Breathe Easy: Plants That Detoxify Your Air

As concerns about indoor air quality continue to rise, many people are looking for natural ways to improve the air they breathe at home. One effective and aesthetically pleasing solution is to incorporate houseplants that have been proven to detoxify the air, as identified by NASA's Clean Air Study. Not only do these plants add a touch of greenery and beauty to your home, but they also help filter out harmful pollutants, making your indoor air cleaner and healthier to breathe. In this blog post, we will explore some of the top plants identified by NASA's study and provide tips on how to display them in your home for maximum impact.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.): Also known as "Mother-in-Law's Tongue," the snake plant is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that tops NASA's list of air-purifying plants. It filters out formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene, which are commonly found in household products and can cause respiratory issues. Snake plants are known for their tall, sword-like leaves, making them a great option for floor plants or as a focal point in a room. They can be displayed in various pot sizes, from small tabletop pots to larger floor pots, depending on the available space in your home.

Tip: Place a snake plant in your bedroom or living room to enjoy its air-purifying benefits while adding a touch of natural beauty to your space.

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): The spider plant is another excellent choice for improving indoor air quality. It effectively removes formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air, making it a great option for homes with poor ventilation. Spider plants are known for their cascading leaves, which create a visually appealing display when hung in a pot or basket.

Tip: Hang spider plants in your bathroom, kitchen, or patio for a fresh and natural touch. They also make great options for hanging from clothing racks or bookshelves to create a unique and eye-catching display.

3. Aloe Vera (Aloe vera): Aloe vera is not only a popular plant for its medicinal properties, but it also helps improve indoor air quality. It filters out formaldehyde and benzene, which are commonly found in cleaning products and paints. Aloe vera plants are known for their succulent leaves and can be displayed in various pot sizes or even as part of a larger succulent arrangement.

Tip: Place an aloe vera plant in your kitchen or laundry room to enjoy its air-purifying benefits while adding a touch of natural beauty to your space. Aloe vera also thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, so consider placing it near a window for optimal growth.

4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): The Boston fern is a classic houseplant known for its lush, cascading fronds. It is also a top performer in NASA's Clean Air Study, effectively removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. Boston ferns can be displayed in hanging baskets, on plant stands, or on bookshelves to create a visually stunning display.

Tip: Hang a Boston fern in your bathroom or bedroom to enjoy its air-purifying benefits and create a spa-like atmosphere. Make sure to mist the leaves regularly to keep them lush and green.

5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.): The peace lily is not only a beautiful flowering plant, but it also has excellent air-purifying properties. It removes formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air, making it a great option for improving indoor air quality. Peace Lilies thrive in low light conditions, making them perfect for bedrooms or living rooms with limited sunlight. You can display a peace lily in a unique pot or use a plant stand to elevate it, adding a touch of natural beauty while improving the air quality in your home.

Tip: Keep in mind that peace lilies are toxic to pets if ingested, so be sure to place them in a location that is safe for your furry friends.

By incorporating air-purifying plants into your home and displaying them creatively, you can create a healthier indoor environment while also enhancing the aesthetics of your space. With NASA's Clean Air Study as a guide, you can choose plants that not only beautify your home but also contribute to cleaner and fresher air for you and your family to breathe.

Redfin reached out to share some tips and ideas for how to design and display your plants so that you can create a beautiful and thriving indoor oasis. Be sure to check out  Plants, Pots, and Placement: 17 Expert Tips for Designing and Displaying Plants in Your Home.