Houseplants and indoor flowers are attractive home decor embellishments that give homes a vivacious feel. Your living space feels alive — and definitely not stale — when you decorate with a variety of oxygen-expelling plants. Below you’ll find a list of houseplants that serve two purposes: They’re eye candy AND lung candy.
Spider plant. Don’t worry, arachnophobes: These plants don’t attract you-know-whats. They DO, however, combat carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene. Oh, and if your thumbs are anything but green: Don’t worry. These resilient plants are difficult to kill.
Chinese evergreen. Another easy-to-grow plant, this species battles air pollutants and removes toxins. “Even with low light, it will produce blooms and red berries,” says a Mother Nature Network article.
Azalea. This shrub helps fight formaldehyde that can accumulate from foam insulation and plywood. “Because azaleas do best in cool areas around 60 to 65 degrees, they’re a good option for improving indoor air in your basement if you can find a bright spot,” Mother Nature Network advises.
Heart leaf philodendron. If you’ve got pets or kids — or are an adult with a penchant for snacking on houseplants — this climbing vine should be avoided because it’s toxic when eaten. But it’s a great plant for protecting your precious oxygen from volatile organic compounds.
For a list (and pics) of 15 houseplants that improve air quality, check out this informative slideshow from Mother Nature Network.