The air inside our homes is much less clean than we imagine. Beyond bad smells, which are obvious to our sense of smell, there are many harmful substances in the air that we inhale every day.
These substances are released from paints, appliances and even furniture, and the most common are benzene, formaldehyde and xylene.
Fortunately, there are houseplants that help purify the air in your home and are also excellent for mitigating odors. Below we list the best ones.
- Rhapis umilis
Although they require a lot of water during spring and summer, these plants are very resistant to insects. It is an effective filter against most pollutants found in enclosed spaces. It can reach up to three meters in height.
- Common ivy
Very effective in purifying the air in the home, it is especially useful in smokers’ homes.
- Pothos
This is one of the most popular houseplants. It absorbs pollutants such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, and can be grown either in pots or in vertical gardens.
- Boston fern
This is perfect if you need a natural air humidifier. It also helps purify the air in your home and eliminate bad odors.
- Happiness trumpet
Its scientific name is Dracaena fragrans. It needs little light to grow and helps eliminate trichloroethylene found in solvents and paints.
- Dracaena marginata
Besides being very decorative, it helps purify the air in your home by absorbing xylene released by cigarettes or paints.
- Phalangium
Effective especially against carbon monoxide, it grows fast and needs water every 15 days.
- Areca
A real air filter, effective against benzene and trichloroethylene. It also acts as a natural humidifier and reduces odors in the home.
- Sansevieria
This is the perfect plant for those without a green thumb: it is extremely hardy and helps eliminate formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and toluene.