Forget about dust and toxins: which houseplants purify the air

Houseplants can naturally neutralize toxins such as benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, and acetone. Scientists have shown that some flowers can actually improve health and well-being, as they are able to filter pollutants and absorb them.

Indoor flowers neutralize toxins contained, for example, in tobacco smoke, stove fumes, flooring, cleaning or stain removers, paints, and nail polish. Experts recommend that for every 10 square meters in a house or apartment, there should be at least one plant with beneficial properties.

Aloe

Aloe absorbs benzene, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. It is a very unpretentious plant - just put the pot in a bright place and water it as needed. The succulent accumulates water in its dense leaves, so it is not afraid of either drought or lack of fertilization.

Anthurium

Anthuriums are very beautiful flowers that purify the air in an apartment. A characteristic feature is the ability to neutralize ammonia, formaldehyde and xylene. Place the pot in a place with diffused light, away from drafts. It is advisable to spray and water the plant regularly when the substrate is dry.

Common ivy

Different types of ivy are known to absorb toxins. For example, Hedera Helix can neutralize benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, carbon monoxides, as well as toluene and trichloroethylene. Ivy is especially effective in the fight against cigarette smoke. Caring for ivy is very simple - just plant it in a fertile alkaline substrate and water it abundantly. Varieties with colorful leaves love the sun, while others can be kept in shady places.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemum effectively filters the air, removing ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene and trichloroethylene. Plants should be watered once a day and fertilized with a special multi-component fertilizer if necessary.

Dracaena

Dracaena is able to neutralize toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, toluene and trichloroethylene. Dracaena love sunlight combined with frequent and abundant watering.

Ficus benjamina

Ficuses neutralize most toxins, including ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. Caring for this species is easy - it needs diffused light and frequent and abundant watering when the soil in the pot dries out.

Climbing philodendron

Philodendrons purify the air from toxins such as ammonia, benzene, or formaldehyde. This species is easy to grow and grows very quickly under the right conditions. The plant needs diffused light and care - regular watering, fertilizing, sprinkling and transplanting into larger pots.

Areca palm

The areca palm is known for its ability to humidify the air. However, few people know that it also purifies the air from toxins such as carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and xylene. This species is especially recommended for people with respiratory problems. Areca should be planted in a place with a lot of diffused light and provide the plant with regular watering. Experts advise moistening the leaves every 2-3 days.

Bamboo palm

The plant removes benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and trichloroethylene. The plant needs a moist substrate, plenty of diffused light and systematic transplantation into larger containers. As with other palms, it is very important to ensure high humidity, for example, by spraying water on the leaves or placing a humidifier near the pot.

Fern

Fern is also a very effective air purifier. The plant neutralizes toxins such as benzene, xylene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. There are many different species on the market: the most popular ones are Polypodium vulgare, Pellaea rotundifolia, Adiantum raddianum, and Nephrolepis exaltata. It is better to place the pots in semi-shaded places and moisten the plant with frequent sprinkling and watering.

Sansevieria

Sansevierias are recommended to be placed in the bedroom. These unpretentious plants can neutralize pollutants such as benzene or formaldehyde. The most popular species are the Guinea sansevieria (Sansevieria trifasciata), the cylindrical sansevieria (Sansevieria cylindrica) and the slender sansevieria (Sansevieria gracilis).

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