Indoor air quality is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy living environment, and yet, a lot of individuals are unaware of the contaminants that might be lurking inside their homes. One such harmful chemical is formaldehyde, a common volatile organic compound (VOC) found in building materials, household products, and even furniture. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde can cause respiratory issues, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and may even lead to long-term health problems.
Fortunately, nature provides a simple, effective way to help reduce formaldehyde levels indoors—houseplants! Not only do houseplants beautify our spaces, but many of them also have the ability to purify the air by absorbing toxins like formaldehyde through their leaves and roots. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 houseplants that can help remove formaldehyde from indoor air, creating a cleaner and healthier environment.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is one of the most current and well-known houseplants for air purification. It’s similarly very easy to grow and maintain, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Spider plants are efficient at absorbing formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide, making them perfect for areas with poor ventilation or homes with a lot of synthetic materials like carpets and furniture.
- Care Tips: Spider plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate lower light conditions. They require regular watering but should be allowed to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
- Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe Vera is often recognized for its healing properties, particularly for skin care, but it also serves as a powerful air purifier. This succulent plant is highly effective at removing formaldehyde and benzene, two chemicals commonly found in household cleaning products and paints.
- Care Tips: Aloe Vera prefers bright, sunny locations and well-drained soil. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially in the winter months.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is a popular houseplant for its elegant appearance and air-purifying capabilities. It is highly effective at filtering out harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Peace lilies are also known to remove mold spores from the air, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
- Care Tips: Peace lilies prefer low to medium light and require regular watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Keep them away from direct sunlight, as it can cause the leaves to scorch.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are known for their lush, feathery fronds and their ability to remove a wide range of indoor pollutants, including formaldehyde. These ferns also act as natural humidifiers, which can be beneficial in dry indoor environments.
- Care Tips: Boston ferns prefer cool, humid environments with indirect light. They need regular watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mist the leaves frequently to maintain humidity.
- Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The bamboo palm is a graceful, tropical plant that can thrive indoors while helping to improve air quality. It’s particularly good at filtering formaldehyde and benzene, making it a great addition to rooms with furniture or new flooring.
- Care Tips: Bamboo palms prefer bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained soil. They require moderate watering but should not be allowed to dry out completely between waterings.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant, also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” is one of the most low-maintenance houseplants available. It’s known for its ability to absorb a wide range of toxins, including formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene. It also releases oxygen at night, making it a good plant for bedrooms.
- Care Tips: Snake plants thrive in both low and bright light conditions. They require minimal watering, especially in the winter, and should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The rubber plant is a striking houseplant with large, glossy leaves. It’s not only an attractive addition to any room but also a powerful air purifier. Rubber plants are especially effective at removing formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air, making them ideal for areas with new furniture or appliances.
- Care Tips: Rubber plants prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, as they are sensitive to waterlogged conditions.
- Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The weeping fig is a versatile and resilient houseplant that can help remove toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. Its bushy foliage can create a natural air filter in any room, helping to improve indoor air quality.
- Care Tips: Weeping figs prefer bright, indirect sunlight and should be watered moderately. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and avoid sudden changes in light or temperature, as this can cause the plant to drop its leaves.
- Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden pothos is a hardy, fast-growing plant that is well-known for its air-purifying abilities. It’s particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, making it a great option for homes with new carpets, furniture, or painted walls.
- Care Tips: Golden pothos thrives in low to bright indirect light and requires minimal care. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and trim the vines regularly to keep the plant looking full and healthy.
- Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Dracaenas are a diverse group of houseplants, many of which are excellent at removing indoor toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. The different varieties of Dracaena, such as the “Janet Craig” or the “Warneckei,” make it easy to find one that suits your home’s style and lighting conditions.
- Care Tips: Dracaenas prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as they are sensitive to waterlogged conditions.
- Place plants strategically: Place air-purifying plants in areas where formaldehyde exposure is most likely, such as near furniture, carpets, or in rooms where cleaning products are frequently used.
- Regular maintenance: Keep your plants healthy by following proper care guidelines. Dust the leaves regularly, as dust can interfere with a plant’s ability to absorb toxins.