The 10 Best Plants 0f 2022 for Cleaner Indoor Air

Anyone who's taken a biology class knows that one way plants benefit us as humans is that they breathe in the carbon dioxide in the air and release the oxygen that we breathe. Well, that’s not the only way that plants benefit us. Did you know that plants actually filter the air around us and can remove toxins, providing us with cleaner air? It’s true, not only do they give us oxygen and spruce up a dull room with lots of life, they can actually make our environment healthier!

When many people think of air pollution, they think of outdoor air pollution, gas engines running, smokestacks, wildfires, but indoor air pollution is something that needs to be taken seriously too. Indoor air can be filled with toxic chemicals that hang in the air and have nowhere to go (especially in the winter). Everything from indoor furniture to paint, cleaners, your kitchen, and fumes from your garage can be polluting your indoor air, making for an unhealthy environment. Besides getting good ventilation, one of the best things you can do for your indoor air quality is getting some plants.

So, whether it’s because you are indoors more at home because of the pandemic, or you’re just a curious plant-lover that wants a healthier home or office environment, you may be asking yourself what plants to get for clean indoor air. And yes, some plants do a better job than others at filtering air.

1) Snake Plant
The snake plant, also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, is a popular house plant for air filtration. It’s known for being a great producer of oxygen, and also does a number on those indoor air pollutants too!

2) Money Plant
Another popular indoor plant, for good reason, is the money plant, also known as the golden pothos or devil’s ivy. The money plant has been studied by NASA and their research shows it is effective at removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene from the air. Plus, it has low maintenance, making it the perfect house plant!

3) Purple Waffle Plant
The purple waffle plant is effective at removing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the air that are common air pollutants in homes. Also, it will add a little extra color to your home with its purple hue.

4) Spider Plant
Another popular indoor plant for good reason is the spider plant. Its sword-like leaves dangle over the side of the pot, somewhat resembling spider legs. However, unlike a spider, the spider plant was shown in the NASA studies to remove up to 95% of toxins in the air!

5) Boston Fern
The boston fern was also found to be an effective air purifier, removing commonly found toxins from the air like VOCs. Plus, who doesn’t love a good fern!

6) Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreen is another great air purifier. It has been shown to be particularly effective at removing formaldehyde from the air.

7) Weeping Fig
If you want a bigger plant in your home to look pretty and clean up your air then the weeping fig is for you! The weeping fig is a small tree that is a great air purifier, just leave it somewhere it doesn’t get too dry and the temperature is consistent.

8) Flamingo Lily
Easily recognizable by its pink flowers, the flamingo lily isn’t just something pretty to look at as it’s a brightly-colored indoor air purifier.

9) Peace Lily
Still looking for more lilies? Try the peace lily, which is beautiful and is thought to be able to remove pollutants, such as benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene,  in the air.

10) English Ivy
English Ivy is a great air purifier, plus you can purchase multiple varieties of it to hang around your house to double or triple your air purification!

Good indoor air quality and ventilation are important factors of a healthy home. Plants are one way to help improve the air quality you breath and fans, such as whole house fans, garage exhaust fans, and attic fans can do wonders to improve the ventilation in your home.