Did you know that not all plants demand a shower of sunlight to flourish? Indeed, many stunning plants can bring life to the dimmer nooks of your home, thriving on just a splash of indirect sunlight or a glow from artificial lights.
So, if your living room or dining area doesn’t bask in much natural light, don’t worry! There are plenty of indoor plants that can thrive in these low-light conditions, adding a fresh touch of greenery to your space.
It’s true that every room in your home offers a unique environment, and selecting the right houseplants can help you make the most of these spaces. Not only can these plants adapt to less sunny spots, but they also help purify the air, making your home healthier and more inviting.
But houseplants do more than just sit pretty—they come with benefits that reach beyond aesthetics. Some can deter pests and even help cool your home during those warm summer months, potentially giving your air conditioner a break on cooler days.
We’ve curated a list of the best houseplants for air purification, as well as those that are particularly suited to low-light conditions, ensuring they thrive without constant sunlight.
Outside, shade doesn’t mean a lack of options for gardening. Many shade-loving perennials originate from warmer, tropical climates, but don’t overlook the annuals that can also prosper in shaded landscapes.
And indoors, opting for low-maintenance plants can make your journey as a plant parent far more rewarding. Some species are nearly indestructible and particularly good at cleaning the air—ideal for those new to indoor gardening or those with busy schedules.
Whether you’re dealing with limited natural light, a packed calendar, or stale air that needs refreshing, there’s a plant out there ready to enhance your living space. Not only do these indoor plants beautify your surroundings, but they also play a vital role in boosting oxygen levels and thriving in subdued lighting.
Stay tuned as we dive into the details of outstanding indoor plants that are not only great at producing oxygen but also require minimal sunlight to grow.
Can Houseplants Really Purify Your Indoor Air?
Are houseplants the secret to cleaner air inside your home? A lot of folks started to think so after NASA studies from the late ’80s suggested that houseplants might clean the air. Yet, recent research indicates that you’d need a whopping 680 plants in a typical 1,500-square-foot home to significantly tackle air toxins.
Nevertheless, don’t be too quick to dismiss the idea of indoor greenery. Houseplants offer a slew of benefits that go beyond air purification. A few well-placed plants can still do wonders for your indoor air quality and overall well-being. Why not brighten up your space with some low-maintenance plants?
Why should we care about indoor air quality, anyway? Well, consider this: according to the Environmental Protection Agency, we spend around 90% of our time indoors where we face indoor air pollutants.
These can come from everyday items like sofas, carpets, and even your coffee table if it’s made from materials like particleboard. These sources emit gases known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde, which are higher in concentration indoors than out.
While indoor air pollution is usually not a major health threat, it can cause discomfort or illness, especially in poorly ventilated spaces or for those who are particularly sensitive. Symptoms might include headaches, nausea, and fatigue, sometimes referred to as “sick building syndrome.”
Despite needing nearly a forest of plants to seriously lower VOC levels, adding indoor plants can still enhance your air quality. They can reduce irritants that affect your eyes, nose, throat, and even your lungs, acting as natural humidifiers and air fresheners.
Beyond that, just having plants around can lift your spirits, decrease stress, and help keep you focused, whether you’re tackling a tricky report or just chilling out.
So, while you might not need to turn your home into a jungle, incorporating a few plants can be beneficial. You don’t even have to talk to them—unless you want to, of course. We’re not here to judge! Simply watering, repotting, or even being in the same room as your plants can help both you and your indoor environment.
Growing Plants Indoors: Do You Really Need Sunlight?
Can You Grow Plants Without Direct Sunlight? Absolutely! Growing plants without direct sunlight is totally possible.
Remember those school science lessons where we learned that plants need soil, water, and sunlight to thrive? Well, they left out a bit about the specifics of light. It turns out that while all plants require light to perform photosynthesis—the process where they convert light into energy—the amount and type of light can vary widely.
Many garden favorites, like tomatoes and zucchini, need direct sunlight for six to eight hours daily. However, there are plenty of plants that are perfectly happy under artificial lights and even thrive in dimmer, low-light conditions.
Can Plants Survive with LED Lights? Yes, indeed! LED lights are not just effective; they’re a fantastic choice for indoor gardeners, particularly if you’re starting small. Unlike other lighting options, LEDs emit very little heat, which is something to consider if you’re in a cooler climate. However, they’re generally great for helping indoor plants grow.
Plus, certain plants have been shown to clean the air by absorbing harmful compounds like formaldehyde and benzene, effectively purifying your environment. A NASA study even identified specific plants that are pros at improving indoor air quality.
So, if you’re aiming for cleaner air at home and don’t want to invest in an air purifier, these plants could be your natural solution.
Top 38 Low-Light Houseplants for Air Purification
In this section, we’re diving into 38 indoor plants that not only liven up your space but are also champions at oxygenating your home—all while thriving in low-light conditions.
Marble queen pothos or devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Marble Queen Pothos, also called Devil’s Ivy, is a real champion when it comes to purifying the air in your home. This lush, leafy plant is incredibly hardy, making it a perfect pick for those who might not have the greenest of thumbs. It’s known for its resilience and can thrive with minimal care, requiring water just once every week or so.
The beautiful heart-shaped leaves can stretch up to 20 inches, adding a touch of the tropics to any room. Whether it’s hanging in a basket or showcased on a shelf, this plant not only beautifies your space but also works hard to scrub harmful chemicals like xylene and benzene from the air.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum
- Ideal for: Beginners
- Pollution removal: Excels at eliminating xylene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene
- Low Maintenance: Just water when the soil dries out and trim back its vines as needed
While it’s great at keeping your air clean, the Marble Queen is not so friendly to pets. Its leaves contain toxins that can be harmful if ingested by our furry friends.
Read More About Creating a Dog-Friendly Garden: Smart Design Tips for Pet Owners
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Next up, meet the Peace Lily, a stunning plant that thrives even in low light. This plant isn’t actually a lily but dazzles with a white leaf bract that mimics one, centered around a delicate yellow flower.
Peace Lilies are not just a visual treat; they also pack a punch in removing toxins like ammonia and benzene, making them a top contender for air-purifying capabilities. They’re fairly easy to care for, growing up to 40 inches tall and preferring indirect light, which makes them a versatile addition to either a tabletop or floor setting.
Key Points:
- Scientific Name: Spathiphyllum
- Best for spaces with low light
- Removes toxins including ammonia and formaldehyde
- Moderate care: Avoid overwatering and provide some light for blooming
English ivy (Hedera helix)
Then, there’s the English Ivy, known for its elegant, climbing vines. This plant is a powerhouse at filtering out indoor pollutants, including tricky ones like carbon monoxide. It’s particularly good at reducing airborne irritants, thanks to its dense foliage, which also has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Although it’s a beauty, English Ivy is best kept out of reach from pets and children, as it can be toxic if touched or ingested.
Fast Facts:
- Scientific Name: Hedera helix
- A great choice for low-maintenance plant lovers
- Tackles air pollutants such as formaldehyde and trichloroethylene
- Care tips: Water well during growth phases but reduce in winter
Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. It’s a champion of adaptability and air purification, hailing from tropical Madagascar, Africa, and parts of Asia. This plant is incredibly forgiving and manages well even in low light. While it appreciates some sunlight, too much can be harmful.
It’s famous for its low-maintenance nature and its ability to scrub the air of toxins like benzene and formaldehyde. Remarkably, the Snake plant releases oxygen at night, making it an excellent bedroom companion for a cleaner, fresher sleeping environment.
Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis Blume)
This exotic beauty is low-maintenance and perfect for those who might forget to water their plants now and then. It thrives in indirect sunlight and only needs watering once the soil has dried out completely. Moth orchids come in two sizes and can bloom for up to four months, making them ideal for sprucing up dim corners with a splash of lasting color.
Learn How to Get Your Orchid to Rebloom
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Perfect for those new to the plant world, this green buddy is a pro at sprucing up indoor air. Originating from southern Africa, spider plants are tough, evergreen perennials that thrive in a variety of conditions, boasting over 200 varieties. The most popular ones feature striking green leaves with a central white stripe.
They love bright, indirect light but are pretty forgiving if you’re using artificial lighting. Plus, they aren’t too picky about water; they can go without it for over a week, thanks to their nutrient-storing tuberous roots.
Known for removing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, spider plants not only boost oxygen levels but also enhance positive vibes, helping with stress and anxiety relief. They’re easy to propagate, too—making them a perfect green gift from your home to your friends’!
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
This resilient plant is a fantastic choice for any indoor setting, thanks to its gorgeous, waxy, dark green leaves. It thrives in low light and is incredibly low-maintenance, forgiving even the most forgetful waterers. The ZZ plant is great at eliminating toxins such as benzene, toluene, and xylene from the environment.
It grows compactly, reaching heights of two to three feet, making it ideal for small spaces. If you’re notorious for your not-so-green thumb, this nearly indestructible plant is your best bet. It requires minimal care, preferring indirect light and infrequent watering to prevent overwatering, which is its biggest threat.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
With its shiny, deep green leaves, this tropical native not only brightens up any room but also works hard to clean the air. It’s pretty good at removing toxins like formaldehyde, making it a stellar choice for enhancing your indoor air quality.
Rubber Plants are pretty flexible with lighting; they love a spot with bright, indirect light but will happily adapt to dimmer corners of your home.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can handle lower light.
- Water: Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Be careful not to overwater.
- Humidity: Likes average room humidity but enjoys a good misting now and then.
Cool Facts:
- Known for efficiently converting CO2 into oxygen.
- Helps maintain indoor humidity levels, ideal for dry indoor climates.
Indoor Areca Palm
This plant, sometimes called the butterfly palm, features feathery, arching fronds that bring a bit of the tropics right to your living room.
It’s a powerhouse when it comes to purifying the air, tackling pollutants like toluene and xylene, and it also boosts humidity to keep the indoor air from getting too dry. Bright but indirect sunlight suits the Areca Palm best, though it’s adaptable enough for less sunny spots too.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
- Best for: Homes with pets
- Eliminates: Carbon monoxide, trichloroethylene, benzene, and xylene
- Maintenance Level: Medium
- Plant Care: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, especially in the growing season.
Care Tips:
- Light: Loves bright, indirect light but can survive in lower light conditions.
- Water: Regular watering needed; don’t let it dry out completely.
- Humidity: Prefers a humid environment; occasional misting is beneficial.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
This plant is a champion of low-light conditions, making it a favorite for spots away from windows. It’s not just easy to look after; it also combats air pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde. The Chinese Evergreen comes in several eye-catching varieties, from dark green to silver and even red, adding a splash of color to your décor.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Aglaonema
- Best for: Shady areas
- Eliminates: Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and more
- Maintenance Level: Medium
- Plant Care: Water adequately but sparingly, increase humidity, and mist frequently.
Care Tips:
- Light: Does well in low to moderate indirect light.
- Water: Water when the topsoil feels dry.
- Humid ity: Enjoys high humidity.Advertisement
Homalomena
This gem might not be on everyone’s radar, but it’s a powerhouse when it comes to purifying the air. With its lush, heart-shaped leaves, Homalomena is not only a visual treat but also a pro at capturing harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like xylene and benzene.
It’s perfectly suited for dim corners, making it ideal for sprucing up less sunny spots in your home. Keeping this plant happy involves maintaining constant moisture without overwatering and ensuring it enjoys high humidity, which can be achieved with regular misting. It’s particularly well-suited for bedrooms, thanks to its calming presence.
Care Tips:
- Light: Best in low to medium light; keep away from direct sunlight.
- Water: Soil should be consistently moist.
- Humidity: Loves high humidity; mist it frequently.
Noteworthy Facts:
- Excellently removes VOCs.
- Adds a relaxing vibe to any room.
Dracaena
Dracaena plant, with over 40 varieties available, makes finding the perfect match for your home or office a breeze. However, pet owners might consider another plant, as Dracaena is harmful to cats and dogs if ingested. These plants typically grow up to three feet and prefer larger pots with ample space.
Dracaenas are low-maintenance, requiring misting over regular watering, and are known for their air-purifying abilities, filtering indoor toxins effectively. They flourish in bright, indirect light but can also adapt to dimmer conditions. For those planting Dracaena outside, they thrive best in zones 10-12, benefiting from the natural humidity.
Aloe Vera
Renowned for its air-cleansing and health-promoting properties, Aloe Vera tackles indoor toxins like benzene. The gel from its leaves is famed for treating skin conditions, healing wounds, and even promoting hair growth.
Drinking its juice can alleviate arthritis pain and lower cholesterol. With its multitude of uses, Aloe Vera is not just a plant but a holistic health hub.
This plant is a perfect fit for your kitchen window, ready to offer quick relief for burns. Simply snap a leaf and use the fresh gel inside.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Revered as a sacred plant in many Indian households, Tulsi is a powerhouse, producing oxygen for over 20 hours each day while eliminating harmful gases like carbon monoxide and dioxide.
Beyond its air-purifying capabilities, Tulsi offers a range of health benefits, from supporting liver and kidney health to treating skin conditions. Its leaves emit a sweet, minty fragrance that refreshes any space, and they can be consumed raw to alleviate coughs and colds. The essential oil derived from Tulsi leaves is commonly used in soaps, perfumes, and shampoos.
Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, Tulsi also boasts anti-stress properties—making Tulsi tea a fantastic stress buster. It’s no wonder it’s dubbed the “Queen of Herbs.”
Discover the Best Types of Basil to Grow and Spice Up Your Herb Garden
Ficus/Weeping Fig
Originating from Southeast Asia and parts of Australia, the ficus is a robust plant that adapts well to indoor environments and can grow up to 10 feet tall. It’s pretty low-maintenance—just position it in bright, indirect light and let the soil dry before watering again.
Plus, when the weather’s warm, you can move it outside to add some green to your porch or patio.
Boston Fern
This plant is a showstopper and perfect for those who are new to indoor gardening, thanks to its low fuss requirements. Known globally as the sword fern, it thrives in cool places with high humidity and indirect light.
The Boston Fern is a pro at purifying the air, removing toxins such as cigarette smoke and benzene, making it a fantastic choice for homes with pets—rest assured, it’s completely safe for your furry friends.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific name: Nephrolepis exaltata
- Ideal for: Beginners
- Removes: Cigarette smoke, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, benzene
- Care level: Moderate
- Plant care: Needs bright, indirect sunlight, high humidity, and thorough drainage
Bamboo Palm
This plant is not only pet-friendly but also a natural air purifier, tackling pollutants like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. It’s perfect for adding a bit of tropical ambiance to your space. While it prefers bright, indirect light, the bamboo palm is a bit needy in terms of care—regular misting and moist soil are musts to keep it happy.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific name: Chamaedorea seifrizii
- Ideal for: Pet owners
- Removes: Benzene, chloroform, formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide
- Care level: Moderate
- Plant care: Requires good air circulation, occasional misting, and consistently moist soil
Although slow-growing, reaching up to 12 feet eventually, the bamboo palm is worth the wait. It’s an excellent choice for enhancing indoor air quality, especially during the dry winter months. Give it some time and care, and you’ll see significant growth that’s well worth the effort.
Dracaena Fragrans
A darling in the indoor plant community, this elegant plant features long, arching leaves and is celebrated for its air-cleaning abilities. It effectively removes pollutants like trichloroethylene and xylene.
This plant is a fit for various indoor settings, from office spaces to living areas, thriving under low to moderate light and average humidity. Occasional misting can enhance its surroundings, subtly boosting the room’s humidity to create a more welcoming environment.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers shade to partial sun.
- Water: Water when the soil’s top inch is dry; steer clear of waterlogging.
- Humidity: Coping well in typical indoor humidity levels.
Facts to Know:
- Adept at purifying the air.
- Increases humidity, enhancing room comfort.
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
This tropical beauty is perfect for adding a splash of color to less sunny spots in your home. With its unique long green leaves and striking red or pink center, the bromeliad differs from your typical houseplant. It thrives in bright, indirect light, making it ideal for a shelf or table rather than a sunny windowsill to prevent leaf damage.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
As tough as its name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible and is a must-have for anyone without a green thumb. Its lush, large green leaves make a statement in any room corner, thriving even in low-light conditions.
Direct sunlight can harm its leaves, so it’s best placed away from windows. Regular dusting is required to keep its leaves shiny and healthy.
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
This is a versatile climber that’s part of the same family as the rubber tree. Ideal for zones 8-11, this plant also adapts well indoors in cooler areas. Known for its topiary skills, the Creeping Fig can transform wire forms and trellises into lush, green sculptures.
If you’ve got a dimly lit corner, this plant will happily scale walls and surfaces, adding life and color with vines that can stretch up to 20 feet.
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
This is a popular choice not just for offices but for any indoor setting that lacks direct sunlight. Despite its unfortunate name, the Dumb Cane is a stunning addition to any room.
However, take care if you have curious pets or little ones—the plant is toxic and can cause irritation if ingested. It prefers low or filtered light and enjoys soil that’s moist, but never waterlogged.
Hellebore Flowers (Helleborus x hybridus)
They are known for their rose-like blooms that appear from February to May. While they’re evergreen even in colder climates, Hellebores do best with a bit of shade and well-draining soil.
Though ideally planted outdoors for optimal flowering, you can also keep them indoors, where they need less water once the blooming period ends and they enter dormancy in the summer.
Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)
These vibrant shade-loving flowers are perfect if you’re after an annual that shines in less sunny spots. Impatiens dazzle as border plants or in pots, thriving in moist, well-drained soil and preferring partial to deep shade—full sun just isn’t their thing.
Most commonly grown as annuals, they flourish perennially only in warmer zones 10-12. Although some varieties might battle powdery mildew, newer hybrids show improved disease resistance.
Japanese Sago Palms (Cycas revoluta)
Don’t let the name fool you; these aren’t true palms but rather stout, low-growing plants with lush green fronds. Originating from warmer regions of Japan and suited to USDA zones 9-10, they’re ideal as indoor plants in cooler climates.
Sago Palms enhance any space with their feathery foliage and do best in less sunny spots, so long as the soil drains well. A Sago Palm can transform any dull corner table into a striking display.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Known for its elegant, wispy fronds, the Maidenhair Fern is a stunning yet tricky plant. It demands specific care—bright, indirect light and high humidity. Keep the soil consistently moist and mist regularly to maintain the air moisture this plant loves. It’s a true gem for those willing to meet its needs, filling any container with its delicate leaves.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
A timeless classic from the Victorian era, the Parlor Palm adds a touch of elegance to any room. Once a symbol of opulence, today it’s cherished for its sophisticated vibe in living rooms or dining areas. This tall, graceful plant prefers shady spots or even artificial light to bright sunlight. Outdoors, it’s best suited to warmer climates in zones ten and above.
Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)
Also known as the rattlesnake or zebra plant, this beauty flaunts foliage that mimics the vibrant patterns of a peacock’s feathers. It’s a showstopper in any room, thanks to its colorful leaves.
However, it does require specific care, thriving in environments with high humidity and moisture, and it prefers staying out of direct sunlight to avoid fading its leaves. While it’s a tropical native, only consider outdoor planting in zones 10 and above; otherwise, it’s a perfect indoor companion.
Peperomia (Peperomia)
Peperomia (Peperomia) is a delightful addition to any home office. With over a thousand varieties, mostly hailing from South and Central America, this little plant is ideal for desks or tabletops.
It’s not fussy about water—forgetting to water it occasionally actually helps it, thanks to its water-retaining thick leaves. It flourishes in bright, indirect light, showing off leaves in shades of grey, red, cream, and green. Like the Peacock Plant, Peperomia is tropical and does best in humidity, suitable for outdoor growth in zones 10 to 12.
Philodendron (Philodendron)
Philodendron (Philodendron) is a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts. This plant stands out with its attractive foliage and includes varieties like the durable Heartleaf, which is particularly low-maintenance and adaptable to low light levels. Whether you opt for climbing or non-climbing types, they can stretch up to six feet with the right care.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) offers something truly special. Its leaves fold up at night as if in prayer, creating a fascinating display. The plant sports dark green leaves with striking pink veins and prefers to hang out in bright, indirect sunlight.
Without sufficient light, its leaves stay closed. To keep it looking its best, maintain moist soil and good humidity levels.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)
This isn’t your typical fern. Known for its distinctive appearance, which has earned it fun nicknames like antelope ears or elkhorn ferns, the Staghorn Fern demands specific care to flourish. It thrives in bright, indirect light—think filtered, natural sunlight.
Remember, no artificial lights for these beauties! They prefer their soil consistently moist, but be wary of overwatering. If you’re on the hunt for a plant with a unique flair, the Staghorn Fern is a perfect choice.
Sword Ferns (Polystichum munitum)
Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) is a robust, evergreen fern that’s a favorite in many gardens across several states. Its sword-like fronds make it a striking addition to any room.
As a hardy plant, it requires minimal sunlight and excels as a ground cover, particularly in areas prone to erosion. Indoors, it loves well-draining, slightly acidic soil and thrives in humid conditions—don’t forget to mist it regularly to keep it happy.
Umbrella Plants (Schefflera actinophylla)
Often overlooked in the realm of houseplants, this easy-going plant packs a punch with its elegant and lush foliage. It’s incredibly low-maintenance and adapts well to almost any part of your home that gets a bit of natural light.
Outside, it prefers zones seven and above and enjoys plenty of moisture. Indoors, it grows up to three feet tall, compared to six feet outdoors. While not toxic, it can cause severe irritation if ingested, so it might be best to keep it out of reach of little ones.
Repotting Your Indoor PlantsÂ
Is your plant’s current pot looking a bit plain, or has it started to outgrow its home? No worries! Repotting is a simple fix. Opt for a clay pot to keep the air clean and use organic soil to nurture your plant’s growth.
Here’s how to ensure a smooth transition to its new space. First, give your plant a good watering in its existing pot—this helps with the transfer. If you spot any roots poking through the drainage holes, trim these to prevent them from getting stuck.
When you’re ready to move the plant, instead of yanking it out, flip the pot upside down and support the plant by the soil, easing it out gently.
Quick Repotting Guide:
- Select a new pot that’s about one inch wider in diameter than the old one.
- Cover the drainage holes with a coffee filter or a scrap of paper to keep the soil from escaping.
- Layer the bottom of the new pot with an inch of soil.
- Carefully remove the plant from its original pot.
- Trim overly long or wandering roots to encourage robust growth.
- Settle the plant into its new pot.
- Tuck soil around the root ball until it’s even with the top of the soil.
- Water the plant once more and you’re all set!
Frequently asked questions
- Which indoor plant produces the most oxygen at night? While many plants like the areca palm and money plant boost oxygen levels, the snake plant is top-notch for nighttime oxygen production.
- Can indoor plants generate oxygen without sunlight? Yes, certain plants need minimal light to thrive. A standout is the ZZ plant, also known as the Eternity Plant, which can survive in low-light conditions.
- Are these plants safe to grow indoors? Absolutely! Although some plants have sharp edges or contain chemicals, a bit of knowledge about their characteristics ensures they can be grown safely in homes and offices.
- Is there scientific proof that plants purify air? Indeed, a famous NASA study in the 1900s confirmed that plants could remove harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde from the air. Subsequent research, including a 2020 study, supports these findings, highlighting plants’ ability to enhance indoor air quality.
- How many plants are needed to purify a room? You might think one plant is enough, but NASA suggests having two to three medium-sized plants for every 100 square feet to effectively purify the air. Although more plants mean better air quality, be mindful of the space they’ll occupy!
- What’s the best low-maintenance air-purifying houseplant? For those who might forget about plant care, the snake plant is ideal, requiring water just once every fortnight and thriving in low light. English ivy is another low-maintenance choice, adapting easily to indoor settings and self-managing after initial growth.
- Which houseplants are best for removing mold spores from the air? Plants like English ivy, peace lily, various palms, snake plant, Boston fern, and spider plant are excellent at eliminating mold spores and other toxins from indoor air.
- Can houseplants increase indoor oxygen levels? While houseplants do produce some oxygen through photosynthesis using the carbon dioxide we exhale, the amount is modest. The best strategy for increasing indoor oxygen is to ensure good air circulation with the outdoors.
- Should I buy a houseplant instead of an air filter? Houseplants can help clean the air, but for removing specific allergens like pet dander, air filters are more effective. While plants add aesthetic value and remove some pollutants, air filters provide a more reliable solution for maintaining clean indoor air.
- Are houseplants more effective than air purifiers? Plants and purifiers serve different purposes; plants absorb certain pollutants while purifiers filter airborne particles. Air purifiers are generally more consistent, working round the clock and under any conditions.
- What other health benefits do houseplants offer? Beyond air purification, houseplants can significantly boost mental health. Engaging with plants, such as gardening, has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood.
- Are all houseplants safe for pets? Not all houseplants are pet-friendly. Non-toxic options include spider plants and areca palms, but plants like English ivy and peace lilies can be harmful. Always check the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants if you have pets.
- What houseplants are safe for kids? Spider plants and Boston ferns are safe and fun for kids. If you’re considering a plant that might be harmful, make sure it’s out of children’s reach.
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