While it is common knowledge that outdoor air contains many toxins from vehicle fumes, insect repellents, and other pollutants, did you know the air inside your home contains toxins as well? Cleaning products, scented items like perfume and candles, and particles carried in from outside can all create polluted air within your house. Luckily, there is an easy, and beautiful, way to help keep your indoor air clean!
A study conducted in the late 1980s by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, aptly named the NASA Clean Air Study, suggested that certain common indoor plants could naturally remove air toxins. As a bonus, indoor gardens and plant accents are on-trend, making it the perfect time to start tucking a plant or three into your home décor. The NASA Clean Air Study found that it is best to have at least one six-inch plant per 100 square feet of interior living, so here are some easy to care for air-purifying plants to consider adding in your home:
Snake Plant
You might have heard of the snake plant’s other cheeky name, the mother-in-law’s tongue. Regardless of what you call it, this is the perfect plant to place in your bathroom, as it can thrive in low light and high moisture areas. These plants are extremely forgiving and hard to kill, but they need to be kept in an area that is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gerbera Daisy
Almost everyone is familiar with the daisy’s bright and beautiful blooms, but what is not as well known is the air-purifying properties they contain. These plants also prefer bright sunlight, at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which is usually not a problem in the Texas climate. They need to have proper drainage, so make sure the pots they are housed in have holes. One simple way to
water gerbera daisies is to mist them about two times per week.
Weeping Fig
A weeping fig (also known as Ficus Benjamina) is a popular indoor tree that prefers bright sunlight, so this is the perfect plant to place in that sunny corner of your living room for an extra boost of fresh air. While they are slow growing, weeping figs can reach up to ten feet tall! If that is too much tree, try a dwarf variety which caps out at around three feet in height.
Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm was found by NASA to be one of the best air filters, as well as a great natural humidifier as it releases moisture into the air. This particular variation of palm can fit into smaller areas and grows well with indirect lighting.
Spider Plant
This resilient plant is ideal for those who suffer from a black thumb. They thrive indoors and prefer dry soil (so no worries if you forget a watering or two)! Bright, indirect sunlight keeps these plants happy as they work to remove toxins from your air. As an added bonus, the spider plant is generally considered non-toxic to pets.
English Ivy
English ivy is a versatile plant that is easy to grow in almost any environment. It is also a vigorous grower that will require pruning to keep it at your desired length. The leaves can be poisonous if eaten, so be extra cautious with this plant around children or pets.
Chrysanthemum
If you prefer bright and colorful plants, the chrysanthemum might be your perfect match. It comes in almost every color imaginable. These pretty blooms prefer direct sunlight, so stick this one in an open window for several hours of bright Texas sun daily. This plant is considered toxic to dogs, so pet owners should proceed with caution.
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreens have been called one of the easiest plants to keep alive, so this is another great option for those lacking green thumbs. They prefer to be in low light and humid environments. If you notice the plant turning slightly brown, it needs more moisture, so give it a good misting.
Heart Leaf Philodendron
This low-maintenance plant thrives with indirect light. This philodendron is a climbing plant, so expect the vines to fall from the container, and keep out of reach of pets and children, as it can be toxic when consumed.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are another plant renowned for their easy care. It is known to be a hardy and forgiving plant that will start to droop slightly when underwatered, cluing you in that it needs a drink. This plant topped NASA’s list for breaking down toxins such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Plan on watering this plant weekly in a container that has proper drainage.
