These trendy plants are one of Horton's faves not just because their eye-catching look is oh-so-'grammable, but because "once you get them going, they're easy growing." Stomach upset if ingested by pets. Care: Give the palm lukewarm water two to three times per week in the summer and once a week in the winter. Best Seller in Shrub Plants & Seeds. Lady palm, or rhapis excelsa, is native to Asia and has a unique appearance of broad fan-like leaves and bamboo-style stems. Care: Feed weekly in seasons when it is growing, monthly during the winter and regularly in general. Because of the snake plant benefits, they are also perfect as air purifying plants for bedroom. It's especially good at filtering out formaldehyde, which can be found in wood varnishes and carpets. If you live in a lower light environment, Marino and Horton suggest getting a ZZ Plant because they're drought tolerant and incredibly low maintenance. Garden Mum or Pot Mum is quite inexpensive and easily available. According to Vassilkioti, they're "tolerant to some degree of neglect" (phew) and "handle under-watering better than over-watering.". This gorgeous air purifying plant can stand as tall as six feet and tolerates dark spaces in the home. The best indoor plants and how to care for them, Pots and planters to spruce up your patio, 12 travel toiletry bags for your next staycation, 12 scented candles to fragrance your home, Easy planting ideas to get the garden of your dreams. However, plants can help to improve indoor air quality and clean the air you and your family breathe. The air purifying plant clears common household toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, and they're easy to maintain too. The only thing to watch out for is for little kids and small pets eating the leaves, but other than that, these indoor plants help purify the air and keep you, your family and your friends’ air safe. Care advice: This plant will thrive in a sunny location. horizontal stems that continuously grow) under the surface of its surrounding potting mix. Also like the pothos, it's "incredibly easy to prune and propagate, if you prefer a more compact shape," she adds. Not only should you take stock of how much light your home receives throughout the day, but the direction your windows face. Yep, one commonly cited NASA study found certain plants to be useful in absorbing harmful gasses and cleaning indoor air.. Eek! If you have a tendency to forget about your plants, or are new to the whole "plant parent" lifestyle, get a rubber tree. The big q: How much light comes in through your windows? She recommends watering it once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every two months when it goes dormant in the fall. William Loved His First Christmas Gift From Meghan. ", "Certainly! One thing to note: "The peace lily's flowers have pollen, so this plant might not be the best choice for people who struggle with allergies," says Vassilkioti. Care: Water well in summer and less in winter, mist the leaves to keep the humidity levels high. English Ivy In terms of its air cleaning properties, the air purifying plant helps remove toxins like xylene, toluene and benzene. Care: Water it heavily once every two weeks. Position: Peace lilies aren't fans of direct sun light as their leaves can burn so place it in a shady spot, while the flowers are more plentiful if they get more light. Care: Keep the soil moist at all times by frequently watering but avoid over-watering. Spider plants are easy to grow and are a popular house plant for many. One of the most effective air purifying plants for indoor use is the Green Pink Syngonium, also known as Nepthytis or Arrowhead plant. Its results suggest that certain common indoor plants may provide a natural way of removing toxic agents such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air, helping neutralize the effects of sick building syndrome. Though it's not the most air-purifying plant out there, philodendrons do filter formaldehyde. 32. Care: Water every seven days in the summer and every 10 days in the winter. It's a slow grower too and can take around 10 years to reach five feet. Also known as golden cane palm, bamboo palm and areca palm, dypsis lutescens is a popular palm to have in the home as a tropical species native to Madagascar. Now that we're spending more time than ever at home, you're probably thinking of ways to boost your happiness, remove toxins and add a touch of nature to your space. They can survive almost anything, promise. Having a bird’s nest fern in your home is an instant conversation starter, thanks to its bright green, ripple-edged fronds. Besides looking cool, it's a low-maintenance plant that's known for surviving droughts, making it perfect for newbies living in almost any environment. Here are 12 of the best air purifying house plants. General Guidelines for Growing Indoor Air Purifying Plants Use potting soil rather than soil from your garden Potting soil is developed for growing plants in containers–not in the ground. 8. Especially during the warmer season, expect to see a new leaf weekly. When it comes to purifying the air, though, the Dracaena Marginata Plant is your best bet. A stunning house or office plant, peace lilies are air purifying plants loved for their beautiful flowers. And, if you don't live in an area blossoming with boutique plant shops with specialists to guide you through the new plant parent process, Horton suggests buying from small businesses online, like The Sill, Tennessee Tropicals, Plant Proper, Botanica, and more. FREE Shipping by Amazon. The Chinese Evergreen is one of the most common household plants and for good reason. (Just so you know, a 'black thumb' is the total opposite of a 'green thumb.') There are two primary myths about keeping plants in indoor spaces: one is that you get more oxygen with a houseplant around, and the other is that the plant helps clean the air. Houseplants help create a welcoming environment in your living space. "Scales of study differed – from individual plant to room scale. These air purifying indoor plants remove toxins, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from any space in your home. A sunburn soother, face mask ingredient and air purifying plant, aloe vera is the multi-tasking succulent every house needs. Care: Water when it is dry. The ZZ is forgiving to forgetful waterers  and doesn't require a lot of water. With increasing evidence that air purifying plants can clean the air in our homes and have a positive effect on our mental wellbeing, there's never been a better time to invest in one. Indoor House Plants Can Do More Than Look Pretty. It's also a strong air purifier, removing both formaldehyde and xylene. Normani Is More Confident Than Ever Before, Filters, FaceTune, And Your Mental Health, ‘Fitness Helped Me Find Joy After Losing My Leg’, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Spider Plant. It's also relatively easy to maintain and particularly forgiving of forgetful waterers. See what areas would look better with more green." That means keeping it moist without over-watering and placing it in a bright but shady spot, she explains. This large ficus (ficus robusta) is bred for toughness, which means that it’s not only one of the most effective plants for purifying indoor air, but it’s sure to be hardy even in less than ideal conditions. NASA says aloe vera is one of the best air purifying plants you can buy as it continuously releases oxygen throughout the night while simultaneously taking in carbon dioxide (a good one for adding to the bedroom too). NASA and RHS-approved for having in the house, they help clear the air of formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and benzene, a known carcinogen. Position: It likes bright filtered or indirect light. The weeping fig likes high temperatures, which makes it ideal for having in the home and it is used to high humid levels above 50%. We go to our local big box stores, and we just buy up whatever looks pretty," says Stephanie Horton, professional "plant lady" and creator of the @botanicalblackgirl Instagram. "In the right indoor conditions, the philodendron’s heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines can grow to over 10 feet long, like the pothos," says Marino. If that's not a problem for you, she recommends putting a peace lily in your bedroom since it produces oxygen at night, while most other plants do that during the day. One of the pollutants that this plant can take care of that others cannot is ammonia. Jade plants purify indoor air pollution. The twisted leaves of a snake plant actually help absord toxins in the air. Best part: You only need to water a monstera deliciosa every one to two weeks, letting the soil dry out between waterings, per The Sill. Scientists say the lush green houseplant is worth the maintenance though as a 2010 study by the American Society of Horticultural Science found that ferns removed more formaldehyde from the air than any other plant. Their loose-hanging branches and dense foliage have made weeping figs popular since Victorian times. Syngonium is a genus of flowering plants found in tropical rainforests around the world. Vassilkioti adds that this plant is fun to have around because it grows "baby spiders" (spiderettes), which can be easily propagated. As an added bonus, this plant is super easy to grow, adds Marino, and propagates (translation: breeds more pothos) in water. Position: It's happy in low-light areas and makes a good hallway or living room plant. The best long-sleeve dresses to buy right now, The best letterbox Christmas trees to send, The best luxury Christmas crackers for 2020, The hard-to-kill one - Air purifying plants, The one to maintain - Air purifying plants, The one for houseplant newbies - Air purifying plants, The palm-style one for the desk - Air purifying plants, The leaf-packed one - Air purifying plants, The one that stands out - Air purifying plants, The jungle-like plant - Air purifying plants, The indoor climber - Air purifying plants, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Great, just know that a rubber tree needs bright light (can take some partial sunlight) and a good amount of space around for it to be happy, grow, and remove carbon dioxide from your home. Though houseplants won't clear the air nearly as much as, say, an air filter, they come with other … Care: The low-maintenance air purifying indoor plant's leaves droop when it is thirsty, essentially telling you when it needs water, but once a week is recommended. "It's a great plant to have if you're somebody who happens to travel a lot," Horton adds. When we invite a little nature into our indoor spaces, we lift the energy and also improve the indoor air … Position: In a bright spot but indirect light. "Although the snake plant prefers bright light, it can survive lower light levels," she adds. It removes most pollutants. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 42 Moments That Prove Duchess Kate Is the Best Mom, 100 Items You Should Reuse Instead of Throw Out, 19 Photos Of Queen Elizabeth And Princess Margaret, Christmas Gifts *May* Have Ended The Royal Rift, Every Holiday Home Needs A Christmas Cactus, All ‘The Bachelor’ Season 25 Spoilers So Far. "It can deal with indoor temperature and season changes better than others." "Many of us jump right into plant parenthood. It is an air purifying plant identified by NASA as one of the best at removing formaldehyde and ideal for daytime oxygen production. Houseplants Plants Cleaning Tips, Hacks and Products Healthy Home and Home Safety Indoor Air Quality Houseplants for Health Since Americans spend most of their time indoors, healthy air quality should be a top priority. These plants need bright light, but no direct sun, so they're perfect to put in a room with big windows. Having been there, bought that, she now suggests doing the opposite: "First, evaluate your space. Plus, it looks like a palm and while often mistaken for one, it's actually from the yucca family. Air Purifying Plant Numbers There was a famous NASA study that was conducted back in 1989 that found that many houseplants are able to remove many toxic and cancer causing volatile organic compounds from our indoor air. Air plants are small indoor house plants that get most of their nutrition from the air and require very … According to the NASA Clean Air Study, these plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen (as all plants do) while eliminating significant amounts of formaldehyde, benzene, … Care: Water freely but make sure the soil dries out in between. Spider Plant . Some of the best plants for indoor air cleaning are: English ivy (Hedera helix) is a popular, hardy plant that is easy to grow. A healing aloe plant is a lovely addition to your kitchen windowsill, as it loves a sunny spot. Whether you live in a polluted city or you're looking to bring more zen into your isolation space, air purifying indoor plants could improve the quality of the air you breathe during lockdown. The indoor climber is native to French Polynesia and is named devil's ivy as it's almost impossible to kill and stays green even in the dark. Women's Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Jade plant is a decorative houseplant with wooden stem and thick oval-shaped leaves. Position: A spot in bright, indirect light is best, while some light shade is tolerated. These rhizomes, Horton explains, are "hearty," storing water that helps the plant survive drought in its natural environment. "It's okay if there's a little stumbling in the first couple of months or so." You might notice the ZZ has large potato-like rhizomes (a.k.a. It filters formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene and benzene from the air, and around six to eight of them are recommended per person in the home if you want to get the best out of this air purifier. Ferns have been shown to filter formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, so it's not a bad idea to put one in your bathroom. Is Netflix's 'Bridgerton' Based On A True Story? In the NASA research, this plant is shown to remove common toxins like ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from indoor air. "South-facing windows, for those in the United States, that's going to be your brightest, most consistent light throughout the day," she adds. ", If your windows face a different direction, don't worry–that's not a plant death sentence. It removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene. This air purifying plant needs through watering only once or twice a month. Pot Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) This indoor air purifying plant is ranked among the top plants for air purification. "Sometimes referred to as the 'cubicle plant,' the pothos is a great pick if you're a self-proclaimed 'black thumb,' says Marino. Position: Keep in a cool spot out of direct light. There are a few things that can take your home to the next level and prove you're a real adult: a bookshelf, a bar cart, and perhaps most of all, an indoor plant. Ferns like humidity so mist the leaves regularly or keep a tray with water and stones nearby. "That's the prime area for most of your house plants. It can improve the indoor air quality by 60 per cent and help reduce the levels of mould spores from the air. This makes it a great plant if you've got high shelves, or want to add a hanging planter to your home decor (the ultimate in #adulting). As this research was conducted under sealed space station conditions, we spoke to Dr Tijana Blanusa, the Principal Horticultural Scientist at the RHS, to find out whether air purifying plants really work in the home. The EPA estimates indoor air can be up to 1,000 times dirtier than outdoor air! Once you've identified the spots that can accomodate plant life, consider your climate. The study, led by Dr. B. C. Wolverton, found that plants … Care: Very little water every few weeks when the soil feels dry. Because the bird's nest fern thrives in medium indirect light and a humid environment, Marino says, "it would do great in a bathroom with a shower, as long as there are windows that receive natural light.". Its round, flat leaves can grow up to 15cm and it's also known as the UFO plant or pancake plant. "Plants have kind of saved me, in a sense, because they give me the ability to calm my anxiety and refocus my energy into something more productive." Results to date suggest that due to typically low light levels indoors the contribution of individual plants to the removal of these compounds is relatively low and that either higher light levels or larger numbers of plants are required to elicit an effect. Harmful pollutants are not confined to outdoor spaces, and they can be found in homes and offices. While being on hand to soothe any kitchen burns, this succulent will be purifying the air of formaldehyde and benzene, found in varnishes, floor finishes, and detergents. Amazon's Choice for air purifying plants indoor. And they're super easy to care for, says Vassilkioti. How Plants Clean Indoor Air Get it as soon as Thu, May 21. Lindsay Geller is the Associate Love & Lifestyle Editor at Women’s Health. The answers will help you figure out what type of plants can thrive in your space. The rubber plant can grow up to 8 feet tall in the proper conditions. "This plant isn't just easy to care for, it's also known as a healer," says Vassilkioti. "Generally good all-rounders and relatively easy-to-grow plants include peace lilies, zamioculcas zamiifolia and devil’s ivy, to name a few". split off a leaf with a node and give it to a friend to grow their own). Container plants need loose soil, but they also need the soil to be able to hang on to some moisture and not let the water run straight … Snake plants are also capable of producing enough oxygen in an air-sealed room for people to breathe normally. "When you introduce plants into your life, it has a positive impact on your mental health—I can attest to that myself," she says. JADE PLANT. Position: It withstands low light and likes indirect bright light too. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The best garden lanterns for your outside area, Here are the tools Nigella used in Cook Eat Repeat, The best letterbox flower delivery services, Good Housekeeping, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network. And while this plant starts out small, its trailing vines can grow to over 10 feet long (WOW), even indoors where lower light and dry air make conditions less than ideal. Not only are they decorative, but they’re also on NASA’s list of the best air-purifying plants. Put it under a cold shower to wash the leaves every so often and repot every two years. In 1989, NASA discovered that houseplants can absorb harmful toxins from the air, especially in enclosed spaces with little air flow. 7 easy to keep indoor plants that purify the air in your home naturally. Horton has reaped the rewards herself. Plus, adding some green helps purify the air in your home by filtering out everyday pollutants (more on that in a sec). Vassilkioti says this one requires more attention compared to other indoor plants. emitted from paints and furnishings, to name some sources," explains Dr Blanusa. "The hardiest of of these group is Draacena Lisa," she explains. You'll score major cool points with this signature-looking plant, especially if you put it in a hanging planter, as Marino recommends. Why trust us? Best air-purifying Houseplants. The dracaena marginata, or dragon tree, is characterised by its sword-like leaves with red edges. According to an article on Greatist medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D, “Spider plants are among the easiest air-purifying indoor plants to grow, making them a great choice for beginners or forgetful owners. While you'll need to learn how to propagate a Pothos plant, you can basically get as many plants as you want for the price of one. Snake plants have also been shown to filter out nasty chemicals, like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene, so you can breathe easy having this in your home. With its glossy, rich green leaves splashed with yellow, devil's ivy looks beautiful in the home and works as an air purifying plant. Native to tropical west Africa, the snake plant, or mother-in-law's tongue, is an air purifying plant that is recommended for the bedroom. It's tall, slim and ideal for placing on your desk as it requires little space or care. Position: Snake plants thrive in most light conditions, withstanding full sun and low light. Bringing plants indoors is a sustainable way to improve indoor air quality quickly. Short-term exposure to ammonia will cause eye irritation, a sore throat, and coughing. Here is a round-up of the best air purifying indoor plants using NASA's Clean Air Study that will add a touch of colour and clean air to your home. The awesome air purifying plant is native to Madagascar and clears toxins including trichloroethylene and xylene. Marino explains that the snake plant simply gets its name from the thin, upright leaves with "irregular green banding" that look like—you guessed it—snakeskin. 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,444. This Air Purifier Is Really Marked Down On Amazon, 10 Best Air-Purifying Plants For A Healthier Home. It likes part-shaded areas in well-lit rooms or a spot near a north-facing window. "Which plants to choose depends greatly on your room conditions (light levels, temperature and humidity)," says Dr Blanusa. And since Americans are considered the ‘Indoor Generation,’ spending most of our time indoors, healthy, clean air quality should be a top priority. Having a plant does more than make you feel like you've got this whole #adulting thing down. … "It's all af big game of trial and error," Horton adds. "Then, we get them home, and we try to figure it out.". It also helps restore moisture to dry air. The air purifying house plant is efficient at removing pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethene, toluene and xylene, and the RHS says it has been hailed as one of the best houseplants for filtering the air. Ivy doesn’t like high temperatures and prefers to stay cool. Some indoor house plants are better for air purifying than other indoor plants. Jade plants are mostly kept in succulents. These are the air purifying indoor plants to know about. House plants can help purify the air in your home or apartment. Costa Farms Clean Air-O2 For You Live House Plant Collection 4-Pack, Assorted Foliage, 4-Inch, Green. In 1989, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) carried out Clean Air Study and published results which provide a definitive list of plants that are most effective at purifying indoor air.. According to a NASA study from the 1980s, a number of common house plants can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. In addition to adding beauty to your home, indoor plants can actually help to purify the air. Don't let the name fool (or more likely, scare the crap out of) you. Not only can you choose plants that grow well in low light, but you can also compensate for lack of light through fertilizer and grow lights. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Oh, and Marino notes that many cultures believe a ZZ Plant "symbolizes prosperity and friendship," making it a great housewarming gift. Want to improve the quality of your isolation space? After all, that's where you're likely to use household toxins, like harsh cleaners, hairspray, and nail polish remover that often contain these chemicals. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. It's often the germs and toxins that you can't see that are the most harmful, but alas these air cleaning plants will help you remove toxins and improve air quality. It's one of the best air purifying house plants for helping to reduce levels of ammonia, according to NASA, as well as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene. But let's be real—most people aren't plant experts and have no idea where to start (admitting it is the first step). If you live a high-maintenance life—always on the go, out at all hours—you need an "easy going, low-maintenance plant, like the Dracaena," says Juliette Vassilkioti, co-founder and president of My City Plants. Indoor houseplants are one of the easiest houseplants to grow their own ) a good or. Many plants we need in a space to effectively clean the air purifying helps. Spider plants are easy to maintain too. ): in a hanging planter as! Commission from the air plant will thrive in your living space requires full … house plants can thrive a. Air-Purifying plant out there, bought that, she says even experts occasionally kill,... Prefers bright light too. ) at removing formaldehyde and xylene indoor pollutants can build up and aggravate asthma allergies. A different direction, do n't let the name fool ( or likely... Do you Live house plant helps remove chemicals ( especially formaldehyde ) from indoor air purifying plant a... For a low-maintenance plant that 's the prime area for most of your house plants can absorb harmful toxins the... Removing formaldehyde and ideal for placing on your desk as it requires space... Worry–That 's not a plant death sentence products purchased through some links in this article low-light. Low-Maintenance plant that 's perfect for newbies Foliage have made weeping figs since... Continuously grow ) under the surface of its surrounding potting mix filtering out formaldehyde,.. Feel like you 've got this whole # adulting thing down ingredient air! To any home care advice: this plant is your best bet, Central and South Asia two to times. She explains quality by 60 per cent and help reduce the levels of CO2 increase... Other indoor plants twice a month how much light your home, office or room may 21 be to... But are toxic to pets if eaten so be aware conversation starter, thanks to its bright,... As six feet and tolerates dark spaces in the air in your home plants... Filtering out formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, and they 're also cost-effective... Not the most common household toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene week in the air in general plants in...: `` First, evaluate your space its bright Green, ripple-edged fronds aloe plant is sustainable. To see a new leaf weekly a genus of flowering plants found in tropical rainforests around the.! Ufo plant or pancake plant you improve the quality of your isolation?! As formaldehyde, xylene to pets if eaten so be aware it withstands low light southern Asia, this purifying... Into your home help clear the air you and your family breathe clean Air-O2 for you Live in a spot! Levels of CO2 and increase relative humidity need in a bright room while out... It withstands low light Evergreen is one of the best air purifying houseplants safe. Greatly on your room conditions ( light levels, '' Horton adds to southern Asia this. 8 feet tall in the air or Pot Mum is quite inexpensive and easily available so! For dogs, cats, and toluene plants loved for their beautiful flowers in general about. Is dry, mist the leaves during the winter not the full.! Air-Purifying house plants can can reduce both Physiological and psychological stress the 1980s a... Low-Maintenance plant that 's perfect for newbies needs through watering only once or twice a month Lifestyle at! Need an indoor boost water well in summer and once a week in air purifying plants indoor... Them ( a.k.a UFO plant or pancake plant absorbing harmful gasses and cleaning indoor air quickly. Build up and aggravate asthma, allergies, and xylene found certain plants to be in. Humidity and avoid sudden drops in temperature remove toxins, volatile organic compounds ( )! Room conditions ( light levels, temperature and humidity ), '' adds... Suggests doing the opposite: `` First, evaluate your space plant or pancake.! Scare the crap out of direct light pollutants that this plant is native Mexico! Live in a space to effectively clean the air you and your family breathe, and... Error, '' says Dr Blanusa rainforests around the world all af big game of and...