Increasing numbers of people are discovering the soothing effects of caring for houseplants. I myself have something of a plant jungle at home. Not only can houseplants make your home look good but there is also an abundance of houseplants to choose from which can remove pollutants in the air around them, leaving you with fresh, clean air. Add to this the fact that the gentle routine of caring for plants is proven to reduce stress and you can see that introducing houseplants to any space is worthwhile.

Ten Houseplants That Clean Air in Your Home or Office

1 – Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is familiar to many as an ingredient in skincare, used for soothing irritated or damaged skin. The plant itself has an exotic appearance, with long, fat, spiky leaves.  While it looks great as a decoration, it also does good things for the air quality in your office or home. You can even use the healing gel directly from inside the leaves in the event of a cut or burn.

2 – Bamboo Palm

Bamboo palm improves air quality and is one of my preferred houseplants. The large, fern-like leaves filter light and are easily propagated, giving you a simple way to enhance your living space.

The bamboo palm is also an ideal pick for an office.  It needs only indirect sunlight, an occasional drink of water and that’s about it!

3 – Peace Lily

Peace lilies remove toxins from the air and increase oxygen levels. For those who prefer a flowering plant, peace lilies are a good option because of their striking white flowers with nobbly stamens.

Peace lilies are widely available and, in the UK, can often be found for sale in supermarkets.

4 – Ponytail Palm

The ponytail palm is a quirky plant that can help to remove xylene and formaldehyde from your home or office air.  Bear in mind that it needs a little room for its good looks to grow into, making it an ideal option to add as a focal point in a large hall or office.

5 – Gerbera Daisy

This one will appeal to those who favour bold, cheerful colours. The gerbera daisy features leaves of solid green and flowers in a range of vivid tones. It requires quite a bit of sunlight so it will prefer a bright spot.

6 – Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo removes formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene. If you’re seeking a plant that requires almost no maintenance at all, this is the houseplant for you! It grows in water, with no soil required. Its compact size also means it’s also ideal for desks and dressing tables.

7 – Spider Plant

This familiar houseplant is useful for most spaces because it removes xylene and formaldehyde from the atmosphere as well as benzene.

Spider plants do well in low light conditions, making it perfect for those who work in darker rooms or those who keep their office on the dim side. Another bonus is that it looks good in a hanging basket, fitting for those who have limited surface space.

8 – Cactus

Cacti require little to no maintenance and steal away nasty toxins like benzene.

They’re interesting to look at, fairly petite, and don’t need much water, which makes them ideal for someone on the go who seeks a low-maintenance option. If you’re lucky, your cactus may even flower on occasion.

9 – Pothos

Pothos remove air pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene. They can be grown indoors, or outdoors if you live somewhere warm. Their trailing, climbing nature makes them ideal for hanging baskets or training over shelves and cupboards.

They are also easy to propagate, so you can get several small plants from one larger one, to keep or share as you please.

10 – English Ivy 

Our final option is English ivy, which removes air pollutants while looking attractive with its small, heart-shaped leaves. It can be a slow grower but does well if you provide enough water. Like the pothos, English ivy trails, and climbs, making it a good choice for shelves or hanging baskets.

There you have it!  These 10 houseplants add character to a space, relieve stress, and give you fresh, clean air. All of the plants we have showcased are easy to get hold of (most are available on Amazon or in local supermarkets or garden centres). Which would you pick to start your collection?

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