By planting more greenery we as a collective can create a healthier air and environment. By choosing plants and where to put them can improve the outdoor air quality by influencing the dispersion of pollutants. Offering a high surface area for them to gather meaning there is less in the atmosphere.

There are huge benefits to introducing plants to our homes, workplaces and even the outdoors. Plants also improve well-being and your productivity is well supported.  Let’s not forget that they’re very stylish and can turn your house into a home.

Nasa completed a clean air study proving that plants either indoors or outdoors can remove pollutants from the air and make it fresh. So, let’s dig in and speak all about plants that could purify your home and help you become more eco-friendly. 

Dracaena Marginata- Madagascar Dragon Tree

This plant is useful for removing chemicals from the air that are spread by using lacquers such as Hairspray, furniture polish or furniture varnish. This plant is a house plant and can transform any space due to its beautiful leaves and tall branches.

The Madagascar Dragon Tree requires medium light, watering when the soil is dry and trimming the yellow and brown leaves. Essentially, it is an easy baby to take care of and is good for the environment. This plant has a secret though… It is extremely poisonous to dogs and cats so if your furry friends like to chew, this probably isn’t the plant for you. But do not worry, there’s other plant babies that will be welcome in your home! 

Ficus Elastica- Rubber Plant

Its main beauty is the dark, glossy green leaves that can grow up to 40cm in length. Rubber Plants do not produce pollen and therefore are amazing for people that have hay-fever (you’re welcome). Rubber plants increase the humidity within a space and prevent the pollutants and unwanted particles to turn into dust and harm your respiratory system.

They are also easy to maintain (that’s always a win):  they only need to be watered to keep the soil moist and don’t require fertilisation. A bonus is that rubber plants have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat skin conditions. 

Hedera Helix- English Ivy

English Ivy is popular due to its evergreen trailing vines and low-demanding nature. Making it an absolutely beautiful decoration for the shelves of your home.  It is potent against inflammation and arthritis and has antioxidants, anti allergic and antispasmodic properties which are all good for your health.

Hedera Helix can also be used to reduce cough symptoms and has been found useful to treat asthma, allergies and bronchitis. It can also be used to treat burns, infection, joint pains, swelling and nerve pain, and can improve lung function as well.

English Ivy has lots of health benefits and has been proven to improve the air quality within the space the plant is located. English Ivy is a Low care plant and also has been known to keep away mould in homes too. This is ideal for your park home as well as for your personal health. 

Nephrolepis Exaltata- Boston Fern

This plant is actually thought to be one of the best air purifying houseplants on the market! This evergreen plant not only helps get rid of the harmful toxins in the air but it also improves humidity by restoring the moisture to the air naturally. 

The Boston fern is said to offer real health benefits to those who suffer from dry skin, irritably dry noses or sore throats. They can transform a space by either hanging the plant or putting it in a stylish pot and bring the design of the room together. 

The Boston fern is easy to care for as they do not need to be watered, only the leaves need to be misted regularly. You will never have to worry about a dead plant ever again! Keep the plant in a cool location and out of direct light and the plant will blossom. Before you know it,  you will reap from the benefits.

Sansevieria Trifasciata- Mother-in-law’s Tongue

Sansevieria Trifasciata is a resilient succulent that can grow anywhere between 6 inches to several feet and will brighten up any space with its glowing leaves.  Mother-in-law Tongue has also been known to remove cancer-causing pollutants from the air. It is one of the only plants that can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night time (pretty impressive).

This plant is also known as Snake plant and can also be a defence against airborne allergies. It is stupidly easy to care for and requires little water to survive. Please note, this plant has been deemed mildly toxic and should be kept away from children or animals. As if it is consumed it can be harmful. However, it is amazing from a design perspective but also can help the environment and has huge health benefits. 

Bonus: Aspidistra Elatior- Cast Iron Plant

The Cast Iron Plant belongs to the lily family and is native to china and japan. The plant is fully capable of  surviving in carious conditions. Able to deal with poor light, murky conditions as well as poor air quality, warm and cold conditions. It is literally nearly indestructible. 

The plant is also known to be smart as it will not outgrow its space and will adapt to the situation that it has been given. The Cast Iron Plant is not toxic to people, plants or animals which is a bonus. This plant doesn’t have any bonus health benefits. But it can absorb harmful toxins from the air and make the quality better.  So in the future the air quality will be improved. Improving the lung function and breathing of people in the surrounding area. 

So what have we learned today? 

Not only are plant babies perfect to design and decorate your home, but can also improve your surroundings and living conditions! Some even have amazing health benefits that many are completely unaware of. 

Most of the plants listed above are easy to maintain and provide so many benefits. So, why would you not want to use them? It’s all reward with minimal risk and effort. Go green and start using plants to join the healthy living trend. To find out more ways in which you could make your home more sustainable, click here.