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8 indoor plants to help purify your new home

Aug 31, 2018
8 indoor plants to help purify your new home

Key Takeaways

Peace Lily: 
Removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
 
Aloe Vera: 
Removes formaldehyde.
 
Boston Fern: 
Removes formaldehyde and xylene.

Weeping Fig: 
Removes benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
 
English Ivy: 
Removes benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
 
Parlour Palm: 
Removes indoor pollutants.
 
Spider Plant: 
Removes formaldehyde and xylene.
 
Snake Plant: 
Removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.
 
If you live in the city and don’t have too much outside space, indoor plants are a great way to bring some greenery into your life. And if you choose the right ones, they’ll also clean and purify the air in your home removing any toxic compounds from furnishings, cleaning materials, dust and building materials. Your home will be a clean, calming and relaxing environment. Here are eight of the best air purifiers.


1. Peace lily

The fragrant year-round flowers of the peace lily look great and will also survive well in the shade. As a smaller plant, this is ideal for a city apartment.
What does it remove? Ammonia, Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Trichloroethylene
 

2. Aloe Vera

You’re probably already aware of the healing qualities of Aloe Vera, but this spiky plant is also a great in-home purifier.
What does it remove? Formaldehyde
 

3. Boston Fern

These popular houseplants love to clean the air where it’s humid and has indirect light. They’re fairly easy to grow but it’s important to keep them moist. They’ll need a good watering monthly, but you should check their soil most days to ensure it’s not too dry.

What does it remove? Formaldehyde and Xylene

 

4. Weeping fig 

They can get big (up to 10 feet) with the right care and attention, so you’ll need adequate space. You won’t see any flowers, but this Southeast Asian native is a classic and elegant choice. You will need to water, but it’s important to let the soil dry out between soaks. What does it remove? Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Trichloroethylene
 

5. English Ivy

This is the ideal choice if you want a low maintenance and good-looking indoor plant that will help remove impurities in the air. The English Ivy has elegant white and green marbled leaves and will certainly enhance your indoor space.
What does it remove? Benzene, Carbon Monoxide, Formaldehyde, and Trichloroethylene
 

6. Parlour Palm

This Mexican-native has been a firm favourite in the UK for decades for both its classic looks and air cleaning abilities. Maintenance is fairly straightforward, with just needing to keep the soil evenly moist – you may need to increase how often you water during summer as it’s the growing season, and reduce in winter.  
 

7. Spider Plant

This is perfect if you’re a beginner at caring for houseplants or you’re a little on the forgetful side when it comes to watering. Just remember you’ll need bright, indirect sunlight to encourage the flowers to grow (these will eventually transform into smaller spider plants).
What does it remove? Formaldehyde and Xylene
 

8. Snake Plant

With their strong leaves and sturdy shape, it’s not surprising that this houseplant can live with even the most neglectful of owners. They can survive with low levels of light, a long drought and don’t have any problems with insects – they really are the perfect houseplant for beginners.
What does it remove? Benzene, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene, and Xylene

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