Start Your New Year with Best Houseplants for Clean Air

When all the holiday gatherings and dinners are over, when all the gifts have been exchanged, and when the calendar has flipped to 2022, you know it’s time for something new.

You might, of course, start with a thorough cleanup of your space — it’s definitely time to get rid of the Christmas tree, for example — but what’s next?

To bring some new life into your home in the new year, we recommend looking for a few indoor plants. We’ve covered The Best Houseplants For Good Feng Shui before, and you can certainly take some inspiration from there, but there’s another great type of plant that is trending right now — air purifying plants.

So since January 10 is National Houseplant Appreciation Day, we thought that a review of air purifying indoor plants might be in order.

Do Houseplants Improve Air Quality?

“Do houseplants clean air?” has been a much-debated question in the scientific community for years. NASA, in its landmark study from 1989, suggested that you need one plant for every 100 square feet of your space to keep the air quality at a good level. More recent research, using the latest measuring tools, either quotes a much higher number or even goes so far as to say that plants might not actually be effective at reducing volatile organic compounds indoors.

As the debates continue, we’ll assume that air purifying indoor plants do have some beneficial aspects to them. Besides, they make your home look so cozy and, for us, that’s enough. That said, here are the best houseplants for air quality you can get in 2022.

1. English Ivy

When it comes to houseplants for air quality, English ivy immediately stands out. It grows easily, looks great and is even said to help fight mold — so it’s good to place it in an area with high humidity, such as your bathroom.

Additionally, English ivy consumes quite a bit of water and does require some direct sunlight on a daily basis — hanging it by a window or putting it on a windowsill is preferable.

2. Bamboo Palm

If you’re looking for low light houseplants instead, consider the bamboo palm — a gorgeous-looking little tree with arching leaves that’s perfect for any shady area in your home. Since the Bamboo palm spends most of its time in the shade, make sure the soil is dry before watering it again.

3. Chinese Evergreen

Another example of low light houseplants is the Chinese evergreen. This leafy beauty enjoys humidity and will thrive in a bathroom environment. If you notice that the leaves start to brown, it means the plant is likely not getting enough water — try spraying the leaves with water from time to time.

4. Spider Plant

Those who usually manage to make even cacti starve for water should give the spider plant a try. It’s resilient and doesn’t need much care at all, and, at the same time, is leafy and generally happy-looking. Plus, despite its name, it’s non-toxic to animals.

5. Rubber Tree

Unlike other air purifying house plants in this list, rubber trees (also called rubber plants) have been very popular for years due to their unusual leaves and low-maintenance requirements.

NASA actually recommended rubber trees as one of their top picks for houseplants for air quality. They would look great on the floor, on your desk or even on a windowsill.

Note: Unlike spider plants, rubber trees are actually toxic for dogs and cats.

6. Aloe Vera

Not only can aloe vera purify the air, it’s also a great remedy against burns, whether from the sun or a hot pan in the kitchen. Aloe plants love the sun, so try to put them in a place where they can enjoy prolonged direct sunlight.

7. Flamingo Lily

While most of the plants covered above come in various shades of green, the flamingo lily will surely add a nice bright accent to your decor. This plant is easy to care for — water it once or twice a week and put it in a sunny (and humid) area but away from direct sunlight.

The seven best houseplants for clean air discussed above will definitely brighten up your space (and make it cleaner) coming into the new year. Try setting them up one by one, over the course of a few weeks, to see what the optimal number of plants for your home is.

Note: If you have pets, make sure to always research the plants you’re planning to purchase because they may be dangerous to animals. For example, lilies, ivies, rubber trees and aloe vera can be dangerous for animals, whereas spider plants are generally safe. Nevertheless, read about this aspect of plants online or consult with your veterinarian.

Speaking of purification, why not greet 2022 with a new cleaning routine for your hair? If you’re not sure what to get, our Hair Quiz will recommend a personal haircare plan for you in just a few minutes. Give it a try!