5 houseplants for improving air quality

Did you know that plants can purify the air you breathe in, and this is why people grow plants indoors? Studies have shown that hospital patients were recovered 60% more faster when plants were there in their room. In the late 80's NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America studied houseplants as a way to purify the air in space facilities. Luckily, they found that several plants can filter out common volatile organic compounds from the air. Growing plants indoors will help in cleaning indoor air on Earth which is typically more polluted than outdoor air. Following houseplants will filter out harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene and provide oxygen at the same time.

1.Aloe Vera

Today, Aloe Vera is seen in many homes because of its healing properties. The aloe vera gel inside the leaves is excellent for getting relief from burns, sunburns, cuts and other skin conditions. Aloe Vera however is also a great plant to improve your indoor air quality. It helps to keep your home free from benzene which is commonly found in paint and certain chemical cleaners.

2. Peace Lily

Peace Lily is an easy to care evergreen plant. They require very less light or water to remain healthy, which is one of the reasons why they are one of the most popular plants to keep in your home. But make sure that you do not put Spathiphyllum in direct sunlight, as the rays of the sun may lead to leaf burn. They also work well outdoors as a groundcover, especially in areas where grass is hard to grow because of the shade.

Researches found that Peace Lily was the most efficient houseplant in removing airborne volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and benzene. Simply put the plant in a dark corner and water once a week. This little potted plant will purify the air around the general area.

3. Lady Palm (Rhapis Excelsa)

Lady Palm, also called as Broadleaf Lady Palm is another houseplant that would be beneficial to have around your room. It grows to a maximum height of 6 feet and is a perfect palm to purify your room.Lady Palm is able to tolerate low-levels of light, high amounts of water and a wide range of temperatures. This houseplant can survive in both outdoor and indoor environments. The best part is that NASA Clean Air Study discovered that Lady Palm is one of the best houseplants in cleansing the air of ammonia, xylene, formaldehyde and toluene.

4. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)

English Ivy is also called as European Ivy and is another popular houseplant that filters airborne toxins inside your home. NASA has found that English Ivy is effective in cleansing formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and toluene from the air. In addition, studies indicate that English Ivy also helps to reduce mold in your home. English Ivy can be used for outdoor landscaping. It's basically used in areas where grass does not grow. Experts say that you should only use it as an indoor plant as it spreads aggressively. By growing indoors, it benefits you in purifying the air in your home.  

5. Spider plant