Editor’s Note: Millions of us recently endured the smoke and haze as a result of the Canadian wildfires, and were forced to stay inside. And with air-conditioner season starting, we thought this post was a good reminder to let plants help with indoor air — all year long!
Fresh air is vital to our entire being. It might not be so obvious, but the air indoors can have a suboptimal balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. Especially if a home or apartment isn’t well-ventilated or is all closed up.
Our body relies on fresh, clean air for various reasons, including:
● Cleaning our lungs
● Fresh air can boost our energy levels and improve mental focus
● It can lower our heart rate and blood pressure
● We heal faster
● Improves digestion
We could invest in air purifiers, but live plants in the home add a lovely vibe of their own. I find having live plants in my house helps elevate my mood and makes me happy. Let’s talk about some excellent air-purifying plants to spruce up the place and freshen our indoor spaces.
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
The snake plant, also known as the Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, is one of the most popular houseplants around. Snake plants can purify the air by removing toxins like benzene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene. While this plant works like other air-purifying plants, it’s unique in the way that it converts carbon dioxide into oxygen at night.
The benefits are definitely worth growing a few of these babies. You can place them anywhere in your home, but because of its nighttime cleansing effect, it’s good to have at least one in your sleeping space.
Money Plant or Money Tree (Scindapsus aureus)
The money plant or money tree is known for its ability to remove pollutants and chemicals including benzene, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde. While this plant offers a high purification rate, it’s toxic to dogs, cats, and little ones if the leaves are ingested, so place it somewhere out of reach.
Money plants prefer indirect sunlight. Keep this in mind when you’re looking for a safe place.
Gerbera Daisys (Gerbera Jamesonii)
Gerbera daisies are lovely and often used in decorative landscaping and gardens. Here we have another unique plant that purifies the air at night, producing high levels of oxygen while removing toxic chemicals.
It’s believed that gerbera daisies are excellent for people suffering from breathing disorders and sleep apnea. That said, it’s another perfect choice for bedrooms or sleeping spaces. However, these pretty flowers prefer bright sunlight during the spring, summer, and fall. During the winter, these daisies prefer indirect sunlight.
Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are incredibly resilient, making them excellent plants for newbies. These beauties cleanse the air of xylene and carbon monoxide. It’s perfect for homes with pets, as it’s non-toxic to animals.
Something I love about spider plants is that the little ‘spiderettes’ can be repotted to start a new family of plants. Before you know it, you’ll have air-purifying spider plants all over the house. Also, they are known to care for themselves while taking care of you. But don’t forget to give them water as needed.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadnesis miller)
When people hear ‘aloe vera,’ their mind often turns to the healing properties it’s so well-known for. However, these plants have the ability to clean the air. This air-purifying succulent is excellent to have around the house.
Aloe vera will thrive in sunny locations and doesn’t require frequent watering. If you’re forgetful about watering your plants, this succulent might be one to consider.
Here are several more air-purifying plants to consider:
● Broad Lady Palm: This is one of the few plants that can reduce levels of ammonia found in a wide range of cleaning products. Heads up: they can be expensive to buy full-grown.
● Red-Edged Cracaena – Dragon Tree: The rid rims of the leaves add a flair of color to the home. Not only are they beautiful, but they can clear the air of xylene, trichloroethylene, and other pollutants.
● Weeping Figs: These plants are relatively fussy and do not like change. That said, if it’s a plant you want, do your research to keep it happy.
● Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemums are another air-purifying plant that’s beautiful. It can filter the air of a host of toxins, including benzene and ammonia.
Having a few houseplants that filter and clean the air can improve the quality of your environment and health. Many are easy to grow, require little care, and do all the work. Not to mention, they add a certain beauty and comfort to any home.
-Elaina Garcia
Photo by Huy Phan (Pexels.com)
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