7 Indoor Plants That Purify the Air Around You Naturally

Bringing potted plants into a living space to liven it up is a trick that's been used by interior designers for years, but did you know that our leafy friends are also powerful filters that purify the air around us? In fact, several studies have been conducted showing that certain plants can rid a room of up to 89% of harmful VOCs like formaldehyde and xylene. If you think about the prices of some of those fancy air filtration systems out there, it's a bit surprising that more of us don't just purchase some plants instead. If you or anyone in your family has allergies, smokes or just wants to breathe fresher, cleaner air in their homes, read on for 7 indoor plants that purify the air around you as well as which specific pollutant each one targets and removes.

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Dendrobium and Phaeleonopsis Orchids

Orchids have a bad reputation as being finicky and difficult to grow, but really, the opposite is true. On our recent trip to Costa Farms, we learned that orchids actually love to be neglected and most people end up killing their orchids with kindness (too much water and sunlight). Aside from being easy to take care of, orchids rid the air of xylene, a pollutant found in many glues and paints so they make wonderful housewarming gifts for anyone who recently moved into or renovated a new space. Unlike some other plants, orchids also respire and give off oxygen at night – so they’re great for the bedroom.

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Palms

The palm family of plants, also known as Arecaceae or Palmae, is extremely popular and it’s easy to see why. These hardy houseplants are easy to grow and are a way to lift people’s spirits and distract from otherwise drab surroundings, and are also known to be natural air purifiers. Palms specifically target and remove formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide (which is especially helpful if someone in your household smokes cigarettes).

Peace Lilies

The peace lily, a.k.a. spathiphyllum is an ideal plant to have in your home if you love flowers but don’t want to buy bouquets that die after a few days. Spathiphyllum thrives in the shade in temperatures below 55 degrees and removes harmful toxins like acetone, ammonia, benzene, ethyl acetate, formaldehyde, methyl alcohol, trichloroethylene and xylene.

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6 Comments

ijoasri October 16, 2012 at 11:41 am

thank your for this information

suparnaa August 15, 2012 at 8:18 am

It will be very useful ,if some knowledgeable person puts tips for regular maintenance of these plants.

annatom June 28, 2012 at 1:29 pm

wonderful!!!

Melissa M. March 23, 2012 at 9:06 am

@caeman – Most plants are toxic and can cause a reactions ranging from mild all the way to death. Pet owners need to be aware that the best place for a plant is where the animal can’t get to it. So where do I have my gazillion plants? I place them on stereo speakers, high plant shelves where there is no room for the cat to jump and furnishings in the house like small side tables and the top of hutches. Cat safe plants are catnip and grass grown especially for cats.