Since many of us have been working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s common to have started to take on a lot more home improvement projects than we are accustomed to. Not just to pass the time but to make our living, working, and studying spaces as comfortable as possible. If revamping your space is next on your home improvement agenda, consider adding some plants to your interior space. This simple action is a great way to vivify your home environment, to add warmth and ambiance to your decor, and to purify your home/office air quality.
That’s right! Houseplants aren’t just a vibrant and fun touch to your home vibe, but they’ve been proven to improve indoor air quality. NASA discovered in 1969, through its Clean Air Study, that many types of plants have the natural power to purify the air, especially in enclosed spaces that have very little airflow. Air pollution and other toxins, including specks of dust and germs, that are found in many of our household objects get trapped inside your home. Additionally, the presence of house plants is found to help increase mood and productivity, enhance concentration and memory, and reduce stress and fatigue.
By just adding some air-purifying plants to your setting, you can easily give your home a new look with a healthy breath of fresh air. Keep reading below to learn about some of our favorite air-purifying house plants to incorporate into your space.
1. English Ivy
English ivy is a traditional choice, often used to combat mold. It is as elegant as it is useful for removing harmful chemicals found in the home, especially in your bathroom or any moist area that is prone to mold. This house plant classic can grow in full shade to full sun, and with proper care, it is likely to survive for several years.
2. Snake Plant
This is one of the best plants for filtering the air of formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene. You’re also in for a great night’s sleep if you have one in your bedroom. The snake plant can release oxygen at night, helping you breathe better.
3. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are a great option for plant newbies as they are relatively easy to take care of. This popular house plant is known to help combat toxic gases (e.g. formaldehyde and carbon monoxide). It is crucial to remember that, although beautiful and useful for indoor air purification, the peace lily can be toxic to pets and humans, so be sure that you always wash your hands after handling the plant.
4. Spider Plant
If you’re new to the world of houseplants, then the resilient spider plant is the ideal choice to begin with. Your spider plant will help ward off common toxins found in the air, such as carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in the printing and rubber industries. In addition to being easy to take care of (spider plants only require watering two to three times per week), they are also non-toxic to humans and pets.
5. Dragon Tree
The dragon tree prefers semi-shade settings and plenty of humidity, but it will tolerate winter dryness well, as long as you mist it regularly. Adept at purifying the air quality of interior spaces, removing trichloroethylene and xylene, the dragon tree will leave the air around it smelling fresher, while also enhancing the look of any room in your home with a touch of color.
6. Aloe Vera
A healing aloe plant loves a sunny spot, so it is a great addition to your kitchen or office windowsill. Along with its ability to soothe any kitchen burns if applied topically, this charming succulent also helps purify the air of formaldehyde and benzene, a chemical found in varnishes, floor finishes, and detergents.
Most of us are spending a lot of time in our homes due to the pandemic, making healthy air quality a top priority. These are just some of the many air purifying house plants that you can add into your home to give it a rejuvenated and lively look while simultaneously improving your indoor air quality.
Right now, your home has a lot of different roles. It is your home, your work/study space, and might even be your fitness studio. Be sure to follow our blog for more useful tips on how to sustainably make your home more comfortable, and how you can optimize your space for energy efficiency.
