Did you know that certain indoor plants can help purify your indoor air? That’s right! Here’s our guide to indoor plants you should have in your home.
Like we said, there are many plants that can help “clean” your indoor air, BUT if they are not properly taken care of, they could actually make your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) worse. But that’s not all, it’s also important to be aware of the dangers the plants you have in your home especially if they are ingested by curious pets or children.
Orchids: You may have heard the horror stories of people trying to keep them alive, but the real trick is to find the right balance. Too little water and not enough sunlight can cause them to die, but too much water and sunlight can cause them to meet their demise too.
Filters: xylene, a pollutant found in many glues and paints
Palms: Beautiful, exotic-looking, and easy to grow!
Filters: formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide
Philodendrons: Easy! They need very little attention to thrive.
Filters: xylene, a toxin found in glues and leathers
Aloe Vera: Aloe is mostly known for medical uses, but it’s also easy to keep alive! They don’t need any special maintenance, but make sure you don’t ignore or forget them completely or they may dry out.
Filters: formaldehyde and benzene
Peace Lily: Put peace lilies in a shady spot and keep the soil moist without overwatering.
Filters: ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene
Snake Plant: Allow soil to dry between waterings, do not overwater. Place in a spot that gets indirect sunlight.
Filters: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene
English Ivy: Keep them moist during the winter.
Filters: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene.
Did you know? Studies have shown that house plants can help improve concentration and productivity (by up to 15%, reduce stress, and boost your mood! Looking for some inspiration? Check out this great article about how to decorate and brighten up your home using plants!
Like we said earlier, you need to be aware of the dangers of some plants especially around dogs, cats, and children.
Tip: Ask your local greenhouse about pet-safe and allergy-safe indoor plants.
Or look up which plants are toxic to animals on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants page.
But wait, there’s more…
Here are some other ways you can keep the air in your home clean:
- Keep your floors clean
- Avoid synthetic cleaners or air fresheners (look at the label!)
- Reduce humidity
- Increase ventilation
- Change your air filters regularly. Need to restock? Order our filters for your home by clicking here.
Katie says
Roger,
That’s great information! Thanks for sharing!
roger barkin says
I believe Jade plants and Dracaena are beneficial as well . Extra benefit is not requiring a lot of attention.
Katie says
Hi Barbara,
Thank you so much for your feedback! We will be sure to share this information and more information like this more regularly.
Katie says
Hi Bubbe,
Thank you so much for commenting and sharing your love of plants with us! It’s amazing what plants can do!
Barbara Curtiss says
I would like the house plant advise in this ad repeated at other times so everyone can keep updated on the healthful use of house plants. I liked this addition to this ad.
Bubbe says
Being a “Plant Lady”
Love your article on what plants can do.
One thing more they do for me-make me happy and content to have green in my house. Make my little place feel cozy.
Katie says
Trisha,
Thank you so much for catching my mistake! I really appreciate it! 🙂
Katie says
Hi Linda,
Thank you so much for reading our post! We’re glad you enjoyed it!
Trisha Margeson says
Change your air filters regularly. Need to restock? Order are filters for your home by clicking here.
Should the last sentence be Order our filters for your home by clicking here.