Houseplants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have been shown to have a positive impact on indoor air quality. They are natural air purifiers that remove harmful pollutants from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. In this article, we will discuss nine houseplants that are best at eliminating air toxins from your home, backed by scientific research.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is not only a popular houseplant but also has numerous health benefits. It is known for its ability to heal burns and cuts, but it is also an excellent air purifier. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering found that aloe vera was effective in removing formaldehyde from the air. The researchers found that aloe vera was able to remove up to 90% of formaldehyde from the air in just 24 hours.
Areca Palm
Areca palm is a tropical plant that is native to Madagascar. It is an excellent air purifier and has been shown to remove pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. A study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health found that areca palm was effective in removing indoor air pollutants. The researchers found that areca palm was able to remove up to 50% of formaldehyde from the air in just 24 hours.
Bamboo Palm
Bamboo palm is a popular houseplant that is native to Central and South America. It is an excellent air purifier and has been shown to remove pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. A study published in the Journal of American Society of Horticultural Science found that bamboo palm was effective in removing indoor air pollutants. The researchers found that bamboo palm was able to remove up to 87% of benzene from the air in just 24 hours.
Boston Ferns
Boston ferns are popular houseplants that are known for their lush green foliage. They are also excellent air purifiers and have been shown to remove pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air. A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Horticultural Science found that Boston ferns were effective in removing indoor air pollutants. The researchers found that Boston ferns were able to remove up to 76% of formaldehyde from the air in just 24 hours.
Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies are beautiful flowering plants that are native to South Africa. They are also excellent air purifiers and have been shown to remove pollutants such as benzene and trichloroethylene from the air. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture found that gerbera daisies were effective in removing indoor air pollutants. The researchers found that gerbera daisies were able to remove up to 50% of benzene from the air in just 24 hours.
Peace Lilies
Peace lilies are popular houseplants that are known for their elegant white flowers. They are also excellent air purifiers and have been shown to remove pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. A study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that peace lilies were effective in removing indoor air pollutants. The researchers found that peace lilies were able to remove up to 63% of formaldehyde from the air in just 24 hours.
Snake Plant
Snake plant is a popular houseplant that is native to West Africa. It is also known as mother-in-law’s tongue and is an excellent air purifier. Snake plant has been shown to remove pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air. A study published in theJournal of Environmental Health Perspectives found that snake plants were effective in removing indoor air pollutants. The researchers found that snake plants were able to remove up to 53% of benzene from the air in just 24 hours.
Spider Plant
Spider plant is a popular houseplant that is native to tropical and southern Africa. It is an excellent air purifier and has been shown to remove pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air. A study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that spider plants were effective in removing indoor air pollutants. The researchers found that spider plants were able to remove up to 96% of formaldehyde from the air in just 24 hours.
Weeping Fig
Weeping fig, also known as ficus tree, is a popular houseplant that is native to Southeast Asia. It is an excellent air purifier and has been shown to remove pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Horticultural Science found that weeping figs were effective in removing indoor air pollutants. The researchers found that weeping figs were able to remove up to 52% of benzene from the air in just 24 hours.
Final thoughts
Houseplants not only add beauty to your home but also improve indoor air quality by removing harmful pollutants from the air. The nine houseplants discussed in this article, including aloe vera, areca palm, bamboo palm, Boston ferns, gerbera daisies, peace lilies, snake plant, spider plant, and weeping fig, have been shown to be the best at eliminating air toxins from your home. These findings are supported by scientific research published in peer-reviewed journals, making it clear that these houseplants are a worthwhile investment for your home’s air quality.
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