Take a deeeeep breath.
Now, exhale and slowly release to a count of 4.
Feel better?
The quality of our air matters. In our daily spaces, we want to ensure that with each breath we feel nourished, energized, and full of life.
Clean air doesn’t just feel good, it supports every health system in the body.
But, many people don’t realize how harmful indoor air can actually be.
In fact, did you know that indoor air is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?
Low-quality air could be to blame for our pesky respiratory problems, allergies, and frequent headaches.
Well, we’ve got good news for the plant lovers in the room: a NASA study found that specific houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in just 24 hours.
You did read that right. Actual evidence proves that houseplants have a powerful impact on more than just improving aesthetics in our homes; they are living air purifiers.
How do they do it?
Through photosynthesis, our plant pals absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Then, the gorgeous greens we know and love absorb pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Pure magic.
Let’s hear it for the air-purifying plants in the room (*insert gregarious applause here*)!
So which ones should you buy to purify the air?
We’ll explore five air-filtering houseplants you can count on:
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Pothos plant (Devil’s Ivy)
- Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
- Chrysanthemums (Mums)
- & the Philodendron
Each filters harmful toxins from the air, creating a refreshing indoor environment you can’t wait to breathe in. We’ll also suggest which room of the home we recommend to place each for the ultimate cozy and clean experience.
Let’s dive right in.
ELIMINATE TOXINS WITH PEACE LILIES
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a vibrant indoor plant known for its lush, dark green leaves and striking white blooms.
Peace lilies are most popular for their air-purifying abilities. They absorb and neutralize harmful toxins through their leaves and roots, where they break down yucky compounds. As a result, we’re left with easy-to-breathe air (and a gorgeous plant).
Peace lilies are your new best friends, especially in homes located in the city or in high levels of pollution.
Stash away your Aquaphor, too: besides cleaning the air, the peace lily also increases humidity by releasing moisture vapor. This is key for respiratory health and can reduce coughing, throat irritation, and dry skin.
Here’s how to keep them thriving:
- Peace lilies should be watered about once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Note: over-watering is a no-no. Allowing the plant to sit in water can lead to root rot.
- In addition, give your peace lilies a well-draining, peat-based potting soil. Encourage blooming by fertilizing them lightly during the spring and summer.
For maximum benefits, place peace lilies in areas where you spend a lot of time, like the bedroom. Better sleep quality is on the way.
In your living rooms, they not only purify the air, but peace lilies also add elegance to any decor and tranquil energy. Remember to avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near drafts, as this can damage the plant.
ENERGIZE CREATIVITY WITH POTHOS
The pothos plant is a classic indoor beauty known for its heart-shaped leaves and incredible air-purifying qualities.
These cascading roots and leaves remove common household toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. Plus, the pothos plant is as versatile as they come. No need to worry about light: they thrive in a variety of environments, including low light conditions. They’re forgiving, require minimal care, and are perfect for beginners who just want a boost to the space (and clean air).
Pothos don’t demand much to look great and perform their purifying duties. But, here are some tips to keep this low-maintenance plant thriving anywhere.
- Pothos prefer indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions, making it versatile for different spaces in your home.
- Wait until the soil is dry to the touch before watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage! Use a well-draining potting mix to promote healthy root growth.
- Don’t forget to prune. Regular pruning can encourage fuller growth and prevent legginess (it’s beautiful until it isn’t). Trim back any of the long tendrils to the desired length.
Use hanging planters to showcase the cascading vines of pothos, creating a vibrant curtain in living rooms or kitchens. Shelves love pothos plants, too. Place them on a top shelf, allowing the vines to drape elegantly down the sides. A bit of fresh greenery can transform your space.
Do you have a pothos plant in your office yet? We suggest it! Not only will they purify the air, but they bring life and color to your home office or desk workspace. It’s a simple yet efficient (and functional) way to energize your creativity.
IMPROVE SLEEP WITH GERBERA DAISY
Brighten up your bedroom with the cheerful Gerbera daisy.
Known for its vibrant, colorful flowers, this plant does more than beautify your space; it works tirelessly to purify the air you breathe as you sleep.
Gerbera daisies are great at removing trichloroethylene, which can come from dry cleaning, and benzene, often found in inks. Place one on your bedside table and it will work overnight to cleanse the air while it lifts oxygen levels.
To keep your daisy flourishing, ensure it gets plenty of natural light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
TIDY UP THE KITCHEN AIR WITH MUMS
Add a hint of color and a breath of fresh air to your kitchen with brightly colored Chrysanthemums.
Mums remove benzene, a common household chemical in plastics, detergents, and glue.
Spice up the kitchen and place a decorative pot of mums on the counter or in a sunny living room corner to enhance your decor and purify the air.
Mums thrive in well-lit areas but avoid direct sunlight – it can harm their blooms. Water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist!
PURIFY WITH PHILODENDRON
The Philodendron is a gorgeous, versatile house plant with heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines.
It also purifies the air with flair. It eliminates pollutants in the room, making philodendron essential for any space. We love it on a shady bookshelf in a well-lit, sunny room.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again!
Whether draped elegantly from a bookshelf or perched on a coffee table, the philodendron adds a sweet and effortless addition to your decor.
Air-purifying plants like peace lilies, pothos, Gerbera daisies, mums, and philodendrons enhance your decor and create a healthy environment. By incorporating these natural purifiers into your spaces, you can breathe easy, knowing you’re getting the cleanest air possible. Discover more about these plants and how to care for them here. For additional tips, don’t forget to explore our blog! Let’s transform our homes into havens of health & serenity, one plant at a time.
The Sun Grove Care Team
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