Are you a plant lover? Guess what! Having them around is good for you!

There are real benefits to placing plants around your home or workspace.  

• They can help purify the air, removing harmful toxins
• They can help boost our moods
• They can help us feel less sick
• They can help us focus and be more productive

Related: 10 Coziest Bedrooms + Simple Cozy Ideas

If you’re looking to add some plants to your space, and not sure where to start, here are a few that are great for improving the air quality in your home. 

PLEASE NOTE:

• Most of these are unsafe for pets if they are ingested. Please ensure they are placed high up and out of reach of your pets.
• Please consult with your doctor, before adding these to your home, if you may be allergic to any.

Before we jump in, let’s review some toxins that may be found in the air of your home:

Carbon Monoxide:  Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can be fatal if inhaled in large amounts. It can come from several malfunctioning systems within the home, such as your furnace, heaters, fireplaces, etc.

Formaldehyde:  Formaldehyde is a colourless gas that is often found in the indoor air of homes. It can come from building materials, furnishings, and can also enter from smoking, vehicle exhaust, wood-burning fireplaces/stoves, and improperly vented appliances.

Xylene:  Xylene is a toxic solvent found in many common household products such as paints, adhesives, rust preventers, thinners, gasoline, and permanent magic markers. Breathing vapours from these types of products can expose you to xylene.  

Toluene:  Toluene is a clear, colourless liquid with a sweet odour. It is a volatile organic compound, meaning it can turn into a gas. It is used to produce many household products, such as paints, plastic soda bottles, cosmetic nail products, shoe polish, and more.

Benzene:  Benzene is a volatile organic compound released primarily into the air. Attached garages are a major source of benzene in homes because vehicle exhaust and emissions from gas-powered equipment and stored solvents can enter a home. Smoking is also a major contributor to indoor benzene levels.

Trichloroethylene:  Trichloroethylene is a colourless liquid that evaporates quickly into the air. It has a sweet odour. Trichloroethylene is used as a solvent for extraction, waterless drying, finishing, and in adhesives, lubricants, paints, varnishes, paint strippers, pesticides, and cold metal cleaners.

Now, here are 11 houseplants to help improve air quality in your home:

Pssst…this is not an exhaustive list. There are other plants out there that can also help!

# 1 – Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

What It Removes: It helps reduce benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from your indoor air.

Non-Toxic: It is safe for pets.    

# 2 – Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)

What It Removes: It removes toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides. It also converts CO2 (carbon dioxide) to O2 (oxygen) at night, making it the perfect plant to place in your bedroom. 

Toxic: It is toxic to humans, dogs and cats. 

# 3 – Pothos (Scindapsus Aures)

What It Removes: It removes formaldehyde, benzene and xylene.

Toxic: It is toxic to humans, dogs and cats. 

# 4 – Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema Modestum)

What It Removes: It removes benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other air pollutants.  

Toxic: It is toxic to dogs and cats. 

# 5 – Aloe (Aloe Vera)

What It Removes: It helps remove formaldehyde, benzene and lowers carbon dioxide levels. It also releases oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide at night. This makes it another great addition to your bedroom because it can help you sleep better.

Toxic: It is toxic to dogs and cats. 

# 6 – Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina)

What It Removes: It helps remove formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.

Toxic: It is toxic to dogs and cats.

# 7 – Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)

What It Removes: The Rubber Plant is especially effective at removing formaldehyde from indoor air. 

Toxic: It is toxic to dogs and cats. 

# 8 – English Ivy (Hedera Helix)

What It Removes: It helps to remove benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air.

Toxic: It is toxic to humans, dogs and cats. 

# 9 – Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

What It Removes: It helps to remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and carbon monoxide.  

Toxic: It is toxic to humans, dogs and cats. 

# 10 – Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron Oxycardium)

What It Removes: It is especially great at removing formaldehyde.

Toxic: It is toxic to humans, dogs and cats. 

# 11 – Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena Marginata)

What It Removes: It is best at removing xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde.

Toxic: It is toxic to dogs and cats. 

Let’s chat! What are your favourite houseplants to improve air quality?