Lots of people know that the vibrant green snake plant can beautify a home. What they may not realize, though, is that it’s one of a number of plants that can also do wonders at clearing the air of potentially hazardous chemicals.
It was NASA that uncovered this seemingly magical ability of houseplants back in 1989, as part of a landmark study aimed at improving air quality for astronauts in space. Scientists already knew that plants absorb carbon dioxide and turn it into oxygen, of course. But this study found that some plants were able to seriously reduce the amount of airborne chemicals, too—like formaldehyde and benzene.
These chemicals and others may cause irritation and other health issues, says the EPA; and they’re also the same ones found in items you probably have in your home right now: cosmetics, fabric softener, dish detergent and other household cleaners.
So how do plants work their magic? The secret, says Susan Brandt, cofounder of the gardening website Blooming Secrets, lies in their leaves and roots. They absorb chemicals like a sponge; the roots are particularly capable, working in conjunction with soil microorganisms to neutralize hazardous gases.
Brandt became interested in the health benefits of plants after developing allergies, and she maintains a small forest of indoor plants to help clear the air. “Keeping as much pollution as possible out of my home is vital to my health,” she says.
Just note that while plants can provide health benefits for humans, some can be toxic to dogs and cats. Pet owners should consult the ASPCA’s searchable database of poisonous plants before bringing plants into the home.
Any plant you do bring in will help purify the air to a degree, but some are more effective at removing airborne chemicals. We asked Brandt to share a few of her favorite good-looking, low-maintenance indoor plants that can also help to detoxify the air we breathe.
Spider Plant
The long leaves of this popular indoor plant trail downward like a green firework. They also scrub the air of certain chemicals found in household goods like paint, rubber and furniture polish. Ideal for beginning gardeners, spider plants thrive in a wide range of conditions, says Brandt, requiring little more than water and bright, indirect light. “I also love spider plants because you can grow them in water, and they’re so easy to propagate from cuttings,” she adds. This is also the plant on our list to choose if you have pets: It’s nontoxic to cats and dogs.
Peace Lily
Renowned for being easy to care for, this shade-loving tropical boasts thick, hearty green leaves along with teardrop-shaped white leaves. It’s effective at clearing the air of ammonia—found in some cleaning products—as well as other chemicals, says Brandt. And it’ll even tell you when it’s thirsty: The leaves will start to droop. Prevent that from happening by watering the plant once a week and spritzing the leaves with water.
Snake Plant
This plant’s skinny leaves stretch up toward the ceiling, creating a striking design in your home as they pull a wide range of gases—known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—from the air, says Brandt. This plant also earns major points for its hardiness, though take care not to over-water it.
Ficus
Sure, it’s shaped like a tree, but the ficus—also known as a weeping fig—doesn’t need to grow in your yard. Anchor a sunny corner with this plant, recommends Brandt, and its glossy leaves can do their work soaking up various types of compounds found in solvents and grease-cleaners.
Aloe
Nothing brightens up a windowsill like this sun-loving succulent, says Brandt. In addition to clearing the air of chemicals associated with tobacco products and insulation, its leaves contain a gel known for helping soothe scrapes and sunburns.
Here’s another way you could add some more green to your life: Head over to geico.com and see if you could save on homeowners and renters insurance.
Read more: Now that you’ve cleared the air, check out our tips on how to eliminate household germs.
Bonus: 3 Indoor Garden Decorations In 15 Minutes Or Less
Brought to you by Nifty
Geometric Wall Garden
Supplies
9 geometric wall vases
9 aquatic plants
Water
Hammer
Instructions
- Fill geometric vases halfway with water and add the plant.
- Hammer in the wall mounts.
- Hang the vases in whatever configuration you desire.
- Enjoy your airy new decor!
Pegboard Garden
Supplies
Pegboard
Hooks
Shelving for pegboard
Hanging plants
Small potted plants
Instructions
- Mount the pegboard on the wall.
- Add shelving in hooks where desired.
- Add hanging plants to the hooks on the pegboard.
- Place potted plants on the shelves as desired.
- Enjoy!
Plant Room Divider
Supplies
12–15 cubbies
Potted plants
Instructions
- Take the crates and arrange them in the desired location where you’d like to build your room divider.
- Stack up the crates.
- Add the pots to the crates.
- Enjoy!
Clara says,
Love the wall planters, but where do I find them?
Phillip LaPlant says,
Really cool about plants
DONNA COFFMAN says,
Thanks for all the wonderful tips
Bose says,
Great ideas. I love the geometric decoration idea.
Nancy Siler says,
Love this info…. More please…?
sandra says,
thanks
Betty Wright says,
Thank you so much for the information on the plants, I definitely will be adding them to my home.
Gabrielle says,
some of these plants are toxic to cats and dogs. Snake plant to cats and dogs. Peace lily to cats. I don’t know about the others.
Brenda says,
Love the peg board thank you
Rose says,
Where are the cubbies from ?
Deanne Johnson says,
Great ideas ‼️. Where can I get the plant containers?
Rebecca says,
Amazon
marilou T says,
great recommendations and household tips. Thank you very much.
Maren I Anderson says,
YES, YES!I SO AGREE! I finally Got My Husband into plants. They have changed our air quality so much. Thank You !
Linda says,
Very helpful to asthmatics and people with allergies.
Johnnie scott says,
Very informative
Mary Johnson says,
GREAT topic, liked the ideas.