A Plant of Fresh Air

The affinity for nature is one thing we share across the globe, regardless of our style preferences. That manifests in many different forms but I’m sure that all of us can come up with at least one thing we love about nature. It’s no surprise that many of us like to incorporate nature into our homes and work spaces.

I don’t know about you guys, but I aspire to be a plant mom. I LOVE plants. Their green color immediately gives life to any space and they are some of the easiest additions to bring into a room. With greenery, you don’t have to worry so much about whether the colors or patterns match your existing décor. While fake plants are great for longevity, they’re not so great maintenance wise. Hello dust and allergies.

Now, with a lot of us stuck inside during this quarantine, getting some fresh air is essential. Having live plants in your home, office, and other spaces could actually protect and potentially improve your health. Dangerous chemicals can be emitted from various appliances and materials used all around our homes such as ovens, carpets, cleaning products, and other building materials. However, there are a plethora of plants that are capable of absorbing those toxins and improving air quality.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a succulent popular for its medicinal properties. The gel found inside the leaves is used as an aid for cuts, sun burns, and even the digestive system. It likes a lot of sunlight, great for a window sill. Avoid overwatering.

Eliminates: formaldehyde and benzene.

Bamboo

This was the first plant I ever attempted to care for. It’s actually a good beginners plant to start with. Bamboo likes bright spaces but not direct sunlight. It also requires moist soil (Oops!). Let’s just say I should have done my research beforehand.

Eliminates: formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene, chloroform, and more.

Chrysanthemums

Mums are a gorgeous addition to the home because they come in a variety of colors. They are best known for being an Autumn flower. The burnt oranges and bright yellows are perfect for a Thanksgiving arrangement. However, these require a watchful eye, lots of direct sunlight, and moist soil.

Eliminates: formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and ammonia.

Peace Lily

Peace lilies can be a beautiful addition to a sideboard or dining table centerpiece. They add an air of elegance with their dainty, white petals. Something to keep in mind, this plant can cause swelling and irritation to the skin, so this plant is best used solely as decoration. Remember to wash those hands! It should also be kept out of reach of dogs, cats, and children.

Eliminates: formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia, and more.

Snake Plant

With many different types to choose from, Snake plants require very little care which makes them great for first time plant owners. They only need moist soil so be careful not to overwater. This will be my next venture!

Eliminates: carbon dioxide, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

Spider Plant

Spider plants, even though they have a spooky name, they’re actually very pretty. Known for their long, striped leaves, they sometimes even produce white blossoms. They are very resilient and only need to be watered 2-3 times per week. Also, safe for any home with pets or children.

Eliminates: formaldehyde and xylene.

There are a lot more plants than the ones named above. Depending on the space available to you and the amount of sunlight you have (or lack thereof), other options may be best for you. Let me know if you've tried any of these six!

What are some plants you have in your home that you absolutely love?