Plants do more than just add a decorative flare to your home. They have the ability to boost your mood, increase productivity, help you sleep, and reduce stress. Really, plants are pretty great house companions. But did you know that they can do even more for your health?

Do Plants Improve Air Quality?

YES, some actually do! There are a handful of air purifying houseplants that enhance your home’s air flow by absorbing toxins in the air (while also making it look pretty). Many household items such as cleaning solutions, modern furniture, synthetic materials, and even rugs may give off more chemical fumes than you realize. 

In 1989, NASA conducted a study that discovered plants have the ability to absorb harmful indoor air pollutants, especially when it is a small and enclosed space. To get the most out of your air cleaning green friends, NASA recommends having two to three plants for every 100 square feet of living. The next time you feel like your plant collection is too big, just remember, NASA recommended it. 

Introducing air purifying plants to a small living space can be very beneficial for you. Not only will it improve your home’s air quality, it will liven up your decor too! If you have a small home and are looking for the best plants to spruce up your decor, take a peek at Max and Miles’ best plants for dorms and apartments.

Having a plethora of plants in your home with air cleaning properties can also help you get a better night’s rest. Check out which leafy companions you’ll want to invite to your next sleepover to improve your sleep habits. 

Along with improving your sleep and cleansing the air, foliage house plants, grown for their leafy green abundance, have their own list of benefits. Check out some extra care tips and advantages of having foliage around your house. 

However, not every plant shares the same air purifying qualities. Every plant is different and has their own personality, just like us. The plants that you choose to add to your home should reflect your own personality. If you want to know if you're a Max or a Miles, check out this quiz to help you figure out what plants best suit you.

Max’s Favorite Plants for Indoor Air Quality

If you’re a Max, you enjoy the bold and brilliant plants that involve easy care to fit in your tight schedule. Many of these plants such as orchids, bromeliads, and anthuriums are known for their air cleaning performance.

Orchids: Orchids are particularly proficient at removing xylene from the air. Xylene is often found in paints, adhesives, lacquers, and permanent magic markers. 

Bromeliads: These bold and tropical plants have been tested on their ability to absorb volatile organic compounds at a very efficient purification rate of 80 percent.

Anthurium: The world’s longest blooming plant does very well at absorbing ammonia and formaldehyde. These toxins are commonly found in cleaning solutions or gas stoves. 

Miles’ Favorite Plants for Indoor Air Quality

If you’re a Miles, you’re more likely to go with the flow and enjoy flourishing foliage that reflects your easy going personality. Miles’ plants such as snake plants, spider plants, pothos, philodendron, and ivy all absorb harmful indoor pollutants. 

Snake Plant: The Sansevieria (snake plant) does an excellent job absorbing CO2, benzene, formaldehyde, and other harmful toxins. Whereas most plants release carbon dioxide at night, the snake plant continues to release pure oxygen while you sleep soundly. 

Spider Plant: The leaves on this bright green plant absorb both mold and other allergens. This easy care plant is a great addition to any beginning plant parent’s collection.

Pothos: This foliage filled plant reduces airborne toxins such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Pothos plants are a great addition to a bedroom to help you breathe in clean oxygen while you sleep. 

Philodendron: Another highly efficient plant that absorbs formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. This plant is toxic to our furry friends, so be sure to keep it out of reach from them. 

Ivy: Ivy is another plant that helps remove mold and formaldehyde from the air. Its efficient absorbing qualities can help improve symptoms of allergies and asthma. 

Not only are plants a beautiful home decor accent piece, they make our lives better daily. Whether it’s improving our sleep habits, boosting our mood, reducing stress, livening up our decor, or purifying the air that we breathe, plants do it all. The next time you’re considering another plant to add to your collection, think about all of the benefits they provide you with (and with no complaints)!