In the high heat of summer, when a passing breeze feels more like a giant hair dryer, we spend a lot of time indoors to avoid the heat. But that doesn’t negate our need for fresh air. So, while our HVAC systems have fancy filters to improve our air quality, there are a number of plants you can add to your home or office to enrich your air quality.
Not all plants are made equal when it comes to their ability to improve your air. Some convert CO2 to oxygen only during the day, when they get sunlight. The plants on our list produce oxygen day and night because plant’s pores retain the sun’s energy and continuously produce oxygen.
- Boston Ferns: Ferns add a lot of green to any room. This fern improves the air beyond simply enriching it with oxygen. It is the most effective plant at removing formaldehyde from the air.
- Snake Plant: Goes by many names, including mother-in-law’s tongue and viper’s bowstring hemp. There are many varieties combining dark greens and yellows into a beautiful canvas. NASA says it removes formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and benzene from the air, which can accumulate in enclosed buildings. Bonus: They are easy to care for and can be ignored for weeks without even drooping. They prefer dry soil and infrequent water.
- Money Plant: Another NASA favorite,renowned for its ability to remove chemicals and other pollutants from the air, specifically benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene. Caution: this plant is toxic to cats, dogs and small children if its leaves are ingested.
- If you want a little color, Gerber daisies are more than just pretty flowers. The right variety can easily be found to accent any room and they are great at producing oxygen and cleaning the air. A Gerber daisy can also remove benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from your house.