7 Plants to Purify Your Indoor Spaces

As a continuation of the container plant series we included in last month’s newsletter, we will be discussing 7 plants which help purify your indoor space – whether it’s your office, work building, or house.

Plants have many benefits that affect us both mentally and physically. Not only do they purify your air, but also are linked with having mood-boosting powers.

Indoor plants are associated with lowering stress and anxiety, improving focus, boosting healing and pain tolerance, and reducing fatigue.

When it comes to air quality, indoor plants can help reduce migraines or headaches if you are prone, as air is often associated with head issues.

In this article we will discuss 7 indoor plants that are linked with improving air quality to try in your home today.

1. Peace Lily

The peace lily is one of the top indoor plants for purifying air. They remove pollutants through their leaves, send them to their roots, and break them down in soil.

Peace lilies are also a great bedroom plant as the moisture boosts humidity and suppresses airborne microbes that can lead to allergies.

2. Spider Plant

Spider plants are known for their ability to absorb chemicals in homes or offices. Studies show them to be 90% effective in removing chemicals from the air, especially formaldehyde which is linked to causing cancer.

They are also great plants for beginner gardeners as the thick roots are still viable with inconsistent watering.

3. Snake Plant

Snake plants are great for producing oxygen in rooms with little airflow. They help filter indoor air by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, making it a great bedroom plant.

Fun fact: Even in a sealed room with absolutely no airflow, you could still survive with 6-8 spider plants.

4. Bamboo Palm

The bamboo palm is another top air purifier as well as a natural humidifier. They are popular houseplants that also bring a tropical feel into your home.

Planting bamboo is sustainable as they produce oxygen and help lower our carbon footprint. Bamboo palms release moisture and absorb carbon dioxide, making them a great investment if clean air is your goal.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera succulents have many redeeming qualities as the gel is often used to treat skin, dental, oral, and digestive health. But did you know this plant also purifies air by removing formaldehyde and benzene? These two chemicals are often found in common cleaning products.

Aloe vera releases oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide through the night, cleaning the air while you sleep. Sounds like the perfect indoor plant to me!

6. English Ivy

According to studies, English ivy is the most effective houseplant for cleaning benzene, which is a very harmful chemical to humans to breathe in as it causes cell failure.

English ivy is a great indoor plant for your bathroom as it reduces airborne particles. It also combats mold levels in your home for areas experiencing high levels of moisture.

7. Boston Fern

Boston Ferns are excellent at removing air pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and benzene. These are common pollutants which can cause dizziness, headaches, irritation, and sickness. 

According to studies, Boston ferns are the best indoor plant at removing formaldehyde, a gas found in common indoor products such as paint, paper products, carpets, and many others.

Concluding Thoughts: Indoors Plants for a Sustainable Future

So there you have it: 7 plants that can improve the air quality at your home or office. Use this list and add some plants to your indoor space. Not only will you breathe easier and stay healthier, but you’ll also experience positive changes in your mood, focus, work performance, and overall well being.

Let us know how adding indoor plants to your space benefits your physical and mental health. We at Green Schools Green Future would love to hear about your experiences with indoor plants!