Did you know that where you live, countless germs and outdoor pollution can cause illnesses for you and your family members, and not only that, but countless chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene are released into your living space from paint, furniture, and cleaning products? Expensive air purifiers promise clean air, but it's better to invest in a small plant at home, or if you live in an area with a nursery nearby, your task will be even easier. You can simply borrow some plants from there to help you breathe fresh, naturally cleaner air than an air purifier. These 7 indoor plants are proven to improve your home's air quality, increase humidity, and boost your mood.
Data Insights : Data Insight: According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, certain indoor plants like Spider Plant and Snake Plant can eliminate up to 87% of harmful air toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene and toluene within 24 hours.
Related News
Can indoor plants really purify the air?
Indoor air often contains VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from paint, furniture, various cleaning chemicals, and dust.
Some plants naturally absorb VOCs through their leaves and roots
While air flow in our homes slows down purification, indoor plants still significantly improve air quality and reduce the risk of allergies.
Health Insight: And these plant air purifiers can reduce respiratory problems, fatigue, and allergies, along with improving mental health.
7 Indoor Plants That Act as Natural Air Purifiers
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Removes germs like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
• Care: This plant needs direct sunlight and weekly watering.
Tip: This plant is a fast-growing plant, easy for beginners, and durable.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
• Removes germs like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene.
Care : This plant can tolerate low light and requires moderate watering.
Tip : This plant also releases fresh oxygen for a good night's sleep.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
• This plant can remove formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and ammonia.
How to care : Keep the soil moist and out of direct sunlight.
Warning : Keep this plant away from children and pets, as ingesting it could be life-threatening, as it can be slightly poisonous.
4. Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)
• Protects against toxic gases like formaldehyde and benzene.
How to care : Keep this plant in bright light and water sparingly.
Bonus : This plant also works as a treatment for minor burns and skin irritations.
5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
• Removes gases such as benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene.
How to care : This plant prefers cool and humid conditions.
Tip : This plant can reduce mold spores from the air.
6. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
• Removes gases like formaldehyde and toluene.
Care: Place this plant in bright, indirect sunlight and water regularly.
Bonus : Also acts as a natural humidifier.
7. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
• This plant removes gases such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Care : This plant should be kept in high humidity and watered frequently.
Tip : This plant is perfect for bathrooms or humid areas.
How to maximize their air-cleaning power:
• Many plants + more plants = cleaner air.
Plant health : Ensure proper watering, sunlight, and soil care.
Air circulation : Avoid overcrowding these plants.
Combine with ventilation : Plants + HEPA filters = best results.
Verdict : Are indoor plants enough for clean air?
Yes : All these plants improve air quality, make our homes look beautiful, and also improve mental health.
No : But they won't be as effective as a mechanical purifier alone.
Best strategy : Combine indoor plants with a HEPA purifier and proper ventilation to maximize air quality.