Incorporating greenery into your home is an excellent choice, particularly when considering the air quality benefits associated with houseplants. While all plants can enhance indoor air quality to some extent, certain varieties stand out for their exceptional air-purifying capabilities and suitability for indoor environments.
Research initiated by NASA in 1989 revealed that houseplants are capable of filtering out toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. Recent studies have also acknowledged the significant role that beneficial microbes in the plant’s soil can play in improving air quality.
Given that many Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors, maintaining good indoor air quality is crucial. Common household items, including aerosols and new furniture, contribute to indoor air pollution. Additionally, pollutants from the outside can infiltrate living spaces.
When choosing houseplants for improved air purity, experts recommend opting for larger, leafier varieties, as these offer greater surface area for toxin absorption. Dr. Bill Wolverton, a former NASA scientist, advises having at least two medium to large plants per 100 square feet in your home.
Here are ten of the best indoor houseplants for enhancing air quality:
1. **Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)**: Known for its ability to remove toxins and act as a natural humidifier, this non-toxic plant thrives in indirect sunlight and requires plenty of water.
2. **Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)**: This multi-stemmed tree grows well in indirect light and helps filter various toxins such as ammonia and xylene while remaining safe for pets.
3. **Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)**: Notable for its ability to absorb formaldehyde, this quickly growing plant needs indirect light and can reach heights of nine feet when properly cared for.
4. **Dracaena**: This variety includes several species that are easy to care for and effective at purifying the air. However, it should be noted that dracaenas are toxic to pets.
5. **English Ivy (Hedera helix)**: A low-maintenance choice, English ivy thrives in various light conditions, though it is toxic to both pets and humans.
6. **Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)**: While a bit challenging to care for, this plant excels at purifying air and prefers humid conditions, making it well-suited for bathrooms or kitchens.
7. **Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)**: This popular plant is effective against multiple types of pollutants and can thrive in lower light, but it is mildly toxic.
8. **Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)**: Known for its ease of care and adaptability, this trailing plant can tolerate various light conditions while still being mildly toxic.
9. **Variegated Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)**: A resilient plant that also helps purify air, it prefers bright light but can endure lower lighting conditions.
10. **Florist’s Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)**: A compact houseplant that significantly filters pollutants but is typically treated as an annual due to its flowering cycle.
While the effectiveness of houseplants in thoroughly purifying indoor air may be contested, they undeniably enhance aesthetic appeal and can positively impact mental well-being. Whether you are introducing a plant to fill an empty space or using one to boost air quality, embracing houseplants can aid in creating a more cheerful and natural environment in your home. Adding greenery not only invites beauty indoors but might also contribute to a sense of tranquility.