8 Indoor Plants That Can Make You Healthier
Bring these plants into your home and breathe a sigh of relief
Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to spend a lot of time indoors, why not take some simple steps to improve the indoor air quality of our homes? One of the best ways to do this is by introducing houseplants that can purify the indoor air from pollutants and other toxins. Some of the pollutants are mould spores, bacteria and other micro-organisms, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as toluene, xylene, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene that are emitted from various household products and chemical cleaners. Here is a list of plants that not only look good but can also boost the well-being of your home.
2. Aloe vera or Aloe vera
The aloe vera is a low-maintenance succulent with very good healing abilities. The gel inside the leaves is also widely used in various beauty products, medicines and health drinks.
The aloe vera is a low-maintenance succulent with very good healing abilities. The gel inside the leaves is also widely used in various beauty products, medicines and health drinks.
- Aloe vera purifies the air by absorbing chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene.
- Another interesting characteristic is that aloe vera releases oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide at night. Therefore, it can be introduced in the bedroom to improve the level of oxygen at night and improve the quality of sleep.
3. Spider plant or Chlorophytum comosum
The spider plant comprises long grassy green-and-white-striped leaves and is easy to grow.
The spider plant comprises long grassy green-and-white-striped leaves and is easy to grow.
- The leaves of the spider plants can absorb toxic particles such as mould and other allergens from the indoors.
- It also helps in removing small traces of formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from indoor air.
4. Snake plant or Sansevieria trifasciata
The snake plant is a succulent with long tough pointed green leaves, often edged with golden yellow. It is commonly known as mother-in-law’s tongue.
The snake plant is a succulent with long tough pointed green leaves, often edged with golden yellow. It is commonly known as mother-in-law’s tongue.
- The best part about the snake plant is that it converts carbon dioxide into oxygen.
- Since the snake plant releases oxygen at night, it is known to help one to breathe better while sleeping.
- These plants are also effective in filtering the air of chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene and trichloroethylene.
5. English ivy or Hedera helix
English ivy is a climbing vine that can grow indoors and outdoors.
English ivy is a climbing vine that can grow indoors and outdoors.
- English ivy has a unique characteristic which makes it stand out. These plants cleanse the air by reducing airborne faecal matter that can be a health hazard. Therefore, use English ivy to decorate your bathroom with plants.
- English ivy also reduces the level of formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene in indoor air.
- Another plus is that English ivy can eliminate mould spores.
6. Boston fern or Nephrolepis exaltata
Boston ferns can grow well both indoors and outdoors. These plants comprise long fronds of leaves composed of oppositely placed leaflets.
Tip: The NASA Clean Air Study suggests that we must introduce at least one plant per 100 square feet of space for efficient indoor air purification.
Boston ferns can grow well both indoors and outdoors. These plants comprise long fronds of leaves composed of oppositely placed leaflets.
- Boston fern works as a humidifier that releases moisture into dry air.
- This plant is efficient in eliminating small amounts of formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from indoor air.
Tip: The NASA Clean Air Study suggests that we must introduce at least one plant per 100 square feet of space for efficient indoor air purification.
7. Rubber plant or Ficus elastica
These are easy-to-care medium-sized houseplants with round shiny leaves. Note that the rubber plant can grow tall if we keep it outdoors during summer. We can restrict the height of this plant by keeping it in a small pot, as in the image above.
These are easy-to-care medium-sized houseplants with round shiny leaves. Note that the rubber plant can grow tall if we keep it outdoors during summer. We can restrict the height of this plant by keeping it in a small pot, as in the image above.
- The large leaves of the rubber plant draw in a large amount of contaminants and purify the indoor air. This houseplant emits a high level of oxygen and removes chemicals such as formaldehyde.
- Also, the rubber plant improves the air quality by converting exhaled carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen.
- Rubber plants eliminate bacteria and mould spores from the air.
8. Areca palm or Dypsis lutescens
The areca palm comprises smooth silver-green trunks with feathery fronds of leaves. These plants can grow tall and add a lot of volume to empty corners of the home.
Read more:
How to Live With Plants
5 Plants Best Suited for Indian Homes
Tell us:
What plants would you recommend for improving the indoor air quality of the home? Share your tips in Comments below.
The areca palm comprises smooth silver-green trunks with feathery fronds of leaves. These plants can grow tall and add a lot of volume to empty corners of the home.
- Areca palm is one of the few plants that continue to absorb carbon dioxide and release more oxygen at night than during the day.
- The fronds of areca palm release moisture to cool and humidify the surrounding air indoors.
- The areca palm eliminates chemicals such as carbon monoxide and breaks down chemicals like formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.
Read more:
How to Live With Plants
5 Plants Best Suited for Indian Homes
Tell us:
What plants would you recommend for improving the indoor air quality of the home? Share your tips in Comments below.
The peace lily plant comprises dark-green leaves with white flowers on long stems. These plants have emerged as one of the best air purifiers for cleaning the indoor air.
- Peace lily plants are known to break down toxic gases such as benzene, formaldehye, xylene, toluene and trichloroethylene.
- Another advantage is that these plants reduce the number of mould spores. Therefore, the peace lily can be a great addition to the bathroom as it shall help prevent the growth of mildew.
- These plants also improve indoor air quality as they release moisture into dry air.
Find a Houzz professional to advise you on house plants