The Best Air Purifying Plants and Electronic Purifiers: Filtering the Air in Your House

Indoor plants not only add aesthetic value to your home but also serve as natural air purifiers. Some of the best air purifying plants include:

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

• Air Purifying Benefits: The snake plant is one of the most efficient air purifiers. It's known for removing toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides from the air. Remarkably, it releases oxygen at night, making it an excellent bedroom companion.
• Maintenance and Growth: This plant is very low maintenance. It thrives on neglect, preferring to be underwatered than overwatered. It can grow in low light but does best in indirect sunlight.
• Average Cost: Prices vary depending on the size, but generally, a small snake plant can cost around $10-$20.
• Best Place and Exposition: It's adaptable but prefers indirect light. It can be placed in bedrooms, living rooms, or offices where light is not abundant.
• Light and Room: Low to moderate indirect light is ideal, making it suitable for almost any room in the house.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

• Air Purifying Benefits: Peace lilies are excellent at cleaning the air of toxins like ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene. They have a high transpiration rate that humidifies the air.
• Maintenance and Growth: These plants are relatively easy to care for, though they require a bit more attention than snake plants. They thrive in high humidity and need their soil to be kept moist (but not waterlogged) and prefer to be in a well-draining potting mix.
• Average Cost: A medium-sized peace lily can range from $15 to $40, depending on its size and where you buy it.
• Best Place and Exposition: Bright, indirect light is best. They do well in bathrooms due to the higher humidity levels or any room that doesn’t get direct sunlight but is still bright.
• Light and Room: Prefers indirect light and can tolerate low light conditions, making it perfect for rooms without much natural sunlight.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Air Purifying Benefits: Spider plants are great for removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air. They're very resilient and can help reduce stress levels.
• Maintenance and Growth: Spider plants are incredibly easy to grow and maintain. They prefer well-drained soil and indirect sunlight. They're known for their ability to thrive under various conditions.
• Average Cost: Typically, a small spider plant costs between $5 and $15.
• Best Place and Exposition: These plants enjoy bright, indirect sunlight but can also adapt to lower light conditions. They're great for hanging baskets or as shelf plants due to their trailing nature.
• Light and Room: Ideal for living areas or kitchens with moderate light. They can also thrive in bathrooms with natural light.

Aloe Vera

• Air Purifying Benefits: Aloe vera is known for its ability to help clear formaldehyde and benzene, which can be a byproduct of chemical-based cleaners, paints, and more.
• Maintenance and Growth: This plant is quite easy to care for, requiring minimal watering (only when the soil is completely dry) and bright, indirect sunlight.
• Average Cost: Small aloe vera plants can range from $3 to $10.
• Best Place and Exposition: A sunny kitchen window is ideal as they need bright, indirect sunlight to thrive.
• Light and Room: They do best in bright light conditions and are suitable for kitchens or sunny living spaces.

Each of these plants brings its unique set of benefits and aesthetics to the indoor environment, catering to different care levels, making it easier to choose one that fits your lifestyle and home environment best.

Are Electronic Purifiers Worth It?

Electronic air purifiers are efficient in removing pollutants from the air, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. They can be particularly helpful for individuals with respiratory conditions. However, they come with a higher upfront cost and require regular maintenance.

Should You Bother Filtering the Air in Your House?

Indoor air quality can have a significant impact on your health, especially if you spend a lot of time indoors. Filtering the air in your house can help reduce allergens and pollutants, creating a healthier environment for you and your family. Whether you opt for air purifying plants or electronic purifiers, taking steps to improve indoor air quality is worth the effort.