The Best House Plants for Cleaner Air in Your Home

Given the recent global events, we are more aware than ever about the importance of maintaining a clean home. Instead of running to harsh chemicals or expensive air purifiers, why not try something more natural to improve your home’s air quality and add a little beauty too?!

Indoor house plants are a great way to purify your home’s air: “Researchers found that rooms with plants have less dust and mold than rooms without any foliage. Leaves and other parts of the plants act as natural filters to catch allergens and other airborne particles” (WebMD). Considering the increased amount of time Americans are spending inside our homes, why not stock up on some new indoor plants to rid your home of harmful allergens, germs, and pollutants? Here are eleven of the best air-purifying plants to try!

Orchids - Orchids have a bad reputation for being finicky but really the opposite is true. People end up killing their Orchids with kindness. Orchids rid the air of xylene, a pollutant found in many glues and paints, and unlike some other plants, orchids respire and give off oxygen at night so they’re a great choice for a bedroom!

Snake Plants – This sharp-leafed plant thrives in low light. At night, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen (a reversal of the process most plants undergo). Pot a couple and put them in your bedroom for a slight oxygen boost while you sleep, or in any room where you use a lot of cleaning products (i.e., bathroom or kitchen). Snake plants rid air of formaldehyde and benzene.

Aloe – Aloe rids the air of harmful pollutants and is great for healing cuts and burns!

Ferns - Ferns are adaptable to many environments and should be placed in a bright room with indirect sunlight.

Ficus - A ficus in your living room will filter out pollutants that typically accompany carpeting and furniture (i.e., formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene). Ficus can be a bit tricky as they will drop their leaves naturally during winter, but once you figure out the watering and light conditions, they will last a long time!

Spider Plant - A good option for beginners! The spider plant reproduces quickly and will eventually sprout plantlets - hence its arachnid inspired name. Put near a sunlit window and you’ll benefit from fewer airborne formaldehyde and benzene molecules.

Pothos - This fast-growing vine has a reputation for flexibility. You can pot it with something to support it, put it in a hanging basket, or train it to climb a trellis. Like many other vines, it tackles formaldehyde, but Golden Pothos also target carbon monoxide and benzene. Put it in your mudroom or entryway where car exhaust fumes are heavy.

English Ivy - This hearty climbing vine thrives in small spaces and can handle indirect sunlight. This dense foliage absorbs formaldehyde.

Hoya - These plants are efficient at removing carbon dioxide from the air. An added bonus: when this plant blooms, it has a wonderful sweet smell!

Spathiphylum – Also known as the Peace Lily, this plant is a great choice because it will flower. It adapts well to low light but requires weekly watering and is poisonous to pets.

Dracena - This relatively compact plant will make the most out of whatever space you give it. It needs moderate sunlight and water occasionally. It will take care of xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde, which can be introduced by lacquers, varnishes or sealers.

Once you pick out your lineup of house plants, we recommend following these general care rules to keep them alive and thriving!

1. Water based on plant variety and size of the pot. For example, a 6” plant water approximately ¾ to 1 cup of water per week. Conditions vary from home to home.

2. Fertilize during our growing season for most plants.

3. Repot every couple of years, and every 6-months add some fresh dirt to the top of the pot.

4. Give them as much indirect bright light as possible without it being near an extreme cold or hot window.

5. If you put things out for the summer and bring them back in, check for insects, gradually put plants out for a few hours as the temps rise to acclimate them to the weather and the shade.

Pick up some of your favorite house plants by stopping by the greenhouse or placing an order via phone soon!