Interior plants will not only increase the oxygen levels in your home, but also will increase the humidity levels, and decrease the amount of air pollutants. These conditions have been scientifically linked to decreases in the amount of headaches, reduce stress, and brings an overall greater level of health! No wonder indoor plants are so great! But not all plants are equal. Here is a list of 15 awesome air cleaners for your home!
*For more details on the benefits of indoor plants, check out my post here!*
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#1: English Ivy – Hedera helix
This vine does well individually, or as an ornamental ground cover in a larger pot. It comes in both a dark green, as well as an olive and cream variegation. It is very commonly found at most stores with a garden center.
#2: Peace Lily – Spathiphyllum
With beautiful, dark green leaves, this plant is a high favorite. Though it may not always be in bloom, this plant is very forgiving and is very hard to kill. And remember, the bigger the pot, the bigger the plant. Especially for this guy.
#3: Areca Palm – Dypsis lutescens
The Areca Palm, or Parlor Palm, is one of the most common palm trees used in interior decorating. And it’s no wonder! This beautiful palm adds softness and balance to any room. Then add in the health benefits, and it’s a no-brainer!
#4: Boston Fern – Nephrolepis exaltata
This classic fern purifies the air at a surprisingly fast rate. It is also very common and easily found at local garden stores. While it can be used in a very wide variety of interior designs, as well as on porches and balconies, be careful of any dead leaves that this guy is famous for shedding.
#5: Devil’s Ivy (Pothos) – Epipremnum aureum
Devil’s Ivy is one of my personal favorites. And who knew it was such a good air purifier?! There are several different varieties, including the Golden Pothos, the Marble Queen Pothos, and the Neon Pothos, giving you plenty of different looks to choose from.
#6: Gerbera Daisy – Gerbera
This daisy has been getting more and more popular in the interiors. Known for its bright flowers, this plant is often discarded as it finishes flowering. However, the daisy plant will actually live for quite a while afterwards and may even flower again, leaving a lot of time for it to do its job cleaning the air in your home!
#7: Ficus tree – Ficus benjamina
Also known as a Weeping Fig, this plant can range from a small bush to a rather large tree! There is also a variegated ficus available that adds a bit more artistic flare to your home. Be careful though, as these plants don’t like drafts and also don’t like to be moved. To keep a ficus alive, one needs to find a good spot for it, and then keep it there.
#8: Snake Plant – Sansevieria trifasciata
Another one of my favorites, the Snake Plant (also called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) is extremely easy to grow. Very forgiving and with bold lines and colors, it brings a modern statement to any room.
#9: Heartleaf Philodendron – Philodendron cordatum
Another awesome vine, the philodendron is often confused with the Pothos. However, the heart-shaped leaves give it a more cascading, classical look. There are also other common varieties as well, in particular the Velvet and Brazil varieties. These will also give you very distinctive looks with each variety.
Heartleaf Philodendron – Get it here!
#10: Aloe Vera – Aloe vera
The Aloe Vera plant is not only visually intriguing, but also a great air purifier, as well as has healing properties as well. Talk about one powerhouse plant! It can also flower, but from my experience the indoor aloe vera plants tend to not flower as often. This is one plant that I think every home should have!
#11: Umbrella Tree – Schefflera actinophylla
This plant is another one of my favorites! (Did I mention I LOVE plants?!) Though it may sometimes be a bit harder to find, the Umbrella tree, also simply called Schefflera, can come in sizes from a small plant to a large tree. It is also very hard to kill, as long as it isn’t over-watered.
#12: Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum
A great choice for a small space, the Spider Plant won’t ever get too large. Instead, it will send off small shoots (called pups) that you can cut off and plant into a new pot! This causes it to be very hard to kill as you will always have plenty of little plants to replace it.
#13: Dracaena – Dracaena
There are many different types of dracaena out there and they all seem to be very good at cleaning the air. So feel free to choose a type of dracaena that will fit your space. From bushes to trees, from greens to reds, this is one plant that never gets old! Just make sure to not over-water this guy…
#14: Jade Plant – Crassula ovata
This is a great plant for the indoors! With thick, succulent leaves it can deal with a bit of neglect. It is also very easy to cut back in order to keep it at the size you want.
#15: Dumb Cane – Dieffenbachia
Also called Dieffenbachia, Dumb Cane can be toxic if eaten. However, it does do a fantastic job of cleaning your air and I’d say it looks pretty good while doing it! I love its dappled, large leaves. This can also be common in some garden stores, though it is usually only found in group plantings.
Well there’s my list of 15 indoor plants that will clean the air! There are several more that also do a good job, I just tried to keep the list to some of the most common and easily available plants. Please comment below if there are any more you’d like to share!
Happy Digging!
**For more plants that clean the air, check out NASA’s list of top plants that clean the air!**
I am going to love this site! Lots of great ideas and information!