House plants to keep your home fresh

With the majority of us spending more time than usual at home at the moment, it’s never been more important to consider the quality of the air we’re breathing. Working from home has been on the rise during lockdown, meaning we’re getting less fresh air on our daily commutes, so creating a healthy environment indoors is paramount. Certain species of plants are ideal for detoxing our indoor atmospheres by removing toxins to purify and improve the quality of the air in our homes. This in turn can help to aid respiratory irritations, raise oxygen levels to increase productivity, and even remove harmful mould spores, too. We’ve rounded-up some of the top house plants to consider if you’re looking to go green at home…

Selection of house plants, from £5.99, all Dobbies

Known for its soothing and moisturising properties for skin and hair, aloe vera has also been proven to be successful at reducing the amount of formaldehyde in the air, which is often present in carpets and wood varnishes. These plants are relatively easy to maintain and keep working both day and night to emit oxygen and take in carbon dioxide, making it a top choice for bedrooms.
 

Peace lily, £24.99, Leafenvy.co.uk

As well as being an attractive addition to your home décor, peace lilies are particularly effective at cleansing the air of manmade chemicals including Trichloroethylene and Benzene (found in things like paint). The plants absorb the pollutants via their leaves and these are then broken down by the soil’s microbes to remove them from your indoor atmosphere.

The Little Botanical Sansevieria Snakey plant, £17.99, Dobbies

Another good option for serial house plant killers is the snake plant. It’s a very low maintenance species, requiring only a little water every few weeks and withstanding most conditions. Like aloe vera, this plant is a great choice for bedrooms as it continues to produce oxygen at night time (where many others don’t due to the absence of photosynthesis), so it can help to improve the air quality while you sleep.

Mawnan planter, £95, Tom Raffield

If you’re looking for a stylish trailing plant to adorn your home that also offers practical benefits, English ivy is worth looking into. It’s been shown to help reduce the amount of airborne mould particles in the home, so is ideal for placing in mould-prone bathrooms or damp environments. It’s worth bearing in mind that it’s poisonous to humans (and pets – like a lot of other house plants mentioned here), so it would be safest placed somewhere high up and out of the reach of children.
 

Faux areca palm tree, £139; Lola curvaceous burnt orange velvet armchair, £520; chevron Sienna patterned rug, from £199; bronze embossed planter on stand, £88, all Audenza 

If a larger species is what you’re after, an areca palm will make a striking, tropical-inspired addition to any room in your home. It has been ranked as one of the top indoor plants to help humidify the air by releasing water, so is a good choice for homes with dry air and for people who suffer from respiratory difficulties such as asthma. 
 

Woven jute hanging plant pot, £8, Garden Trading

Boasting pretty fringed leaves and lush green foliage, the Boston fern is a popular house plant thanks to its attractive appearance. On top of this, it’s considered to be one of the best species for removing harmful toxins from the air and it’s also a natural humidifier. These moisture releasing qualities make it a great choice for those suffering from mild dry skin irritations, or a dry throat or nose (often caused by air conditioning or central heating in the home).

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