If you do not already have indoor plants, then you might as well get some soon. Indoor plants can light up our mood while also cleaning the air we breathe in, according to the University of Florida. Indoor plants play an essential role in our lives. This article will discuss the top indoor plants that clean the air and remove toxins.
Indoor plants can improve air quality by removing pollutants in the air found in a study issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Several studies showed houseplants provide several benefits, including warmth and comfort, brightening your day, and helping to clean your air.
Generally, plants are widely known to reduce stress and anxiety. Indoor plants can also enhance the concentration levels of a human. Furthermore, indoor plants are necessary for purifying the air by removing pollutants.
Read on to find out about the best indoor plants that clean the air and remove toxins. You might also enjoy reading: 13 House Plants Amazing Benefits you Need to Know About!
Can House Plants Remove Toxins from the Air?
According to research by NASA scientists, many popular houseplants are pretty good at removing toxins often found indoors.
In addition, researchers have discovered that microorganisms in the potting soil help clean the air, mainly if the houseplants’ leaves and other detritus aren’t covering up the soil, according to the University of Florida.
Furthermore, plants undergo the process of photosynthesis, which converts carbon dioxide into fresh oxygen for humans to breathe in. They can also remove several toxins, such as cancer-causing organic compounds, from the air.
Other studies have also shown that the soil of potted plants has microorganisms that play a beneficial role in cleaning the air. Indoor air pollution comes from several sources, such as benzene, xylene, and toluene. These toxic chemicals are hazardous to human health. Such toxins are usually found in airtight places that have less airflow.
Plants are naturally occurring air purifiers. However, some plants are better at cleaning the air and removing toxins than others.
The leafier the plant, the better it purifies the air. They help you breathe in a fresh environment that gives you the strength to combat various allergies. Indoor plants are the perfect way to reconnect with nature and sleep peacefully in your bed.
Adding a large number of indoor plants might automatically increase the humidity indoors. However, an excessive increase in humidity may lead to the growth of mold. To prevent this, remove the excess water after watering the plants immediately.
You can also set up a proper water drainage system to control mold growth. Moreover, Spanish moss and aquarium gravel are also good for the removal of mold.
What is the Best Indoor Plant to Clean the Air?
Indoor plants that clean air and remove toxins are very large in number. People usually buy them to stay close to nature while enjoying all the benefits that come with them.
Although, before buying indoor plants that clean the air and remove toxins, keep in mind that if you have pets, they may be allergic to them, or worse, they can harm your indoor plants. Talk to the local staff at a nearby greenhouse to learn about the perfect, most suitable indoor plant that better cleans the air and removes toxins.
1- Spider Plants (AKA Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plants are also referred to as air plants. They are easy to maintain and look beautiful in hanging baskets.
If you are lucky, pretty white blossoms may grow on them. It needs to be watered two to three times a week. It is great for eliminating xylene.
Spider plant is particularly effective in cleaning indoor air by absorbing chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide in offices or homes, according to studies.
See also: 5 Must-Know Spider Plant Diseases.
| Light requirements | – Bright light – Indirect light to partial shade |
| Water requirements | – Do not overwater – Between waterings, let the soil dry out |
| Maintenance requirements | Easy to maintain |
| Toxicity | Non-Toxic to Cats and Dogs |
2- Dragon Tree (AKA Dracaena marginata)
Dragon tree comes in various shapes and sizes. It is perfect as an indoor plant. It requires minimum care as well.
Just keep the soil damp and do not water it too frequently. However, it is toxic to pets such as cats or dogs. This indoor plant eliminates xylene, benzene, and toluene from the air.
| Light requirements | Dragon tree thrives in bright and indirect light to low light |
| Water requirements | Between waterings, allow the soil to dry out |
| Maintenance requirements | Low to moderate |
| Toxicity | Even though it is safe for humans, dragon tree is toxic to dogs and cats |
3- Areca Palms (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens or Areca lutescens)
Originally from Madagascar, areca palms are easier to grow outdoors rather than indoors; however, if you have ample space with adequate sunlight shining through the window, then they can be grown indoors as well.
Areca palms need plenty of water. Carbon monoxide and formaldehyde are eliminated from the air by this indoor plant.
| Light requirements | Areca palms thrive in full exposure to light and can grow well in partial shade. |
| Water requirements | – Well-drained and moist – Areca palms are sensitive to overwatering, so ensure you let the potting mix or soil dry out little between waterings. |
| Maintenance requirements | Low to moderate |
| Toxicity | Areca palms are not considered toxic. |
4- Mums (Chrysanthemums)
Chrysanthemums, generally referred to as mums, are not only beautiful but have also been ranked the highest in air purification.
They eliminate the common toxins, such as ammonia, from the air around you. This lovely flower only blooms for six weeks.
See also: Will Frost Actually Hurt Your Mums? (Let’s find out!)
| Light requirements | Hardy mums thrive in full sun, which means they require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. |
| Water requirements | – Mums prefer consistent moisture. Water when the soil dries out about an inch or two down. – More frequent watering will likely be necessary for warmer weather. – Mums require at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) of water per week. |
| Maintenance requirements | Low to moderate |
| Toxicity | Mums are not considered toxic. |
5- Bamboo Palms (AKA Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bamboo palm (AKA Chamaedorea seifrizii) grows in low light conditions. Bamboo Palms require extra care and attention from you. They transpire moisture into the dry air.
They are very safe to keep in a house with pets. The soil of these plants needs to be kept moist. Chloroform, benzene, and carbon monoxide are eliminated by bamboo palms to purify the air.
| Light requirements | Bamboo palms grow well in medium to low-light conditions. |
| Water requirements | – Keep your bamboo palms evenly moist. – Both overwatering and under-watering can be harmful to bamboo plants. – Preferably, under-water them rather than overwater. – Let the top of the soil dry between waterings. |
| Maintenance requirements | Easy to maintain |
| Toxicity | Non-Toxic to Cats and Dogs |
6- English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy has features that make it well adapted to the indoors. It will look amazing around the windowsill or in hanging baskets. It requires plenty of water to grow, but make sure not to overwater it in the winter.
Words of caution, English Ivy is not suitable for a house with dogs or any farm animals. However, they are perfect for beginner-to-intermediate plant lovers.
| Light requirements | – Bright – Indirect light |
| Water Requirements | – Keep the soil moist, but not too wet |
| Maintenance requirements | – Low to moderate |
| Toxicity | – Toxic to Dogs and Cats |
How Many Plants Do I Need to Purify the Air?
Generally, It is recommended to place two good-sized house plants at every 100 square feet. Air purification is affected by the surface area; hence the bigger and leafier a plant, the more it purifies the air.
Even just a single indoor plant can purify the air by almost 25%. They can improve the air quality by 75%. In addition, planting indoors is a great hobby to pick up. It has endless benefits.
Wrapping Up
Overall, indoor plants offer tremendous benefits, including health and wellness. Additionally, there are also indoor plants that clean the air and remove toxins.
Here are the indoor plants that clean the air and remove toxins:
- Spider Plants
- Dragon Tree
- Areca Palms
- Mum
- Bamboo Palms
- English Ivy
