An average person spends 90 percent of their time indoors. Unfortunately, indoor air quality ranks as one of the top threats to human health. Indoor air is commonly 2 to 5 times more polluted (and sometimes worse), and is linked to a variety of ailments, including asthma, chemical hypersensitivity and headaches to name a few of them. Cleaning chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from furniture and building finishes, and particulates from cooking all contribute to the problem. So, here I am sharing a few plants that would help improve the air quality indoors

Thankfully, there are many strategies for healthier indoor air quality. Proper ventilation, low VOC finishes, natural furniture, and even indoor plants can all contribute to cleaner indoor air.

In a research, they discovered that all plants help clean the air, but some are more effective in reducing specific contaminants from the air

The six best plants for indoor air quality

Aloe Vera

This succulent plant is known to remove benzene and formaldehyde, both human carcinogens. It is well suited for the bedroom, because unlike most plants, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during the night. This medicinal plant is used to treat burns topically or numerous ailments internally. This plant thrives in a sunny household, but beware of overwatering it.

Gerbera Daisy

This colorful flower adds a splash of color to any home, while removing benzene and formaldehyde. It can be grown outdoors in the summer, then brought indoors for the cooler months, where it can bloom throughout the winter. It is relatively difficult to grow indoors, and likes a lot of light.

Peace Lily

This lush plant removes numerous chemical vapors, including acetone, ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde and xylene, and scores at the top of the list for removing some toxins. It also raises indoor humidity levels, a beneficial quality for dry climates. This easy houseplant is ideal for beginners or homes with little sunlight. 

Rubber Plant

This attractive plant ranks near the top of the list for removing formaldehyde from the air. It can reach heights of eight feet in ideal conditions. Rubber plants like bright indirect light, require regular watering, and a mist of water on its leaves during dry weather.

Snake Plant (mother-in-law’s tongue)

This pointy plant is adept at cleaning formaldehyde, smog, and trichloroethylene from the air. Like aloe, it adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the air at night, making it ideal too (like aloe vera) for bedrooms. This low-light plant is good for beginners and can survive some neglect.