Bring a breath of fresh air to your home with these 17 cool indoor plants that are ideal for cleaning the air. This blog post reveals plants that not only add aesthetic charm to your living space but also contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
As you incorporate air-cleaning plants into your home, delve into ways to make indoor air feel fresher or discover indoor plants for your new home.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Indoor plants can help improve the air quality in your home or office. |
| Air-cleaning plants work by removing pollutants from the air through a process called phytoremediation. |
| Some common air-cleaning plants include spider plants, peace lilies, pothos, and snake plants. |
| Air-cleaning plants require proper lighting, watering, and occasional fertilizing to thrive. |
| It’s recommended to have at least one air-cleaning plant per 100 square feet of space. |
Are you ready to purify the air in your home with these remarkable plants? Dive into this blog post and learn about the plants that will transform your living space into a healthy oasis.
1. Aloe Vera
This is one of the best plants for your home. It helps purify the air and remove toxins from the air. You can grow aloe vera in a pot or in your garden, either way it is easy to take care of and will do well in low light conditions.
2. Spider Plant
A spider plant is a hardy indoor plant that’s ideal for people who aren’t very experienced at caring for plants. Spider plants are also great air purifiers. They can be placed in any room of your house to help keep it clean and healthy.
Spider plants need indirect sunlight, but they’ll also tolerate low light conditions just fine. Like many houseplants, spider plants prefer humid environments (about 65% humidity).
They do well with temperatures under 75 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive colder temperatures as long as there isn’t too much direct sunlight coming into the room where you’re keeping them.
The spider plant has no pests or diseases, so it makes an excellent choice if you have animals or children who might be tempted to nibble on greenery!
Since this plant doesn’t require high levels of watering, even if you forget about it once in a while there won’t be any serious consequences besides some wilting leaves (which will quickly recover when watered). This makes the spider plant one of the easiest houseplants around!
“Improving indoor air quality doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Our guide on 13 ways to make indoor air feel fresher offers simple and effective tips to keep the air in your home clean and healthy.”
3. Peace Lily
The peace lily is a beautiful and easy to care for plant that can be grown indoors or outside in shade. It has shiny, glossy green leaves and clusters of white flowers that bloom year round. If you do not have a lot of space in your home, this plant works well because it will grow tall (up to 3 feet) but only needs a small amount of water.
The peace lily thrives at room temperature with average humidity levels in indirect sunlight or even full shade. You should water your plant when the soil becomes dry to touch (with time intervals based on how often you check).
The peace lily does not need fertilizer since it naturally cleanses the air around it by releasing oxygen as it photosynthesizes carbon dioxide into sugar through its leaves.”
4. English Ivy
If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant to keep in your home, English Ivy is the way to go. This plant is simple and low maintenance, which makes it ideal for those who don’t have a lot of time to spend watering or trimming plants.
It’s also a great choice if you have children or pets because it will grow quickly meaning new leaves can be enjoyed all year round!
English Ivy is also known as Hedera helix and is native to Europe, Asia and Africa. It has been popularized by its use in many gardens around the world due to its ability to thrive even in poor soil conditions (though it prefers acidic environments).
The leaves are dark green with deep veins running along their surface; they can grow up to 5 inches long!
When choosing where to place your English Ivy plant inside your home, consider how much light each spot receives throughout the day; this will help determine how often you should water yours so that there isn’t any root rot caused by over watering (or under watering).
If possible try placing them near windows so they’ll receive plenty of natural sunlight during daylight hours but only at night when temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit outside otherwise risk killing off these beautiful indoor houseplants!
“Boost your productivity and improve your indoor air quality with the help of these 13 plants that will purify the air in your home. From snake plants to peace lilies, there’s an air-cleaning plant out there for everyone.”
5. Common Fig
Common fig is a small, evergreen tree native to tropical and subtropical regions. It can grow up to 18 feet tall and has thick branches with smooth gray bark.
The leaves are oval with pointed tips, also known as subulate. The insignificant flowers are greenish-white and grow in clusters at the end of twigs.
Common figs prefer warm temperatures (around 70 degrees) but do well in cooler climates if given enough light. They’re perfect for indoor growing because they don’t require much water or fertilizer!
6. Neon Pothos
You might know it better as the “devil’s ivy,” or by its scientific name, Marantaceae. It is a tropical plant with variegated leaves that have white and green stripes. You can grow it in low-light areas of your home (or even outdoors in bright shade) and it’s one of the most popular indoor plants because it’s so easy to care for.
The leaves emit oxygen at night when you aren’t around to water them, making them ideal for people who are short on time or forgetful about watering their plants. They are also effective air purifiers and can help reduce symptoms associated with asthma and allergies such as wheezing or coughing due to dust mites.
“If you’re looking for ways to improve your indoor air quality, investing in the right plants can make all the difference. Check out our list of 13 must-have indoor plants for clean air and start breathing easier today.”
7. Maidenhair Fern
Another common fern, the maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum) is a shade-loving plant that can be placed in your bathroom or kitchen. This fern will benefit from lots of indirect sunlight and moist soil, but it doesn’t need to be watered on a daily basis.
While not a typical air purifier, this plant does act as one indirectly by removing toxins such as formaldehyde from the air around it; it also releases oxygen into your home! You can grow this plant in hanging baskets or directly on windowsills for maximum benefit.
8. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreen is a slow-growing indoor plant that can tolerate low light levels and dry air. It has shiny, dark green leaves that turn silvery underneath when the plant reaches maturity. Chinese evergreen’s small stature makes it a good choice for beginners and those who are short on space.
The plant requires only moderate water to thrive, but you shouldn’t over-water it: too much moisture will cause its smaller leaves to drop off as they dry out, which gives the appearance of an infestation by spider mites or scale insects (which are not actually pests).
To keep your Chinese evergreen healthy, mist the soil with room temperature water once every few days if needed—but don’t leave standing water in the saucer under your pot!
“Want to freshen up your home with natural scents and aromas? Look no further than our guide to 17 plants that will make your home smell amazing. From lavender to eucalyptus, these plants are sure to delight your senses.”
9. Golden Pothos
The golden pothos plant is one of the easiest to care for, and it’s also one of the most beautiful. This plant can be placed in low light or even bright indirect sunlight, but it doesn’t need direct sunlight. It does need to be watered once a week and will thrive on regular mistings as well.
The Golden Pothos is excellent at removing both formaldehyde and ammonia from a room’s air, which makes it perfect for anyone who suffers from allergies or chemical sensitivities!
10. Red-Edged Dracaena
A 10-foot specimen of the red-edged dracaena stands in the lobby of a hotel in Bermuda. It adds an airy, not to mention tropical aesthetic to an otherwise utilitarian space. And if you’re going for that look in your own home, this plant is definitely worth considering.
The most important thing to know about this tropical beauty is that it’s toxic to cats and dogs—so keep it out of reach!
In terms of care and upkeep, it’s a good idea to water the red-edged dracaena once per week (and make sure the soil drains well). If you’re worried about overwatering your plant or killing it by mistake, try placing pebbles at the bottom of its pot before adding water so they can absorb any excess moisture as needed.
Since low light levels are perfect for this species’ growth/bloom cycle, any windowsill with natural sunlight should do just fine as long as there aren’t direct rays hitting them all day long (which could cause leaf scorching).
For those who have less natural light coming through their windows throughout much of the year (again: me), consider moving your plant somewhere else entirely like near a table lamp or starting one indoors from seedlings purchased online or in person at local nurseries!
“Indoor air pollution is a serious problem, but fortunately there are many plants that can help purify the air in your home. Check out our list of 13 indoor plants guaranteed to purify the air in your home and start breathing easier today.”
11. Barberton Daisy Plant (Gerbera Jamesonii)
This plant is a great pick for those looking to add some low-maintenance green to their homes. While it does need bright light, it can also be grown indoors or outdoors. If you’re looking for a long-blooming and easy-to-care-for plant, this one is a good choice.
12. Chrysanthemum plant (Chrysanthemum Morifolium)
The Chrysanthemum plant (Chrysanthemum Morifolium) is also known as the Pyrethrum flower, and it’s a perennial plant native to East Asia.
The flowers can be white, yellow, orange or red in color. While the plant has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes, it’s also an excellent choice for cleaning indoor air because of its ability to remove harmful toxins from your home.
If you’re looking for an indoor plant that will add some color to your living space while also improving the quality of air in your home then this could be the perfect one for you!
13. Weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina)
If you want to give it a try, the weeping fig is an easy plant to care for. It doesn’t require a lot of light and can grow in low-light environments. It’s also one of the best indoor plants for beginners because its leaves are soft enough that they won’t scratch anyone who touches them.
The weeping fig helps with air purification by removing chemical toxins and formaldehyde from its environment.
14. Areca palm (Dypsis Lutescens)
Areca palms are a tropical plant that can be found in the rainforests of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. They grow up to 20 feet tall and prefer bright indirect or diffused light. These plants are slow growing, so they’re better suited for small spaces than large ones.
Areca palms also make great indoor plants for low light areas because they can thrive with as little as 400-600 lumens per square meter of light each day which is about half of what you’d receive from a natural skylight!
15. Snake plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata Zeylanica)
The snake plant is one of the most popular and easy-to-care-for indoor plants. In addition to being tolerant of low light, it also has thick, strappy leaves that can be used as a hanging plant.
It requires little water about once a month or less and the soil should never be allowed to become dry. The snake plant can grow up to two feet tall, but with its long stems and numerous leaves, it will always look full and lush no matter what size it reaches.
16. Azalea (Rhododendron Simsii)
Azaleas are a flowering shrub that grows in U.S., Canada and Asia. They’re available in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, orange, yellow, purple and mauve.
Azaleas can be used as both indoor and outdoor plants. However their leaves may turn brown if you place them near too much sunlight or drafts from doors or windows.
17. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltate Bostoniensis )
Boston ferns are a popular houseplant choice and they make great additions to any room. They’re easy to care for and can adapt to many different conditions, which makes them good choices if you have a busy schedule.
They also work well in hanging baskets or as table decorations, so they’re good choices if you want something that adds some greenery but isn’t as tall as other plants.
Boston ferns are also great at adding humidity to your home, which is helpful if you live somewhere with dry air like Arizona or Nevada.
The leaves of Boston ferns contain many tiny openings called stomata, which allow them to absorb moisture from the air around them and that moisture helps keep other plants thriving!
Another benefit of Boston ferns is their ability to filter toxins from the air around them. This means that by keeping Boston ferns around all year long, you’ll be able to breathe easier knowing that your indoor environment is cleaner than ever before (pun intended).
Conclusion
If you want to keep your home clean and healthy, consider adding one or more of these plants to your living space. They’re easy to grow, require little maintenance and will add some much-needed freshness into your life.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about indoor plants and their benefits for air quality, check out these resources:
10 Best Plants for Cleaning Indoor Air from HGTV: This article highlights 10 of the best plants for cleaning indoor air, complete with pictures and care tips.
Indoor Plants that Clean the Air and Remove Toxins from Get Busy Gardening: This comprehensive guide provides a list of air-cleaning plants, along with tips for care and maintenance.
Best Air-Cleaning Plants from Better Homes and Gardens: This article features a list of air-purifying plants and their specific benefits for improving indoor air quality.
FAQs
What are air-cleaning plants?
Air-cleaning plants are indoor plants that are capable of removing harmful pollutants and toxins from the air, improving the overall quality of indoor air.
How do air-cleaning plants work?
Air-cleaning plants remove pollutants from the air through a process called phytoremediation, which involves the plant absorbing the pollutants through its leaves and roots.
What are some common air-cleaning plants?
Some common air-cleaning plants include spider plants, peace lilies, pothos, and snake plants.
Do air-cleaning plants require special care?
While air-cleaning plants don’t require any special care, they do need proper lighting, watering, and occasional fertilizing to thrive.
How many air-cleaning plants do I need for my home?
The number of air-cleaning plants needed for a home depends on the size of the space and the amount of pollutants present. As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended to have at least one air-cleaning plant per 100 square feet of space.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.