With the creation of modern cleansers, plastics, furniture, flooring, glue, paint, and other household materials there is an abundance of toxic chemicals lurking about. Though you can take strides to remove these products from your home, your main asset is sitting right outside your window! Plants have always been the key to purifying the Earth and cleansing our air, that is why we love putting them in our home! They can help purify the air, remove toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde, and produce a cleaner atmosphere for your family. To most effectively purify the air in your home then add at least two plants per 100 square feet or a 10x10 room space. The studies of indoor plant purification has been on the pioneered by environmental scientist Dr. Bill Wolverton. He has conducted the famous NASA Clean Air Study, to read more on his top plant picks then check out, “How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office”.
Our Top Three Purifying House Plants
Dracaena Plant-
With over 40 species of Dracaena plants it is easy to find one that perfect fit for your home. The Dracaena plants have long, wide leaves that are sometimes sprinkled with stripes of white, yellow, or red on the edge of the long leaves. If you are a pet owner you may want to find a different plant. The Dracaena are toxic to cats and dogs.
Best care: house in a room with high ceilings, place in moderate sunlight, and water occasionally.
What it does: removes pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene
Boston Fern-
These household classics produce soft, feathery, and delicate fronds. Boston ferns flourish in indoor hanging baskets, however they require constant watering, moisture, and humidity. They are easy to grow in cool environments with lots of moisture and indirect light.
Best care: Check the plants soil daily and keep soil moist, and douse in water once per month.
What it does: The Boston Fern helps removes formaldehyde, found in glues, cabinetry, plywood, and furniture, from the home and also eliminates xylene.
Snake Plant-
Also known by its humorous name - mother-in-law's tongue. This plant carries sharp, tall, vertical leaves that are often bordered with cream or yellow stripes. During the night it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen unlike most other plants.
Best Care: The Snake Plant thrives best in low light, dryer conditions, and occasional watering.
What it does: It lowers carbon dioxide in the environment and rids the atmosphere of formaldehyde and benzene. It is great for a boost of energizing oxygen.