Common Houseplants Can Rid Toxins from Your Home

Many of us know that plants release oxygen, and help to make our homes look more inviting – but many may not know that plants can rid a room of harmful toxins. By adding certain plants to different rooms in your house, you can clear the air of mold, formaldehyde and xylene.

The blog Healthy Sustainable Living notes that plants in the home may clear air better than air conditioning and heating systems. By targeting specific pollutants, you can even help improve certain allergies you or a family member may be experiencing.

One great plant to put in bedrooms is aloe, as it multiples the transportation of oxygen and improves the diffusion of red blood cells. Another plant perfect for the bedroom is the snake plant – which is very easy to take care of and difficult to kill (a little water and sunlight is all it requires). It removes toxins such as xylene and benzene.

Another plant that is easy to take care of is the spider plant, which can survive on minimal light. Just one plant can clean air up to 2,100 square feet, and its simplicity makes it perfect for beginners.

Looking for a pet-friendly plant? Try chamaedorea seifrizil, or bamboo palm, which filters formaldehyde. Keep it in bright light, and in a room with high ceilings – bamboo palms can grow up to 12 feet high. Those who have cats and dogs should stay away from dracaena. Although they are great at cleaning toxins from the air, they can be deadly to pets. Those without pets may choose them for their long, wide leaves that can have touches of red or cream.

Another plant that needs bright sunlight is the ficus, which is perfect for air purification. It, too, removes formaldehyde, as well as trichloroethylene and benzene. Many people tend to put these in offices, where they’ll survive on illuminated light.

For those who are looking for an inexpensive option, opt for garden mums. NASA conducted research that proved mums capable of getting rid of ammonia, xylene and other toxins from air. Once they bloom indoors, you can plant them outside.

One popular ornamental plant is English ivy, an evergreen vine that removes multiple toxins from air. While not always best for growing indoors (it can grow up to 100 feet), it is one of the best options for removing trichloroethylene.