Indoor plants are wonderful for beautifying homes, offices, and other indoor settings. Furthermore, many can enhance air quality by removing harmful chemicals. In turn, people’s health can be improved. In this article, we’ll look at eight plants that can turn your indoor space into a haven of cleaner air and optimal well-being.
But first, let’s briefly explore the impact of poor air quality on health.
The Impact of Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality on Health
Indoor and outdoor air quality significantly affects health. Poor indoor air, often from dust, mold, toxins, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can lead to respiratory issues like asthma and allergies. Long-term exposure may even contribute to chronic conditions such as lung cancer or cardiovascular disease.
Outside, pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone harm the respiratory system. High levels of these pollutants correlate with increased hospital visits for respiratory infections and exacerbated asthma symptoms.
And at the ESMO 2022 Presidential Symposium, Professor Charles Swanton demonstrated how the particles in the air that contribute to climate change also negatively impact lung cells. In fact, the Lancet Commission on pollution and health states that air pollution causes up to 29% of all lung cancer deaths.
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Also, recent studies show a connection between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight. Children exposed to polluted air also risk developing developmental disorders.
Understanding these impacts emphasizes the importance of maintaining good air quality both at home and in our environment to support overall well-being. At home, indoor plants that are known to improve air quality can undoubtedly help.
1. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily, with its unique white flowers and aesthetic charm, is well-known for being one of the best air-purifying plants around. It can remove common harsh toxins found in the home, such as formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, benzene, and ammonia. The lily absorbs these toxins through their leaves. The toxins then travel down to the root and are broken down into the soil.
Furthermore, the Peace Lily helps to reduce the appearance of mold spores in the home. Again, the spores are absorbed through its leaves and then circulated to the plant’s roots and turned into food.
2. Boston Fern
The Boston Fern is a popular houseplant known for its lush, arching fronds. Its feathery leaves make it an attractive choice for indoor decoration. Plus, it is prized for its air-purifying properties. This indoor plant can remove xylene, formaldehyde, and toluene from the air.
Easy to care for (with regular watering and misting), the Boston Fern adds both beauty and health benefits to any indoor space.
3. Areca Palm
The Areca Palm, also known as the Butterfly Palm, is a vibrant indoor plant with long, graceful fronds that fan out elegantly. It enjoys bright, indirect light and consistent moisture without waterlogging.
This palm not only adds tropical flair to interiors. It also improves air quality by removing toxins like xylene, formaldehyde, and toluene from the atmosphere – just like the Boston Fern.
Easy to maintain (with occasional pruning and regular watering), the Areca Palm brings a touch of nature indoors while promoting a healthier living environment.
4. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, which is also often known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue, features tall, stiff, sword-like leaves with vibrant green bands and yellow edges. Its sleek, vertical growth creates a striking architectural look that stands out in any indoor setting.
Renowned for its robustness and ability to thrive in most environments, the Snake Plant makes an excellent air purifier. It removes a variety of toxins from the air, including xylene, toluene, formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
5. Devil’s Ivy
Devil’s Ivy, also known as Pothos, has beautiful heart-shaped leaves with vibrant green and yellow variegation. Its trailing vines cascade gracefully, making it ideal for hanging baskets or shelves. This lush plant brings a lively touch to any space.
Of course, it is also a great air purifier for the home or office. It is able to remove toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.
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6. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera boasts thick, fleshy, green leaves that fan out from a central base. The leaves are often edged with soft spikes and have a gel-like interior. Its compact, rosette form adds a striking and sculptural element to any room.
You’re probably aware of Aloe Vera’s medicinal properties, but were you aware that the plant is also an excellent air purifier? It can remove benzene, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals from the air.
Plus, it’s a low-maintenance plant, as it requires minimal watering. So, it’s a good option for those who are new to looking after houseplants.
7. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums display vibrant, multi-petaled blooms in an array of colors like yellow, pink, and red. Their lush flowers range from daisy-like forms to pompom shapes.
While chrysanthemums aren’t as easy to grow as Aloe Vera and some of the other indoor plants mentioned in this article, they are sure to add color to any home or office. Furthermore, it can filter numerous toxins, including benzene and ammonia.
8. Weeping Fig
The Weeping Fig features slender, arching branches adorned with glossy, oval-shaped leaves. Its lush canopy creates an elegant drooping effect, giving it a graceful appearance. This versatile plant enhances any space with its vibrant green foliage and delicate form.
And it is effective at purifying the air from toxins that are commonly found in adhesives and nail polishes. It can remove chemicals like toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde; and thus, create a healthier indoor environment.
Also, the Weeping Fig can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
The Bottom Line
As we have seen, bringing indoor plants into your home isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also about creating a healthier living environment.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, there’s a perfect green companion out there for you that will make your space cleaner and more vibrant every day.
