With all of the fragrances, chemical cleaners and everyday detergents that we typically use in our homes, it can be very common to have poor indoor air quality. Thankfully, though, there are several ways to mitigate the damage and have cleaner air for our families to breathe. And one of those ways is to have plants in your home. Not only are they great for decoration and a little added color, but they can help eliminate the toxins and noxious gases that can easily accumulate over time.
Here are some plants that would work well in your home, in no particular order.
Starting off with one of the best indoor plants you can get! Not only are their flowers beautiful, but peace lilies are extremely effective at removing air pollutants. It's so effective that NASA has it on their list of "approved houseplants." Is NASA says it's good, it's good! If you put a peace lily in your home you can say goodbye to such pollutants as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene and ammonia. (and who hasn't heard of those, right???) Peace lilies don't need much sunlight and should be watered once a week.
Bamboo potted indoors can be a little more delicate than peace lilies, but their benefits far outweigh the extra effort to keep it healthy. The trick with bamboo is making sure you give it plenty of water without drowning it. As long as you have a drain hole at the bottom of the pot, you should be fine. You might want to consider displaying it in a humidity tray, or placing it near a humidifier to keep it properly moisturized.
Named for it's long, spindly leaves, the spider plant, or airplane plant, is one of NASA's top three houseplants for removing formaldehyde from the air. They love the sun, so place near a well-sealed window. Preferably using distilled or purified water, water until it starts coming out of the bottom, and then promptly remove spilled water from the tray, if there is one. There is no need to water again until the soil is completely dry to the touch.
The Boston fern is another common houseplant that is easy to care for, but can be a bit picky. They really need humidity, especially in the winter when your heater is running. An environment that is too dry will turn the fern's leaves yellow, so that is a sure sign that it needs a little spritzing. Damp soil and a daily spritz is all you need to keep this plant thriving.
Yes, this is the same aloe vera whose juices relieve burns. It also helps eliminate toxins in your home.
Very little attention is needed for this particular houseplant to grow. The best place to display an aloe vera plant is right in your kitchen windowsill, where it can get a little bit of sun, be watered occasionally, and provide some relief when you burn your hand on the oven.
Perhaps the most colorful houseplant option, the Gerbera Daisy not only purifies your home's air, but also provides an attractive decor opportunity. You can't go wrong with these easy-to-care for daisies. They like sun, but not too much water. When the top inch of the pot's soil is dry, it's time to add a little water. They'd be a great addition to any home.
Your family will thank you!