12 Houseplants That Clean The Air And Are Almost Impossible To Kill

Why should you be concerned about air pollution? You could go days without food and hours without water, but you would last only a few minutes without air! On average, each of us breathes over 3,000 gallons of air each day. So, you must have clean air to live healthy.

With all the chemicals we use and eat, it probably isn’t hard to believe that the air inside our houses and premises is more polluted than the air outside. But it does not have to be so since you can easily and naturally purify the air inside your home!

According to the NASA studies, the following plants clean indoor air very well:

1.Epipremnum aureum

Effectively purifies the air of benzene. Its broad leaves help to absorb a large amount of pollutants. It is an easily grown plant that does not require any special conditions, making it a good choice for decoration and air-cleaning in many homes.

2. Chlorophytum comosum

Called the spider plant, airplane plant or hen-and-chickens –  is a flowering perennial herb. It is an attractive plant that also makes a wonderful air-cleaner. It’s known for absorption of gas emissions! Spider plants are incredibly easy to grow, so if you are a beginner in gardening, this is a great start for you. With lots of rich foliage and tiny white flowers, the spider plant neutralizes benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene-a solvent used in the leather, rubber and printing industries.

3. Hedera helix (common ivy, English ivy)

Works amazingly when it comes to purifying the air you breathe. It holds a natural ability to filter airborne pollutants including benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.

4. Aloe vera

Is an easy-to-grow, sun-loving succulent. It helps clear formaldehyde and benzene from the air, which can be a byproduct of chemical-based household cleaners, paints, etc.

Aloe is a smart choice for your sunny kitchen window sill or bay window. Beyond its air-clearing abilities, the gel inside an aloe plant can heal cuts and burns.

5. Peace lilies

Help to remove ammonia, benzene and formaldehyde. Let alone the fact that they make a beautiful, serene decoration for your living room or study. Remember to keep them in shady spots. Moderate moisture is also important for them.

6. Sansevieria trifasciata

Also called snake plant, mother-in-law’s tongue or Saint George’s sword, is a species of flowering plant, which is one of the best for filtering out formaldehyde-common in cleaning products, toilet paper, tissues and personal care products. Put one in your bathroom, and it’ll thrive in low light and steamy, humid conditions while helping filter out dangerous air pollutants.

7. Azaleas

Are flowering shrubs which bloom in spring, their flowers often lasting several weeks. Shade tolerant, they prefer living near or under trees. If you bring this beautiful flowering shrub into your home, you will easily combat formaldehyde and other health enemies.

8. Dracaena deremensis

Or Warneckii dracaena is good for combating pollutants associated with varnishes and oils. It grows indoors easily, even without direct sunlight! With striped leaves forming clusters atop a thin stem, this houseplant can be striking, especially if it reaches its potential height of 12 feet! Since this plant can be toxic for dogs and cats, it is best suited for rooms that are pet-free.

9. Dracaena reflexa

Commonly called red-edged dracaena or pleomele or song of India, is a beautiful tropical plant that is well-suited for removing xylene and formaldehyde. It is slow-growing and upright in habit, tending to an oval shape with an open crown. The lanceolate leaves are simple, spirally arranged. It also makes for a beautiful houseplant with a great pop of color.

10. Chamaedorea sefritzii

Or bamboo palm or the reed palm, is a small palm that thrives in shady indoor spaces and often produces flowers and small berries. It tops the list of plants best for filtering out both benzene and trichloroethylene. It is also a No.1 choice for furniture that could be off-gassing formaldehyde!

11. Aglaonema modestum (or Chinese evergreen)

Will clear your air while not losing its gorgeous leaves year around. It is easy to grow, and forms several stemmed clumps.

12. Philodendron hastatum

Or Elephant ear philodendron – is one of the best plants to quickly remove formaldehyde from your private or office rooms.

Note: Water your indoor plants with filtered water for the best growth. The more vigorously the plants grow, the better they will purify your air!