5 Air-Purifying Plants For Your Home
Contents
One of the best things a plant can do is purify. By photosynthesizing, a plant absorbs not just sunlight but also water and carbon monoxide that we humans produce and turns it into sugars which it digests. It then releases oxygen into the air for other creatures to breathe. So, why not bring some of these oxygen-rich friends into your home to benefit you and your family?
Here are our top 5 air-purifying plants for your home.
1. Spider Plant
Known for being a great plant for beginners, the spider plant has actually been tested by NASA to observe its purifying abilities. They found that it succeeded where other plants failed in their sealed toxin container test. The spider plants removed 95% of the toxins in the test which was mainly the cancer-causing toxin formaldehyde.
How to care for spider plants:
Caring for spider plants is a breeze. They enjoy moderate, indirect light and even moisture which is not too dry but not too wet. They make tons of little baby plants and they're also non-toxic to animals so it’s pet-friendly.
What a great plant to keep!
2. Chrystanthemum
The popular outdoor autumnal chrystanthemum flower makes it’s own impact indoors as well. Not only does it display stunning blooms in a wide variety of colors, it can also filter formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene and trichloroethylene from the air.
How to care for chrystanthemums:
Caring for mums is fairly simple. During their 6-week blooming time, they’ll be thrilled and happiest around bright light sources as well as regular watering. Be careful though as some chrysanthemums are toxic to pets.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the most popular succulents in the retail and medical markets. For years, the healing and soothing properties of aloe vera have been widely spoken of. But this common plant doesn’t end its skills there. The aloe plant can actually filter carbon monoxide during the night.
How to care for aloe vera:
Like all succulents, the aloe vera plant needs bright, indirect light, sparse fertilizing, and a heavy watering once before letting it dry out completely before repeating. The aloe loves arid environments like the desert so it will need less water and more indirect light than some plants to survive.
4. Croton
The croton plant has popping foliage made up of reds, greens, yellows, and even purples that make it a must-have for your modern home while also absorbing multiple toxins.
How to care for croton:
Croton plants enjoy bright, indirect light indoors to grow and display its bold foliage. They also enjoy a humid, moist environment and regular watering. Make sure to let it drain well.
5. Calathea
Calathea is an enjoyable plant that features wild dark and bright colors and vibrant patterns for foliage. It purifies the surrounding air by filtering out many things like carbon monoxide and benzine, a popular toxin found in plastics.
How to care for calathea:
While calathea can survive in low-light conditions, it does best with bright, indirect light while only needing to be watered every 1-2 weeks. They also enjoy a humid environment to be their best.
These are just a few of the many plants that can both style and purify your home! Keep your air clean and your home healthy with your plant friends.
Gardening Question?
Ask Our Experts and we'll get back to you!