Starting Fresh! House Plants that Clean the Air

With the new year here, it’s time to get rid of the clutter and start fresh!  Did you know that house plants can de-stress and detoxify the air in your home?  Not only do they brighten a space, but they contribute to a relaxing ambiance.

(Make sure to check if any of these plants may cause issues with household pets before putting them in your home!)

Here’s a list of the Top Ten:

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1.  Aloe Plant
Besides the healing properties of the aloe plant gel, it can also monitor air quality.   The aloe plant clears the air of pollutants found in chemical cleaning products and displays brown spots when harmful chemicals in the air becomes excessive.  Grows best with lots of sun.

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2.  English Ivy
The English Ivy is the most effective plant at absorbing formaldehyde. Grows in moderate temps and medium sunlight. 

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3.  Rubber Tree
The Rubber Tree is a powerful toxin eliminator and air purifier.  Easy to grow and thrives in dim lighting.

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4.  Peace Lily
Peace lilies reduce the levels of various toxins in the air.  They do well in shade and cooler temperatures.

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5.  Snake Plant
The Snake Plant absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during the night (most plants do this during the day).  Don’t need much light or water to survive.

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6.  Bamboo Palm
The Bamboo Palm is effective at clearing out benzene and trichloroethylene.  Needs to be well-watered, in shade or indirect sunlight.

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7.  Philodendron
The Philodendron is good at absorbing formaldehyde.  Grow with moderate water and some somelight.

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8.  Spider Plant
The spider plant is effective at fighting pollutants including benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene.

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9.  Red- edged Dracanea
The Red-Edged Dracanea removes toxins including xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde.  Grows best in sunlight and can grow to be ceiling height!

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10.  Golden Pothos
The Golden Pothos has the ability to clear formaldehyde from the air. Grows easily in cool temperatures with low levels of sunlight.

*10 House Plants to De-Stress Your Home, Huffington Post 3.29.13