The Best Houseplants for a Healthier Home
Many people spend most of their time indoors, whether at home or in the office. However, did you know that indoor air quality can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air? Poor indoor air quality can be caused by chemicals found in cleaning products, furniture, and building materials, as well as allergens such as dust mites and pet dander. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem – houseplants.
Houseplants not only add visual interest to your home decor, but they also have the ability to purify the air and remove harmful toxins. Today, we will discuss the best houseplants for a healthier home, with tips on how to care for them and ideas for incorporating them into your home decor.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant, also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the best houseplants for improving indoor air quality. It is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, which can be found in cleaning products, toilet paper, and facial tissues.
The snake plant is also low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for those who may not have a green thumb. It requires minimal watering and can tolerate low-light conditions. To care for your snake plant, water it every two to eight weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature of your home. It is also important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
In terms of home decor, the snake plant is versatile and can be placed in a variety of settings. It looks great in tall floor vases and can also be used in mixed arrangements with other plants.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant, also known as Chlorophytum comosum, is another excellent houseplant for improving indoor air quality. It is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde and benzene, which can be found in a variety of household products.
The spider plant is also easy to care for and is a great choice for beginners. It prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct sunlight. To care for your spider plant, water it when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown.
In terms of home decor, the spider plant is versatile and can be hung from baskets or displayed on shelves. Its long, arching leaves make it a great choice for adding height and visual interest to your home decor.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily, also known as Spathiphyllum, is an excellent houseplant for improving indoor air quality. It is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, which can be found in a variety of household products.
The peace lily is also a low-maintenance plant, making it a great choice for those who may not have a lot of time to devote to plant care. It prefers low to medium light conditions and should be watered once a week. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
In terms of home decor, the peace lily is a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance to any room. It looks great in decorative pots and can also be used in mixed arrangements with other plants.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
The aloe vera plant, also known as Aloe barbadensis miller, is an excellent houseplant for improving indoor air quality. It is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, which can be found in a variety of household products.
The aloe vera plant is also easy to care for and has a variety of health benefits. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered every three weeks. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
In addition to its air-purifying abilities, aloe vera also has a variety of health benefits. The gel found inside the leaves can be used to soothe burns and cuts, making it a great addition to any first aid kit.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
The English ivy, also known as Hedera helix, is an excellent houseplant for improving indoor air quality. It is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, which can be found in a variety of household products.
The English ivy is also easy to care for and is a great choice for beginners. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown.
In terms of home decor, the English ivy is a great choice for adding a touch of greenery to any room. It looks great on bookshelves or displayed in hanging baskets.
