Houseplants are not only easy to find and purchase, but most are also just as easy to take care of! Often, we think it’s difficult to keep a plant alive; remembering when or if you’ve watered it that day, where it should be in the house, etc. But, some houseplants are actually quite easy to take care of- and they keep your air clean!

In other articles, we’ve discussed the importance of your indoor air quality and different ways to keep your air clean. We’ve also talked about the difference chemicals you can find in your home and how to know whether or not you’ve been sick from indoor air pollution. One of the most prevalent toxins you find in your home is actually formaldehyde! There is a lot of possible sources of formaldehyde, including but not limited to: natural gas stoves, disinfectants, plywood, deodorants, and so many more!

Knowing this can be quite unsettling, but luckily there are easy ways to help prevent dangerous chemicals, like formaldehyde from remaining in your homes air! Houseplants are a great way to decorate your home and keep your air clean.

Here is a complete guide on 7 houseplants that can keep your improve your indoor air quality and how to take care of them:

1. English Ivy
Removes: Formaldehyde; airborne fecal-matter particles
Grows Best: 4 or more hours of direct sunlight; moist soil

2. *Bamboo Palm
Removes: Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Trichloroethylene
Grows Best: part sun or shade; also called reed palm

3. Chinese Evergreen
Removes: Formaldehyde, Benzene, Trichloroethylene, and Carbon Monoxide
Grows Best: low light; like humid air, mist if too dry

4. Gerbera Daisy
Removes: Benzene and Trichloroethylene
Grows Best: at least 6 hours of sunlight; mist leaves couple times a week and make sure pot has drainage holes

5. Red-Edged Dracaena
Removes: Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene, and Trichloroethylene
Grows Best: moderate sunlight, high ceilings!; can get as high as 15ft

6. Mother-In-Law’s Tongue
Removes: Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene, and Trichloroethylene
Grows Best: any type of temperature or light; very hardy succulent, careful not to over or under water

7. Chrysanthemum
Removes: Formaldehyde, Benzene, Trichloroethylene
Grows Best: bright, direct sunlight;

Notice: Plants with a * are houseplants that are non-toxic to house pets. Therefore, be warned, all other plants on the list are toxic to pets. Keep these plants out of reach of pets or only buy houseplants safe for pets.

With this guide, finding a plant to improve your indoor air quality and taking care of it should be a piece of cake! Consider one or many of these plants to be not only a great decoration, but also a life saver! But if you’re still feeling uneasy and like a few houseplants isn’t enough- we understand! Consider getting a whole-house air purifier to ensure that your home or businesses air is clean. Find out more information air purifiers here.