Silent Cleaners : 8 house plants that purify while they beautify

As a frequent killer of plants, I’ve been advised by friends, family, and helpful sales people to just please, have a heart, put that plant down, and back away slowly. But what can I say, I’m a sucker for those leafy mini-trees.

Not only are they gorgeous to look at, they’re good for you as well – some house plants are known to help remove nasty toxins like benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air!

So if you’re interested in getting a plant (or two) that’ll double up as an air purifier, here are a few options to consider that are not only great at cleaning the air, but are also hardy enough to withstand an owner with a severe lack of green thumbs.

 

Rubber Plant

Source: The Sill

Hardiness:

        

Water:

                    

Light: Indirect

Removes: Formaldehyde

Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets

 

Snake Plant

Source: Gardening Know How

Hardiness:

        

Water:

                    

Light: Low light

Removes: Formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, benzene, xylene

Toxicity: Toxicity level is low, but can still be harmful to pets and young children

 

Boston Fern

Source: Walmart

Hardiness:

        

Water:

                    

Light: Indirect light

Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene

Toxicity: Not toxic

 

Aloe Vera

Source: Ikea

Hardiness:

       

Water:

                    

Light: Full sun, low heat

Removes: Formaldehyde

Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets

 

Dumb Cane

 

Source: Home Depot

 

Hardiness:

        

Water:

                    

Light: Filtered light

Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene and toluene

Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets

 

Cornstalk dracaena (Dracaena fragrans) or Massangeana

Source: Home Depot

Hardiness:

        

Water:

                    

Light: Indirect light

Removes: Benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene

Toxicity: Toxic to children and pets

 

Bamboo Palm

Source: Exotica

Hardiness:

        

Water:

                    

Light: Bright, indirect light

Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene and toluene

Toxicity: Not toxic

 

Dwarf Date Palm

Source: Fast Growing Trees

Hardiness:

        

Water:

                    

Light: Bright, indirect light

Removes: Formaldehyde and xylene

Toxicity: Not toxic
Have you got a thriving garden? Share your tips on how  you keep your babies alive below in our comments section.