Our health can be directly affected by the quality of the air we breathe. This is particularly true when we are talking about the air quality inside the home. Especially during winter months, when the windows tend to remain sealed and the heater turned on, indoor air quality can stagnate. That unfiltered and unmoving air provides a haven for infectious airborne germs.
While fine-tuning your HVAC system and incorporating air purifiers and humidifiers can definitely help to improve air quality, there is a simple, low-cost solution that can clean your air while also beautifying your home.
The following houseplants not only look great, but they also filter harmful toxins from the air.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a hardy, easy to maintain succulent that boasts a number of beneficial properties.
Widely known for its ability to soothe sunburned skin, the Aloe vera plant has also been found to remove formaldehyde from the air. Formaldehyde is a toxin commonly found in a wide variety of building materials.
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Areca Palm
The Areca palm is a striking, vertical, fern-shaped houseplant that is well known for its air-purifying properties. In a NASA study, the Areca palm was determined to remove not only formaldehyde but also xylene and toluene particles from the air.
Additionally, the Areca palm releases water and works effectively as a natural humidifier.
Elephant Ear Philodendron
Another formidable formaldehyde eliminator, the Elephant Ear Philodendron is aptly named for its large, elongated leaves that resemble an elephant’s ear.
This houseplant is a real visual pleaser in addition to being a wonder for your air quality.
Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the more versatile plants on the planet. Used in Asia for everything from building construction to a food source, certain varieties of bamboo also make for attractive houseplants that help filter the air.
Bamboo removes a number of toxins from the air while also having the added benefit of being non-toxic to pets and people.
Red-Edged Dracena
This fairly exotic-looking houseplant is a marvel when it comes to air detoxification. In the NASA study on air purifiers, the Red Edged Dracena was found to remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichlorethylene, xylene, and toluene from the air.
Kimberly Queen Fern
The Kimberly Queen Fern has been found to remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air, and also doubles as a highly efficient humidifier.
It’s also a very attractive, compact, bushy fern to boot.
The Benefits of Better Indoor Air Quality
By bringing specific air-purifying houseplants into your home you are helping to improve your overall indoor air quality. Improved air quality and a richly-oxygenated environment provide a number of health benefits.
Because these houseplants sequester contaminants and toxins and generate oxygen and air, you are less likely to be exposed to harmful particles and get sick.
On top of that, these plants look beautiful and can be used to create a warm, nurturing environment.