Let’s face it: spending so much time indoors cleaning, disinfecting, and simply breathing has probably got a ton of toxins floating around your home. Poor air quality is not something you should have to add to your list of worries. As many people have already discovered, there are plenty of houseplants that can eliminate toxins and have you breathing fresh, clean air.
1. English Ivy
The English Ivy is a plant that can grow in full shade covering or full sun and can be trained into certain shapes. It is known for its elegance and can get rid of carcinogens found in cigarette smoke, benzene, and formaldehyde. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, it’s great for people with asthma and allergies. You can hang one near a pet’s bathroom space to eliminate odor, but be careful because the leaves are poisonous to pets when eaten!
2. Rubber Plant
Just like humans, a medical review by Dr. Debra Wilson says rubber trees and rubber plants love lots of light and a little attention every now and then. They have shown that they can absorb and break down harmful chemicals in the air. Their large, glossy leaves absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale and turn it into oxygen.
3. Pothos
Dr. Wilson’s review says that Pothos are nearly indestructible. They can grow and survive in a variety of locations including low light spaces like basements and garages. They are considered one of the most effective air purifiers because they eliminate formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, carbon monoxide, and more.
4. Philodendron
The Missouri Botanical Garden calls it the “best type of houseplant” because it mostly removes formaldehyde, which can be found in carpets and cleaning supplies. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and can adjust to most homes with medium to bright light. Not every philodendron will look the same because their leaves can be different shapes.
5. Chinese Evergreen
While the Chinese Evergreen’s pretty leaves add a pop of color to the home, they can be harmful to pets if ingested. Chinese Evergreens remove the most common toxins (benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene). They can thrive in low to medium light and love high humidity levels.
6. Fittonia
Fittonias, commonly called the nerve plant, are typically very low maintenance houseplants. Their leaves can come in many different colors like pink, green, white or red. They filter toluene, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. To thrive, they need high humidity and bright sunlight.
7. Dragon Tree
Not only does this plant have beautiful leaves that range anywhere from green to purple…it can tolerate low light and be used inside or outdoors. It removes a variety of toxins from space including carcinogens found in synthetic materials and cigarette smoke, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Sources:
