15 Fabulous Houseplants for Improving Indoor Air Quality

Often people do not understand why they feel sick on a regular basis and why we develop symptoms that worsen over time. We hardly know that inside our house, various toxins are present at any time. For example, projects like installing new carpet and painting walls can release chemicals that pollute indoor air.

In the late 80's, scientists at NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) have discovered that there are various houseplants that keep our household air clean and pure and balance indoor humidity. Not only do these plants absorb pollutants, they also scrub harmful gases out of the air and help fight pollution.

For the best results, you should put as many plants as you can care for in the rooms you use most. That means you'll want at least two plants (in 10- to 12-inch pots) per 100 square feet of space; if you're in the middle of major renovations, aim for more plants. Be sure not to overwater, as too much soil moisture can lead to mold growth.

Let's have a look at the 15 best living air purifiers:

Aloe (Aloe vera)
This easy-to-grow, sun-loving succulent helps clear formaldehyde and benzene, which can be found in chemical cleaning products, and when the amount of harmful chemicals in the air becomes excessive, the plants' leaves will display brown spots. Beyond its air-clearing abilities, the gel inside an aloe plant can help heal cuts and burns.

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plants are decorative, easy to grow, and also make the NASA list of the best air-purifying plants. Spider plants are effective at fighting pollutants including benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in the leather, rubber and printing industries. Even if you tend to neglect houseplants, you’ll have a hard time killing this resilient plant. 

Gerber daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
This bright, flowering plant is effective at removing trichloroethylene, which you may bring home with your dry cleaning. It’s also good for filtering out the benzene that comes with inks. Add one to your laundry room or bedroom — presuming you can give it lots of light. 

Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii')
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant is one of the best for filtering out formaldehyde, which is common in cleaning products, toilet paper, tissues and personal care products. Put one in your bathroom — it’ll thrive with low light and steamy humid conditions while helping filter out air pollutants. Snake plants don't need much light or water to survive, so they're an easy choice for any corner of your home. The plant absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during the night (while most plants do during the day), so add one to your bedroom for a clean-air boost. 

Golden pothos (Scindapsus aures)
The Golden Pothos makes the NASA list for its ability to clear formaldehyde from the air. This fast-growing vine will create a cascade of green from a hanging basket. Consider it for your garage since car exhaust is filled with formaldehyde. (Bonus: Golden pothos, also know as devil’s ivy, stays green even when kept in the dark.) 

Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
The colorful flowers of a mum can do a lot more than brighten a home office or living room; the blooms also help filter out benzene, which is commonly found in glue, paint, plastics and detergent. This plant loves bright light, and to encourage buds to open, you’ll need to find a spot near an open window with direct sunlight.

Red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
This beautiful, vibrant plant can grow to be ceiling-height, making it a great plant for decorating and filling up space. The red edges of this easy dracaena bring a pop of color. This plant is best for removing xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde, which can be introduced to indoor air through lacquers, varnishes and gasoline. Grows best in sunlight. 

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
A ficus in your living room can help filter out pollutants that typically accompany carpeting and furniture such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. Caring for a ficus can be tricky, but once you get the watering and light conditions right, they will last a long time. 

Azalea (Rhododendron simsii)
Bring this beautiful flowering shrub into your home to combat formaldehyde from sources such as plywood or foam insulation. Because azaleas do best in cool areas around 60 to 65 degrees, they’re a good option for improving indoor air in your basement if you can find a bright spot. 

English ivy (Hedera helix)
NASA scientists listed the English Ivy as the number one best air-filtering houseplant, as it is the most effective plant when it comes to absorbing formaldehyde. It's also incredibly easy to grow and adaptable. Grow in moderate temperatures and medium sunlight. 

Warneck dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Warneckii')
Combat pollutants associated with varnishes and oils with this dracaena. The Warneckii grows inside easily, even without direct sunlight. With striped leaves forming clusters atop a thin stem, this houseplant can be striking, especially if it reaches its potential height of 12 feet. 

Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema Crispum 'Deborah')
This easy-to-care-for plant can help filter out a variety of air pollutants and begins to remove more toxins as time and exposure continues. Even with low light, it will produce blooms and red berries. 

Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
The attractive bamboo palm, also known as the reed palm, thrives in shady indoor spaces and often produces flowers and small berries. It tops the list of plants best for filtering out both benzene and trichloroethylene. They’re also a good choice for placing around furniture that could be off-gassing formaldehyde. 

Heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron oxycardium)
The heart-shaped philodendron is a popular plant choice for indoor areas, as they're easy to care for and can grow decorative vines. This climbing vine plant isn’t a good option if you have kids or pets — it's toxic when eaten, but it's a workhorse for removing all kinds of VOCs. Philodendrons are particularly good at battling formaldehyde from sources like particleboard. They can also last for many years when properly cared for. Grow with moderate water and some sunlight and they'll be fine. 

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
The beautiful peace lily plant is a wonderful low-maintenance flower to keep in the home. Peace lilies do well in shade and cooler temperatures, and they can reduce the levels of a number of toxins in the air. It topped NASA’s list for removing all three of most common VOCs — formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. It can also combat toluene and xylene. 

So, get rid of any fake, silk plants—they only collect dust—and harness the environment's natural ability to clean itself! 

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400 
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca