Indoor plants do much more than beautify our homes; they also have the power to cleanse the air, making our indoor environments healthier and more pleasant. Many plants are not just good at providing oxygen through photosynthesis; they can also eliminate odors, destroy airborne pathogens, and increase humidity by transpiring water vapor through their leaves.
Here is a curated list of ten indoor plants that are particularly effective at purifying air and getting rid of nasty smells in the house. These natural air fresheners will freshen up your living spaces, reduce the need for artificial scents, and may even reduce your reliance on harsh chemical cleaning products.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is a resilient and popular houseplant known for its ability to absorb pollutants including xylene and toluene. Its ease of care and rapid growth make it an excellent choice for those new to indoor gardening. Plus, it’s non-toxic to pets!
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
This elegant plant, with its white blooms, not only adds a touch of tranquility to your home decor, but it also cleans the air of ammonia and other volatile organic compounds, which contribute to unpleasant odors.
3. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The bamboo palm is especially effective in filtering out benzene and trichloroethylene, which can emanate from furniture and building materials. It’s a natural humidifier, which contributes to a fresher feeling in the air.
4. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
Bright and cheerful, the Gerbera daisy is not just visually appealing, but it’s also fantastic at removing trichloroethylene, which may come from dry cleaning. It’s also good at absorbing carbon monoxide and benzene.
5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
This classic plant is famous for its ability to filter out formaldehyde, commonly found in household cleaning products and furniture treatments. Its trailing vines can also make for attractive hanging baskets or shelves.
6. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as the ‘mother-in-law’s tongue’, this hardy plant can filter out formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, all while being extremely low-maintenance and requiring very little water.
7. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm has a fresh, lemony scent that can help mask unpleasant odors, while also providing a calm and soothing atmosphere. It’s excellent for eliminating stale air smells and can be grown in both sunny and shaded areas.
8. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe Vera is well-known for its healing properties, but it is also effective at removing by-products of chemical cleaners and paints such as formaldehyde and benzene.
9. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Chrysanthemums have been shown to be one of the highest-ranking plants for air purification. They are particularly good at absorbing ammonia, and a variety of other chemicals found in household cleaners.
10. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Often cited as one of the most effective plants for removing indoor pollutants, the Golden Pothos is also incredibly easy to care for. It excels at eliminating odors and can thrive in low light and lower temperatures than most other plants on this list.
Introducing these plants into your home can aid in creating a more revitalizing and odor-free environment. Not only do they spruce up your living space with a pop of greenery and color, but they work silently to improve your home’s air quality day and night. Keep in mind that while plants can significantly improve indoor air quality, they need to be complemented with regular cleaning and good ventilation to maximize their purifying benefits.
