The Best Air-Purifying Houseplants

We all know houseplants can make a home feel more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing, but did you know they can actually make it healthier, too? 

Many people do not realize that indoor air quality is often very poor. In fact, indoor air quality is generally 2 to 5 times worse than outdoor air quality, because the lack of air circulation indoors makes it difficult for fresh air to permeate the house and flush out toxins. Indoor air contains residues and toxins from smoke caused by cooking, household products like detergents and cleaners, and more. That’s where houseplants come in. All houseplants help to purify the air in your home, but the following plants are especially effective at removing toxins from the air and creating a healthier, safer environment for you and your family.

English Ivy

English ivy helps purify air and can also help prevent mold growth in your home! English ivy is also very aesthetically pleasing, with vines that trail over the edge of the pot. Place this plant somewhere high up, like on top of a bookshelf, so that the vine can trail down freely. English ivy likes a moist, humid environment (making it an ideal plant for a bathroom), so spray its leaves with a spray bottle regularly in addition to watering the soil.

Snake Plant

Many people put a snake plant in their bedroom because it lets off oxygen at night, which can help you sleep better. Not only does this pretty plant help you get a better night’s rest, it also helps filter formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene out of the air around it, so you can breathe easier. Snake plants don’t need much water and do not like to be overwatered, so only give your snake plant a drink when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums are especially effective at filtering benzene and ammonia out of the air. These chemicals are often present in indoor air, because they are in typical household items including plastics, glue, and detergents. Not only are chrysanthemums air-purifying powerhouses, but they brighten up your home with cheery blooms that come in almost any colour. Place this plant somewhere that gets a lot of natural light.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera helps clean the air of toxins found in household cleaning products, detergents, varnish, glue, and more. Aloe vera is also a nice plant to have in your home because applying the gel to your skin helps instantly soothe a cooking burn, sunburn, scrape, or rash. Simply snap a leaf in half and apply the clear gel inside directly to your skin. Keep aloe vera in a sunny spot, such as a windowsill, and don’t overwater. 

Ready to get some of these purifying plants for your home, but need the perfect containers? We’ve got you covered!