House plants are having a moment in decor right now, but they serve a purpose way beyond aesthetics, especially for city-dwellers. Plants (even small ones!) purify and filter nasties out of the air to make your apartment or office a much healthier space. Not sure which ones are best for purifying the air and easy to care for? We asked Erin Marino, Director of Brand Marketing at chic NYC and online-based plant store, The Sill.
She explained that some plants filter certain chemicals more efficiently than others, and offered a some insight into the chicest air purifying plants that are also just about impossible to kill. Keep reading to learn more about the best air-purifying house plants for people who live in the city.
The Best Air-Purifying House Plants for People Who Live in a City
1) Neon Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Bright, trailing plant. Thrives in medium-to-low, indirect light, and needs to be watered about once a week to every two weeks.
Filters: Benzene, Formaldehyde, Xylene, and Toluene
2) Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
A hardy houseplant. Can go for weeks without water due to its succulent properties, and it will tolerate and thrive in most indoor light conditions.
Filters: Benzene, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene, Xylene, and Toluene
3) Rubber Tree Plant (Ficus Elastica)
Colorful and sometimes variegated. Thrives in medium, indirect light, and needs to be watered about once a week.
Filters: Formaldehyde
4) Aloe Vera
Needs a sunny sill. Can go for weeks without water due to its succulent properties. The gel of Aloe vera can also be used used to treat minor skin conditions.
Filters: Benzene and Formaldehyde
5) Aglaonema
Low-light tolerant. Comes in many different variegations. Will dramatically droop when it needs water.
Filters: Benzene and Formaldehyde
6) Dracaena
Tolerant of many conditions. Does well in most spaces. Prefers medium to bright, direct sunlight, and a weekly watering.
Filters: Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Trichloroethylene
