Plants are not only a beautiful decorative element, but also useful helpers for health and well-being.
They are able to clean the air from harmful substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and others, which can be released from furniture, paints, plastic and other sources of pollution. In addition, plants humidify the air, improve mood and relieve stress.
But which plants are best for purifying the air in your home?
There are many types of indoor plants with different properties and care requirements. But we have selected for you 10 of the most effective and unpretentious plants that are recommended by scientists.
Chlorophytum
This plant has long leaves and white flowers on thin stems. It perfectly cleans the air from formaldehyde, benzene and carbonyl compounds. Chlorophytum easily adapts to different lighting and temperature conditions, but does not like the soil to dry out.
Ficus Benjamina
This popular tree has flexible trunks and fuzzy foliage. It is able to absorb dust, benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde. Ficus benjamina likes bright diffused light and moderate watering.
Spathiphyllum
This plant has shiny green leaves and white spathe-like flowers. It is very effective in purifying the air of formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and ammonia. Spathiphyllum prefers shade or partial shade and regular watering.
Pelargonium
This is a fragrant plant with beautiful flowers of different shades. It secretes essential oils that kill bacteria and fungi in the air. Pelargonium loves a sunny place and moderate watering.
Sansevieria
This plant has hard, vertical leaves with yellow edges. It is also called “mother-in-law's tongue” or “snake's tail”. It cleans the air very well from benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and xylene. Sansevieria also releases oxygen at night, which is good for sleep. This plant is very unpretentious and can grow in any lighting and watering.
Chamaedorea
This is a palm tree with thin trunks and pinnate leaves. It removes benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde from the air. Chamaedorea also humidifies the air and creates a tropical atmosphere. This palm tree loves warmth and moisture, so it needs regular watering and spraying.
Gerbera
This plant has bright daisy flowers of different colors. It not only decorates the interior, but also cleans the air of benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde. Gerbera also releases oxygen day and night, which contributes to good health. This plant prefers a bright place without direct sunlight and moderate watering.
Cypress
This is a coniferous plant with small needles and a fragrant aroma. It is able to absorb formaldehyde from the air. Cypress also improves mood and relieves stress due to its smell. This plant requires good lighting and regular watering.
Aloe
This plant has thick fleshy leaves that contain healing juice. Aloe not only heals wounds and burns, but also purifies the air of formaldehyde and benzene. Aloe can also serve as an indicator of air pollution: if brown spots appear on its leaves, it means the air contains too many toxins. Aloe is easy to grow: it needs a bright place and rare watering.
These are the top 10 indoor plants for air purification, according to scientists. Choose the ones you like best and enjoy clean air.