Indoor Plants that Improve Indoor Air Quality

By Stephanie James

Bamboo Palm

Having pollutants in your home can have detrimental effects on the well-being of your family. Poor air quality can lead to everything from allergies to migraines to cancer and more. Thankfully there is a natural solution that is backed up by scientists at NASA. They recently conducted a study looking at the best plants to purify the air in houses. They tested for the most harmful chemicals and compounds, and found that certain plants can get rid of impurities in your home. Below are three of the highest ranking plants that they concluded can help improve your air quality.

This easy growing plant is an expert at eliminating harmful elements like benzene and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is one of the most common indoor air pollutants, and is in many household items including carpets, furniture, fiberglass, and more. Benzene is an ingredient that is used to make dyes, detergents, and rubbers. Benzene and formaldehyde exposure has been linked to the development of certain cancers, and irritation of the eyes and nose. Adding Bamboo Palm to your home will help purify the air and get rid of these toxic chemicals.

Care Instructions: The Bamboo Palm has relatively easy maintenance compared to many plants. It prefers to be in temperatures between 60-70 degrees F and in bright indirect sunlight. Water this plant regularly and add some sand into its soil mix to help it grow and thrive!

Peace Lily

This neutral plant with beautiful white flowers is perfect to add to any room in your home! The peace lily can add a subtle sophistication to your space with it’s unique flowers coming out of the greanage. Not only are these a great decor addition, but it also can get rid of toxins similar to the bamboo palm. NASA found that the peace lily kept the air around it clean by removing benzene and formaldehyde from the environment.

Care Instructions: Peace Lily likes to be watered regularly, and will show you that it wants water by drooping slightly. It enjoys a soil ratio that is half sand and half coco peat, and prefers to be in indirect sunlight. A warning to anyone that purchases these is to keep them away from potential pets because consuming or touching them can be slightly toxic. Wash your hands each time you handle your peace lily to avoid contamination.

Spider Plant

The spider plant is more than just an easy to care for decoration for your home. It could help to eliminate lots of different toxins from your home! This plant can remove several compounds including formaldehyde, toluene, and hydrocarbons. Because we have already gone over formaldehyde we will focus on the other pollutants for this section. Toluene is a solvent found in paints, plastic, and organic chemicals. It can cause nervous system dysfunction and necrosis in adults and children. Hydrocarbons are a main ingredient in fossil combustion, and can cause lung damage and other respiratory issues. The spider plant is able to absorb these pollutants without harming itself, and can keep your air safe and clean!

Care Instructions: Unlike the bamboo palm and peace lily, the spider plant prefers direct sunlight and enjoys liquid fertilizers with a mix of sand and peat. It is important to irrigate the plant every other season and move it into a new larger pot. 

Don’t let toxins get in the way of your health and happiness. Try buying these air purifying plants today to help make your home the safest it can be!

Connect with Stephanie James or see other published work on Twitter: @sjaywrites13