Whenever it gets too hot or cold outside, it’s in our nature to stay indoors. After all, humans have the almighty invention of AC and heaters. As time goes by, we became aware of our indoor air quality (it wasn't as good as we thought!). And tha'ts why we are sharing our five favorite indoor air purifying plants today.
PS: we even included how to take care of them just in case you have a black thumb. Also, if you want to benefit more, invest in a high-quality air purifier to amplify these plants’ purification power!
Snake Plant
With over 70 variants, snake plants are perfect in functionality and aesthetics. Seriously, there is a snake plant for every environment, may it be your office desktop or the entry hallway.
Native to tropical and semi-tropical regions, snake plants are easy to care for and can grow up to 12 feet tall. They are also easy to propagate, meaning buying one plant could give you enough plants to giveaway in the end!
Benefits of Snake Plants
Snake plants are one of the few species that also photosynthesis at night, meaning they will continue to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen even when there is no sun. In addition, according to a NASA study, snake plants can also remove TCE, benzene, and formaldehyde, which are all harmful pollutants in the air.
Caring For Snake Plants
Snake plants’ survival needs are similar to succulents. You don’t want to overwater them, so it’s best to wait till the soil is fully dry before watering again. Snake plants do the best in bright, indirect light with temperatures above 50°F.
English Ivy
Known as nature’s air purifier, English Ivy is one of the most common and effective indoor air purifying plants. Originated from Europe, English Ivy can grow 6 to 9 inches off the ground and spread over 100 feet. Remember those lush, heavy leaf-covered walls on a hike? That’s probably English Ivy you saw!
Benefits of English Ivy
English ivies can reduce particles from mold and mildew. It can also pull other particles from the air, the same as how a home air purifier would work. They work the best in smaller, confined spaces. However, they’re poisonous to humans and pets, so make sure you keep them somewhere out of everyone’s reach!
Caring For English Ivy
Watering English ivies can be tricky since these plants traditionally grow naturally outside. You need to be careful to neither overwater nor underwater. You might also need to modify the watering schedule based on the temperature.
English ivies also prefer to be in a humid environment with medium to bright light shining directly on them. However, these light-thirsty plants prefer a cooler temperature.
Aloe Vera
We’ve all heard about Aloe’s fame in improving indoor air quality. They are also great for your skin and could be used to treat small wounds. You can also use the liquid during wintertime to prevent your skin from cracking.
Benefits of Aloe Vera
Like snake plants, aloes also emit oxygen at night. So the duo is a great combo if you need more clean oxygen indoors. Aloe Vera can also remove harmful chemicals from the air. If you put it near your laptop, it will also absorb dangerous radiation. Isn’t that great?
Caring For Aloe Vera
Since Aloe Vera belongs to the succulent family, you should water it thoroughly but infrequently. Soak the soil, then wait until it’s fully dry before watering again. Use soil mix with good drainage. Premade succulent soil works great. Or, mix in pebbles, sand, and perlite to make your own.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are considered one of the most adaptable house plants. Fortunately, they’re also one of the most powerful indoor air purifying plants you can get your hands on. In addition, you can find quite a few variatns at any greenhouse. So, choose the spider plant you like and take her home!
Benefits of Spider Plant
Spider plants can remove harmful chemicals from the air, including carbon monoxide, xylene, formaldehyde, and toluene. It also increases indoor humidity, which could ease those suffering from allergies.
There were studies proving spider plants assisting in patient recovery, also. So, it’s probably a good idea to have one spider plant or two hanging around.
Caring For Spider Plant
Spider plants need a lot of light. So use soil with good water drainage and water once a week. Other than that, there’s not much you need to do. After all, these are known to be the plants that can grow themselves — not even a black thumb can kill them!
Dragon Tree
The last one on our list is the dragon tree. Its handsome appearance and functionality make it an all-time classic indoor plant. There are over 40 varieties of dragon trees, so you will surely find one that speaks to you!
Benefits of Dragon Tree
Dragon trees are powerful air purifiers. They can remove two of the most common harmful chemicals in the air: xylene and formaldehyde. It also removes other chemicals and particles from the air.
Caring For Dragon Tree
Dragon trees like bright but indirect light and only need water after the soil completely dries from the previous watering. They’re low maintenance, but you can prune and clean them to keep their beautiful appearance.
