Having the right houseplants can make a world of difference not just in the looks of your home but in the air quality too. You may have heard of air purifiers, but you can get the same benefits with houseplants. Not only can they clean the air, but plants can also add a sense of tranquility and beauty to your space. Spider plants, peace lilies, snake plants, English ivy, and golden pothos are all great options for reducing indoor pollutants and making your home look amazing.
Common Houseplants as Natural Air Purifiers
Houseplants can be a great addition to any home as a natural air purifier. Spider plants, peace lilies, snake plants, English ivy and golden pothos are some of the best plants to use for this purpose. All of these plants have the ability to filter out airborne toxins, such as formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide, making the air in your home much healthier to breathe.
Not only do they help to purify the air, they also have a great aesthetic appeal, which can help to create a pleasant atmosphere in your home.
When caring for these plants, it’s important to give them the right amount of light, soil, water and fertilizer. You should also make sure to prune them regularly in order to keep them healthy and looking their best. With the right care and maintenance, these plants can not only help to purify the air in your home, but also add a beautiful touch of greenery to your living space.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are one of the best houseplants to use as an air purifier. They are incredibly easy to care for and can really make a difference in the air quality of your home.
The plant produces long, thin leaves that absorb airborne pollutants like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. The more you have, the more pollutants the plant will be able to absorb.
Spider plants also help to reduce stress and anxiety and can even help to improve your sleep quality. To care for your spider plant, make sure it is in a warm spot with plenty of indirect sunlight.
It will need to be watered once or twice a week and should be fertilized periodically. Trim off any yellow leaves to keep your plant looking nice and healthy. The spider plant is an incredibly easy-to-care-for and aesthetically pleasing plant that will do wonders for your indoor air quality.
Not only will it absorb air pollutants, it’ll also help to reduce stress and create a more tranquil atmosphere. It’s low-maintenance and will look great in your home. If you’re looking for a natural air purifier, the spider plant is definitely a great option.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are a great choice for natural air purification. Not only do they look beautiful, they also do a wonderful job of reducing air pollution.
Peace lilies are one of the few flowering plants that can tolerate low light and can even survive in complete darkness. They are also very easy to care for – all they need is a little bit of water and indirect sunlight. Just make sure not to over-water them, as this can cause root rot. Peace lilies are great for cleaning the air of pollutants like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde, making them the perfect choice for a safe, clean indoor environment.
Snake Plant
Snake plants are excellent air purifiers and require minimal effort to maintain. They are especially good for smaller rooms where space is limited, as snake plants tend to remain small.
To care for a snake plant, make sure to put it in an area with plenty of light, but keep it away from direct sunlight. The soil should be kept lightly moist—not soggy—and not be allowed to dry out completely. Fertilize once a month in the spring and summer to keep your snake plant healthy and happy.
Prune in the spring and summer to encourage new growth and shape your plant as desired. Misting your snake plant once a week is also recommended to promote healthier growth.
English Ivy
English Ivy is an excellent choice for purifying the air in your home. It removes formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds from the air, making it a great choice for those looking to improve their indoor air quality.
The best part is that since this plant is a vining species, it can be trained to grow up trellises or along walls. It looks great as a hanging basket, if you have the space. Taking care of an English Ivy is easy, as long as you give it the right amount of light and water.
It thrives in bright, indirect light, so make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight.
As for watering, English Ivy should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch. Too much water can lead to root rot, so make sure to not overdo it.
Fertilizing is not necessary, but if you do decide to fertilize, make sure to use a balanced fertilizer every three to four weeks during the growing season. English Ivy is an easy to take care of, attractive houseplant that will help purify your home’s air. With its ability to grow in almost any situation, it’s no wonder that this plant is a popular choice among green-thumbs and novices alike.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is a great air purifying houseplant that is also easy to care for. It does best in low light and in soil that is kept moist but not soggy. It is a fast-growing vine that can quickly fill up a space and adds a pop of color to any room.
Make sure to prune it frequently to keep it in check and to keep it looking its best. You can also fertilize it a few times a year to ensure that it is healthy and thriving. With proper care and maintenance, Golden Pothos can be a beautiful and effective air purifying houseplant.
Benefits of Using Houseplants as Air Purifiers
Using houseplants as air purifiers is a great way to keep your home or office environment clean, healthy and aesthetically pleasing. It has numerous health benefits, such as reducing pollutants, cleaning the air of bacteria, and improving overall air quality. They also add beauty, color and life to your space, helping to create a more peaceful, inviting atmosphere.
When it comes to caring for houseplants, it’s important to understand the needs of each variety.
For most plants, proper lighting and soil are essential for healthy growth. Make sure to choose a spot that gets the right amount of sunlight and use a soil mix that is suitable for the plant type.
Watering and fertilizing your plants regularly is also important, so be sure to research the specific needs of the plant variety you choose. Pruning your houseplants may be necessary to keep them looking their best. If you’re looking for a natural way to purify your indoor air, adding some houseplants to your home or office can be a great option. With the right care, they can improve air quality and add a beautiful, natural touch to your space.
Health Benefits
Houseplants are powerful air purifiers that can have a tremendous positive impact on your health. Not only do they look beautiful, but they can naturally remove toxins from the air, such as benzene and formaldehyde, as well as reduce air pollution and increase humidity.
By using houseplants as air purifiers, you can help reduce allergens and irritants in your home, which can make it a healthier and more comfortable environment for you and your family. When selecting plants to use as air purifiers, make sure to pick ones that are suited to your home environment.
Check the instructions for care, such as the light requirements and watering needs. Consider the size and shape of the plant you are choosing, as this will determine how much space it will take up in your home. Be sure to keep the plants clean and dust-free, as this will help them perform their air-purifying duties more effectively.
Aesthetics
Adding houseplants to your home is a great way to improve the overall look and feel of your home. They can add a touch of natural beauty, color, and life. Not only do they look great, they also help improve air quality by absorbing harmful pollutants and releasing oxygen.
Peace lilies, spider plants, snake plants, English ivy, and golden pothos are all great choices for air purifiers. They are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance.
When selecting plants for your home, consider their light requirements, soil needs, watering needs, and fertilizing needs.
Place them in a location that gets sufficient light, with no direct sunlight. Use a soil mix that is specifically designed for houseplants and water them when the top of the soil is dry. Fertilize your plants once a month and prune them as needed. With a little bit of care and maintenance, houseplants can be a great addition to any home for both aesthetic and health benefits.
Care and Maintenance
In order to keep your houseplants in prime condition for purifying your air, it’s important to keep up with the necessary maintenance. Lighting is probably the most important factor when it comes to looking after air-purifying houseplants.
Different plants have different lighting requirements, so make sure you check what your specific houseplant needs before you bring it home. When it comes to soil, make sure you’re using something that’s well-draining, so your houseplant doesn’t get waterlogged. Different plants need different amounts of water, so again, make sure you know what type of watering schedule your plant needs.
Fertilizing monthly is a good way to supplement your plant’s needs, and if your houseplant starts to look a bit scraggly, you can always give it a good prune to encourage new growth. With proper care and maintenance, your air-purifying houseplants will keep your air fresh and clean for years to come.
Lighting
Lighting is important for indoor plants, as it allows them to photosynthesize and absorb nutrients. When choosing a spot for your houseplant, make sure to pick an area that gets plenty of natural light. Avoid placing your plants in direct sunlight or in areas that are too dark, as this can cause them to become weak or even die.
If you need to supplement natural light, you can use a grow light that is designed specifically for plants. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a grow light, as they can be too strong if left on for too long.
Soil
When it comes to soil, it is important to make sure that your houseplants are in the correct type. Most indoor plants prefer a light and well-draining soil.
A good rule of thumb is to mix together one part potting soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or vermiculite. This will ensure that the soil will be able to hold water and nutrients, but will also allow for proper drainage. You may need to add additional ingredients such as compost, manure, or sand, depending on the type of plant that you are growing.
When it comes to maintenance, it is important to make sure the soil is not overly wet or dry.
Check the soil weekly and water as needed, and make sure that excess water is able to drain away easily. If the soil is holding too much water, it can cause the roots to rot and the plant to die. If the soil is too dry, it can cause the plant to become stressed and wilted. Apply fertilizer once a month to give the plant the extra nutrients it needs to be healthy.
Watering
Watering is an important part of keeping your indoor plants healthy and thriving. It’s best to water your plants every few days, or when the soil feels dry.
For most houseplants, it’s best to water directly into the soil, rather than misting or spraying them with water. Make sure to use room-temperature water, as cold water can shock the plants. Try not to overwater your plants, as this can lead to root rot or other plant diseases. If the leaves of your plant are turning yellow or wilting, it might be a sign that you’re overwatering it.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing your indoor plants is an important part of keeping them healthy and thriving. It’s best to use a balanced liquid fertilizer with a 20-20-20 formulation.
This will provide your plants with the necessary nutrients to reach their full potential. When fertilizing, make sure you follow the instructions on the packaging and dilute it to the appropriate ratio.
Don’t over-fertilize your plants, as this can cause burning and even death. It’s best to fertilize less often but with a stronger solution rather than more often with a weaker solution.
When in doubt, it’s best to under-fertilize than over-fertilize. It’s also important to consider the time of year and the age of your plants when fertilizing. Your plants should be fertilized more often when they are actively growing, usually during the spring and summer months.
During the winter months, you will want to fertilize less often. If you have newly planted seedlings, you should not fertilize them until they have been in their current pot for at least a month.
Make sure you are using the right type of fertilizer for your plants. Different plants have different needs and some require special fertilizers.
Do your research and find out what type of fertilizer your plant needs and make sure you are using the right one. With the right fertilizing practices, your indoor plants will be healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Pruning
Pruning your houseplants is essential for keeping them healthy and looking their best. It’s important to take off any dead or dying leaves and stems regularly. Pruning also encourages new growth, which helps your plants to grow fuller and healthier.
You’ll want to use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to make sure you get a neat, clean cut.
It’s also important to prune in a way that promotes air circulation and light penetration. This will help your houseplants stay vigorous and healthy. When it comes to pruning, it’s important to be gentle and never to remove too much of the plant at one time.
It’s best to prune in stages, removing only a few stems or leaves at a time. Doing so will help you keep your houseplants looking their best and ensures that you don’t damage the plant. It’s important to disinfect your pruning shears or scissors between uses to help prevent the spread of disease from one plant to another.