Plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. But plants also have the ability to remove pollutants from the air, which has a purifying effect. For example, plants can remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have toxic properties from the air. Some examples of VOCs include benzene, trichloroethylene, toluene and octane. Along with carbon dioxide, plants can also remove formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide from the air. Some house plants have been found to be better than others in removing VOCs and other pollutants from the air.
Peace Lily
This plant is also known as Spathiphyllum. It is the top rated air purifying house plant by The Flower Council of Holland. It is rated high for removing different types of toxins from the air.
Boston Fern
Along with being highly rated for removing toxins from the air, this plant can increase humidity levels in homes. It is recommended for spaces that have central air conditioning or heat.
Dracaena Marginata and Dracaena Fragrans
These plants are in the Dracaena family of plants. They have the highest rating for removing trichloroethylene from the air. Trichloroethylene is a byproduct of some printers and photocopiers, so these plants are recommended for office spaces to purify the air.
Umbrella Plant
The umbrella plant is highly rated at purifying the air. It also helps to humidify the air.
Other Plants
Other plants that are highly rated for purifying the air include ivy plants, such as hedera helix, all varieties of palms, rubber plant, weeping fig, orchids and Sansevieria, which is also known as Mother-in-law' tongue. Flowering plants that are rated high for their air purifying qualities include chrysanthemum, potted tulips, anthurium and gerbera.
Other Pollutants
Plants that remove formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide from the air include the Chinese evergreen, peace lily, spider plant and golden pothos.
