Photo by Min An

Originally Posted On: https://homerepairgeek.com/tips/plants-to-grow-at-home.html

 

The EPA’s top air quality problems are all related to indoor air quality or IAQ.

This means that in some cases, the most dangerous air you breathe can be in your own home.

This is caused by several potential pollutants.

And one of the best ways to remove these dangerous particles from the air in your home is by keeping houseplants that filter toxins from the air.

Read on for our top 5 healthy plants that will purify the air in your home.

1. Snake Plant

Snake plant, sometimes known as mother-in-law’s tongue or Sansevieria, is one of the very few plants in the world that exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide using a special process called CAM photosynthesis.

This means, that instead of releasing purified oxygen throughout the day, it waits till night time to release all the oxygen.

Keeping a snake plant in your bedroom near your bed can significantly improve the air that you breathe at night while sleeping.

It’s also considered one of the easiest house plants to grow. They need less than average light and only need to be watered once every 1-2 weeks.

It’s also known to filter out formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene toxins out of the air.

2. Spider Plant

Don’t worry! The spider plant doesn’t get its name because spiders like it.

It’s named for the shape of its leaf growth which looks like a many-legged spider.

The most common varieties have long pointed leaves with a white stripe on the outside.

When they’re healthy and happy, spider plants will grow new “spider babies” on the ends of their leaves.

These can be removed from the mother plant and repotted.

New root systems will grow and you can gift them or keep new plants in other rooms in your home.

Healthy plants will even occasionally flower, producing a small, white blossom.

Besides being easy to take care of, the spider plant is known to filter formaldehyde and xylene from the air in your home.

3. Dracaena

There are over 100 different species of Dracaena plants, from small potted plants to a small indoor tree.

You can select a variety based on your home and needs.

Dracaena leaves are toxic to animals, so if you have pets, make sure your plant is well out of reach.

Formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene are all toxins that Dracaena’s filter out of the air.

4. Pothos

Pothos is a variety of vine that is beautiful, fast-growing, and popular across the world.

It also goes by the name devil’s vine because it can be so difficult to kill.

They are great purifiers of formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide and are even known to remove odors from the air.

Its leaves are toxic to animals and humans if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets and children.

5. Aloe Vera

Besides its air-purifying qualities, aloe vera leaves hold a salve that can be used to treat burns and other skin irritations.

Simply remove the leaf, cut it open, and scrape the salve off the leaf skin.

The salve can be combined with vitamin E and other solutions to create a soothing mixture.

Aloe vera plants are considered easy to care for and they enjoy a sunny window.

You can find more uses for aloe vera and indoor plants on Purple Flower.

Healthy Plants Make a Healthy Home

Having a home full of healthy plants that purify your air can significantly improve your home’s IAQ.

So don’t wait! What plant will you start with for your indoor garden?