5 Plants that Clean the Air in Your Home

Are you aware that the air you breathe in at home could potentially be five times more polluted than the air outside? If this finding by the Environmental Protective Agency concerns you, perhaps it’s time to invest in an air purifier. No, not an electrical one. Here, we highlight five indoor plants that not only adds refreshing touches of greenery to your home, but also the purifies the air in it. By Arman Shah

Areca Palm

  The Areca Palm was voted the top air purifying plant in an official study conducted by NASA, thanks to its stellar ability to remove chemical vapours and resist insects. Featuring feathery fronds with hundreds of leaflets that command your attention, this easy-to-maintain plant requires semi-sunny conditions and repotting every two to three years.

Boston Fern

  The Boston Fern has been beautifying homes since the Victorian era. Today, it’s not only known for its lush foliage, but also for eliminating toxins from the air. Ranked number nine on NASA’s list of top air-purifying plants, the Fern is a relatively needy plant that requires a very specific environment, one that is cool with high humidity and indirect sunlight.

Dracaena Corn Plant

 

Commonly found as a centerpiece in both residential and corporate spaces thanks to its lovely green-yellow foliage, the Dracaena Corn Plant is effective in getting rid of chemical vapours like formaldehyde from the air. While it is a hardy plant, direct light can scorch its leaves, and be careful not to water or fertilise it excessively.

Lady Palm

  Also known as Rhapis Excelsa, the Lady Palm is a popular plant around the world because it can adapt to all kinds of climates, soils and environments. While it is beautiful to look at – especially after its fan-like leaves shoot upwards – the plant also has an air-purifying quality about it. It removes ammonia, a key ingredient in cleaners, textiles and dyes which is harmful to the respiratory system.

Peace Lily

  One of the few flowering air purifiers, the Peace Lily adds vibrance to any interior that it embellishes. Where air-cleaning is concerned, it eliminates benzene, a human carcinogen typically found in paints, furniture wax, and polishes. It also removes acetone, which is usually given out by electronics, adhesives and certain brands of cleaners.

Picture credit: Feature image by Forest and Kim Starr