Bring these plant babies into your home to purify the air.
Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Air pollution is often regarded as an outdoor problem stemming from car exhaust, industrial emissions and more, however, the air we breathe indoors is often far more toxic. Plants that purify the air are a great solution to this problem.
During the winter, cold temperatures force many of us to keep our windows closed tight both at home and at work, which means we’re living and breathing in a sealed environment until spring. It’s important to take your indoor air quality into account when looking out for your health.
Houseplants are a great addition to any indoor space. Plants increase oxygen while simultaneously clearing out toxins, resulting in cleaner breathing air. Below are our recommendations for easy to take care of houseplants to add a little zen to your space.
Our Top Choices:
Hedera helix (English Ivy)
English Ivy is the number one air-filtering houseplant, as it is the most effective plant when it comes to absorbing formaldehyde, which is commonly found in household cleaning products. It’s also incredibly easy to grow and adaptable–think; living office walls!
Sun: Part shade to full shade | Water: Medium | Maintenance: Low | Height: 20-80 Feet
Epipremnum aureum (Golden Pothos or Philodendron)
Another powerful plant for absorbing formaldehyde. This fast-growing vine looks amazing from a hanging basket or cascading from a table pot.
Sun: Part shade | Water: Medium | Maintenance: Low | Height: 20-40 Feet
Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)
Shade and weekly watering are all the peace lily needs to survive and produce blooms. It topped NASA’s list for removing all three of most common VOCs — formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene.
Sun: Part shade to full shade | Water: Medium | Maintenance: Low | Height: 1-6 Feet
Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant)
If you don’t have a green thumb and tend to neglect houseplants, you’ll have a hard time killing this resilient plant. This plant battles benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene (a solvent used in leather and rubber).
Sun: Part shade to full shade | Water: Medium | Maintenance: Low | Max Height: 1-2 Feet
Sansevieria trifasciata (Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
Mother-in-law’s tongue doesn’t need much light or water to survive, so they’re an easy choice for any corner of your home. The plant absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during the night (while most plants do during the day), so add one to your bedroom for a clean-air boost.
Sun: Part shade | Water: Medium | Maintenance: Low | Max Height: 2-4 Feet
This list is Life Equals community and NASA approved. Yes, NASA actually did a study to find out which plants were best to filter the air of the International Space Station and each of the above made their list. **Please be aware that some plants may be toxic to pets and/or children – caution is advised.