Best indoor air purifying plants for all types of spaces
Bringing nature indoors can work wonders for your work or living space. Not only do indoor plants add a touch of greenery, but they are also natural air filters that can absorb some of the pollutants in our indoor environment and purify the air – making your indoor space healthier and more pleasant to work or live in.
If you're wondering which plants to choose, our phs Greenleaf expert guide will lead you through the best air purifying plants for homes and workplaces, along with tips on how to care for air purifying plants and integrate them into your space.
The benefits of an air purifying indoor plant
Our indoor environments, such as our homes and offices, harbour chemicals. These are present in the air we breathe, in our furniture and in fixtures such as floors, carpets or curtains. Whilst these may only be at low levels, they can have an impact on our health and wellbeing.
Air purifiers can provide an efficient solution to indoor pollutants. However, there is also much to be said for supplementing this approach with a more natural intervention – which has benefits that extend beyond removing toxins. Air purifying plants are more than just decorative pieces – they are functional additions to our homes and workplaces that offer a multitude of health benefits:
Improved indoor air quality
These plants filter out toxins and pollutants from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Increased humidity
Plants release moisture vapor, which can help maintain humidity levels, beneficial for respiratory health.
Enhanced mood and productivity
Being around greenery can reduce stress, boost mood, and increase productivity.
Better sleep
Some plants can improve air quality at night, promoting better sleep.
Integrating air purifying indoor plants into your home
To make the most of air purifying plants, it is essential to select the right ones and place them strategically where they can have the most beneficial impact, in the workplace and/or in the home. Here is how you can do it:
Choose the right plants
Opt for plants known for their air-purifying abilities and suitability for indoor conditions, as well as their suitability for the size of space they will occupy.
Placement
Place plants in areas where you spend the most time, such as offices and other work environments, living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices.
Care requirements
Ensure you understand the specific care needs of each plant, including light, water, and soil requirements.
7 top indoor air purifying plants for small spaces
Here are the top air purifying indoor plants for small spaces that are perfect for cleansing the environment in space-deprived homes and workplaces:
Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Benefits – a snake plant filters out formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. A snake plant is easy to care for and thrives in low light.
Care tips – snake plants should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
Benefits – a spider plant can remove formaldehyde and xylene. Great for beginners due to its resilience.
Care tips – spider plants prefer indirect sunlight and moderate watering.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Benefits – effective at removing ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. Also increases humidity.
Care tips – keep soil moist and place in a shady area.
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Benefits – aloe vera is an ideal air purifying plant for indoor spaces. Aloe vera works by releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide during the night – which means the air is being cleaned while you sleep! It also clears formaldehyde and benzene. Additionally, aloe vera is useful for its healing properties.
Care tips – requires bright, indirect sunlight and infrequent watering.
English ivy (Hedera helix)
Benefits – removes mould spores from the air, making it ideal for washrooms, bathrooms and other damp areas.
Care tips – needs bright light and consistent moisture.
Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Benefits – excellent at helping to restore moisture and increasing humidity. They also help to remove formaldehyde.
Care tips – likes high humidity and indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist.
Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
Benefits – eliminates formaldehyde. Its large leaves are also great for increasing oxygen levels.
Care tips – thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering.
How to care for air purifying house plants
Proper care is crucial for keeping your plants healthy and effective at purifying air. Here are some general tips on how to care for air purifying plants:
Light
Understand the light requirements of each plant. Some thrive in low light, while others need bright, indirect light.
Watering
Overwatering is a common mistake. Most indoor plants prefer the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Soil
Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Humidity
Some plants, like ferns, require higher humidity. Consider using a humidifier or placing a water tray nearby.
Cleaning
Dust the leaves regularly to keep the pores open for efficient air purification.
phs Greenleaf services
If you're looking to enhance your indoor work environment with the best air purifying indoor plants for indoor spaces, talk to phs Greenleaf. With our 25 years of expertise in all things planting and landscaping, we offer a range of products and services to help. We can provide:
Plant supply and installation
We supply a wide variety of indoor plants and handle the installation to ensure they thrive in your home.
Maintenance services
Regular maintenance visits to keep your plants healthy and looking their best.
Expert advice
Professional advice on plant selection, placement, and care tailored to your specific needs.
By incorporating air purifying plants into your home or business, you can enjoy cleaner air, improved health, and a more vibrant work or living space. And with the expert advice and services from phs Greenleaf, you can ensure your plants are well cared for and thrive in your indoor environment.
Get in touch today to find out how phs Greenleaf can help.
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