7 indoor plants that purify the air around you naturally

Bringing <a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibrary.aspx">potted plants</a> 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, <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/1837156/NASA-Indoor-Plants">several studies</a> have been conducted showing that <a href="http://www.o2foryou.org/Public/HowPlantsCleanTheAir.aspx">certain plants can rid a room of up to 89 percent</a> of harmful <a href="http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html">VOCs</a> 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 <a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibrary.aspx">indoor plants</a> that purify the air around you as well as which specific pollutant each one targets and removes.

Bringing <a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibrary.aspx">potted plants</a> 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, <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/1837156/NASA-Indoor-Plants">several studies</a> have been conducted showing that <a href="http://www.o2foryou.org/Public/HowPlantsCleanTheAir.aspx">certain plants can rid a room of up to 89 percent</a> of harmful <a href="http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html">VOCs</a> 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 <a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibrary.aspx">indoor plants</a> that purify the air around you as well as which specific pollutant each one targets and removes.

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<h3><a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibraryView.aspx?Id=26&amp;Letter=D">Dendrobium and Phaeleonopsis Orchids</a></h3> Orchids have a bad reputation as being finicky and difficult to grow, but really, <a href="http://www.orchidsareeasy.com/">the opposite is true</a>. 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 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylene">xylene</a>, 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.

<h3><a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibrary.aspx?Search=fern">Ferns </a></h3> <a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibrary.aspx?Search=fern">Ferns</a> have a reputation for being a bit mundane but most people don't realize that they're actually fascinating plants that have survived since Prehistoric times! They're favored for their soft, feathery leaves and it's those same large fronds that help rid the air of pollutants like toulene and xylene, which are found in many paints, nail polishes and glues.

<h3><a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibraryView.aspx?Id=67&amp;Letter=S">Peace Lilies</a></h3> 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.

<h3><a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibraryView.aspx?Id=99&amp;Letter=P">Philodendrons</a></h3> Philodendrons are easy to care for houseplants that need very little attention. Their unique coloring makes them an attractive addition to your home and they're known to ride the air of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylene#Applications">xylene</a>, a toxin that's found in many glues and leathers.

<h3><a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibrary.aspx?Search=Massangeana">Massangeana Cane</a></h3> The Massangeana plant may be hard to pronounce but it's easy to love. Native to Africa, it has a wild look that makes it ideal for decorating your home and it also sucks formaldehyde from the air.

<h3><a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibrary.aspx?Search=pothos">Pothos</a></h3> Pothos is characterized by its golden heart-shaped leaves and is extremely popular in North America. It's a hardy plant that can survive in lower light and colder temps and is great for offices and homes since it rids the air of carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.

<h3><a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibraryView.aspx?Id=4&amp;Letter=A">Anthuriums </a></h3> <a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibraryView.aspx?Id=4&amp;Letter=A">Anthuriums</a> make lovely gifts because of their exotic-looking blooms, but they ain't just a pretty face! Their large, dark leaves suck up ammonia, formaldehyde, toluene and xylene, so they're a thoughtful present for a workplace (especially around copiers, printers or adhesives).

<h3><a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibraryView.aspx?Id=272&amp;Letter=B">Schefflera </a></h3> Schefflera are easily recognizable because they have glossy, sturdy-looking oval leaves that almost look unreal because of their waxy shine. They're really hardy and long-lasting so they make great investment plants as long as you keep the leaves dust-free and wipe them down once in a while. In addition to looking great, they're also known to soak up nasty toxins like benzene, formaldehyde and toluene so, like palms, they're good for households where there's a smoker.

<h3><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracaena_reflexa">Song of India (a.k.a. Dracaena reflexa)</a></h3> As versatile as its name is poetic, dracaena reflexa or ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracaena_reflexa">Song of India</a>’ is easy to identify because of its telltale green, lime and yellow leaves. These plants are easy to grow in both high and low light and absorb undesirables like formaldehyde, toluene, xylene.

<h3><a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibraryView.aspx?Id=141&amp;Letter=P">Palms</a></h3> The <a href="http://www.costafarms.com/Public/PlantLibraryView.aspx?Id=141&amp;Letter=P">palm</a> 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).

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