Indoor Plants that Clean the Air and Remove Toxins

Plants are more than just an aesthetical adornment for the home, they also provide us with a healthy breath of fresh air. In fact, NASA conducted a Clean Air Study and concluded that certain indoor plants naturally remove toxic agents, helping neutralise the air. Indoor air pollutants range from things like cigarette smoke to the harmful chemicals found in cleaning products and air fresheners. Such plants work to absorb air pollutants like carbon dioxide and in turn release oxygen. So, if you’re looking to brighten up your home or clean the air and remove toxins, these plants are for you. Here’s a list of some incredible air purifying plants with some basic care guidance.

Monstera Deliciosa

These plants are trending due to their large-leaved beauty and, fortunately, Monstera Deliciosas are really easy to look after. The Monstera Deliciosa requires bright to medium indirect light and only needs watering about once a week, perhaps twice in a hot climate. Wait until the soil is fairly dry until watering it again. Native to Mexico and Central America, it loves humidity. If you have pets, it’s best kept out of reach.

Aloe Vera

In addition to its healing properties, Aloe Vera also works its magic by purifying the air around us. As a succulent plant, it thrives in bright locations. Water an aloe plant by thoroughly drench the soil and then allowing the water to drain freely. Do this by ensuring the pot has plenty of drainage holes or, if not, remove the plant from the pot before watering. Always ensure that the soil of the plant is completely dry before rewatering. Aloe Vera is considered a medicinal plant as it can be used to heal wounds and skin conditions, though it’s toxic to pets. Even if you don’t use it for its healing properties, reap its air-purification benefits!

Pothos

This green beauty is perfect for shelves because, though it starts out small, its trailing vines can grow up to 10 feet long. Pothos thrives with medium to bright indirect light, although it can impressively withstand low-light conditions. This plant requires erratic watering care and it’s important to let its soil dry out between waterings. Pothos is not pet friendly.

Peace Lily

Peace Lilies are indoor-friendly plants that produce a beautiful white flower. Peace Lilies enjoy medium to low light. Avoid overwatering these plants because it’s often the most common reason for it to die. Instead, check the soil a couple of times a week. If it’s dry it needs watering, if it’s damp it doesn’t. The leaves will actually droop when it needs watering so watch out for that too. These plants are not pet friendly so keep them out of reach of any four-legged friends.

Snake Plant

This exotic plant, also known as Sanseviera, is a great household addition due to the low-maintenance care it requires. This flame-like plant has air-purifying properties, and is even used as a charm against evil in its native land Africa, and in Latin America too. It grows bolt upright making it the perfect home deco. The Snake Plant prefers bright light, though it can tolerate lower light levels too. This easy-to-care-for plant is perfect for beginners as it normally needs watering every 7 to 14 days. This could even be longer in the winter months, always allow the soil to dry thoroughly between watering. It does wonders for filtering out harmful chemicals and purifying the air, though it’s not pet friendly.

These air purifying plants are not only beautiful additions to any home, they also filter our homes of those nasty air pollutants. These houseplants plants, among many others, clean the air, remove toxins and also offer an abundance of benefits that can be found here. What’s your favourite air purifying plant?