We all love living in an environment free of toxins. Sometimes, however, that isn’t always possible. Between the chemicals in aerosol cans, household cleaners, hair care products, and more, it’s hard to get away from them.

On the other hand, we also love living in decorative spaces. Subtle designs can make a huge difference in your mood and how you feel. If you’re one of those people who are mindful of their environment, have you ever considered adding plants to a room?

Plants are a great addition to any home or office space. Not only are they pleasing to the eye, but they are also great at cleaning the air.

Below is a list of 12 great plants for cleansing the air in your home of chemicals based on the NASA Clean Air Study. These plants rid the environment of substances such as formaldehyde (upholstery, air fresheners, glues and adhesives), benzene (insect sprays, furniture wax), trichloroethylene (adhesives, cleaners – tool, carpet, aerosol), xylene (leather, rubber, permanent markers), and toluene (nail polish, paint, ink and stain removers).

1) Spider plant

This is a popular plant that you might have seen at a friend or relative’s house. These plants clean the air of impurities such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. In a study by NASA, it removed 95% of formaldehyde from a sealed plexiglass chamber. It also shoots out “spiderettes” (spider plant babies) that can be replanted.

2) English ivy

If you work a lot with products that contain keratin such as hair coloring, perms, hair-straightening, nail polish, or nail polish hardeners, this plant might just be for you. It filters out four toxic agents – trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. All it requires is low light and intermittent watering.

3) Boston fern

These plants thrive in low-light and high humidity, making them perfect for bathrooms. The moisture from the shower will help hydrate the plant making your job that much easier. The NASA study revealed that it was the top house plant for removing formaldehyde. It also cleans the air of xylene.

4) Red-edged dracaena

Whenever you plan on renovating your home, it’s worth investing in these plants. They are great for filtering out trichloroethylene, which is found in many home improvement materials such as paint removers and strippers, adhesives, varnish remover, and aerosol degreasers. Fortunately, you can find these plants at many home improvement stores. They can even live for decades!

5) Peace lily

While these flowers are beautiful, they are great for filtering the air as well. They’re great at carrying water from its root to the leaves, releasing moisture into the room. This process is called transpiration. They also soak up mould spores. To care for this plant, keep it where it can get morning sun (not afternoon) and mist the leaves lightly to keep the soil moist.

6) Flamingo lily

Who doesn’t like a pop of color in their rooms? Just look at those shiny red petals. Not only is this plant pleasing to the eye, it’s great at removing toxins from the air – formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene and xylene, to be exact. Keep in mind that this plant is toxic to ingest so keep it away from children and pets.

7) Chinese evergreen

This is another plant that you’ve likely seen before. Perhaps because they’re so simple to maintain. They’re great on desks and end tables. Though they grow slow, they can live for up to 10 years. Make sure to keep it in low to medium lit areas. The plant filters out formaldehyde and benzene. It is also toxic like the Flamingo Lily.

8) Weeping fig

The weeping fig is ideal for filtering out formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. To care for this plant, all you have to do is keep it out of direct sunlight and it will be with you for decades. Why not keep a few in various rooms?

9) Bamboo palm

These plants help keep the air moist so they’re great to have around during the winter when the air tends to be dry. It also removes benzene and formaldehyde from the environment. Unlike some of the other plants on the list, this one requires a bit more TLC. It needs bright, but not direct, sunlight, monthly fertilising, and regular misting. Lastly, when it outgrows its container every 2 to 3 years, it will need to be repotted.

10) Devil’s ivy (Money plant)

New to plants? Give this one a try. It’s inexpensive and easy to care for. It doesn’t require much light and can be watered sporadically. It also purifies the air from benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene. It can even grow 2.5 meters long in various directions! It is one hardy plant!

11) Snake plant

Like the Boston fern, this plant is great for bathrooms. It filters formaldehyde from cleaning products, hair dyes, toilet paper, etc. Snake plants can also be put in the bedroom because of the oxygen they give off at night making it a great sleeping aid.

12) Gerbera

These daisies were once outdoor plants but have since been brought indoors. They can produce flowers at any time of the year in an array of colors – orange, purple, pink, red, and white. The flowers only last between four and six weeks but even without them, the Gerbera has green leaves that filter out formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. They do require full sun, a lot of water, and well-drained soil!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: MSN