With many of us spending more time inside, it is important to think about the quality of the air in our homes or workspaces. Many of us live in condos or apartment buildings with dry air and poor air flow, and toxins from synthetic materials and cleaning supplies can persist in the air we are breathing without us realizing it.

Air treatment appliances like humidifiers and air purifiers are helpful to fight against this, but did you know that your houseplants can act as natural air purifiers? A study done by NASA in 1989 on certain plant’s abilities to absorb toxins from the air showed that having plants in your home help to keep your air clean and healthy! Plants also have the added bonus of being natural and beautiful additions to a space, and other studies have shown that having houseplants around can reduce stress, boost your mood and increase productivity. The more plants you have around, the happier and healthier you’ll be!

Here are our favourites that will help to keep your air clean: 

Sansevieria 

Snake plants are one of our favourites here at Poppies, notable not just for being one of the easiest plants to care for, but also for being a hard-working air purifier! In studies, Sansevieria have been shown to filter harmful toxins out of the air, including carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene and trichloroethylene. On top of this, snake plants are one of the only plants that release oxygen at night, making them the perfect bedroom plant. Keep one by your bed for fresher air and a better night’s sleep! Snake plants aren’t just an old fashioned houseplant – there are dozens of different varieties to choose from including the bright yellow varegation of the Sansevieria Laurentii, or the perfect bedside size of this Sansevieria Cylindrica. Not in love with the stiff look of this plant? Try grouping it with more leafy plants for the ultimate indoor jungle look! 

Dracaena

 

If you would rather a more tropical looking air purifier, the Dracaena is for you! Another low maintenance favourite, Dracaenas are tolerant of lower light conditions and neglect. Though you don’t have to work hard for them, they’ll work hard for you by absorbing toxins including formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and xylene. Just like the Sansevieiria, there are plenty of different varieties to choose from – like the thin-leafed Marginata, the elegant Reflexa and the lime green variegated Lemon Lime. They come in all different shapes and sizes so you can get a Dracaena for any space – from a small table-top size to a full-sized tree!

Philodendron

 

This popular family of houseplants is also versatile and low maintenance, and has been shown in studies to be great at removing formaldehyde from the air! Philodendrons typically thrive – and can grow quite quickly – in bright, non-direct light, but like the Dracaenas and Snake plants can tolerate lower light. They also come in plenty of different shapes, colours and sizes –from the small-leafed, trailing (or climbing!) Cordatum to bushy, arrowhead-shaped Burle Marx to the big, frilly-leafed Selloum.