Top 10 Houseplants That Fight Indoor Air Pollution, Toxins
Here are the key things you’ll learn from this article:
- Common toxins in your home’s air and where they come from.
- A list of ten powerful houseplants that can help clean your air.
- Simple care tips for each plant to help them thrive.
- How to combine plants and professional cleaning for the healthiest home.
The Air You Breathe at Home
Breathe in deep.
Feels good, right?
You likely think that you just breathed in fresh, life-giving oxygen.
But what if the air in your house contained a little something extra than that?
I mean, our homes are sealed up tight for energy efficiency, great for the power bill, but it traps all kinds of things with us inside.
What about things such as trichloroethylene?
You discover that in strong cleaning solutions and glues.
Or formaldehyde, which is in a multitude of items such as furniture, plastics, and that new carpeting.
Then there’s toluene from paints and xylene from rubber and leather items.
That sounds like a chemistry lab, not your living room.
These are typical indoor pollutants, and they become trapped right where we sleep and live.
So what are you going to do about it?
Well, one of the simplest, most natural, and most gorgeous solutions is to add some more houseplants.
They are essentially nature’s air purifiers, working quietly behind the scenes to remove these toxins from the air and replace them with oxygen.
It’s a living, easy solution to a modern problem.
How Can Houseplants Actually Clean the Air?
It sounds a little too good to be true, right?
How does a little plant accomplish all of that?
The process is phytoremediation, a fancy term for cleaning up with plants.
The plants really suck these gaseous chemicals up through the leaves and roots.
Then the small microbes in the soil go to work dissolving the toxins and metabolizing them for food.
It’s a complete cycle clean-up crew going on right in the pot.
And this is not just a pleasant thought; NASA did a well-known study on it back in the 80s.
They were searching for methods of purifying the air within enclosed space stations, and they discovered that some houseplants were incredibly effective at removing certain pollutants.
So if it’s good enough for a spaceship, then it’s likely good enough for your flat.
Although plants are great, they will perform best in a home that’s already well cared for.
A thorough clean by a professional like My Home Wizard can eliminate the settled dust and dirt that traps these pollutants, allowing your plants to concentrate on purifying the air.
The Top 10 Houseplants for a Cleaner Home
Ready to greenify your home?
Here are ten of the top houseplants you can find that not only are nice to look at but are busy improving your air quality.
These are all fairly ubiquitous, and most can be found at your nearby garden center.
- Areca Palm
Also referred to as the Butterfly Palm, this is a real powerhouse of a plant.
It’s one of the best plants you can buy for pulling general toxins out of the air.
A definite added benefit is that it puts moisture back into the air, which can be a great help if your house dries out in the winter.
It prefers bright, indirect light, and its roots prefer to remain a bit moist.
It’s a showy plant that packs a big punch. - Aloe Vera
You probably know Aloe Vera is great for soothing burns, but it’s also a fantastic plant to keep in your bedroom.
It emits oxygen at night, which is a bit unusual as most plants do it during the day, and that can be beneficial for your sleep.
And it’s awesome at eliminating formaldehyde from products like cleaning solutions.
Having a plant that can also be used as a first aid kit is just genius. - English Ivy
This time-honored, trailing vine is not only a decorative element.
English Ivy has been found to be very good at eliminating airborne mold spores.
If you periodically get a musty odor in a basement or bathroom, this might be the ideal plant for that room.
It likes cooler temperatures and a little direct sunlight.
It is lovely cascading from a hanging basket. - Dwarf Date Palm
This palm is a hardy one that can tolerate lower light levels, making it all-around useful for various rooms.
It’s particularly effective at removing xylene, a contaminant you commonly encounter in printing inks and in leather items.
It grows slowly and has an elegant, feathered appearance that tames any corner.
Just be careful to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to keep it content. - Boston Fern
These lacy, lush ferns have been a classic favorite for generations, and rightfully so.
They love humidity and are great at purifying formaldehyde.
They do demand a little more care; however, they prefer consistently moist soil and regular misting. If you can manage to keep one healthy, it’s a stunning and effective air purifier.
At other times, the best thing to do for your plants is to care for the house they call home first.
A dust-free, clean environment from a My Home Wizard cleaning allows your plants to concentrate on their work. - Chinese Evergreen
If you’re concerned you don’t have sufficient light for a plant, begin with a Chinese Evergreen.
This plant is renowned for its low light tolerance and will still purify the air of a number of toxins.
Its leaves are frequently intricately patterned with red or silver.
It’s slow-growing and forgiving and ideal for a new plant aficionado. - Peace Lily
The stunning white “flowers” of a Peace Lily (which are really a specialized leaf known as a spathe) make it a sought-after houseplant.
But it’s also a workhorse.
It reduces mold spores by mopping them up right into its roots.
It will also tell you when it is thirsty by drooping basically in two, then springing back instantly after a drink.
Place it away from direct sunlight for optimal results. - Spider Plant
It’s nearly impossible to murder a Spider Plant, which is why it’s a perennial favorite.
They’re extremely versatile and grow tons of tiny “spiderettes” or babies on long stalks.
They’re great at filtering out everyday toxins and even assist with dust allergies.
They’re lovely on a shelf where their babies can spill over.
They’re non-toxic as well, so they’re safe for households with inquisitive pets. - Lady Palm
This is another palm that is slightly more costly but worth the money for its beautiful appearance and for its cleaning ability.
The Lady Palm works against a variety of pollutants, including ammonia, which is present in some cleaning products.
It grows in clumps and is extremely hardy, tolerating a range of light conditions.
It’s a plant that truly makes a design statement. - Weeping Fig
The Weeping Fig, or Ficus benjamina, is a small tree that cleans the air very effectively of pollutants emitted by carpets and furniture, such as benzene and formaldehyde.
It can be somewhat finicky and doesn’t enjoy being relocated once it’s settled in a location.
But if you provide it with bright, indirect light and regular care, it will pay you back handsomely with years of purifying clean air.
In order to truly maximize the impact of your plants, it’s advisable to minimize the pollutants themselves.
Getting your carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned by My Home Wizard can provide your plants with a head start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many houseplants do I need to clean the air in a room?
There is no perfect number, but a good rule of thumb is to have at least two good sized plants, think a 10 inch pot or larger, for a medium sized room. The more you have, the more they can do, but even one plant is better than none.
Are these houseplants safe for pets?
Some of these plants, like the Spider Plant and Areca Palm, are safe. Others, like the Peace Lily and English Ivy, can be toxic if ingested by cats or dogs. Its always best to check the specific plant against the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non toxic plants before you bring it home if you have pets.
I keep killing my plants, what am I doing wrong?
The number one killer of houseplants is usually overwatering. Most plants prefer to dry out a bit between waterings. Always check the soil with your finger first. The second biggest issue is light, make sure you’re putting a plant in a spot that gets the kind of light it needs. Start with an easy one like a Spider Plant or Snake Plant to build your confidence.
Can houseplants replace an air purifier?
They are a fantastic, natural supplement, but for people with severe allergies or asthma, a HEPA air purifier is still the most effective tool. Think of plants as one part of a healthy home strategy, which also includes good ventilation and regular cleaning.
Your home should be your sanctuary, and the air you breathe there is a huge part of that.
By adding a few of these helpful houseplants, you’re taking a simple and beautiful step towards a healthier living space.
Here are the key things you’ll learn from this article:
How to combine plants and professional cleaning for the healthiest home.And remember, for a truly fresh start, combining your new plants with a thorough professional cleaning can make all the difference.
Common toxins in your home’s air and where they come from.
A list of ten powerful houseplants that can help clean your air.
Simple care tips for each plant to help them thrive.
If you’re ready to take that step, contact My Home Wizard today to book a cleaning service. We’ll help make your home sparkle.
