Marian VolkwynAside from making your home look fabulous with its beautiful flowers and lush greenery, indoor plants serve one very important purpose. They actually remove carbon dioxide and toxic chemicals from the air, including benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia, using their normal photosynthesis processes. Invest in one or two of these air-purifying indoor plants and breathe clean air, while adding a touch of stunning greenery to your home!
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily helps remove benzene (mould spores), making it an excellent addition to your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. It also clears the air of trichloroethylene, acetone, and formaldehyde. Keep it far out of the reach of dogs and cats, though, as it is deadly to them if ingested.
Image credit: Unsplash via Maria Elizabeth
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
With its beautiful white and pale-green striped leaves, the spider plant (or cat’s whiskers) grows easily and thrives in a wide range of conditions. It’s known to remove formaldehyde from the air, as well as carbon monoxide and other impurities.
Image credit: Unsplash via Brad Christian
3. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
A popular plant amongst novice gardeners, the Chinese Evergreen (or Silver Queen) is hardy and can tolerate most conditions. It’s long, patterned leaves make it an attractive indoor plant, plus it produces oxygen and removes chemicals. Keep it in a warm spot to ensure it thrives.
Image credit: Unsplash viaおにぎり
4. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
Another excellent air-purifing indoor plant is the Gerbera Daisy (or Barberton Daisy). With 30 varieties, this beauty is available in several bright and bold colours, including red, orange, yellow, white, purple, and pink. Not only is it pleasing to look at, but the Daisy removes benzene, absorbs carbon dioxide, and gives off oxygen! As such, it’s said to be a great plant to keep in your bedroom.
Image credit: Unsplash via Igor Flek
5. Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)
The Aloe Vera plant is a common type of flowering succulent in South Africa. It’s easy to maintain and can remove formaldahyde from the air, a byproduct of chemical-based cleaners and paints. The cool, fleshy green leaves will also make an elegant addition to your lounge or dining room.
Image credit: Unsplash via Jude Smart
ALSO READ: THE BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA AND WHY YOU SHOULD PLANT IT NOW
6. Dragon Tree (Dracaena Marginata)
With its long, slender trunk and rosette of deep-green leaves, the Dragon Tree makes a striking statement in any room. Plus, this air-purifying indoor plant is popular because it rids the air of carcinogen, benzene, cigarette smoke, and other household chemicals like formaldahyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene.
Image credit: Unsplash via Kostiantyn Vierkieiev
Treat yourself to one (or a few) of these useful, air-filtering indoor plants and give your home a fresh look in time for the summer season.
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Compiled by Food and Decor Editor, Claire Badenhorst for SA Woman&Home Magazine
