These Houseplants Can Clean Up the Air in Your Home

As cold winter weather sets in, windows and doors close, sealing out the polluted air in your home. Although you might get air purifier Keeping fresh air in your home requires electricity and space. WITH 78% of US adults are concerned about high energy billsAccording to a recent CNET survey, increasing your home's energy demand may not be attractive. Improving your indoor environment with indoor plants can have the same effect and add visual beauty to your home. There are many great options Green fingers reddit recommended for beginners, so don't worry if you don't have any luck with plants, it may still be an option for you with the right plant. You will just have to consider whether they need bright light or low light and plan it according to the placement of your windows.

Think of them as stylish living air filters. Some houseplants are good at pulling common household toxins out of the air and also help combat allergens and humidity. Plus, it's a proven way to make your space more relaxing. If you're ready to freshen up your home, here are the best expert-approved houseplants that will truly purify your air.

Can plants purify the air?

Before we get too excited about how houseplants can actually purify the air, much of modern science suggests that you would need hundreds of plants to make a significant difference in air quality. But technology startup Neoplants declares his own solution can make plants purify the air 30 times faster.

While effectiveness is a matter of debate, one thing is clear: adding plants to your home will not do any good. damage air quality and plants absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. So whether you're hoping to neutralize toxins from a clunky HVAC system or old stove or just want to freshen up the stale, stale air in your home, here are four plants known for their cleansing properties.

Read more: The Best Places in Your Home to Grow Houseplants


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The Best Houseplants That Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

A common houseplant, pothos ivy, has been genetically modified to remove chloroform and benzene from the air around it.

Researchers at the University of Washington have genetically modified a common houseplant, pothos ivy, to remove chloroform and benzene from the air around it.

Mark Stone/University of Washington

Numerous studies have proven that some plants can absorb organic pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene through their leaves and roots. This absorption cleans the air around the plant.

A NASA research I even identified several plants that perfectly purify the air around them. If you want to breathe easier, but don't want to buy air purifierchoose one of these plants for their ability to improve indoor air quality.

Marble queen pothos or devil's ivy (Epipremnum aureus)

potted plant on the coffee table

Pothos marble queen purifies the air as well as any other indoor plant.

David Watsky/CNET

Devil's ivy, also known as golden pothos, is an excellent air purifying plant that is known to remove harmful volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde, benzene and toluene. It is especially suitable for those who have trouble keeping plants alive. Pothos are virtually impossible to kill—hence the devilish nickname—and only need to be watered every seven to ten days.

Pothos is so adept at purifying that a biotech startup Neoplants uses this type for his air purification system filled with microbiome turns an ordinary houseplant into an air purifying machine that removes the same amount of toxins as 30 plants.

Seven potted plants on the table

SheetUnder

On the other hand, marble queen pothos is not particularly pet-friendly and contains toxins that could be harmful to your four-legged friend if ingested.

peace lily (Spathiphyllum)

peace lilies in the house

Peace lilies are a good choice for homes that receive little direct sunlight.

Getty Images

Named for the white flowers that resemble the flag of surrender, these budding beauties remove formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide from the air around them. Peace lilies can grow up to 16 inches tall and do not need direct sunlight, but do require regular watering.

English ivy (ivy spiral)

English ivy hanging in a pot in the house

English ivy can reduce the amount of feces in the air in your home.

Getty Images

According to NASA research, English ivy is a fantastic plant to grow indoors if you need the ability to filter the air.

English ivy absorbs formaldehyde found in some household cleaning products and can reduce the amount of airborne feces. However, it should be kept out of the reach of pets as it may be poisonous if swallowed.

Gerbera chamomile (Gerbera Jamesonia)

Gerberas in a plant

Gerbera daisies add color and purify the air.

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This bright and colorful flower has the ability to absorb pollutants by filtering out trichlorethylene and benzene, chemicals found in cleaning products and solvents. Gerberas need plenty of direct sunlight, so keep the plant in a well-lit area and water frequently. These exotic looking flowers are quite easy to grow.

The snake plant is great for the bedroom as it releases oxygen at night rather than during the day. This can help keep the air fresh while you sleep, increasing your chances of getting a restful night's sleep.

No. While houseplants can circulate air and remove some pollutants, they don't solve the biggest indoor air quality problem: dust and fine particulate matter. Experts recommend air purifiers for every home so they can filter out dust, smoke, mold, pollen and other allergens and irritants. In fact, houseplants, including some on this list, can lose their effectiveness if their leaves become dusty; they can benefit from air purifier dust filtration just as much as you can.

Succulents are good plants for beginners because they are extremely hardy and don't need to be watered very often. There is also a wide variety of succulents, which means you'll likely find one that suits your aesthetic preferences.

Yes, plants can be overwatered, especially indoor plants like succulents and the ZZ plant. Extra water can kill roots and wilt plants, drowning and killing them.

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