Home Air Purifiers: Top Five Plants that Naturally Absorb Pollutants
In a bid to improve indoor air quality and create a healthier living environment, NASA's research on indoor air quality has identified some of the best low-maintenance plants that also effectively purify the air. Among these top choices are the Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Peace Lily, Rubber Plant, and Golden Pothos.
The Snake Plant, scientifically known as Sansevieria trifasciata, is an extremely hardy and low-maintenance plant that tolerates low light and infrequent watering. This resilient plant removes pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides from the air, making it ideal for bedrooms as it continues to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night.
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is another easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in indirect sunlight and a range of temperatures. It excels at removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. With its long, arching leaves and ability to multiply rapidly, the Spider Plant is a popular choice for adding a touch of greenery to any room.
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a common indoor plant known for its dark-green leaves and white flowers. This plant is particularly efficient at filtering out pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia from the environment. Although it requires indirect light and consistently moist soil, the Peace Lily is still relatively easy to maintain.
The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a very hardy and efficient air-filtering plant that thrives with minimal care. With its glossy, dark-green leaves and attractive appearance, the Rubber Plant is a great addition to any room. This plant absorbs and filters contaminants like xylene, benzene, and trichloroethylene through its leaves, converting these contaminants into oxygen.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil's Ivy, is known for being nearly indestructible and thriving even in low light. This versatile plant removes benzene, formaldehyde, and other toxins from the air, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a hardy and efficient air-purifying plant. With its variegated leaves and ability to grow vigorously with minimal attention, Golden Pothos is a pretty addition to any room, suitable for hanging baskets.
It's important to note that while these plants provide numerous benefits, they can be toxic to pets. Therefore, it's crucial to keep these plants out of reach of curious pets and children.
Houseplants, including peace lilies and snake plants, are popular for decoration and have various benefits such as reducing stress, increasing productivity, and improving sleep quality. In addition to these benefits, NASA's study found that houseplants can help purify air, removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and other chemicals commonly found in building materials and paint.
In summary, the Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Peace Lily, Rubber Plant, and Golden Pothos are among the best choices for anyone seeking low-maintenance, durable indoor plants that also effectively purify the air. By incorporating these plants into your home, you can create a healthier living environment while adding a touch of greenery and style to your space.
The Snake Plant and Golden Pothos, being low-maintenance plants that thrive in different light conditions, are ideal for home-and-garden settings, especially with their abilities to purify the air and remove common toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. home-and-garden enthusiasts might find the resilient Spider Plant and the stylish Rubber Plant, which also excel at air purification, fitting additions to their home-and-garden lifestyle.
