Wonder Plants

Increased use of air conditioning, synthetic building materials, and airtight windows are some of the reasons why air pollution is oftentimes higher inside our homes than out. Adding a few air purifying plants to your home is a simple change that can have a huge impact on your health and wellbeing.

How do they do it?

Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis, in the process increasing oxygen levels in your home. Some even go as far as absorbing environmental toxins! In a process called phytoremediation they remove VOCs from the air by absorbing them through their leaves. Microorganisms that live in the soil contribute by neutralizing pollutants once they reach the roots of a plant. When plants release moisture through their leaves, they also act as a natural humidifier.

5 recommended plants for the home

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend having one larger plant (or 2 smaller plants) for every 100 square feet of living space. Here are five of our preferred plants, selected for their efficiency at absorbing harmful toxins, safety for homes with kids and pets, and low-maintenance care. (Numbers reference the image above.)

1. Spider Plant: Excellent at eliminating the majority of toxins (benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, xylene) plus it’s an easygoing plant.

2. Aloe: Well-known for its skin-nourishing benefits—a natural hydrator, aloe is a go-to for scrapes and sunburns—it also removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air. 

3. Bamboo Palm: Effectively removes formaldehyde and also acts as a natural humidifier. As long as you don’t leave it sitting in water, the bamboo palm prefers indirect light.

4. Golden Pothos: NASA lists this plant among the top houseplants for effective formaldehyde removal. It’s also known for removing carbon monoxide and increasing general indoor air quality.

5. American Rubber Plant: Provides moisture, eliminates bio effluents (and VOCs) as well as suppresses air-based microorganisms present in a room. Over time, the rubber plant gets even more efficient at eliminating toxic compounds present in the air.

What plants do you use to purify the air? Let us know in the comments below!