It’s winter time! As the temperatures drop, it is time to close up our house’s windows and doors. Yet, don’t forget, this also means you will be trapped in all kinds of indoor chemical pollutants. Fortunately, NASA has approved some air purifying plants to reduce air pollution at home

It is undeniable that plants absorb chemicals and particulates in the air. Also, as a student, you must have learned that plants remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

However, the real question is, how does the air purifying plant work and how much air does it purify? Does it suffice to make our air breathable and healthier?  If so, then which plants are the best air purifying plants for the home?

Let’s find out answers to your all questions in this article.

How Do Air Purifying Plants Work

How Do Air Purifying Plants Work

When it comes to cleaning indoor air at home, the obvious solution is to bring in the best air purifying plant. You may wonder how air purifying plants accomplish that. 

Let us start with a basic explanation that you might have heard before. Well, you must be aware that plants purify the air with the help of photosynthesis. While we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, plants do the opposite.

Plants’ job is to absorb light, carbon dioxide, and water and make sugar. As a byproduct of this chemical process, oxygen is created. 

Also, it doesn’t matter how advanced an air filtration system in a house or office is, none can create oxygen. Moreover, it’s essential for clean, healthy air to have oxygen. You can get more exposure to it with air purifying plants.

Choosing air purifying plants that are able to photosynthesize in lower light is a good choice for the home. Additionally, plants produce phytochemicals. Plants use naturally-occurring chemicals to protect themselves from pests, diseases, and microbes. We also benefit from that if we live or work in an environment where plants are plentiful.

Another concept to understand is phytoremediation. A phytoremediation process is one in which a plant is able to mitigate pollution in the air, soil, or water. 

Also, NASA has found that air-purifying plants can absorb other gases besides carbon dioxide, such as a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Moreover, many indoor VOCs are eliminated by plants, such as benzene (found in some plastics, fabrics, pesticides, and cigarette smoke) and formaldehyde.

Well, how does an air purifying plant eliminates VOCs compounds?

When indoor plants transpire, phytochemicals and water vapor are released to create air movement. As plants transpire, they can pull toxins from the air into their leaves and roots. Known as stomata, these microscopic openings in leaves are where pollutants in the air are absorbed.

Additionally, NASA’s study shows that plant-filled rooms contain 50 to 60 percent fewer airborne molds and bacteria than rooms without plants. However, a cleaner environment isn’t the only benefit, we will learn all about it in another section.

Benefits of Air Purifying Plants

Benefits of Air Purifying Plants

As stated earlier, air purifying plants can offer much more than cleaning the environment, here are some of the other benefits:

  • Boosts positive emotions and reduces anxiety, anger, and depression.
  • A reduction in the level of sound.
  • Relaxes body and mind.
  • Maintains optimum humidity levels for your health.
  • Creates a cooling effect.
  • Refresh the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
  • Especially for computer users, it increases concentration levels and productivity.
  • A reduction in workplace absenteeism.
  • Recovers from mental fatigue more quickly.
  • Stylish, clean, and spacious interiors.
  • The presence of air purifying plants in a room makes people feel more comfortable.
  • Increased perception of “expensiveness” as interiors are seen as more luxurious.

I know, it is hard to resist bringing an air purifying plant after reading about all these amazing benefits. However, which plant should you bring and how should you care for it? Worry not!  The next section lists the top air purifying plants you can care for at home.

10+ Best Air Purifying Plants to Reduce Air Pollution

1. Areca Palm

Areca Palm

There are no better plants for bigger spaces than Areca palms. When it comes to eliminating toxins, these plants are powerful, and both dogs and cats cannot be harmed by them. 

An areca plant removes toxins such as benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene. If you want them to thrive in summer, give them lots of water but not so much in winter.

Areca Palm Care Tips

LightFull to partial sun
WaterTwice a week watering
SoilMoist and well-drained 
Pet safeYes

2. Snake plant

Snake plant

A snake plant is a hardy, easy-to-grow, easy-to-produce plant requiring little care. All they need is free-draining soil. 

According to NASA, snake plants are the best for bedrooms and living rooms. As it survives low light and humidity, it is best suited for bathrooms.

MRP: Original price was: ₹700.00.Current price is: ₹499.00.Add to cart

Snake Plant Care Tips

LightShade to partial sun
WaterWhen the soil is nearly dry, water it
SoilSandy and well-drained 
Pet safeNo

3. Money Plant

Money Plant

You can clean your house’s air effectively with this powerful air purifying plant in India. In indirect sunlight, it thrives with regular watering. Additionally, pruning these plants regularly is necessary since they propagate rapidly.

MRP: Original price was: ₹400.00.Current price is: ₹299.00.Add to cart

Money Plant Care Tips

LightBright indirect light
WaterEvery 3 weeks
SoilRich and fertile soil
Pet safeYes

4. Spider Plant

Spider Plant

Spider plant is easy to grow, requires little care, and purifies the air in your bedroom. This plant also eliminates formaldehyde and xylene, which are present indoors.

A single spider plant can purify the air of 200 square feet.

MRP: Original price was: ₹600.00.Current price is: ₹399.00.Add to cart

Spider Plant Care Tips

LightBright to moderate light
WaterOnce a week watering
SoilWell-draining potting mix
Pet safeYes

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

Aside from cleansing the air of benzene and formaldehyde, aloe vera also absorbs carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. 

Moreover, if you are looking for a short air-purifying plant, aloe vera would be a great choice. Furthermore, aloe vera is easy to grow and maintain.

Using moist soil and mild sunlight, you can easily propagate a single plant into multiple plants. Additionally, aloe vera gel has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and skin-conditioning properties.

MRP: Original price was: ₹700.00.Current price is: ₹499.00.Add to cart

Aloe Vera Care Tips

LightPlace in bright, indirect sunlight or artificial light
Water2-3  times a week
SoilSandy
Pet safeNo

6. Rubber plant

Rubber plant

This burgundy evergreen tree originates from India, they like bright, filtered light and weekly watering in summer and fortnightly in winter. 

Whether grown in a pot or planted directly into the ground, rubber plants can grow large indoor trees in pots. So, it is a good option if you want to have a large indoor plant.

MRP: Original price was: ₹1,300.00.Current price is: ₹899.00.Add to cart

Rubber Plant Care Tips

LightMedium to bright light
Water1-2 times a week
SoilWell-draing soil
Pet safeNo

7. Weeping Fig

weeping fig

The weeping fig is a low-maintenance plant that is known for combating pollutants produced by household items such as furniture, carpets, and curtains. 

Unlike most other air-purifying indoor plants, it should be placed in bright indirect light. Initially, it takes some time to grow, but the plant grows into a big plant that significantly improves air quality.

Weeping Fig Care Tips

LightBright indirect light
WaterWater your fig every 5 to 7 days, or when the soil is dry.
SoilRich, fast-draining potting soil
Pet safeNo

8. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen plant is an easy indoor house plant to grow. Conditions such as well-drained soil, humid temperatures, and low light are best for them. 

As the best air purifier, Chinese evergreen removes formaldehyde and xylene.

Chinese Evergreen Care Tips

LightIndirect light
WaterWater when topsoil is dry
SoilPeat-based potting soil or any well-draining soil
Pet safeNo

9. Bamboo Palm

Bamboo Palm

As one of the best air purifying plants in India, bamboo is also known as Butterfly Palm. Benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene are filtered by this hardy plant. 

It needs moist soil and good air circulation. Additionally, it acts as a natural humidifier, making it useful during the dry winter season.

Bamboo Palm Care Tips

LightPrefer part sun, but can handle full shade
Water1-3 waterings per week
SoilWell-drained and fertile soil
Pet safeYes

10. Peace Lily

Peace Lily

It is one of NASA’s best-known cleansing plants. Similar to aloe vera, it also removes benzene and formaldehyde from the air. 

The white flowers of this plant make it one of the most attractive air-purifying indoor plants. Additionally, it can effectively remove indoor pollutants from electronics, furniture, and other household items.

MRP: 359.00539.00Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Peace Lily Care Tips

LightBright but indirect light
WaterEvery 1-2 weeks
SoilWell-draining, all-purpose potting soil
Pet safeNo (mildly toxic)

11. ZZ Plant

ZZ Plant

The last one on our list is the ZZ plant. This eye-catching houseplant features wide, dark green leaves that are perfect for a home office. As well as being hard to kill, these plants actively remove airborne toxins such as xylene, toluene, and benzene.

MRP: Original price was: ₹700.00.Current price is: ₹499.00.Add to cart

ZZ Plant Care Tips

LightLots of indirect light
WaterEvery 2-3 weeks
SoilWell-draining potting mix
Pet safeNo

Conclusion

NASA has approved these plants as the top air purifying plants. These plants are capable of removing nearly 60% of the pollutant. As you can see, these plants do more than just purify the air. It reduces anxiety, increases positive feelings, enhances interior decor, maintains humidity, etc.

With these plants by your side, you will stay warm under closed doors and breathe fresh air during winter. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can pick an air purifying plant. For instance, if you are looking for a short air purifying plant, aloe vera or spider plants work great. If you want a big indoor plant, try a rubber plant. However, make sure you plant more than one. As only a single plant may not be able to do trick.

So, decide on your air purifying plant today. If you need help taking care of any air purifying plant, please let me know in the comment section below. Don’t forget to share this with your family and friends as well.

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