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Plants That Clear the Air

    10 Houseplants That Improve Air Quality

    ​In the late '80s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America studied whether houseplants could improve air quality. They do! Fast forward to today, we now know that plants are pros at removing some of the toxins that are often found indoors. The evidence is clear that in addition to providing beauty to your home, plants create a more calming habitat and contribute to a healthier environment.

    NASA found that certain plants can filter pollutants such as:
    • Benzene (varnishes, detergents, rubber, paints, plastics, inks, oils, detergents, dyes, gasoline, and floor finishes)
    • Trichloroethylene (printing inks, varnishes, adhesive, and lacquer)
    • Formaldehyde (tobacco smoke, gas stoves, floor coverings, carpet backing, and grocery bags)
    • Ammonia (cleaning products)
    • Toluene (stain removers, oils, paints, paint thinner, paint brush cleaner, nail polish, and inks)
    • Carbon monoxide (fumes from vehicles, fireplaces, stoves, and furnaces)
    • Styrene (carpet backing, fiberglass, home and wiring insulation)

    Different plants are better at fighting certain types of pollution. The best approach is to grow a variety that works together to fight various toxins. The more the merrier! 

    Top Indoor Air Scrubbing Plants

    Picture
    1. Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)
    Aloe Vera removes benzene and formaldehyde, two volatile organic compounds common within indoor spaces.
    Beyond its air-cleaning abilities, the gel inside can help heal cuts and burns!
    Care Tips

    Bright, indirect sunlight
    Water sparingly
    Fertilize with a succulent food in spring

    Picture
     ​2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) 
    ​
    Spider plants are known to remove formaldehyde,  xylene and benzene.  Easy to grow, they reproduce so quickly, you'll have tons of little plantlets in no time cleaning even more air!
    Care Tips
    ​
    Bright, indirect sunlight
    Allow soil to dry between waterings
    Prefer cooler indoor temperatures

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    3. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
    Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, Snake Plants are very effective at absorbing formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene through their leaves.  So adaptable and easy to grow, they can withstand just about any condition.
    Care Tips
    Bright, indirect light - tolerates low light
    Allow soil to dry between waterings
    ​Prefer warm indoor temperatures

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    4. Pothos (Epriprenum aureum) 
    ​This long popular houseplant, also known as devil’s ivy, pothos is a powerhouse when it comes to removing indoor pollutants, including carbon monoxide, toulene, and acetone. 
    Care Tips
    Bright, indirect light - tolerates low light
    Allow soil to dry between waterings
    ​Prune leggy vines for a bushier plant

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    5. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.) 
    Dracaena, commonly called corn plants, remove formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. Among the easiest to grow, this large family of plants has something for everybody, ranging in color, pattern, and variegation.
    ​Care Tips
    ​
    Bright, indirect light - tolerates low light
    Water when soil surface is dry
    Prune down if too tall and leggy

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    6. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
    A plant family with hundreds of species and varieties, Philodendron, including vining and non-climbing, have been found to remove formaldehyde. With large, glossy leaves, they are easy-to-care for and resilient. 
    Care Tips
    Bright, indirect sunlight
    Water when top inch of soil is dry 
    Fertilize in spring or summer

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    7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
    Considered one of the easiest plants to grow, Chinese Evergreen absorb benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene. Thriving in lower light with minimal care, Aglaonema are known for their striking foliage available in a range of colors and variegation.
    Care Tips

    Tolerates low light, but also bright spots
    Keep soil evenly  moist

    Fertilize in spring or summer

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    8. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
    Removing formaldehyde and xylene, Boston Ferns are another low maintenance, easy care option. Ideal in hanging baskets or containers where their long fronds can relax, they can also be taken outside in the summer. 
    Care Tips
    Medium to bright light
    ​Consistent moisture -tolerates dry periods
    Fertilize in spring or summer

    Picture
    9. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
    ​A truly tough houseplant, Peace Lilies absorb formaldehyde, benzene, and acetone. While not a true lily, these long lasting plants produce fragrant white flowers set against glossy, rich green leaves.
    Care Tips
    Bright, indirect light
    Moderate moisture
    Fertilize in spring or summer

    Picture
    10. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
    Large, glossy leaves are pleasing to behold, and known to remove formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene. Rubber plants can be picky about their environment and do best with warmer temperatures and moderate humidity.
    Care Tips
    ​Bright, indirect light - tolerates low light
    Consistently moist soil, but not soggy
    Fertilize in spring or summer

     

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