Poorly ventilated offices and home have been shown to cause health problems including itchy eyes, headaches, coughing, and congestion.  In response to this growing issue, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America have come together to figure out the most effective air purifying plants to help you stay healthy. Here are a few plants that can bring life and health to your happy home.

1. Florist Mums

Absorbs: Ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene.

Florist Mums only last around six to eight weeks, but because of their rapid transpiration rate they effectively clean the air.

 

2. Spider Plant

Absorbs: Benzene, Carbon Monoxide, Formaldehyde, Xylene.

Don’t let the name scare you, Spider Plants get their name from small white flowers that grow on the tips of their stems.  These plants can grow between 6-12 inches and grow very well in semi-sunny to shaded areas like the inside of an office or home.

 

3. Peace Lily

Absorbs: Ammonia, Benzene, Formaldehyde, TCE, Xylene.

Being native to southeastern Asia and several tropical regions has made the Peace Lily an excellent plant for growing indoors year-round. Make sure to keep them clean since dust can collect and prevent them from fully purifying the air.

 

4. Boston Fern

Absorbs: Formaldehyde, Xylene.

The Boston Fern needs non-direct sunlight and proper care in order for them to thrive in your home. Be sure to water them frequently to keep the soil from drying out.

 

5. Orchid

Absorbs: Xylene, Toluene.

Orchids are a beautiful plant for your home, but be sure not to over water these plants as it can cause their roots to rot.

 

6. English Ivy

Absorbs: Animal Feces, Benzene, Carbon Monoxide, Formaldehyde, TCE.

This resilient plant thrives in both shady and sunny areas but requires regular watering.

 

7. Red Emerald

Absorbs: Formaldehyde

The Red Emerald has a very unique appearance with its bright green and red stems and leaves.  This brilliant plant grows best in mid-to-low light and warm areas. The Red Emerald is a climber so be sure to place it next to a wall or insert a stake to really see the Red Emerald shine.

 

8. Rubber Plant

Absorbs: Formaldehyde

This impressive plant actually gets its name from its large, leathery leaves.  The Rubber Plant thrive very well in low-light rooms and are easy to maintain.  Mind you the Rubber Plant can grow up to 50 feet tall so it might require the occasional re-potting.

 

 

Source: www.businessinsider.com