houseplants benefits

Best houseplants for excellent indoor air quality

In the 1980s, NASA released several studies showing that indoor houseplants have the capability to purify the air. In response, people across the United States laced their windowsills with house plants and greenery. The right indoor plants have the capability to remove stale air and work as a natural humidifier. This ultimately creates a healthier indoor environment where there is less stress, less coughing, and reduced irritation to eyes, nose, ears, and throat.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

This is a beautiful evergreen houseplant that is easy to take care of. Peace Lily indoor plants require very little maintenance, which is the main reason why it is one of the most popular indoor plants. This plant should never be put in direct sunlight and requires very little water. In addition to being a great houseplant to purify indoor air quality, Peace Lily is also ideal for providing groundcover outside your house.

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is one of the easiest indoor plants to grow and maintain, which makes it very popular with beginners. These plants thrive in an environment where there is indirect sunlight and require very little water. The initial plant will eventually produce shoots with floors, which then grow into baby spider plants.

Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)

Also referred to as Golden Pothos, this is a beautiful houseplant that originated from the Soloman Islands. It is commonly sold in hanging baskets and can thrive anywhere in the world. Gardening experts recommend that you keep Devil’s Ivy close to a window but not exposed to direct sunlight. The soil should have ample moisture so you should make a point to water every now and then. Devil’s Ivy cleans out air pollutants such as xylene, benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. More so, it gives your house a lively, natural vibe.

Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

Native to southeast Asia and some parts of Australia, this air-purifying indoor plant can grow up to 10 feet. It requires low maintenance and will thrive in environments where there is bright but indirect sunlight. Weeping Fig is commonly used as an indoor houseplant but can also be taken outside to decorate your patio or porch. Make sure that the soil is dried up before watering again. Important to note also is the fact that Weeping Fig is poisonous to pets. Take extra precautions if you have dogs and cats around.

Florist’s Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

This air-purifying houseplant is sometimes also referred to as Hardy Garden Mum or Florist’s daisy. Unlike many other indoor plants, this one loves direct sunlight. You’ll also need to water it every now and then so it can blossom. Florist’s daisy removes pollutants such as benzene, xylene, ammonia, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and toluene. In addition, it brightens your room. Keep in mind though that it is poisonous to animals so you will need to take extra measures if you have pets like dogs or cats around.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Some people refer to this houseplant as Mother-In-Law’s Tongue. It is an evergreen perennial species that can dramatically improve your indoor air quality. Based on a NASA study carried out in the 80’s, Snake Plant is one of the best indoor pollutants for removing indoor air pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, xylene, benzene, and formaldehyde. While native to West Africa, Snake Plant has become very popular over the last few decades and can thrive almost anywhere in the world. It requires bright light and shouldn’t be overwatered.