By Ben Holt
Finding ways to make your home healthy is an essential part of life in dense urban areas. Plants offer many beneficial factors that can not only add beauty to your home but also help recycle the air within it to create a healthy atmosphere. Consider these plants to purify the air in your home:
Spider Plant
This popular indoor houseplant is commonly seen on desks and in offices thanks to its variegated natural beauty. The white and green colored leaves grow quickly and can withstand much neglect from caregivers. Spider Plants remove formaldehyde from home and are non-toxic making them a great addition to homes with children or pets. Plant them in a hanging basket to encourage downward growth as well.
Boston Fern
One of the most iconic houseplants is this widely used fern which has shown as one of the best plants to remove toxins from the air. Ferns are beautiful with their many small leaves and can grow quite large indoors. While a Boston Fern is excellent as a houseplant, they do require a little more attention than others. You’ll need to water it regularly depending on your home’s moisture and humidity levels. Some homeowners have to spritz their ferns with water on a daily basis for optimal growth as well.
Lady Palm
This beautiful small tree is a good option for homes due to its compact size. The Lady Palm features fans of leaves that add charm to any area of the house. The plant does well at removing ammonia from your home, found in many textiles and cleaning supplies.
English Ivy
Many homeowners think that Ivy isn’t an excellent houseplant choice due to its aggressive growth tendency, but the opposite is true. English Ivy will do great within the home in a hanging basket, allowing it to drape over the edges of the pot. It can be trained into shapes and does well at removing harmful chemicals from the air. It also works well in a wide range of sun conditions and can grow well in full shade. Choose English Ivy for a classic look.
Gerbera Daisy
Not only is the Gerbera Daisy a favorite cut flower, but it also is effective in removing toxins from the air. This plant is a popular one for homeowners as it overflows with beauty that instantly cheers up any space. Gerbera Daisies should be placed in a warm spot of the home, like above a fireplace or near a heating vent, as they prefer areas that are above 70°F. Choose to use them in warm bathrooms or well-used areas of the home away from windows or doors that could provide a draft.
Snake Plant
As a hardy succulent, this plant is an excellent option for those beginner gardeners who have little houseplant experience. Snake Plants require little attention and can do well in multiple light and temperature conditions. The plant starts small and will do well on tabletops or shelves but can develop into tall with maturity. Move a Snake Plant to a corner area when it becomes too large.
Peace Lily
This beautiful plant is one of the few indoor purifiers that features a flower making it a common choice for homeowners. The Peace Lily has been proven to remove benzene from the air as well as acetone that can emit from cleaning supplies and electronics. Peace Lilies do well in darker rooms but do require weekly watering. The plant is poisonous so refrain from a Peace Lily if you have pets.
Using plants to purify the air in your home is a great way to make your home healthier. Getting rid of toxins and chemicals within the atmosphere is one of the many perks of cultivating indoor houseplants. Choose from a wide variety of shapes, styles, and sizes to add the perfect addition to your home in the form of a plant.
Ben Holt is a fresh air enthusiast and loves writing about it. Ben is always looking to make the most of a summer day, whether he is relaxing in his garden, hiking on an off-beaten trail or entertaining friends on his newly renovated patio.
