Air Purifying Plants: A Natural Solution for Your Home or a Waste of Money?

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Air Purifying Plants: A Natural Solution for Your Home or a Waste of Money?

Creating a healthy home environment is a priority for many, especially when it comes to improving indoor air quality. While technology has its place, air purifying indoor plants offer a beautiful, eco-friendly alternative to help keep your home's air fresh and clean. Let’s explore why air-purifying plants can a great choice and where you can buy them.

My Snake Plant

How Air-Purifying Plants Work

Air-purifying plants naturally remove toxins from the air through processes like photosynthesis and transpiration. They absorb gases like carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other harmful chemicals through their leaves and roots, releasing clean oxygen back into the environment. Some of the most effective air-purifying plants include:

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Variegatum Comosum)

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

These plants are not only good for the air quality but also easy to maintain and visually appealing. You can find a mix including some of these options and others here.

Pros of Air-Purifying Plants

• Natural and Eco-Friendly: They require no electricity and are silent.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Plants add beauty and life to any room.

• Stress Relief: Studies show plants can reduce stress and improve mood.

• Cost-Effective: Once you’ve purchased them, they only need water, light, and occasional care.

Cons of Air-Purifying Plants

• Limited Air Purification: While plants do clean the air, their impact is slower and more limited compared to mechanical devices.

• Maintenance: They require watering, pruning, and occasional repotting. This can be made easier with a little houseplant care kit!

• Potential Allergens: Some plants produce pollen or mould, which can be problematic for allergy sufferers.

  
  

Where to Buy Air-Purifying Plants

Now that you’re convinced about the benefits of these plants, the next step is to figure out where to buy them. Here’s a breakdown of the options:

1. Buy Air Purifying Plants Online - Marketplaces (e.g. Amazon)

• Huge selection with detailed descriptions of each plant.

• Convenient for bulk buying or getting harder-to-find species.

• Fast shipping options and competitive pricing.

See some great options below:

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Variegatum Comosum)

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

House Plants Indoor – Mix of 6

My Spider Plant

2. Buy Air Purifying Plants - Local Supermarkets

• Often more affordable compared to specialised/online stores.

• Easy to pick up on your regular grocery trips.

  
  

3. Buy Air Purifying Plants Online - Specialised Plant Shops or Garden Centres

• The best option for high-quality, healthy plants. Whilst there are often unhealthy plants, you can pick the best.

• Staff may be able to offer advice on care and plant selection.

• More variety, including rarer species and larger plants.

Are All Plants Air Purifying?

Not all plants are created equal when it comes to air purification. While it's true that all plants contribute to cleaner air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis, only certain species excel at filtering out harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia. NASA's famous Clean Air Study highlighted plants like the snake plant, peace lily, and spider plant as air-purifying powerhouses. However, many common houseplants lack the ability to significantly remove pollutants.

That said, even those without super filtration skills still boost humidity and create a calming environment, which can contribute to a healthier living space. So, while not all plants are "air purifiers" in the strictest sense, they all bring something green and good to the table!

Air Purifying Indoor Plants Safe for Cats

Transforming your home into a lush, green oasis doesn’t have to come at the cost of your feline friend’s safety. Many popular indoor plants that improve air quality can be harmful to cats, but luckily, there are safe alternatives. Spider plants, with their graceful arching leaves, not only remove toxins from the air but are also non-toxic to your curious kitty.

Areca palms and boston ferns are other excellent choices, offering both visual appeal and clean, breathable air without posing a risk to your furry companion. Pair these with pots of vibrant parlour palms or Calathea Rattlesnake for a home that’s fresh, stylish, and purr-fectly safe. Embrace these cat-friendly plants and create a healthier living space for both you and your whiskered roommate!

Final Thoughts on Air Purifying Plants

Air-purifying plants are an affordable, eco-friendly, and beautiful way to improve your home's air quality. While they may not be as powerful as high-tech devices, they offer added benefits like boosting your mood and enhancing the aesthetics of your space.

Whether you shop online, at local supermarkets, or specialised plant shops, each option has its advantages. For the best balance of quality and convenience, a mix of plant shop/supermarket visits and online purchasing might offer the ideal solution for filling your home with fresh air and greenery.

We have plenty more articles of air purification!