The Best House Plants

           Last week I wrote about how polluted the air in your home can be. Since we spend most of our time in our home, or indoors at work, it’s very important to keep that air clean. One of the tips given to keep the air in your home clean was to invest in some house plants. Some scientists have suggested that choosing the right air purifying plants for your home can help detoxify the air in your living spaces, meaning your houseplants not only look lovely but work a little harder to clean the air you breathe in. NASA's Clean Air Study found that there are a number of air purifying plants that can detoxify your home from the airborne toxins, dusts and germs that can be found in a variety of household products, materials and furniture. The following list is some recommendations for the best air purifying house plants.

English Ivy- easy-growing perennial vine is particularly effective at reducing airborne faecal particles which makes it the perfect air purifier for your bathroom or en suite. In addition, studies have shown that the ivy can also help combat mould levels in the home.

Bamboo Palm- Since the bamboo palm, or reed palm, prefers part sun or shade, it makes a great houseplant with the added benefit of aiding in the removal of harmful elements such as benzene and formaldehyde.

Chinese Evergreen-The Chinese evergreen is an easy-care plant that thrives in low to medium light. This tropical plant is proven to be an effective cleanser of formaldehyde and benzene, found in detergents and cosmetics.

Dragon Tree- Trichloroethylene and xylene are amongst the pollutants fought by this spiky, slow-growing plant. The leaves have a bright red trim which add a flash of colour to your home.

Mother-in-Law's Tongue (Snake Tongue)- A hardy succulent, mother-in-law's tongue is a great houseplant for beginners and can survive in some of the toughest conditions, including a wide variety of temperatures and light conditions. With this plant in your bedroom, you're in for a great night's sleep, this succulent releases oxygen at night, helping you to breathe better while sleeping. It is one of the best plants for filtering the air of formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene.

Peace Lily -Known for its ability to fight against toxic gases such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, peace lilies are relatively easy to care for and even show signs of drooping when they need to be watered. They can be mildly toxic to pets and humans, so it's important to wash your hands after touching the plant.

Spider Plant- The resilient spider plant is the perfect choice for those who lack a green thumb. If you have pets, this is one of the few houseplants that is non-toxic to animals.

Lemon Button Fern- Lemon Button Ferns, relatives of Boston ferns, are useful for removing toxins and cleaning indoor air. They grow about a foot high and thrive in indirect light as long as they have sufficient humidity.
ALOE VERA- A healing aloe plant is a lovely addition to your kitchen windowsill, as it loves a sunny spot. While being on hand to soothe any kitchen burns or sun burns, this succulent will be purifying the air of formaldehyde and benzene, found in varnishes, floor finishes, and detergents.