Houseplants That Boost Oxygen Levels: Top 7 Picks to Invigorate Your Indoor Space
In this updated, livelier version, we'll uncover the top houseplants that not only beautify your pad but also work like little green engines, pumping out oxygen and purifying the air in your humble abode. Let's dive in!
By cultivating a lush, thriving indoor garden, you'll reap the rewards in more ways than one. A breath of fresh air and a stress-free sanctuary will transform your living space.
As David Domoney, a horticulturalist and author of "Plants with Superpowers," explains, "A disproportionately large number of houseplants can make a measurable impact on air quality. Whether you're at your office or nestled in your home, you spend the lion's share of your time indoors. Alas, the quality of the air you breathe often languishes on the backburner for scientists and policy-makers." So by adding the best oxygen-producing indoor plants to your home, you'll be taking one giant step toward cleaner, healthier air.
The Best Oxygen-Producing Indoor Plants
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa')
The Peace Lily's power is undeniable. Not only does it detoxify the air by gobbling up indoor pollutants such as fire retardants, solvents, and chemicals, but it also battles the good fight against bacteria, mold, and mites. According to NASA's landmark Clean Air study, a Peace Lily can remove more than a fifth of trichloroethylene, an irritant found in paint, carpet cleaners, and varnishes, from the air in just 24 hours - more than any other houseplant. It's a must-have ally in your campaign for better air quality.
2. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden Pothos is the perfect choice if you're after a low-maintenance indoor plant that spits out oxygen like a pro. This quick-growing guy is lounging on the lap of luxury as one of the best indoor hanging plants, all while purifying the air in your living space. Just remember to give it plenty of light and fertilize it regularly to ensure it works overtime to boost your oxygen levels.
3. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Philodendrons are the unsung heroes in the world of houseplants. Just like its cousin, the Golden Pothos, the Heartleaf Philodendron is a fast-growing climber that's easy on the eyes and super simple to care for. Its lush, dark green leaves thrive in bright light, allowing it to generate even more photosynthesis and produce more oxygen.
4. Little Swiss Monstera (Monstera adansonii)
Meet the Little Swiss: a petite, eye-catching houseplant that ticks all the right boxes. It's smaller than its flashy cousin, the Monstera Deliciosa, so it's ideal for space-conscious pads. This fast-growing plant loves bright light and can be trained to climb or cascade down from a shelf or pole. Just be mindful of its watering needs – it prefers above-average humidity.
5. Monstera Deliciosa
The Monstera Deliciosa is an unassuming yet powerful potentate of the plant kingdom. Not only is it easy to care for, but it also emits oxygen like a pro when placed near a window. With regular growth, you'll be rewarded with air that's fresher than fresh, toxin-free, and a living, breathing testament to your eco-friendly and stylish lifestyle.
6. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Add a touch of tropical elegance to your pad with an Areca Palm. These plants are associated with luxury, thanks to their presence in Art Deco cafes during fashion's golden age. But they're not just eye candy—they're also top-notch oxygen producers. Plus, they purify the air, making them a non-negotiable addition to your indoor haven.
7. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The Snake Plant is a savior for neglectful plant parents. This hardy flora can survive on minimal care and affected by poor light, making it one of the best houseplants for beginners. But don't let its unassuming nature fool you – it's a powerful purifier, removing air toxins like formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, benzene, and trichloroethylene while releasing oxygen during the night. It's the perfect bedroom companion, filtering the air while you sleep.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it – seven houseplants that will work like little green engines, breathing life into your home and purifying the air you breathe each day. With these easy-to-care-for plants at your side, you'll be well on your way to a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant living space.
- To further elevate your living room's decor, consider incorporating one or more of these oxygen-producing indoor plants – the Peace Lily, Golden Pothos, Heartleaf Philodendron, Little Swiss Monstera, Monstera Deliciosa, Areca Palm, or Snake Plant – as part of your interior design.
- If DIY projects are your cup of tea, try creating a unique wall planter for your Golden Pothos or Heartleaf Philodendron, adding a modern touch to your home-and-garden lifestyle.
- In the spirit of sustainability, repurpose an old wooden framework as a flooring base for your small indoor garden, merging gardening with minimalist interior design.
- Display artful and unique planters to showcase your growing collection of oxygen-producing indoor plants, blending the worlds of art, lifestyle, and nature in your kitchen and living areas.
- By fostering a lively indoor garden, you'll be bolstering both the ambiance and air quality in your humble abode, making your home a veritable oasis of clean, fresh air.
