Plants that Clean the Air
Clean Air Plants are lush, vibrant plants that do wonders for your decor, mood, and even your health. Clean Air Plants provide a variety of health benefits by giving you cleaner air to breathe. By cleaning the air, they help you avoid “sick building disease,” which is a result of the common build-up that occurs from dust particles found in furniture and chemicals often found in common household cleaning supplies.
These dust particles and chemicals often do not get filtered out due to a lack of proper air circulation indoors, making you feel tired, drowsy, and even experience itchy eyes and headaches.
Clean Air Plants can absorb these harmful toxins from the air. Studies have shown they are almost as effective, and definitely more natural and cost effective than air purifiers.
House projects and renovations like installing new carpet and painting walls can release chemicals that pollute indoor air.
Thankfully, some houseplants act as efficient purifiers. For the best results, put as many plants that clean the air as you can care for in the rooms you use most. That means you'll want at least two plants (in 10- to 12-inch pots) per 100 square feet of space; if you're in the middle of major renovations, aim for more plants.
There are the top plants we recommend and carry in our shop that are proven to clean the air. Ahhh now breathe.
The peace lily is one of the few air purifiers that flowers. It adapts well to low light but requires weekly watering and is poisonous to pets.
HOW IT PURIFIES: This year-round bloomer rids the air of the VOC benzene, a carcinogen found in paints, furniture wax, and polishes. It also sucks up acetone, which is emitted by electronics, adhesives, and certain cleaners.
SNAKE PLANT~ Sanseveria
This plant is also known as mother-in-law's tongue. It has sharp leaves and thrives in low light. At night it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen - this is a reversal of the process most plants undergo. Think about potting a couple and keeping them in your bedroom for a slight oxygen boost while you sleep.
HOW IT PURIFIES: In addition to helping lower carbon dioxide, the snake plant rids air of formaldehyde and benzene.
GOLDEN POTHOS~ Epipremnum Aureum
This is a fast-growing highly flexible vine. You can pot it with something to support it, plant it in a hanging basket, or train it to climb a trellis. It also does quite well in a jar of water. As the leaves grow and hang you can simply cut them off and place in water until the roots start. Replant, or leave as is. The dark green leaves with golden streaks and marbling make it a handsome addition to a home or office.
HOW IT PURIFIES: Like many other vines, it tackles formaldehyde, but golden pothos also targets carbon monoxide and benzene. A good place for one of these plants would be in your mudroom or entryway. This is where car exhaust fumes heavy in formaldehyde are most likely to sneak indoors.
WEEPING FIG~ Ficus Benjamina
The ficus really doesn’t like being moved around a home. This kind of gives them a shock. They will decide its time to drop leaves to produce new ones from the change in lighting, temperature, and humidity. Only move if you realize it was not the best place, or if you really have to. Room temperatures of around 65°f / 16°c --- 75°f / 24°c are ideal. Try not to allow temperatures to decrease lower than 50°f / 10°c, although they can handle a bit lower, without problems. Bright light is what keeps the weeping fig happy, that is partially shaded. A spot that receives some sun and shade during the day is great. The soil should be well drained. Moderate watering
HOW IT PURIFIES: The ficus has the ability to cleanse the air of a large amount of impurities within close proximity to it.
CHINESE EVERGREEN~ Aglaonema
The level of care needed for this plant is moderate. The most important thing to remember is that they will not tolerate temperatures below 60ºF (15ºC). The good news is they can tolerate low lighting.The rule of thumb with these plants is, the darker the leaves, the less light is needed. It is safe to say, a bright room with the plant sitting in a shaded spot is best. Avoid direct sunlight.
HOW IT PURIFIES: What truly makes the Chinese Evergreen cool is the development of its effectiveness. The more time the plant spends in a space, the more effective it becomes at removing the air pollutants and toxins of that particular area. This plant can often bloom and produce berries as well.
SPLIT LEAF PHILODENDRON~ Monstera Deliciosa
Place this plant in a medium to bright location, but out of direct sun. Bright, filtered light is best. Remember, plants in lower light tend to produce smaller leaves without splits or holes. When it’s content, this plant is a big drinker. Water with lukewarm water as soon as the soil approaches dryness. These plants are poisonous for humans and pets.
HOW IT PURIFIES: N.A.S.A. determined that Philodendrons were among the best house plants for removing formaldehyde from the air, especially at higher concentrations.