Houseplants offer many benefits to our health and lifestyle. One of the greatest benefits is that they directly influence the air that we breathe indoors and many of the potted plants remove specific toxic ingredients from our closest environment.
Take your pick from these five easy-to-care-for houseplants that will help you breathe a little easier.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is often used in skincare products thanks to its healing properties, but did you know it has air purifying qualities too?
Its spiked leaves are covered in a gel-like substance that helps to remove formaldehyde from the air, making it ideal for use in the bedroom.
Aloe Vera care
Aloe vera is easy to care for – just make sure it gets plenty of direct sunlight. In the winter, you can move it to a sunny spot in your home or place it in front of a south-facing window. Water it regularly, making sure the soil is always moist but not wet.
You may also need to repot your aloe vera plant every few years, depending on the size of the pot. To do this, use a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one and add fresh potting soil.
If your aloe vera plant starts to look wilted or begins to lose leaves, it may be due to too much or too little water.
If the leaves are yellowing, this could be a sign of overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
If the leaves are brown and brittle, your plant may be suffering from drought stress. Increase watering frequency until the leaves start to look healthier.
Overall, aloe vera is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant that can help purify the air and improve overall air quality. With proper care, it should provide many years of beautiful and healthy green leaves!
2. Boston Fern
Boston ferns are one of the best plants for purifying indoor air, as they are able to remove up to 87% of harmful toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene.
They do well in humid areas, and tend to prefer indirect light.
Boston Fern Care
When caring for a Boston fern, it is important to keep the soil moist and the plant in a humid environment.
You should also be sure to regularly mist the leaves with water, as this will help to keep them hydrated and healthy.
Avoid placing your Boston fern near heat or air conditioning vents, as this can cause it to dry out too quickly.
If your Boston fern starts to look wilted or yellow, it is likely that it is not getting enough humidity. Try moving it to a more humid location in your home, such as the bathroom, or invest in a humidifier.
3. Pothos
Pothos is known for its climbing, trailing vines, which means it can take up a lot of space if you’re not careful. However, they are incredibly easy to care for, and remove toxins such as benzene, xylene and formaldehyde from the air.
Pothos Care
Make sure to place your pothos in a location with plenty of indirect sunlight, and water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
Fertilize with a balanced houseplant food every month or so, and prune as needed to keep the vines in check. You may also want to invest in a humidity tray to help keep the air around your pothos moist and healthy.
If your pothos starts to yellow, it is getting too much light. On the other hand, if the leaves begin to brown and wilt, it is not receiving enough water. Be sure to adjust accordingly!
4. Snake Plant
Snake plants are another common household plant that helps to purify the air.
Also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue”, they remove toxins such as formaldehyde and carbon dioxide from the air, making them a great choice for bedrooms and offices.
Snake Plant Care
Snake plants are a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
They also remove toxins from the air, making them a great choice for bedrooms and offices. To care for your snake plant, water it when the soil is dry and fertilize it once a month during the growing season.
If your snake plant starts to yellow or brown, it is likely due to too much direct sunlight. Move it to a location with brighter indirect light and cut back on watering.
If your plant starts to lose its variegation, it is probably getting too much direct sunlight. Move it to a shadier spot and increase watering.
5. Peace Lily
Looking for a plant that can do it all? The peace lily is one of the best plants for removing toxins from the air, and also tolerates low light conditions well.
It works to remove chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air, making it a great choice for any room in the house.
Peace Lily Care
If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that can also help improve the air quality in your home, look no further than the peace lily.
This hardy plant thrives in low light conditions and can remove toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air.
To keep your peace lily healthy, simply water it when the soil feels dry to the touch and fertilize it monthly. With a little care, you can enjoy this beautiful plant for years to come.
If your peace lily begins to droop or show signs of yellowing leaves, this may be a sign that it is getting too much or not enough water. Be sure to check the soil often and adjust your watering schedule as necessary.
You can also prune away any damaged or dying leaves, if needed.
Final Words
We’ve listed five easy-to-care-for houseplants that will help you breathe easier and make your home look and feel more inviting.
If you’re new to houseplant care, the first step is choosing what to buy, which can be a highly personal decision. But there are those that have been shown in studies to be especially beneficial for improving indoor air quality and increasing oxygen levels.
