In the quest for cleaner, healthier indoor air, many of us turn to houseplants. Known for their ability to absorb harmful toxins and release oxygen, these green allies are a natural and aesthetically pleasing way to improve air quality. But what if your space is short on sunlight? Fret not, for there are air purifying plants indoor that thrive in low light conditions.
Before we delve into the specific plants, let's understand why they are beneficial. Plants like the Boston Fern and Peace Lily are known for their air-purifying properties, as identified by NASA's Clean Air Study. They absorb toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, improving the air we breathe. Now, let's explore some of these low light heroes.
Low Light Air Purifying Plants
Plants that can thrive in low light conditions are not only beneficial for air quality but also perfect for offices, apartments, or any space with limited sunlight.
Here are two such plants that excel in purifying air while requiring minimal light:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that can tolerate low light conditions. It's an excellent air purifier, removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. The Snake Plant also releases oxygen at night, making it a great choice for bedrooms.
Care Tip: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. It prefers temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C) during the day and a 10°F (6°C) drop at night.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is a beautiful, flowering plant that can survive in low light. It's known for its air-purifying properties, removing ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Peace Lilies also help increase humidity, which can be beneficial in dry indoor environments.
Care Tip: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Peace Lilies prefer temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and can tolerate lower light levels than many other plants.
Other Low Light Air Purifying Plants
While the Snake Plant and Peace Lily are standout performers, they're not the only low light air purifiers. Here are two more plants that can help clean your air:
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
![10 Best Low-Light Indoor Plants for Air Purification [2024 Guide]](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1d/1d/ba/1d1dbab6add40de46865e5817c801759.jpg)
The Boston Fern is a lush, green plant that loves humidity and indirect light. It's an excellent air purifier, removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Boston Ferns also help increase humidity, making them great for dry indoor environments.
Care Tip: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide high humidity, either through a humidifier or by placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is a hardy, trailing plant that can tolerate low light conditions. It's an effective air purifier, removing formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide. Pothos is also known for its ability to survive in a wide range of conditions, making it a great choice for beginners.
Care Tip: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Pothos prefers temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C) and can tolerate lower light levels than many other plants.
Incorporating these air purifying plants indoor can significantly improve the air quality in your space, creating a healthier environment for you and your family. So, go ahead, breathe easy, and enjoy the greenery!