Written by Jori Hamilton, Guest Writer
People now spend 90% of their time indoors, and 70% of that time at home. Now, with the pandemic still threatening a “normal” way of life, many people prefer to be home for a greater sense of security. So, it’s important to make it a place that feels like your own, but it’s just as crucial to make sure it’s safe.
Throughout the pandemic, many people decided to become “plant parents,” but introducing some greenery into your living space is about more than just adding a decorative touch. Indoor plants have many benefits. They can reduce stress, boost creativity, and reduce noise.
Another important benefit of plants is their ability to purify the air within your home. Regular vacuuming and dusting are great for keeping allergens at bay. But, plants work overtime to get rid of common air pollutants like mold and rayon. If you live in an older home built before 1970, you might have dangerous pollutants like asbestos in the walls. While leaving those substances alone is your best defense, having plants around can offer you peace of mind in “cleaning up” your air.
Not all indoor plants are created equally. While most plants are natural purifiers, some are better than others when it comes to clearing the air inside. With that, let’s look at the top five plants that can purify the air in your house, and what to expect from them.
1. English Ivy
English Ivy is a great purification plant for people with limited space or who might be new to taking care of greenery. Most English Ivy is kept in hanging pots, so you can put it almost anywhere in your house.
In addition to being a natural air purifier, English Ivy can sometimes be used for medicinal purposes. It’s known to reduce inflammation and can help with symptoms of asthma. However, it’s dangerous for your pets, so make sure you’re displaying it properly in a basket or pot that is too high for your dogs or cats to reach.
2. Pothos
Pothos is one of the most common houseplants available, and you should be able to find it almost anywhere. This is another great option if you’re new to plant parenting. Pothos grows well in low light and doesn’t need to be watered frequently. It’s one of the few plants that doesn’t even need soil to grow and thrive.
When it comes to purifying the air, pothos is great for removing pollutants like:
- Benzene
- Formaldehyde
- Xylene
- Taurine
This is another plant that is, unfortunately, toxic to pets. Thankfully, because it’s easy to grow anywhere, you can store it in a pot or planter on a shelf or table, far away from where your pets have access.
3. Peace Lily
If you want to add as much natural beauty as possible to your home while purifying the air, consider buying a peace lily or two. Peace lilies are often given as gifts. They are naturally calming, and they signify balance and rebirth. If you have a friend or family member struggling through a hard time, it’s a wonderful token to let them know you care.
Of course, getting one for yourself will allow you to reap the benefits, too. Peace lilies can remove just about every type of toxin from the air in your home, allowing you and your family to breathe easier.
They might not be easy to find year-round. Though their benefits don’t waver, most people associate them with Spring, so keep your eyes open throughout the seasons and pick one up when you see one at your local greenhouse.
4. Snake Plant
The snake plant is also known as the “mother-in-law’s tongue”. While neither name is all that pleasant, this plant is one of the “nicest” you can have in your home. It’s incredibly easy to take care of. Just put it on a shelf, water it once a month, and it will continue to grow and thrive!
Snake plants are incredible for the air quality of your house. Some of the benefits of the plant include:
- High oxygen producer
- Removes pollutants
- Absorbs CO2 in the night
- Helps with allergies
If you don’t have much of a “green thumb”, this is a great starter plant that will look great anywhere you put it and work to clean up the air for you.
5. Dendrobium Orchids
If you want to add a pop of color to your home, consider getting a dendrobium orchid. The calming purple color can help to create a more “zen” environment in any room. It’s a beautiful way to improve the air quality of your home and boost a relaxing atmosphere, all at once.
This particular plant only removes xylene and taurine, so if you’re someone who struggles with respiratory issues, you might want to look at plants that filter out more toxins, first. But, many of the plants listed here aren’t safe for pets. This one is non-toxic for four-legged friends. So, if you have a pet that tends to be curious about plants and you’re nervous about poisoning, this is a safe option you can feel good about.
Choosing Plants Over Products
It’s not uncommon for people to want to improve the air quality in their homes. Whether you have allergies, respiratory problems, or just love the feeling of a clean space, there’s a reason why the air purification industry is so popular.
But, not everything is always as it seems.
Many health products aren’t approved by the FDA. That makes it easy for them to make false claims or make you believe something that isn’t necessarily true. It’s important to know how to spot a “fake” when it comes to products designed to improve your health. Pay attention to some common red flags, including:
- Quick-fix claims
- Only focusing on one problem
- Lack of evidence or research
- Suspicious promotions
You really can’t go wrong when it comes to choosing plants for air purification. They are some of the most natural ways to reduce pollutants in your home without any quick-fix claims or exaggerated promises. If you want to purify the air in your house, consider some of the plant options listed here, and you’ll enjoy multiple benefits while you breathe easier.
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