The Best Air-Purifying Plants

You don’t need any fancy machines or the latest technological advancements in air filters if you know what houseplants will improve indoor air quality. Back in the ‘80s, the Associated Landscape Contractors of America and NASA studied regular houseplants as a way to improve air quality indoors and found that many plants can filter out common volatile organic compounds in the air. Here’s a list of the best plants that provide a breath of fresh air.

1. Aloe Vera

This popular succulent is easy to grow and loves the sun, but it will also clear your home’s air of benzene and formaldehyde, which is often found in many paints, cleaners and other household products you may have. It’s beautiful and the perfect choice to decorate your kitchen by placing it on a windowsill where it will get loads of sun. Plus, it not only cleans the air, but the gel inside will help heal burns and cuts.

2. Spider Plant

The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a very tough plant, so you won’t have to worry if you don’t have a green thumb. It has lots of pretty tiny white flowers and is rich in foliage, allowing it to clear the air of such things as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene and xylene (which is a chemical used in things like rubber, leather and printing industries). And the spider plant is safe for pets in your home.

3. Gerber Daisy

This flowering plant is beautiful and will brighten up your home. But the Gerber Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) will also remove trichloroethylene that can get in your home with your dry cleaning items. But it will also filter out any Benzene in the air that comes with inks. Place one in your bedroom or laundry room, but just make sure that it gets enough light to thrive.

4. Snake Plant

If you’re looking for a great accent plant, Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii) is the perfect addition to your home. It’s also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, and the plant is actually one of the best purifying plants for formaldehyde, which is used in common cleaning products, tissues, toilet paper and a few personal care products. This work best in bathrooms and will survive in low light and steamy, humid conditions.

5. Chrysanthemum

Many love the vibrant colors of Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium), plants that look great in any room. But it does more than just look good in your home or office since it helps filter out benzene, which is usually found in things like detergent, plastics and paint. Since this plant loves the light, you’ll need to place it near an open window where it can get sunlight so that its buds will bloom open.

6. Weeping fig

A beautiful Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) plant in your living room will make it come to life and help filter out any pollutants that come with furniture and carpeting like trichloroethylene and benzene. Caring for one can be tricky, but once you figure out the right light conditions and watering schedule, your ficus will last for a while.

Instead of investing in expensive air purifying devices, simply buy a beautiful plant to filter out your home’s air of pollutants.