Top air purifying houseplants
What plants will purify the air in my house?
This is the question our team gets asked most by customers visiting our houseplant shop, so we thought it was time to create a comprehensive guide of our favourite air purifying plants.
It’s scientifically proven that houseplants are excellent at improving air quality in our homes. In simple terms they do this by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen which helps to create the right balance needed for healthy living. If we get a little bit more technical, they also act as filters removing nasty toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and ammonia, all connected to headaches, low mood, nausea, skin irritations and breathing difficulties, from the air.
Here are our top picks for plants that purify air and look darn good while doing it!
Sansevieria, Mother in Laws Tongue, Snake Plant
One of the toughest house plants you can buy, its super low maintenance and can cope with a little neglect.
They filter the air of formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene and trichlorethylene.
They are extremely useful in the bedroom where they help you get a better night’s sleep by releasing oxygen at night that helps you breathe better.
They like a sunny position but can tolerate shade.
Don’t over water, let the soil dry out between watering’s and keep the leaves free of dust.
Chlorophytum comosum, Spider Plant
A hard to kill houseplant that adds relaxing bright green tones to any room.
They filter the air of carbon monoxide, xylene and formaldehyde.
They are non-toxic to pets.
Position in a bright spot avoiding direct sunlight as that will scorch the leaves.
Aloe Vera
Not only does Aloe Vera purify the air it can be used to treat burns and is frequently found in skincare products.
They remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
They are easy care plants that enjoy a sunny spot and infrequent watering.
Ficus Elastica, Rubber Plants
NASA recommend these guys as one of the best plants for cleansing the air so they must be good!
They are statement plants that add structure and height to your houseplant collection. They enjoy a spot in bright, indirect sunlight.
Spathiphyllum, Peace Lily
This archetypal house plant adds style to any room with its architectural ribbed green leaves contrasting with the pure white flowers. It looks good and does good, cleansing the air of benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and ammonia.
It thrives in a warm, humid spot out of direct sunlight. A great plant for a shady corner.
Dracaena marginata, Dragon Tree
A lovely indoor tree that relaxes your mind by transporting you somewhere hot and exotic.
They cleanse the air of benzene a hydrocarbon that comes from car emissions and cigarette smoke.
Loves a bright position out of direct sunlight.
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, ZZ Plant
A structurally stunning plant that can tolerate the highest to lowest light levels and cope with a little neglect when it comes to watering.
They filter xylene, toluene and benzene from the air replacing it with oxygen.
Our team at Woodthorpe are house plant crazy and are always available to chat all things indoor plants, So , next time you’re passing pop in, say hello and have a chat.
See you soon.