Air Purifying Indoor Plants

A study by NASA in 1989 found that some plants can absorb harmful toxins from the air, especially in enclosed spaces such as modern homes. Household toxins come from objects and materials like household products, materials and furniture. The toxins include traces of Formaldehyde, Xylene, Benzene, Toluene, Trichloroethylene, Carbon Monoxide etc. There was a lot of hype around this finding.

A follow-up study in 2019 found that a very large number of plants are required to make a substantial difference to the air quality inside the homes. Air purifying plants can certainly make some improvement in the air quality; however if they do not clean the air fully, they can serve the purpose of being part of the interior decoration. Listed below are some air purifying plants.

1. Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)

Also known as Golden Pothos and Devil’s Ivy, Money Plant is one of the best air purifying plants. It can grow in both water and in soil. Money plant removes gases and compounds like Carbon Monoxide, Benzene, Formaldehyde, Xylene and Toulene from the air. Money Plant is toxic to cats and dogs.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Snake Plant releases oxygen at night and is rated as one of the top air purifying plants. It can grow under low light conditions and does not need extensive care. It can remove toxins and compounds from the air like Formaldehyde, Xylene, Benzene, Toluene, Trichloroethylene and Carbon Monoxide. Snake Plant contains saponins which are mildly toxic to pets.

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are one of the top three plants for removing common household toxins. Peace lilies thrive in most lighting conditions, but too little light can prevent flowers from blooming. It requires very low maintenance. It eliminates Formaldehyde, Benzene, Trichloroethylene, Xylene, Ammonia. It is mildly toxic to human beings, cats and dogs. It can cause burning, swelling and skin irritation in adults.

4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Areca Palm, also known as Yellow Palm and Golden Cane plant, is amongst the top 10 air purifying plants. It is especially suited for removing Formaldehyde. Apart from Formaldehyde, the plant also removes Carbon Monoxide, Benzene, Xylene and Trichloroethylene from the air. It is not toxic for children and pets. It can grow indoor and outdoors and requires limited care.

5. Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis miller)

Apart from purifying the air, Aloe Vera also releases oxygen during the night. Aloe Vera is very easy to grow, but require light. Even artificial light is sufficient. It requires watering rarely. This plant removes Benzene and Formaldehyde from the air.

6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Apart from removing the toxic chemicals form the air, Rubber Plant also reduces the bacteria and spores present in the air. It can survive under low light conditions. Rubber plant is a low maintenance plant, and does not require watering very frequently. Rubber Plants are toxic to some animals.

7. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

Weeping Fig removes Benzene, Xylene, Toluene, Trichloroethylene, and Formaldehyde from the air. Though it is a low maintenance plant, it responds badly to frequent shifting of places. This plant too is poisonous for some pets.

8. Common Ivy (Hedera helix)

Also known as English Ivy, it removes Xylene, Benzene, Toluene and Formaldehyde from the air. Apart from this, this plant removes certain particles from the air and is good for those suffering from Asthma. This plant is also toxic to children and pets.

9. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

This tropical plant is effective in removing Formaldehyde, Benzene, Carbon Monoxide and Trichloroethylene from the air. Chinese evergreen grows in low-lit and humid conditions, such as in the bathroom. Watering them once a week is more than sufficient. Chinese evergreen plants are toxic to dogs.

10. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Also known as Airplane Plants, it is effective in removing Xylene, Toluene and Formaldehyde. Additionally, Spider Plant removes mold and some other allergens from the air, which makes it an ideal choice to keep inside the homes. Spider plant is a low maintenance plant and requires watering only when the soil has dried out. It does not tolerate direct sunlight. It is non-toxic to children and animals.