Even if you don’t have a green thumb, these air purifying plants are easy to grow and maintain inside your home. They can help make the air in your house cleaner by neutralizing chemicals that linger from cleaning products or even help with seasonal allergies.
NASA conducted a study on air purifying houseplants that was led by environmental engineer Bill Wolverton. The following are the 7 of the best rated house plants for chemical and bacteria removal, ease of maintenance, resistance to pests and rate of water evaporation.
1. Aloe Vera
- A succulent plant that grows best in the sun- place the aloe plant in a window with optimal sunlight
- NASA scientists found that it releases oxygen and absorbs CO2 at night. Keep this plant in every bedroom and breathe clean, purified air while you sleep
- Rids air of the chemical formaldehyde
- Its leaves contain clear liquid compact with vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids- great for skin irritation. Simply break off one of the leaves and apply the liquid to your cut or burn
Photo credit: MedHealth
2. Lady Palm
- Tolerate low levels of light, high amounts of water and a range of temperatures
- Could grow up to 6ft tall
- Cleanses the air of formaldehyde, ammonia, xylene, and toluene.
Photo credit: AA Gardens
3. Bamboo Palm
- Low maintenance, survives in low light
- Filters indoor air of toxins such as nitrogen oxide and formaldehyde
- Acts as a natural humidifier
Photo credit: Polyvore
4. Rubber Plant
- Needs very little water poured into soil. Spritz leaves with water to keep them moist
- Air is absorbed through the plants leaves
- Contaminants in the air are absorbed through the leaves and deposited into the soil
- Convert CO2 into oxygen
- Reduce bacteria and mold spores that are airborne
Photo credit: Pinterest
5. Dracaena
- More than 40 different varieties of these plants
- Needs bright, indirect sunlight and a way for water to drain from the pot
- Removes the following chemicals from the air: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene
- WARNING: toxic to dogs and cats when eaten
Photo credit: Plant and Flower Info
6. English Ivy
- Happiest in a humid environment with a consistent temperature and low light
- Keep away from doors, windows, and vents to eliminate fluctuating temperatures and drafts
- Greatly reduce the amount of mold spores in the air
7. Peace Lily
- Regarded as one of the easier plants to take care of, the peace lily requires very little light or water. In fact, direct sunlight may lead to leaf burn
- NASA’s anaylsis of indoor plants reveals that the peace lily is the most efficient in removing formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene
- WARNING: Toxic to animals and people if ingested- put it in a place where your pets and kids cannot reach it
Photo credit: Phoenix Flower Shops
