Bring a breath of fresh air to your home with one of these air-purifying houseplants that you can buy live online.
1. Peace Lily
This budded plant blooms for about two months in the spring and it does best in partial sunlight and humid climates. It’s also one of the best plants for filtering pollutants and harmful toxins out of the air, according to NASA. The peace lily combats several household chemicals including benzene, xylene, and carbon monoxide. This plant also helps eliminate mold spores in the air.
2. Aloe Vera
In addition to producing aloe vera gel, which can be used to treat wounds and skin ailments, this low-maintenance tropical succulent also removes harmful chemicals from the air, such as formaldehyde and benzene, that can impact the respiratory system and trigger feelings of stress and anxiety. Aloe vera will also work well in any space where it receives a lot of sunlight and doesn’t require frequent watering.
3. English Ivy
Also known for being easy to care for, the English ivy’s air-purifying properties lower airborne mold from the home and remove formaldehyde from the air. This can aid in both calming allergy symptoms and helping promote a good night’s sleep. Research from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology stated that the plant removes 94 percent of airborne feces and 78 percent of airborne mold in 12 hours. Simply place this plant in low to bright indirect sunlight and water when the soil feels dry.
4. Snake Plant
Adding a snake plant to your home can help improve the indoor air quality by absorbing airborne toxins such as toluene and formaldehyde which impact your mood, sleep, and energy levels. It has a preference for dry soil and can survive with little water and light, making it an excellent option for beginners.
5. Chrysanthemums
With a variety of different colored flowers, research has shown that this plant can improve short-term memory and overall mood. This is due to the plant’s air-purifying properties as it reduces toluene, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and ammonia. Although it improves indoor air quality and requires little care, chrysanthemums are primarily a fall outdoor plant and may not last as long if kept solely indoors.
6. Dracaena
Dracaena, particularly the red-edged and green varieties, is one of the best plants for removing benzene from the air. The striped variety of dracaena is good at removing both benzene and formaldehyde. The plant can survive well without sunlight, requires very little water, and will add a pop of color to any space.
7. Ficus
Another plant that was tested by NASA, their studies found that these trees cleaned 47.7% of airborne formaldehyde, 10.5% of trichloroethylene, and 30% of benzene. The ficus burgundy variety can grow between 8 and 10 feet tall and is also easy to care for.
8. Weeping Fig Tree
Weeping figs can help to lower the levels of xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde in your home. They are a little more of a high-maintenance plant and will need to be kept in bright, indirect light and away from any drafts. With regular waterings and annual repotting, this plant can grow between 3 to 6 feet in height.
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