Best Houseplants for Removing Toxins

There are several air pollutants inside a house that can affect the health of its inhabitants. These toxins include volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, airborne biological pollutants, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and pesticides. These elements contribute heavily towards symptoms such as, headaches, allergies, fatigue, cancer, through to nervous-system disorders, and even death.

One of the best ways of fighting pollution is to keep houseplants. Here is a list of some of the most popular indoor plants that help remove toxins:

Areca Palm

Also known as the “Butterfly Palm”, this upright houseplant can reach ten to twelve foot in height. It grows best in humid conditions and requires pruning. When choosing a palm one must look for the one that has a larger trunk as the palm with pencil thin stems have a tendency to topple over. It releases large amounts of moisture in the air, eliminates chemical toxins, and also enhances the look of the space by its beauty. This plant is rated among the best plants to remove indoor air toxins.

Dracaena

The Dracaena has dark green leaves that look extremely attractive. It is believed to be one of the best houseplants for removing toxins such as trichloreoethylene. The plant can also tolerate dimly lit environments and does best in medium, indirect sunlight. However, it is important to keep the soil moist to make sure it grows well.

Rubber Plant

The rubber plant is known for its toughness and its ability to tolerate all kinds of temperatures and light, making it an excellent house plant. This species is easy to grow and works well to remove toxins such as formaldehyde. It expands more in bright, direct sunlight to medium, indirect sunlight.

Peace Lily

Peace Lily is a very compact plant that prefers high humidity and indirect sunlight. For best results, the plant should be watered thoroughly. Peace Lily has a very high transpiration rate and excels in removing acetone, alcohols, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde and benzene. Its capability of removing air pollutants makes it an excellent houseplant.

Boston Fern

Boston fern is a beautiful plant that is best displayed in a basket. The plant does require extra attention if kept indoors. It should be misted and watered frequently, to ensure excellent health. Boston fern works wonders in removing air pollutants, particularly formaldehyde, and for adding a bit of humidity to the inside environment. The plant grows best in medium and indirect sunlight.

English Ivy

English Ivy is used extensively in lobbies and atriums. The plant is extremely easy to grow and can adapt to Californian home environments very easily. English ivy has the qualities to kill several kinds of air pollutants.

Raphis Palm

This palm has fans that are approximately six to twelve inch wide with thick, glossy leaves. It has a very high resistance power when under attack from plant insects and is an excellent choice when trying to enhance indoor air quality. Raphis Palm is extremely easy to maintain.

California, particularly San Jose, has a climate that is conducive to the breeding of different kinds of pollutants. Hence, it becomes all the more important for people to keep the air clean and purified. One of the best ways to ensure that right kind and quantity of plants are kept is to get in touch with an expert. There are several reputed landscaping professionals in California that can offer advice on indoor plants. As per these experts, each household (approx. 1800 sq foot) should have about fifteen to eighteen of such plants. Apart from this, at least one of these plants must be placed in the bedroom.