Today, we're going to dive into a topic that's incredibly important for our health – the magic of indoor plants that help clean the air.
But not just any plants - we're focusing on those that thrive right here in South Alabama. So, whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just starting your plant journey, these six houseplants are perfect for purifying the air in your home while adding a touch of natural beauty. Before you rush to get all six, remember that each plant has its own care needs. We've included some plant care instructions for your convenience!
And remember, if you have any questions or need help, our team here at The Plant Shoppe are always here to assist you!
The Fabulous Six Indoor House Plants For Cleaner Air
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
This easy-to-care-for plant is a popular choice for indoor settings because it's excellent at purifying the air. It's particularly good at removing formaldehyde from the air.
Light Requirements: The spider plant thrives best in six to eight hours of indirect sunlight every day. It's essential to avoid direct sunlight as it can harm the plant.
Watering Schedule: Water the spider plant once a week. Check the soil before watering; it should be dry to touch as overwatering can lead to root rot or other problems.
Temperature and Soil Conditions: This plant prefers cooler temperatures, making it a great indoor plant for most homes. Additionally, it likes slightly dry soil. This doesn't mean arid conditions but rather soil that isn't overly damp or waterlogged.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as 'Mother-in-law’s Tongue', the snake plant is a hardy and low maintenance plant. It's known for its ability to filter out formaldehyde, which is commonly found in cleaning products.
Light Requirements: The light requirements are quite versatile, accommodating a range from low light to full sun exposure on a daily basis. It's important to make sure that your snake plant receives some level of light, even if it's minimal, all the way to the full spectrum of sunlight.
Watering Schedule: Watering frequency varies with the season. The snake plant should be watered every 5-7 days during the growing season, but this frequency should be adjusted depending on lighting conditions. If the plant is receiving more light, it might need more water. Conversely, if it's in a lower light situation, less frequent watering might be more appropriate. During the colder months when the plant's growth slows down, watering can be reduced to only once every 2-3 weeks.
Other: This type of plant is drought-tolerant, meaning it can survive and even thrive in conditions where water is scarce. Be careful not to overwater. (This makes the snake plant an excellent choice for those who may forget to water their plants regularly!)
3. Aloe Vera
This plant not only helps keep your home free from benzene which is commonly found in paint and certain chemical cleaners, but it's also handy to have around because of its healing properties. (It's great for burns!)
Light Requirements: It's important to provide bright, natural sunlight for aloe vera. When placed outdoors, aim to give the plant around six hours of sun exposure, ideally with some shade during the hot afternoon hours to prevent scorches. If you're keeping your aloe indoors, make sure it is placed near a window that receives ample bright sunlight throughout the day.
Watering Schedule: The watering should be deep but infrequent. This means you should thoroughly drench the soil, but allow it to almost completely dry out before the next watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so it's better to err on the side of too little water than too much.
Other: One good way to prevent overwatering your aloe vera is to allow the soil to dry out at least 1-2 inches deep between waterings. This will ensure the roots are not constantly waterlogged and help to prevent common issues like root rot. It's a good idea to check the moisture level of the soil before each watering to ensure it's ready.
4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
A beautiful cascading plant that's perfect for bookshelves or a hanging basket. It's one of the best for filtering airborne toxins inside your home.
Light Requirements: Partial to full sun, but can tolerate low light. However, over time it may get weak and spindly, so consider rotating it with other plants for optimal health.
Watering Schedule: Maintain consistently moist soil. English ivy has medium water needs and doesn't like to dry out completely, but avoid keeping it wet for extended periods to prevent root rot.
Other: Prefers cooler temperatures and humidity. Indoors, find a spot with medium to bright light for best growth.
5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
This plant is especially effective at removing formaldehyde from indoor air. Its large leaves can also absorb airborne chemicals and break them down, rendering them harmless.
Light Requirements: Six to eight hours of bright, indirect light daily. Your rubber plant can thrive in an east-facing window or several feet from a south-facing or west-facing window.
Watering Schedule: Frequency varies with season - possibly every 3 days or as sparsely as every 8 days.
Other: Sap contains latex and is toxic to pets and humans. Consider a grow light for homes with less than ideal lighting conditions.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Not only does it have beautiful white blooms, but it also tops NASA's list for removing all three of most common VOCs — formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. It can also combat toluene and xylene.
Light Requirements: Peace lilies prefer low to medium indirect light. They can tolerate low light, but they thrive in areas with moderate light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
Watering Schedule: Keep the soil consistently moist, but do not overwater. Overwatering can lead to root rot. It's a good practice to wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again.
Other: Peace lilies prefer warmer temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). They also appreciate humid conditions, so consider placing your peace lily in a bathroom or kitchen, or use a humidity tray to increase humidity levels.
It's important to note that peace lilies are toxic to pets and people. If ingested, it can cause irritation in the mouth, excessive salivation, and difficulty swallowing. Therefore, be mindful about where you place a peace lily in your house. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, and always wash your hands after handling this plant.
Want Cleaner Air? The Plant Shoppe Can Help
There we have it! These six houseplants are a great start to making your home's air cleaner and safer. Not to mention, they'll add a lovely touch of green to your spaces! Whether you're planting in your living room, home office, or your bedroom, these plants are excellent choices.
Ready to start your indoor jungle or expand your existing collection? Come visit us at The Plant Shoppe in downtown Fairhope. We’re waiting for you, with our curated collection and plant advice! Let's grow together, creating lusher, happier spaces.
Our showroom is opening its doors for the Spring season on March 1st! We look forward to seeing you and helping you find the perfect plants for your routine.