7 Houseplants That Improve Indoor Air Quality

Depending on where you live, you may not get outside very much for fresh air and even if you can, the air outside isn’t exactly fresh. City dwellers tend to have more issues with breathing and lung function due to the constant exposure to pollution. Instead of buying expensive machines to clean the air (beyond normal air filters for your heating and air conditioning), consider adding some air cleaning houseplants instead!

If you enjoy having houseplants, chances are pretty good that you have at least one of the air-cleaning plants listed below.

Most people never really think about all the stuff that floats around in the air and eventually goes into our lungs. Air conditioners and filters are expensive and can only do so much before they are clogged and need replacing. The same rings true for air purifiers: the units are expensive to buy in the first place and then you are looking at years of maintenance and buying replacement filters several times a year. The cost is even higher when you are using HEPA filters!

Air quality is a growing concern and has been studied by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to learn ways they can keep the air clean. You can read about their findings by going here.

There are numerous plants that are commonly found in homes around the country and even the world that not only look nice, they are hardy and will also clean the air you breathe. Here are five very common and easy to take care of plants that will help remove pollution from the air in your home.

Spider plant – If you have ever grown a houseplant, chances are pretty good it was a spider plant. These long leafed plants are especially easy to grow and can take a beating. They are shown to remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. These plants are hardy – I have brought one back from the dead before. There were no leaves left alive but I could see some roots that were still viable and after adding water only twice, it came back to life. The spider plant’s scientific name is Chlorophytum comosum. Also called the airplane plant.

Sword Fern – Also called the Boston Fern, Nephrolepis exaltata, is a full bodied plant that removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. Its bright green color will not only perk up any area, it can survive through frosts and return the next year. Since it will be inside to help clean the air, this plant will do its job year round. They work very well in hanging baskets.

Sword Fern - Also called the Boston Fern — Sword Fern – Also called the Boston Fern

Peace Lily – A gorgeous flour, the Peace Lily (part of the Spathiphyllum species) has large and broad leaves. This plant will remove not only formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, it also removes trichloroethylene, ammonia, and benzene from the air you breathe. It is an air cleaning powerhouse! The flowers are gorgeous and will serve to look good as well as purifying.