Indoor plants can do more than make your home look greener and more inviting. Some plants have also been studied for their ability to absorb certain pollutants from the air.
NASA famously studied several houseplants as potential natural air filters. While a few potted plants won’t replace good ventilation, they can still be a beautiful and useful addition to your home or office.
At AdmiGram.com, we’ve found five popular houseplants that are easy to grow and may help filter some of the common pollutants found in indoor air.
Best Indoor Plants That Purify the Air
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’)
© Chinmay Dhope / Unsplash
With its large green leaves and elegant white flowers, the Peace Lily is one of the most popular indoor plants for a reason. It looks beautiful, doesn’t take up much space, and can tolerate relatively low light.
It can grow to about 20 inches (50 cm) tall, making it a great choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.
- Light: Bright, indirect light to partial shade. Keep it out of harsh direct sunlight.
- Water: Keep the soil slightly moist, but don’t leave the plant sitting in water. Water less often during winter.
- Temperature: Warm conditions are best. Keep it above about 60°F (16°C) in winter.
May help filter: Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia.
Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
© Abbas Tehrani / Unsplash
Want to bring a little tropical feeling into your home? The Parlour Palm is an easy way to do it.
This compact palm has graceful, feathery leaves and is relatively easy to care for. It works especially well in living rooms, bedrooms, and offices where you want a touch of greenery without a huge plant.
- Light: Bright, indirect light or partial shade.
- Water: Water regularly during the warmer months and reduce watering in winter. Occasional misting can help when the air is very dry.
- Temperature: Around 68°F (20°C) in summer; keep it above about 54°F (12°C) in winter.
May help filter: Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
© Peter Oswald / Unsplash
Chrysanthemums aren’t just pretty flowers for your garden. They can also be grown indoors in a large pot and add a bright splash of color to your home.
The name comes from the Greek words chrysos, meaning “gold,” and anthemon, meaning “flower.” Today, chrysanthemums come in many colors, from classic yellow to white, pink, and red.
- Light: Partial shade or bright, indirect light. Avoid strong direct sunlight.
- Water: Keep the soil from drying out completely. Water when the top layer of soil feels dry.
- Temperature: Around 65°F (18°C) is ideal.
May help filter: Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia.
Dracaena
© feey / Unsplash
Dracaenas are a favorite among people who want a dramatic-looking houseplant without a lot of fuss.
There are many varieties, and they come in different shapes and sizes. Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’ can grow to around 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and has distinctive yellow stripes running through its leaves. Dracaena marginata can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) and has a palm-like appearance.
- Light: Bright, indirect light to partial shade. Variegated varieties generally need more light.
- Water: Water when the soil begins to dry out. Cut back on watering during winter.
- Temperature: Moderate room temperatures are best. Keep it above about 54°F (12°C) in winter.
May help filter: Formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
© plantsman0905 via Instagram
The Bamboo Palm is another elegant palm that can make a room feel instantly more tropical.
It can grow up to about 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and releases moisture into the air through transpiration. That can make it especially pleasant to have around during the winter, when indoor heating can make the air feel dry.
- Light: Bright, indirect light or partial shade.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Water less often in winter.
- Temperature: Around 68°F (20°C) in summer; keep it above about 54°F (12°C) in winter.
May help filter: Formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene, and chloroform.
image on top: feey / Unsplash
