Indoor air quality is a growing concern, with studies showing that the air inside our homes can be up to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air.
The good news is that certain houseplants have the ability to purify the air by removing toxins and releasing oxygen. In this article, we will explore the 9 easiest indoor plants for air purification, according to a NASA study.
These plants are not only effective at cleaning the air, but they are also easy to care for and resistant to pests.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Indoor air quality has deteriorated over the years due to energy-efficient buildings and the use of man-made materials, which release toxic substances into the air.
These substances, including formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia, can have harmful effects on our health. In fact, poor indoor air quality has been linked to allergies, asthma, headaches, and other respiratory ailments.
This is why it is important to take steps to improve the air we breathe indoors.
The NASA Study
In the 1980s, NASA conducted a study to determine which houseplants are best at purifying the air. The study found that certain plants have the ability to remove toxins from the air through a process called phytoremediation.
These plants absorb harmful chemicals through their leaves and roots, breaking them down and releasing oxygen. The NASA study identified 50 houseplants that are effective at purifying the air, but not all of them are easy to grow indoors.
In this article, we will focus on the 9 plants from the study that are not only effective at air purification but also easy to care for.
1. Moth Orchid
The moth orchid, also known as the Phalaenopsis orchid, is one of the easiest orchids to grow indoors. It is also highly effective at removing xylene from the air.
Xylene is a common volatile organic compound (VOC) found in paints, adhesives, and cleaning agents. The moth orchid is not only a beautiful plant with long-lasting blooms, but it is also relatively low-maintenance.
It thrives in indirect light and requires minimal watering. If you’re new to orchids, the moth orchid is a great choice to start with.
2. Peace Lily
The peace lily is renowned for its ability to remove a wide range of chemicals from the air, including alcohols, acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde.
It is one of the best plants overall for air purification. The peace lily is also easy to care for and can tolerate low light conditions.
It is known for its striking white flowers and glossy green leaves. To keep your peace lily happy, make sure to water it regularly and keep it away from direct sunlight.
3. Rubber Plant
The rubber plant is a powerhouse when it comes to removing chemical vapors from the air. It excels at removing formaldehyde, a common indoor air pollutant found in furniture, carpets, and household cleaners.
The rubber plant is a hardy plant that can tolerate low light conditions, although it will do better in brighter conditions. It has large, glossy leaves that add a touch of tropical beauty to any indoor space.
To care for your rubber plant, water it when the top inch of soil is dry and avoid overwatering.
4. Corn Plant
The corn plant, also known as Dracaena fragrans, is highly effective at removing chemical vapors from the air. It is particularly good at removing formaldehyde.
The corn plant is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate lower light conditions. It has long, arching leaves that add a touch of elegance to any room.
To keep your corn plant healthy, water it when the top inch of soil is dry and avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
5. Golden Pothos
No houseplant collection is complete without a golden pothos. This popular plant is not only easy to grow but also highly effective at removing toxins from the air.
It is particularly good at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. Golden pothos is known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves.
It is also a great plant for beginners, as it is easy to propagate. To care for your golden pothos, place it in indirect light and water it when the top inch of soil is dry.
6. Heart Leaf Philodendron
If you can grow a golden pothos, you can grow a heart leaf philodendron. These plants are similar in appearance and care requirements.
The heart leaf philodendron is also effective at removing toxins from the air, including formaldehyde and benzene. It has heart-shaped leaves that cascade down, making it a great choice for hanging baskets.
To care for your heart leaf philodendron, place it in bright, indirect light and water it when the top inch of soil is dry.
7. Parlor Palm
The parlor palm is one of the easiest indoor palms to grow. It is highly effective at removing toxins from the air, including formaldehyde and xylene.
The parlor palm has delicate, feathery fronds that add a touch of tropical elegance to any room. It can tolerate low light conditions, although it will do better in brighter indirect light.
To care for your parlor palm, water it when the top inch of soil is dry and avoid overwatering.
8. Spider Plant
Spider plants are known for their ease of growth and their ability to remove toxins from the air. They are particularly effective at removing formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.
Spider plants have long, arching leaves with small baby plants, or “spiderettes,” that dangle from them. These spiderettes can be easily propagated to create new plants.
Spider plants can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, making them a versatile choice for any indoor space.
9. Snake Plant
No houseplant collection is complete without a snake plant, also known as Sansevieria. Snake plants are incredibly hardy and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including low light and neglect.
They are highly effective at removing toxins from the air, including formaldehyde and benzene.
One interesting fact about snake plants is that they produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide at night, making them a great choice for bedrooms. To care for your snake plant, water it sparingly and place it in indirect light.
Conclusion
Improving indoor air quality is essential for our health and well-being. By incorporating these 9 easy-to-care-for houseplants into your indoor space, you can purify the air and create a healthier environment.
These plants not only remove toxins from the air but also add beauty and a touch of nature to your home. So go ahead and fill your space with these air-purifying plants and breathe easier.