When it comes to removing toxins from the air, the larger the plant and its leaves, the better its ability to purify the environment. How many plants do you need to get fresh, healthy air? The answer depends on many factors, such as the types of furniture and carpeting used and their ages, whether there is smoke in the premises, and how well the house is sealed.
With one or two plants, you can already see the difference. But if for you the premise of “the more the merrier” is worth it, see 7 plants that will purify the air in your home, without a doubt!
purple ivy
According to a study in the journal HortScience, Hemigraphis alternata, purple ivy, is very efficient at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, toluene and octane. These indoor pollutants come from common household items like paint, cleaning products, hairspray, and even dry-cleaning clothes.
Purple ivy has deeply wrinkled foliage, which gives it an extra-large leaf surface area to do its air-purifying work. The opposite sides of this low-growing plant’s leaves are purple, which contrast beautifully with the deep green leaves. Keep the ivy moist and provide bright light to maintain the vibrant purple color.
Ivy
Hedera helix is the common ivy that tolerates most light and soil conditions, but its ability to remove VOCs from the air in your home makes this plant very special. Grow two varieties in a large hanging basket for a beautiful contrast and double the air-purifying properties.
wax flower
Another good plant option for air purification is Hoya carnosa, also known as wax flower because of the appearance of its flowers. These plants tolerate lower light levels, but flowering is more prolific in high light conditions.
The stems of waxflowers are attractive in hanging baskets or used in conjunction with plant supports. It is drought tolerant and prefers it that way to prevent root rot. Grow a variety of plants to maximize the removal of five common VOCs from your home.
feather asparagus
The curly leaves of Asparagus densiflorus are fantastic for adding texture to mixed houseplant containers. The thin leaves on the upright stems contrast with the low-lying plants that enjoy the same high-humidity, low-light conditions as plume asparagus.
Try combining it with ivy, coleus, or philodendron plants anywhere you want the air-purifying properties of a low-maintenance houseplant.
purple heart
The succulent leaves of Tradescantia pallida, also known as purple ragweed and purple heart, are a favorite for both indoors and outdoors. Although it is an annual and tropical plant, it can survive very low temperatures, and is a thriving plant for colder rooms in the house.
The researchers found that this plant exhibited superior abilities to remove VOCs from the air, so plant multiple specimens in areas where you feel purification work is most needed.
mosaic plant
Fittonia argyroneura plants do not produce noticeable flowers, but the pink, red or white veins of the leaves add to the ornamental value of this houseplant. The mosaic plant doesn’t need a bright spot to thrive, but consistent moisture is necessary for the plant’s health.
With more than a dozen varieties in cultivation, you can grow a group of various colors to get the maximum air cleaning results from your plants.
FIG tree
Ficus benjamina, or fig tree, is a beautiful specimen to grow as a small indoor tree if you can provide the right environment to keep it from dropping leaves. This plant needs bright light and consistent moisture, but not waterlogging the pot.
Fig trees do not do well near drafts, where dry conditions and temperature changes stress the plants. Care for your fig tree with a shovel full of compost, as you would an outdoor garden plant, and give it a spot with plenty of light in a damp area of your home, such as the kitchen or bathroom, and leave your leaves work their magic to clean the air.
*Via The Spruce