Many plants can help us reduce indoor pollution and purify the air we breathe while also enhancing the beauty of our homes. These green companions combat harmful particles that linger in our spaces, such as bedrooms and living rooms, by absorbing airborne contaminants. It’s a well-known fact that indoor plants purify the air. They help combat toxic gases accumulated from chemicals such as acetone, formaldehyde, building materials, and many others. Continue reading this article to discover 20 indoor and outdoor plants that purify the air and to learn why plants effectively clean the air we breathe.
Ivy (Hedera)
Commonly known as the ivy plant, Hedera is a perennial climbing plant that requires minimal light and is highly effective against benzene. Typically growing up to 20 cm high, ivy can reach 30 meters if it finds a support structure to climb. We see it everywhere, often overlooking the significant ecological benefits this plant offers us. Ivy has small green and yellow flowers.
Dwarf Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
The dwarf palm is one of the more unique palms around. Known scientifically as Phoenix roebelenii and commonly referred to as pygmy date palm, this single-stemmed plant originates from Asia and thrives indoors due to its modest height of 5 meters and slender trunk. Similar to ivy, it prefers low light but requires humidity. It usually blooms in the summer and can be planted in pots or gardens. This palm also manages to combat ammonia, formaldehyde, and xylene.
Mums (Chrysanthemum)
Under the scientific name Chrysanthemum, these flowers catch attention with their vibrant colors and larger blossoms, making them an excellent home decor choice. Easy to cultivate, many varieties exist, and although they originate from China, Japan popularized them. They symbolize longevity and are often given as romantic gifts or offerings during All Saints’ Day, playing a critical role in removing excess benzene found in homes.
Ficus (Ficus)
Popularly and scientifically known as Ficus, this plant can appear as a tree, shrub, or climbing plant, belonging to the mulberry family. A notable aspect of this plant is its latex secretion when any part is damaged. The buds are encased within stipules that later fall off.
Azalea (Azalea)
In gardening lingo, azaleas (Azalea) literally translate to “mysterious happiness,” though they can also signify vengeance. A gift of yellow azalea suggests that the giver views the recipient as deceitful. There are many varieties of these plants that produce significant amounts of oxygen, typically seen as shrubs. They bloom during spring and manage well in shaded areas. Like chrysanthemums, they also reduce benzene levels in indoor air.
Aloe Vera (Aloe)
Also known as aloe, acibar, or Barbados aloe, Aloe is a short-stemmed shrub, typically reaching up to 30 centimeters in height. This plant features a green color with slightly pointed yellow tips. It serves multiple purposes, from decorative to medicinal and cosmetic uses, and is recognized for being one of the highest oxygen-producing plants. Interestingly, some cultures even consume it. There are over 200 variations of aloe vera, would you like to know more about this plant? Tell us in the comments.
Dracaena Marginata (Dracaena marginata)
These plants belong to the lily family and originate from tropical Africa. They stand out for being easy to care for, as they adapt well to indoor environments. The Dracaena marginata doesn’t require excessive watering; just keep the soil adequately moist. The plant features long, narrow leaves that can come in varying colors, ranging from greenish-yellow to reddish-orange, making it a popular choice for decoration. It needs to be in a well-lit area and helps filter contaminants and formaldehyde, which is often present in paints, varnishes, and cosmetic preservatives.
Areca Palm (Areca catechu)
The Areca catechu is another palm we can find both indoors and outdoors among the plants known for purifying the air. This palm features flowers and has up to 50 distinct species. They thrive in the tropical forests of Malaysia and the Solomon Islands, where humidity is abundant. Interestingly, some varieties of areca yield bitter nuts that are commonly chewed.
Snake Plant (Dracaena sansevieria)
Studies of its phylogenetic molecules have classified Dracaena sansevieria within the Dracaena genus as one of the most effective air purifying plants. There are 130 species of this herbaceous perennials originating from Africa and Asia. While it thrives outdoors, many of us see it more often in our interiors due to its ability to adapt to dry and warm atmospheres. It prefers shaded conditions, requiring little light.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Last but not least is the plant commonly known as pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, an endemic species of Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. Pothos features perennial heart-shaped leaves and is a climbing plant that can reach up to 20 meters high. It works efficaciously to eliminate formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene.
Other Indoor and Outdoor Air-Purifying Plants
With just a brief list of 10 air-purifying plants, you might wonder if that’s enough. Here are other plants that help purify the air at home and outside:
- Philodendron.
- Bamboo (Bambusoideae): see how to care for a bamboo plant here.
- Aglaonema.
- Love Knot or Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): check out our post on caring for the Love Knot or Spider Plant.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): to learn more about the Peace Lily, a plant that thrives without direct sunlight, read our post.
- Dracaena Fragrans (Corn Plant): learn more about caring for and propagating the Corn Plant in our extensive guide.
- Chinese Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei).
- Cactus (Cactaceae): here, we provided detailed guidance on caring for cacti.
- Fern (Filicopsida): take a look at our article about the types of ferns available.
- Orchid (Orchidaceae): to know how to care for orchids, you can read our post where we explain everything.
Why Do Plants Purify the Air?
The answer to why plants purify the air is simple: it’s due to the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, leaves absorb CO2 and various atmospheric pollutants, so having plants in every area of your home proves effective. By reducing contaminant levels indoors, these purifying plants also help lessen health issues related to those very toxins. This explains why we say plants purify both our personal environments and the overall atmosphere. Homes can contain pollutants and toxins in varying amounts, depending on ventilation. Therefore, it’s advisable to ventilate your living space for at least two minutes each day.
Some common substances found indoors include:
- Trichloroethylene: in degreasing agents.
- Benzene: found in paint solvents and detergents, and it is highly carcinogenic.
- Formaldehyde: present in cigarette smoke and paints, also incredibly carcinogenic.
- Ammonia: Traceable in degreasers, floor cleaners, laundry detergents, and kitchen products.
To combat these pollutants, consider using eco-friendly cleaning supplies, which are often less expensive and safeguard your health. Alternatively, choose air-purifying plants to help mitigate the harmful effects of these and other substances.
