How to use houseplants to improve your home’s air quality

How to use houseplants to improve your home’s air quality
7 min read

Move over, air purifiers! It’s time to let nature do its thing. Houseplants are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they can also improve your home’s air quality. So if you’re looking for a way to breathe easy (literally), read on.

Houseplants and air quality improvement

Who says Mother Nature only lives outside? Adding a few houseplants to your home, you can bring the healing power of nature inside with you and improve your air quality too! 

Scientists have found that certain plants naturally absorb toxins from materials used in indoor environments like carpets, sofas, furniture, and even paint from your walls. Carefully select your garden of oxygen-creating greenery for maximum benefit. And why not make a game out of it by keeping track of how much more awakened and energized you feel each day as your air clears?

How do plants remove toxins from the air?

Plants have a superpower: they can turn harmful toxins in the air into oxygen! The radon gas detector in our homes gives us an idea of how well plants are helping us to manage radon gas. And, of course, other pollutants.

Plants take these bad elements out of the air and replace them with pure oxygen through a process known as phytoremediation. It occurs over time, but if you look closely at your plants you'll notice that they appear healthier and more vibrant than ever! Breathing deeply near your potted plants will provide added health benefits from their purification magic. Who knew we had these green superheroes on our sides?

The best houseplants for improving air quality

Are you looking for a way to freshen up the air in your home? So,  go shopping for some lovely green friends that also happen to play an important role in improving air quality. Here are some of the best houseplants for air quality improvement:

  1. Aloe vera.  It is known as "the plant of immortality". Not just because it has healing properties, but because its succulent leaves can trap toxins and release oxygen.
  2. Spider plants. These sweet and petite plants act as natural filters with their long spiky leaves. Also, they keep the air we breathe clean and fresh. 
  3. Areca palm. The areca palm is one of the best houseplants for improving air quality. It filters out harmful toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
  4. Boston Fern. Other great houseplants are the Boston ferns. They filter out toxins from the air, including formaldehyde and xylene.
  5. Snake plant. These plants are known for their ability to produce oxygen at night, making them ideal for bedrooms. They also help to filter out toxins like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide from the air.
  6. Peace lily. These lilies help to purify the air by removing harmful toxins like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. They're also known for their ability to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
  7. Chrysanthemum. Lastly, chrysanthemums are beautiful flowers that would look great in your home. Also, they can help to improve air quality by filtering out harmful toxins like ammonia and benzene

Can houseplants replace a radon gas detector in your home?

It's a question we've all asked at one point: could a houseplant be an adequate radon gas detector? In actuality, the answer is no - it's best to leave radon detection to professionals! 

However, that doesn't mean houseplants should get overlooked. In addition to brightening up your home, indoor plants can be great air purifiers as well. So while they're not radon detectors, they certainly make for great companions in making your home a healthy and beautiful place!

How to care for houseplants, so they thrive in your home

Caring for houseplants is one of the simplest joys of having a home. If you want to show them some love, there are a few small things to keep in mind. 

  • Your plant needs to be in an area with enough sunlight, so it can photosynthesize properly and grow strong. This might mean being close to a window or using artificial lights. 
  • Also, keep the soil moist by checking it every couple of days with your finger. 
  • Lastly, don’t forget to give your green friend a bit of fertilizer every once in a while. 

Let your houseplant know you appreciate them by giving them regular attention and care, and watch as they blossom their way into the perfect indoor companion!

Tips on where to place houseplants in your home

Plant parenthood can be a lot of fun and so rewarding! To get the most benefit from your houseplants, consider placing them in areas that bring natural light into your home. This could be near a window or even an area where the sun's rays hit in the late afternoon. Your plants will thank you for it! 

Additionally, oxygen production can increase if you place plants in main living areas like the kitchen and family room. With a little bit of creativity, you can easily create enjoyable indoor oases with just a few plants - and maybe some store-bought shelves too.

Other benefits of having houseplants

Houseplants don't just make your home look great, they can have enormously positive effects on your well-being too! Not only do they reduce stress levels and help us to focus, but having a houseplant can also sometimes even give us energy. 

Sure, there are no scientific studies to back up these claims (yet!). However, many people find that smelling the scent of freshly cut leaves or admiring healthy foliage provides an instant sense of calm and contentment. Plus, tending a living thing helps develop a feeling of responsibility and pride when the plant blossoms into its full potential. So go ahead, grab yourself a green friend - it's good for you!

Conclusion

Houseplants aren’t just a touch of green to spruce up your home—they can improve the quality of your indoor air. And since we’re spending more time than ever indoors, it’s important to take steps to ensure the air we’re breathing is as clean and toxin-free as possible. 

Luckily, many common houseplants excel at removing harmful toxins from the air. With a little care and attention, these plants will thrive in your home and help keep you healthy all year long. So why not give them a try? You may be surprised at how much difference they make in your everyday life.

In case you have found a mistake in the text, please send a message to the author by selecting the mistake and pressing Ctrl-Enter.
Comments (0)

    No comments yet

You must be logged in to comment.

Sign In / Sign Up