Houseplants do far more than simply beautify your home; they actively contribute to improving air quality.
Many popular indoor plants are adept at filtering out harmful chemicals and toxins from their surroundings.
In this article, plant specialist Matt Dursum introduces you to a host of indoor plants known for their mold-fighting and air-purifying abilities.
Plants as Natural Air Filters
Often dubbed the earth’s lungs, plants also resemble the liver and kidneys when it comes to detoxifying the air we breathe.
Certain varieties excel at removing toxic substances that can significantly impact human health.
The good news is many of these green allies flourish indoors, bringing both aesthetic and health benefits to your space.
While houseplants are a feast for the eyes, they also act as natural air filters that can stand the test of time.
This contrasts sharply with conventional air purification systems, such as enhanced ventilation, HEPA filters, and activated charcoal, which can be expensive and lack the charm of greenery.
Impact of Houseplants on Air Quality
Numerous studies conducted over the past decade reinforce the idea that houseplants are effective at filtering out a variety of indoor pollutants and mold spores.
A notable 2017 study published in the “International Journal of Engineering Technology Science and Research” contributed to our understanding of which plants could improve indoor air quality.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of 19 houseplants renowned for their ability to combat mold and enhance air quality in your home.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp): With its striking dark foliage and delicate blooms, this tropical beauty excels at removing harmful substances like formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, and trichloroethylene.
- Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata): Known for its resilience and low maintenance, this hardy plant is effective at filtering out benzene, ozone, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, and trichloroethylene.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): A favorite among novice plant owners, the spider plant is efficient at clearing hydrocarbons, ozone, and various toxins including formaldehyde and toluene.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): This lush plant requires regular misting but is adept at removing pollutants like toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde from the air.
- Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides): Easily recognizable, this plant not only thrives with adequate light and well-draining soil but also helps eliminate benzene.
- Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa): Thriving in bright, indirect light, this palm effectively filters ammonia, toluene, and xylene while adding a tropical flair to your indoor environment.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix): This vigorous vine is relentless in its quest to clear your air, filtering out benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, ammonia, and hydrocarbons.
- Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum): In addition to brightening your space with vibrant blooms, it also cleanses the air by filtering out formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, ammonia, and other hydrocarbons.
- Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii): This lovely ornamental tree excels in filtering toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde, making it a charming addition to indoor settings.
- Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens): Though it’s a slow grower, this palm is effective in eliminating toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde, easily adapting to indoor spaces.
- Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum): A low-maintenance vine, this plant is celebrated for its ability to filter formaldehyde and hydrocarbons easily.
- Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina): A popular indoor choice, this attractive plant removes formaldehyde, hydrocarbons, toluene, and xylene from your living space.
- Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia): This easy-care plant is known for effectively filtering trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, and benzene.
- Dwarf Banana Tree (Musa ornata): Not just a delight to the eyes, this charming plant helps clean the air by filtering out formaldehyde.
- Aloe Vera (Aloe vera): Renowned for its medicinal properties, aloe vera is also a champion at removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
- Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.): Commonly called dumb cane, this plant filters toluene, xylene, and hydrocarbons, though it should be handled with care due to its toxic nature.
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): Beyond adding elegance to your home, this tropical favorite aids in eliminating formaldehyde from your air.
- Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum x morifolium): Known for its cheerful blooms, this flower also filters various toxins, including trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, benzene, and ammonia.
- Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.): This stunning flower not only adds beauty to your space but also plays a role in purifying indoor air by filtering toluene and xylene.
Enhancing Indoor Spaces
By incorporating these houseplants into your home, you can significantly enhance the quality of the air you breathe while simultaneously enjoying a beautiful and lively environment.
Source: Epicgardening.com