In the late 1980s NASA and Associated Landscape Contractors of America studied houseplants as one of the best ways how to improve the indoor air quality. They found several houseplants that purify and filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Here is a list of some houseplants that are one of the best air-filters for our home, and they are also safe for us, our kids and our pets.
Aloe (Aloe Vera)
Aloe is one of the most common houseplants that can be found almost everywhere. It is easy-to-grow, sun-loving plant and helps to clear formaldehyde and benzene. This are byproducts of chemical-based cleaners, paints and other chemicals. Aloe beside the air-clearing abilities can also helps to heal cuts and burns of the gel that is inside this houseplant.
Image by Olga Berrios via Flickr
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
This is one of the most resistant houseplants. Even if you would like to kill this plant you will have hard time. Spider plant is rich with foliage and tiny white flowers, and helps in home against benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, which are used in leather, rubber and printing industries.
Image by Ahmad Fuad Morad via Flickr
Gerber daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Gerber daisy beside its beautiful and colorful flowers that will make your home happier, it is also a strong fighter against trichloroethylene. This compound is mostly brought home with dry cleaning. This is another houseplant that filters benzene from the inks. Another thing to know about Gerber daisy is that this flower likes lots of light.
Image by Phuong Tran via Flickr
Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’)
One of the best houseplants for filtering out formaldehyde is this plant called “Mother-in-law’s tongue”. It does not ask for much light and the the moist air is also good for this plant, so you can keep it in the bathroom where it will filter this compound from the toilet paper, tissues and personal care products.
Image by James A Artis via Flickr
Golden pothos (Scindapsus aureus)
Golden pothos is another powerful plant that kills formaldehyde. This plant can beautifully decorate your home and can also be kept in the garage to filter formaldehyde from the car exhausts. The golden pothos can survive and stays green in the dark also.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Chrysanthemum is a plant with different colorful flowers. It can be in different colors and will brighten up your home. It is one of the best houseplants for filtering benzene and in same time brightening your home. It requires lots of light and flow of air.
Drachenbaum (Dracaena marginata Bicolor)
This plants is best for removing xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde. Also this plant is perfect for the indoor decorations.
Image by Maja Dumat via Flickr
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
Ficus benjamina is yet another houseplant for filtering formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. This plant requires specific care and can be tricky, but as soon as you get the watering and the light conditions right, you will never have another problems with it.
