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Houseplants help to bring a bit of nature indoors. What many people don’t realize is that some plants are also great for purifying and refreshing the air. In a well-known 1989 study by NASA, researchers discovered that certain houseplants are effective at reducing indoor air pollutants, such as formaldehyde, by absorbing harmful toxins. These plants don’t just improve air quality—they can also help neutralize unpleasant odors. Here’s a list of 12 houseplants that naturally clean the air and eliminate bad smells.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is praised for its vibrant green leaves and easy care, as well as for the medicinal gel it produces, which can soothe minor burns and skin irritations. Preferring bright, indirect light, Aloe Vera needs watering only when the soil has completely dried out, making it a drought-tolerant plant ideal for busy individuals.
Besides its health benefits, Aloe Vera enhances indoor air quality by removing pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene, making it a practical and healthful addition to any home.
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is an attractive, low-light-tolerant plant known for its striking white blooms and glossy green leaves. Its unique way of indicating its need for water by drooping simplifies care for those uncertain about watering schedules. Thriving in medium to low light, Peace Lilies also contribute to a healthier indoor environment by purifying the air of toxins.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are highly adaptable and can flourish under various lighting conditions, from dim to brightly lit, making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. They demand very little watering and can bounce back quickly if left unattended for long periods.
Spider plants are praised for their air-purifying properties, which make them capable of filtering out toxins and improving the air quality in your home, making them a beneficial addition to any room.
Snake Plant
Known scientifically as Sansevieria or colloquially as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Snake plants are quite hardy, thriving on minimal light and water, which suits those who might forget to water their plants or are often away from home.
Snake plants are celebrated for their air-cleaning abilities, having been identified in NASA’s Clean Air Study for their ability to remove airborne toxins.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant, with its thick, waxy leaves, excels at storing water. This enables it to endure long periods of drought and thrive in low-light environments. This attribute makes the plant particularly low-maintenance, requiring water only when the soil is completely dry.
The ZZ plant is praised for its air-purifying capabilities, making it an ideal selection for those seeking both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits in a low-care package.
Pothos Plant
The Pothos plant can grow in a broad spectrum of light conditions and forgives irregular watering schedules. Scientifically referred to as Epipremnum aureum, the Pothos is acknowledged for its air-purifying ability. It helps enhance indoor air quality while adding a touch of greenery to your living space.
Calathea
Calathea plants, admired for their striking leaf patterns, thrive in medium to low light and necessitate consistent moisture, albeit with a rare incidence of flowering under low-light conditions. These plants play a role in purifying the air. Ideal for brightening up dimly lit areas, Calatheas are perfect for those looking to infuse their space with life and color while benefiting from cleaner air.
Parlor Palm
Known scientifically as Chamaedorea, the Parlor Palm is a versatile plant that adapts well to low-light conditions and flourishes in areas with indirect sunlight. Its ease of care and ability to purify indoor air makes it an excellent option for beginners or those seeking to add a tropical ambiance to their homes without direct sunlight.
Rubber Plant
With its large, glossy leaves, the Rubber Plant is a statement piece capable of growing in bright, indirect light conditions. It prefers its soil to dry out between waterings, categorizing it as relatively easy to care for. Beyond its bold visual appeal, the Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is known for its air-purifying qualities, which are capable of filtering out indoor air toxins such as formaldehyde.
English Ivy
English Ivy, with its elegant cascading vines and tolerance for low to moderate light, is a classic choice for adding a touch of sophistication to any space. It is low maintenance and can adapt to most indoor environments, so it is ideal for draping over shelves or hanging baskets. Beyond its visual appeal, English Ivy (Hedera helix) is effective at purifying the air.
Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen is an adaptable plant that thrives in low to medium light, requiring water only when the top inch of soil dries out. Its variety of patterns and colors offers decorative flexibility to match any home décor style. Additionally, the Chinese Evergreen is known for its ability to improve indoor air quality, combining style with function.
Monstera
Monsteras, or Swiss cheese plants, are known for their large, holey leaves and ability to adapt to all types of lighting conditions. They add a bold, tropical feel to any space and are known for their air-purifying qualities. Easy to care for, Monsteras are perfect for anyone looking to make a statement with their indoor plants. Whether placed in a bright or dim corner, the Monstera adds a touch of the tropics to your home while contributing to cleaner air.
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