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10 Indoor Plants That Clean the Air and Look Great

A major benefit among some indoor plants is their ability to purify the air. This is especially helpful at night and each of those plants is recommended for those who struggle to enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Choosing the right option will come down to personal preference. Some will want a low-maintenance plant, while others will make their choice based on attractiveness.

The suggestions here are all great to look at, offering a bonus on that key ability to clean the air in your home.

1. English Ivy

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As an outdoor plant, ivy is invasive and can cling to places where it’s not wanted. Plants that are cultivated for indoor use are much easier to control, and they can cleanse the air of unwanted airborne particles after you’ve used the toilet.

Studies also suggest that ivy is good for reducing any mold around your home. The plant serves its purpose of cleaning the air, while the interesting leaf patterns make it an attractive option.

2. Spider Plant

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The spider plant is a good entry-level purchase for newbies as it is so easy to grow. It can tolerate most conditions, including high humidity, so it’s a good choice for the bathroom.

The trailing leaves are its most attractive feature, while it’s also pet-friendly. Spider plants help to take carbon monoxide out of the air, leaving a cleaner environment around the home.

3. Aloe Vera

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Succulent plants are simple to grow and require little watering as the thick leaves retain moisture. They can be grown anywhere in the home, and require little maintenance to keep them looking at their best.

Aloe Vera is considered one of the most attractive options in this category, and it’s recommended by many for helping you sleep at night. Aloe Vera uses photosynthesis to break down most harmful compounds, and it returns pure oxygen into the air.

4. Peace Lily

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As part of its work, NASA has studied plants that give us cleaner air and the peace lily is near the top of their list. It removes carbon monoxide and helps eliminate common odors such as cigarette smoke and paint smell.

The peace lily can also deal with harmful mold spores, making it one of the cleanest plants for your home. The delicate white flowers offer a striking contrast to the deep green leaves.

5. Dragon Plant

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It’s more commonly known as the Dragon Plant, but you may see it sold as a Red-Edged Dracaena. As the name suggests, its green leaves are contrasted by a flash of red color, making this an attractive addition to your home.

The dragon plant can remove harmful chemicals including trichloroethylene, which is used in refrigeration, and xylene – a solvent commonly found in the printing industry. It can grow to eight feet tall, so be sure you have plenty of room.

6. Chinese Evergreen

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Also known as Aglaonema, the Chinese Evergreen is an attractive plant and it’s one of the easiest to grow. You just need to guard against overwatering, so look to keep it away from humid areas such as the bathroom.

The Chinese Evergreen is a great option if you live in areas where there is high outdoor pollution. It can remove harmful chemicals including benzene, and replace them with pure oxygen.

7. Jade

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Jade is one of the most prized plants in Feng Shui, and if you follow this method, you’ll be aware that it represents prosperity and friendship. It’s an attractive and interesting plant with thick green leaves and stems that resemble tiny trees.

The jade plant will also help to balance the humidity in your home, so it’s another good choice if your property is susceptible to mold. It can also take in carbon dioxide and replace it with oxygen, therefore giving you a better chance of a peaceful night’s sleep.

8. Boston Fern

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Most fern varieties fit our brief, but the NASA study suggests that the Boston fern may be the most beneficial. It takes a host of pollutants out of the air, including benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde.

Ferns are easy to grow indoors, but they prefer areas of high humidity, The bathroom is ideal, but if you have no space, just remember to mist them twice a week and keep them away from direct sunlight.

9. Rubber Plant

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Rubber plants are among the best purifiers, but there are some maintenance tips to take care of. Firstly, they can grow to impressive heights, so it’s best to place them on the floor, in a prominent place.

The issue with placing rubber plants at floor level is that they are toxic to cats and dogs. If you have pets, it’s best to find other choices from this list, but if not, the rubber plant is among the best for cleaning the air.

10. Bamboo Palm

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Having a mini palm tree in your house would be a great conversation starter. The bamboo palm is a stunning plant with thin leaves that spread outwards. They will require regular watering, but be sure to let the soil dry out before you top them up.

The bamboo palm is especially efficient at removing formaldehyde from the air, but it’s a good all-round cleanser, taking out many toxins and leaving you with a purer indoor space.