5 Indoor Plants That Clean Air: A Guide to Better Indoor Air Quality

peace lily flower

Indoor air pollution is a major health risk, and because we spend so much of our time inside our homes and offices, maintaining clean indoor air is essential.

Fortunately, indoor plants naturally purify the air, and numerous kinds can do this in your house or place of business.

In this article, you’ll learn about 5 indoor plants that can help you breathe a little easier indoors.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is one of the most popular indoor plants, and it’s an excellent air purifier. It’s effective at removing harmful toxins like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, which are often found in household cleaners and furnishings. 

This hardy plant is easy to care for and thrives in a wide range of temperatures and lighting conditions, making it an ideal choice for those who are new to indoor gardening.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The peace lily is another great choice for air purification, as it’s effective at removing benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. These toxins are commonly found in paints, solvents, and adhesives, so if you’re renovating or redecorating, a peace lily can help to keep the air in your home clean and healthy. 

This plant is also known for its ability to absorb moisture from the air, which can help to reduce indoor humidity levels and prevent mold growth.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The snake plant is one of the most resilient indoor plants, and it’s an excellent air purifier. This low-maintenance plant is effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, which are commonly found in tobacco smoke and car exhaust fumes. 

Snake plants are also highly adaptable and can thrive in a range of lighting conditions, making them ideal for homes and offices.

Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

The bamboo palm is an attractive and effective air purifier, and it’s capable of removing harmful toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. This plant is a popular choice for indoor gardens, as it’s tall and airy, and it provides a natural, tropical feel. 

The bamboo palm is also a great choice for those who are looking for a plant that is easy to care for, as it requires minimal watering and is highly resistant to pests and diseases.

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Golden pothos is another great indoor plant that helps to clean the air. This attractive and hardy plant is effective at removing formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene, which are commonly found in paints, cleaning products, and synthetic fabrics. 

Golden pothos is also a great choice for those who are looking for a plant that is easy to care for, as it requires minimal watering and is highly resistant to pests and diseases.

NASA Research on Indoor Plants and Air Purification

In 1989, NASA conducted a study to investigate the effectiveness of indoor plants in removing harmful pollutants from the air. 

The study found that certain indoor plants can absorb and remove toxic chemicals from the air, including formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. 

This research showed that indoor plants can have a significant impact on indoor air quality, and it has led to a growing interest in the use of indoor plants for air purification.

The study also identified several species of indoor plants that are particularly effective at removing harmful toxins from the air, including the spider plant, peace lily, snake plant, bamboo palm, and golden pothos. 

These plants have been proven to be effective at removing a wide range of harmful chemicals, and they are easy to care for, making them ideal for use in homes and offices.

For a complete list of plants, you can read the NASA research titled Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement here.

Conclusion:

Indoor plants are an excellent way to improve indoor air quality, and there are a variety of species that are effective at removing harmful toxins from the air. 

From the low-maintenance snake plant to the attractive and air-purifying bamboo palm, there is an indoor plant to suit every home or office. 

With the right care and attention, these plants can help to keep your indoor air clean and healthy, and they can also add a touch of natural beauty to your living or working space.

Looking for more cleaning tips? See 13 Tips for Cleaning Your Backyard (And Why You Should).  

Thanks for reading.

-Baking Soda Guy

Image by Adriano Gadini from Pixabay