Sarah There are many indoor plants that can help purify the air in your home. These plants remove harmful substances from the air and turn them into oxygen through a process called photosynthesis. The larger the plant and its leaves, the better it is at purifying the air. The number of plants you need to create clean, healthy air depends on factors like the type of furniture and carpet you have, whether or not you smoke, and how well your home is sealed.
Purple Waffle Plant:
According to a study, the purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis alternata) is particularly good at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, toluene, and octane from the air. These are common indoor pollutants that come from things like paint, cleaners, hair spray, and dry-cleaned clothing. The purple waffle plant has large, puckered leaves with a lot of surface area for cleaning the air. Keep this plant moist and in full light to keep its purple color.
English Ivy:
Hedera helix (English ivy) is a common plant that can tolerate most light and soil conditions. It is also good at removing VOCs from the air. There are many different types of English ivy with different leaf shapes and colors. Grow two types in a large hanging basket for a nice contrast and double the air purifying effects.
Wax Plant:
Hoya carnosa (wax plant) is an easy-to-care-for plant that is known for its waxy, star-shaped flowers. It can survive in lower light levels, but it flowers best in bright light. The wax plant’s trailing stems look great in hanging baskets or on plant stands. It is drought-resistant and prefers a dry environment to prevent root rot. This plant is good at removing five common VOCs from the air.
Asparagus Fern:
Asparagus densiflorus (asparagus fern) is a plant with frizzy leaves that adds texture to mixed houseplant arrangements. It prefers high moisture and low light conditions. Combine the asparagus fern with ivy, coleus, or philodendron plants to get the air-purifying benefits of a low-maintenance houseplant.
Purple Spiderwort:
Tradescantia pallida (purple spiderwort) is a plant with succulent leaves that are popular both inside and outside the home. It can survive temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit and is a good plant for cold spaces. Researchers have found that the purple spiderwort is especially good at removing VOCs from the air. Plant many of these in areas where you are bothered by fresh paint fumes or new furniture smells.
Nerve Plant:
Fittonia argyroneura (nerve plant) is a plant that doesn’t have prominent flowers, but its leaves have rich pink, red, or white veins that add to its visual appeal. The nerve plant doesn’t need direct sunlight to survive, but it does need a lot of moisture to stay healthy. There are over a dozen types of nerve plant to choose from, so you can grow a cluster of different plants to maximize their air-purifying abilities.
There are many indoor plants that can help purify the air in your home. These plants remove harmful substances from the air and turn them into oxygen. Choose plants that are large and have a lot of leaves for the best air purifying effects. Consider the type of furniture and carpet you have, whether or not you smoke, and how well your home is sealed when deciding how many plants you need.
