Last Updated on September 19, 2022 by Ellen Christian
Houseplants that clean the air? According to NASA research, houseplants remove up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (toxins) from the air every 24 hours. Not everyone has a green thumb. I get that. Some people that have a green thumb in the garden, cannot get their houseplants to thrive. These unkillable houseplants that clean the air will work for even the blackest thumb.
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Unkillable Houseplants that Clean the Air
Ideally, we should be breathing in fresh clean air all the time, but you know that doesn’t happen. We’re inside our homes and offices and we’re exposed to things like cigarette smoke, formaldehyde (from our furniture), pollen, bacteria, and mold.
If you remember from your high school science class, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. We breathe oxygen and release carbon dioxide. We just go together. Plants also release moisture as part of photosynthesis so they are increasing the humidity in our homes which is wonderful during the winter months when our skin is so dry from the furnace and wood stove.
- Spider Plant – This is one of the easiest plants to grow. Loves bright, indirect light. Removes formaldehyde and xylene.
- Dracaena – Toxic to dogs and cats if eaten. Removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.
- Ficus – Can grow two to ten feet tall. Loves bright, indirect sunlight. Removes benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
- Peace Lily – Grows best in shady areas. Removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
- Boston Fern – Easy to grow but prefers a cool, high humidity location. Removes formaldehyde and xylene.
- Snake Plant – Very hardy. Prefers drier conditions with some sun. Good beginner plant. Removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.
- Bamboo Palm – Prefers full sun and can grow fairly large. Removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene.
- Aloe Vera – I love my aloe vera. Very easy to grow and the sap is wonderful for healing. Removes formaldehyde.
- English Ivy – Ideal for small places. Removes formaldehyde and benzene.
- Schefflera or Umbrella Tree – Bright but indirect sunlight. Wait until completely dry and then water. Removes benzene.
If you’re looking for unkillable houseplants that clean the air, try a few of these. Remember, these make wonderful gifts for others as well! If you’re a beginner, I would recommend the spider plant and the snake plant to start with.
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Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
As we get to know each other you will find out…I can kill anything! I even killed cactus!
LOL those are really hard to kill!
I just said that I was going to get some plants and try not to kill them. I will tell you that I killed 3 out of your list because I’m that bad but I will try again
LOL try a spider plant, Rachel. They are super easy!
I am awful with house plants, but I would definitely LOVE to try one of the beginner plants at home. Looks like I need to make an addition to me holiday wish list!
Definitely, Crissy! Start with one of the easy ones!