Breath Easier: Discover How House Plants Purify the Air in Your Home

Plants are a great way to improve the air quality in your home. Not only do they make your environment more esthetically pleasing, but they also purify the air you breathe.

In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of having plants in your home and introduce you to some of the best plants for purifying the air. We'll also provide some tips on how to care for your plants and keep them healthy. So, whether you're a plant enthusiast or a first-time gardener, read on for some helpful information on how house plants can improve the air quality in your home.

How Do House Plants Clean the Air?

You may not know this, but your humble house plants are actually doing a pretty great job of purifying the air in your home.

As we all know, indoor air is often worse than outdoor air when it comes to pollutants and allergens. But luckily, plants are amazing at absorbing these nasties and clearing the air. In fact, NASA did a study back in the '80s that found that plants can remove up to 87% of harmful toxins from the air!

So if you're feeling a little stuffy or congested lately, it might be time to invest in a few house plants. Not only will they make your home look more inviting and relaxing, but they'll also help keep the air clean and healthy for you and your family.

Tips for Choosing the Best Air-Purifying Plants

Not all plants are created equal when it comes to air purification. Here are a few tips for choosing the best plants for your home:

1. Look for plants that are native to your region. They'll be better adapted to your climate and will require less care.

2. Consider the size of the plant. It's important to choose one that won't overwhelm your space or require too much maintenance.

3. Choose plants that are known for their air-purifying qualities. Some of our favorites include peace lilies, spider plants, and Boston ferns.

4. Be sure to research the specific needs of each plant, including light requirements, water and soil type.

By following these tips, you can select the best plants for purifying the air in your home and breathe easier knowing your family is breathing in clean air.

Common Indoor Pollutants and Their Effects

There are a number of common indoor pollutants that can have negative effects on our health. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one example. They're released from products like paints, cleaning supplies, personal care products, and air fresheners. Over time, these VOCs can lead to health problems like respiratory issues, headaches, and nausea.

Another common pollutant is formaldehyde. It's found in products like particleboard, plywood, foam insulation, and fabric finishes. It can cause skin irritation, nausea, and asthma symptoms.

And finally, there's carbon monoxide. It's a colorless and odorless gas that can poison pets and people if it builds up in an enclosed space. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, tiredness, and confusion.

House plants aren't a cure-all for indoor air pollution, but they can help clear the air of some of these harmful pollutants. Plants absorb VOCs and other pollutants through their leaves, roots, and soil. They also release oxygen into the air, which is helpful in combating carbon monoxide poisoning.

Identifying Symptoms of Indoor Air Pollution

Do you know what the symptoms of indoor air pollution look like? You may not even realize your air is polluted. That's why it's important to be aware of the signs, such as eye irritation, headaches, nausea, and respiratory disorders.

If you experience any of these symptoms and can't figure out why it's happening, then it's probably a good idea to give your air a second look. This is especially true if people around you are also experiencing similar symptoms.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make sure your air quality stays high and purify any toxins that might be lingering in the air. And one of the easiest—and most enjoyable—ways is by adding houseplants to your environment!

Common House Plants That Filter the Air

Do you want to take your air purifying to the next level? Then let’s look at some house plants that excel in filtrating the air. Here are a few of my favorites:

- The Snake Plant is a popular choice for indoor air purification and is known to absorb toxins like nitrogen oxide and xylene.

- The Spider Plant is also great at removing toxins like formaldehyde, and it's also very easy to care for.

- The Peace Lily is known to remove benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It's also great at regulating humidity levels in your home.

- The Weeping Fig is known for its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde.

These are just a few of the houseplants that are known for helping improve your indoor air quality, so feel free to do a bit more research on what type of plants work best with your space and lifestyle!

Simple Steps to Make Your Home More Breathable

Ready to get started on making your home’s air healthier and fresher? Here are a few easy steps you can take to get started:

- Start small. You don’t have to fill every corner of your home with house plants — just choose a few that are easy to care for, like aloe vera, ivy, ferns, rubber plants, and peace lilies.

- Place plants strategically. Put a few low-maintenance plants in the rooms where you spend most of your time, such as the living room or bedroom.

- Change the water regularly. Don’t forget to water and change the soil of your houseplants regularly. This helps ensure that they’re getting the nutrients they need and are actively purifying the air around them.

- Open windows often. Stale air can build up quickly indoors, so open your windows several times a day for a breath of fresh air — or invest in an air purifier!

So, if you're looking to clean up your air, adding plants to your home is a great way to do it. And it's not just any plants—the NASA study found that the best plants for cleaning the air are the ones that remove the most toxins.

So, if you're looking for a way to improve your indoor air quality, adding some plants to your home is a great way to do it. And not just any plants—the best plants for the job are the ones that remove the most toxins from the air.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.