In times when pollution levels in cities are at an all-time high and the air we breathe is more unclean than ever, our homes at least should be a place where we and our families get the peace and comfort of clean air to breathe. While electronic purifiers are getting more and more popular, planting a few indoor air purifying plants is also effective to clean the air in your room and homes.
A few years back, NASA produced the results of its Clean Air Study about common indoor plants that provide a natural way of removing volatile organic pollutants. NASA suggests having one air-purifying plant every 100 square feet of space indoors. You can view the full report of this study here.
We bring you a list of the 10 best air purifying indoor plans from the NASA Clean Air Study.
1. Aloe Vera
Besides being a very easy-to-grow plant and its many medicinal properties, Aloe Vera is also a great indoor air purifying plant. Aloe Vera is known to clear formaldehyde and benzene from the air which comes as a byproduct of chemical-based cleaners and paints. It also removes dust and allergens from the air improving the air quality.
2. Bamboo Palm
The Bamboo Palm grows best when kept moist in indirect sunlight. It is one of the top-rated plants to remove benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from indoor air. However, this plant needs enough amount of space to grow.
3. Boston Ferns
Boston ferns need a cool place with high humidity and indirect sunlight to grow. They are a little high maintenance plant and need to be kept moist always but it is rated as one of the best air-purifying plants. Boston Ferns remove more formaldehyde from the air than any other plant. It is also known to remove several toxins from the air effectively. Besides, the Boston Ferns look very beautiful especially when hung around the home.
4. Chinese Evergreen
Grown primarily for the attractive leathery leaves, the Chinese Evergreen is one of the most durable houseplants that can tolerate poor light, dry air, and drought. It has been shown to clean out formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
5. English Ivy
This evergreen climbing vine is one of the most popular plants for landscaping. English ivy is very effective in removing allergens from the air and removing air-based mold. It also absorbs indoor air pollutants like Benzene, Formaldehyde, Xylene, and Toulene.
6. Money Plant
One of the most easy-to-grow and maintain plants, Money Plant is very common in households across the world. Money plant is also a great indoor air purifying plant that removes airborne pollutants like Benzene, formaldehyde, Carbon Monoxide, and Xylene.
7. Peace Lily
The NASA Clean Air Study found that Peace Lilies can clean indoor air of a few environmental contaminants, including benzene and formaldehyde. These plants can easily grow indoors with indirect sunlight esp near the windows and produce beautiful white flowers.
8. Philodendron
Large-leafed philodendron plants are one of the most effective for reducing air pollution. These common household plants are known to remove harmful chemicals from the air including formaldehyde.
9. Snake Plant
Besides being known for its beautiful foliage structure that sometimes resembles the scales of a snake, the Snake plant is an efficient indoor air purifying plant that absorbs indoor air pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. It is very easy to grow indoor as well as in gardens.
10. Spider-Plant
One of the easiest to grow indoor air purifying plants, the Spider plant needs bright but indirect sunlight. They are also a great choice to remove the harmful formaldehyde from the air.
The next time you think of revamping your home or giving it a touch of greenery, these indoor air purifying plants can be a great choice to make your home beautiful while making the indoor air cleaner, safer and better.
