Whenever air pollution worsens, people are advised to stay indoors and avoid going outside. This raises the question, “How can we purify the air inside our homes?” This is where indoor plants play a crucial role.
Did you know that some indoor plants absorb toxic air and harmful chemicals, purifying and cleaning the air around us?
Nature provides simple and effective solutions to many of our everyday problems, and houseplants act as natural air purifiers, adding freshness to our homes.
In this article, I will share with you 10 plants that you can grow at home that not only purify the indoor air but are also easy to care for.
Impact of Air pollution
Air pollution has a very negative impact on health, causing various problems such as eye irritation and sore throats. These health issues are especially prevalent in vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions like asthma.
Top 10 Air Purifying Indoor Plants
- AGLAONEMA
- SYNGONIUM
- RUBBER PLANT
- GOLDEN POTHOS
- SPIDER PLANT
- PEACE LILY
- ALOE VERA
- ARECA PALM
- ZZ
- SNAKE PLANT
10. AGLAONEMA
Aglaonema, commonly known as the lipstick plant or Chinese evergreen, is an air-purifying plant that not only cleans the air but also adds a magical touch of color to your home.
Colours:
- Available in various varieties and colours such as red, green, pink, pale silver green, etc.
Light requirement
- Grow best in bright light.
- Provide morning direct sunligt once in a week for better growth.
Where to Keep
- Place it on a study table, above the fridge, near a window, or on centre tables.
Pot size
- Ideal for small spaces, it fits perfectly in a 4-8 inch pot.
Watering tips
- Water the plant only when the top inch of soil is dry.
The leaves will start to wilt when the plant needs water, but avoid overwatering.
9. SYNGONIUM
Another popular and hassle-free air-purifying plant trending nowadays is the Syngonium.
Colours
- Available in various varieties such as green, white, yellow, black, and baby pink.
- This climber can be easily propagated by placing cuttings in water or regular pots and is suitable for hanging pots as well.
Light requirement
- This resilient plant thrives in bright, medium or low light conditions.
- In low light, it may become leggy, but it will endure and survive.
Watering tips
- Give water whenever it is needed.
- Do not overwater.
8. RUBBER PLANT
Rubber plant plays a significant role in air purification, effectively removing toxic gases and chemicals from its surroundings.
Colours:
- It is available in various colours and varieties such as light green, dark green, gray, pink, and variegated.
- It features a single stem with wide, unique, shiny, and smooth leaves continually emerging.
Pot size
- Given its characteristic to grow large, it’s advisable to choose an 8-10 inch pot.
- Suitable for placement beside sofas, fridges or in any corner.
Watering tips
- Water it when the soil has dried up.
Light requirement
- Although it is typically an outdoor plant, it adapts well to indoor settings with medium, indirect, or bright light.
- During winters, when pollution and dew levels rise, it’s recommended to keep this plant indoors.
7. GOLDEN POTHOS (Money Plant)
It is a money plant variant which is light in colour, reflecting shades of golden or light green. Its leaves are comparatively smaller in size but grows at a high pace in comparison to other plants like areca palm or ZZ plant.
- Money plant (Pothos) is an excellent air purifying plant which can be kept inside the bedroom also.
Pot size:
- There is no need to keep it in a very big pot.
- Small and medium size pot is sufficient for it, when it becomes dense, trim it but do not change the pot.
Light requirement
- Bright or medium light conditions suit it well.
Watering tips
- It will thrive well in less water but if over watering then leaves will start turning yellow and the plant will deteriorate so water it when the soil is completely dry.
6. SPIDER PLANT
This distinctive plant earns its name, “Spider,” due to its unique spider-like spread.
- Ranked among the best indoor plants, it’s perfect for bedrooms, contributing to air purification and a fresh atmosphere.
Colours:
- Spider plants are available in various colors, including green and variegated varieties with white or cream stripes on the leaves
Pot size:
- A small to medium-sized pot suffices, larger pots are unnecessary.
- Versatile in placement, it can adorn the top of the fridge, dining table, office desk or centre table.
Light requirement
- Thriving in both bright and medium light, it adapts well to various lighting conditions.
Watering tips
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- Spider plants prefer moderate watering.
- Allow the top inch of the soil to dry before watering again.
- Keep an eye on the leaves. If they start to droop, it’s a sign that the plant needs water.
5. PEACE LILY
Meet the Peace Lily, a renowned air-purifying flowering indoor plant that excels at absorbing various toxic gases and harmful chemicals in its surroundings.
Light requirement
- It blossoms beautifully when placed outside in direct sunlight, but it tends to forgo flowering when kept in bright or medium light, although it still thrives.
Pot size:
- Possessing small stems and large leaves, this plant is suitable for small to medium-sized pots. However, if planted in the ground, it can grow into a sizable plant with increased height.
Watering tips
- Water only when the soil is completely dry.
- To check, insert a stick into the soil; if it comes out dry, it’s time to water.
- It is crucial to avoid both overwatering plus underwatering, as the plant can weaken and show signs of distress, such as bending leaves due to lack of water.
4. ALOE VERA
Introducing the Aloe Vera, a highly acclaimed succulent and xerophytic plant renowned for its air-purifying abilities and unique feature of releasing oxygen during the night.
- This hardy outdoor plant seamlessly adapts to various environments, including bedrooms, making it a versatile choice.
- During periods of increased pollution, it can even be brought indoors to contribute to air purification.
Medicinal benefits
- Aloe Vera, not just a pretty face, is also a medicinal powerhouse. The gel derived from its leaves provides instant relief when applied to burnt areas.
Light requirement
- This resilient plant thrives in bright, direct, medium, or low light—just steer clear of dark areas.
Watering tips
- Aloe Vera’s water requirements are minimal; if kept indoors, watering once or twice a month will suffice.
3. ARECA PALM
- Meet the Areca Palm, a widely acclaimed and stunning indoor plant celebrated for its air-purifying qualities.
- Its aesthetic allure makes it an irresistible addition to any home, enhancing the decor with its impressive size that effortlessly fits into any corner.
Light requirement
- To ensure optimal growth, place the Areca Palm in bright light, avoiding direct sunlight.
Watering tips
- Watering is a breeze—simply moisten the soil when the top layer is dry.
Pot size:
-
Choose a pot that is 10-12 inches in size to accommodate its dimensions, although smaller options are also available for study tables.
- This plant craves ventilation, so strategically position it near windows or doors to allow a constant influx of fresh air.
2. ZZ (ZAMIOCULCAS ZAMIIFOLIA) PLANT
Meet the ZZ Plant, a delightful and embracing green companion that not only boosts oxygen supply but also cleanses the air by removing toxic elements. With its shiny and glossy leaves, this plant effortlessly brings a touch of greenery to any space.
- The ZZ Plant comes in two varieties: green and black, offering options to suit different preferences.
Light requirement
- It thrives in bright or medium light, contributing to its overall resilience.
Watering tips
- When it comes to watering, less is more—give it a good soak, then let it be.
- Excessive watering can lead to the rotting of its bulbs which are potato- like structures.
- If it begins to rot, it can result in the deterioration of the entire plant.
Pot size:
- This hardy plant doesn’t appreciate unnecessary pot shifting.
- A standard guideline is to use a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
1. SNAKE PLANT
The snake plant is a hardy, easy-to-care-for air-purifying indoor plant.
Colours:
- Snake plants are commonly available in various shades of green.
- While the traditional variety exhibits dark green leaves with yellow borders, there are cultivars with different patterns and shades, such as lighter greens or variations in leaf margins.
Pot size:
- Snake Plants flourish in small pots, as their roots spread well in small pots, producing frequent pups and creating a dense appearance.
- When the need for shifting arises, opt for a slightly larger pot only.
Light requirement:
- These resilient plants can thrive in bright, medium, or low light, but for optimal results, place them in a bright area.
Watering tips
- Exercise patience with watering—when you feel it’s time, wait an additional 2 days before providing water.
- Excessive watering can lead to plant rot.
- As succulents, establish a watering interval, ideally once every 10 days.
These top 10 air purifying indoor plants excel at air purification and can be placed throughout your home, creating a pollution-free environment.
Happy Gardening!
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