The best plants for indoors

We recently did a green tip on the importance of improving air quality in our homes. One of the easiest and most visually appealing ways to do this is to invest in some indoor house plants which will take all of the nasty toxins out of the air. Here is a list of some of the best options:

1. Aloe vera

Although this plant does love the sun (place next to the window to ensure it gets its fill), it does work well indoors, and clears chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. 

2. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

This green and white plant is very hardy - it works well for those of us who aren't blessed with a green thumb. It filters out a host of nasties in the air - including corbon monoxide, benzene, formaldehyde and xylene. 

3. Mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii')

This plant loves moisture in the air and doesn't mind a lack of light, making it perfect to put in your bathroom. 

4. English ivy (Hedera helix)

It may not sound very appealing, but a study found that this plant does a great job at reducing air-borne faecal matter, as well as formaldehyde. 

5. Warneck dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Warneckii')

The dracaena grows to be quite tall and does quite well without direct sunlight. Chemicals it fights include those found in varnishes and cleaning products. 

6. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)

This plant was found to be the most effective at removing the most common VOCs in homes - formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. It also absorbs toluene and xylene. Plus it only needs a weekly water and some shade. Sounds easy enough! 

 

Source:http://www.mnn.com/health/healthy-spaces/stories/15-houseplants-to-improve-indoor-air-quality

 

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