.

Zamioculcas, or Zanzibar Gem, is an extremely popular and hip house plant. It’s nonchalant care requirements make it a great choice for forgetful houseplant owners; whereas its stunning and unique foliage give it eye-catching appeal.

9. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Golden Pothos, also known as Epipremnum Aureum, is an amazing air purifier plant, sure to bring joy to any household, the leaves are heart shape and produce color variegation which consists of glossy green and golden blends, most leaves develop their own unique variegated colors which creates an interesting pattern of colors.

Golden Pothos provide an incredible vining habit that will slowly crawl up a given area provided the right support with stunning variegate Vines, or hang it in a basket and let the foliage elegantly tumble down.

Golden Pothos will provide elegance and beauty in any space or setting, this is very beautiful variegated live tropical plant for both indoor and outdoors. Pothos plants are some of the easiest plants to care for, they thrive and grow quickly without much attention. A NASA study has identified Pothos as being excellent at removing indoor air pollutants.

10. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Are you a fan of indoor plants with patterned leaves?
Let me show you the ‘Aglaonema’ also as known as crab flower, which are the epiteme of fabulous leaves. Not only is it eye-catching, but if you are a beginner in plants, you won’t have any problems caring for it, because it is one of the easiest houseplants to handle.

Beautiful tropical plants like the Chinese Evergreen are excellent for lowering tension levels and purifying the air in your house. It brings a touch of green to any space with its lush, variegated leaves. It also requires no direct sunlight and is simple to maintain, making it ideal for indoor settings.

11. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

With its vibrant, captivating blooms and hidden air-purifying talents, this plant is a must-have for anyone seeking both aesthetics and cleaner indoor air. Gerbera Daisies are renowned for their large, colorful, and daisy-like flowers. Available in a spectrum of hues, from cheerful reds and oranges to calming pastels and purples, they are a visual delight that can instantly uplift your mood.

These daisies can help remove trichloroethylene and benzene from your indoor air, common pollutants found in household products and furnishings.
Beyond their aesthetics, they contribute to a healthier living environment by improving air quality.

Whether you place Gerbera Daisies on your windowsill, as a centerpiece on your dining table, or even in your bedroom, they add a pop of color and freshness to your home.

12. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)

With its timeless beauty and surprising air-purifying talents, this versatile vine is a beautiful addition to any indoor space.

English Ivy is renowned for its cascading tendrils of lush, emerald leaves. Whether trailing from a hanging basket or gracing a trellis, its elegance knows no bounds.

But English Ivy is not just about aesthetics, it’s a natural air purifier too! This charming vine has a knack for removing indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, making your home a healthier place to be.
Its air-cleansing abilities contribute to better overall indoor air quality, which can have a positive impact on your health and well-being.

Whether you place English Ivy on a high shelf, let it drape gracefully from a pot, or train it to climb, it offers both visual allure and cleaner air. So, if you’re looking to enhance your indoor air quality while adding a touch of timeless elegance to your space, English Ivy is here to charm you.

If you want to expand your knowledge, there are a few more valuable articles for you.

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