Having indoor plants, whether you agree or not, can be highly beneficial for your health. While evidence about a plant’s capacity to clean our air is still up for debate, we know that plants teach us about self-care, as well as help lower our stress levels. So, for this slideshow, let’s be open to the idea that having plants in our home can help cleanse our lungs and improve our respiratory health.
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1. Weeping Fig
These beautiful green bushes are known for their power in taking out toluene and xylene pollutants from indoor air, which are often found in carpets and furniture. Keep them in bright rooms where they can get direct, morning sunlight.
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2. Boston Fern
One of the most popular indoor ferns, Boston ferns, can help remove formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene from the air. Make sure to keep them in warm, humid places so they can thrive.
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3. Areca Palm
Bring some outdoor indoors with the Areca palm, which is considered a powerhouse in filtering xylene and toluene from the air. Keep them close to a window that receives bright natural light and avoid overwatering to keep them happy.
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4. Aloe Vera
We can think of a million reasons to trust the power of aloe vera. But, your beauty succulent does more than soothe burns and clear acne. Aloe vera can help clean the air of formaldehyde and benzene, pollutants found in most cleaning products.
Image by Pia Violeta Pasat / Shutterstock
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5. Spider Plant
One of my favorite beginner plants, the leafy but stiff leaves of the spider plant do well inside. Research says this plant can help get rid of formaldehyde in indoor spaces. Keep them by a place with indirect light and don't overwater them as they don't like that.
Image by Max Williams / Unsplash
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6. Peace Lily
A favorite among plant lovers, the peace lily is a beautiful addition to any home. This plant is a great defense against benzene, trichloroethylene, ammonia, and hydrocarbon that accumulates indoors – talk about cleansing powers. Keep them in a space with light to moderate shade, the bedroom is often an excellent spot for these types of plants.
Image by Mike Marquez / Unsplash
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7. Rubber Plant
For those who want a strange-looking plant in their homes, the rubber plant is the one. It's great for removing formaldehyde from your home, and it's a plant that will stay with you for the long run. Keep them in bright, warm rooms, and make sure you water them regularly.
Image by Amnuay Kaewkatmanee / Shutterstock
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8. English Ivy
While these thrive more outdoors, English ivy plants are a beautiful challenge for plant lovers. They have a natural ability to get rid of xylene, toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde. If you're keeping them indoors, make sure you have them close to a window or an area that stimulates their trailing-climbing abilities.
Geraldine is a GR8NESS Contributing Editor who writes about self care, clean makeup and beauty, mental health, and relationships – as well as natural remedies and fitness. She’s a coffee enthusiast with Venezuelan roots, a former ballerina, and the sunscreen patrol. Most of the time, you can find her working on her skincare routine or trying a new dance workout.
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