Air Purifying Plants

One of the best additions to our home; air purifying plants. Not only do they literally remove toxins from the air, they are visually beautiful, and relatively low maintenance.  There are several air purifying plants out there, but here are 3 from Potted Earth Co that I personally own and have learned to care for (and fall in love with).

Snake Plant

Snake Plants aka Sansevieria, are very easy to care for and a great choice if you have never owned a plant before (me). They can live happily in low or bright light and have a minimum watering schedule. Depending on your home’s temperature, humidity, and lighting, watering can be done every 2-6 weeks. Snake Plants are similar to succulents in that they can store water in their leaves for longer periods of time. Which means, they can thrive off neglect (wa-hoooo!).

Quite literally, less is more, when it comes to watering. Sadly, overwatering can cause “root rot” which may ultimately kill your plant. However, if caught in time, it is possible to save your green beauty by re-planting in a well-draining cactus soil mix. In addition to using a pot with at least one draining hole.

Snake Plants are known to be the most effective at removing toxins such as; benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene. TIP: Snake Plants make great bedroom plants because they release oxygen at night! That sounds like a good night’s sleep to me.

With all these great benefits, unfortunately they are toxic to dogs and cats. If you’re a fur-parent you’ll have to steer clear of the Snake Plant.

Air purifying plants add more to your home than just decor

Rubber Plant 

Rubber Plant aka Ficus Elastica, is another great low maintenance purifying plant. The Rubber Plant removes pollutants from the air, absorbs exhaled carbon dioxide and coverts it into oxygen. Similar to the Snake Plant, this species of plant is also toxic for cats and dogs.

They do best in medium to bright indirect light (through curtains is ideal) and have a fairly easy watering schedule; once you figure out what they like. Watering should only be done 1-2 times a month or when about 30% of the soil is dry. The Rubber Plant’s large leathery leaves will start to turn yellow from under-watering. If you find that perfectly fine leaves are falling off, that could be a sign of over-watering.

I know it sounds complicated, but once you find it a happy place in your home you will understand how it needs to be watered. Just remember Rubber Plants can tolerate under-watering more than over-watering). Keeping it in a pot with drainage holes is important to avoid root-rot.

Peace Lily

The Peace Lily aka, Spathiphyllum app, is one of my favorites, but slightly needs more attention when it comes to watering. This species loves water and will absolutely let you know when it’s thirsty. The leaves will very noticeably start to droop and will spring back to life in no time after a watering. I’ve noticed that my plant craves a drink about once every 10-14 days. This is not a plant that can tolerate neglect unlike the Snake and Rubber Plant.

Peace Lillies do well in low and bright indirect light, but prefer low to partial shade. Similarly to the above plants, toxins such as ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene (to name a few) are absorbed and converted into oxygen.

I love that this plant produces white blossoms year round. It’s so beautiful to watch and satisfying to know that your plant is happy.

air purifying plant

My plants are from Potted Earth Co, owned and operated by the most incredible couple, Linn and Drew. I’ve had nothing but amazing customer service and prompt deliveries with Potted Earth Co. I highly recommend them if you are looking to start or expand your plant collection. They have a variety of pot sizes and colors to choose from, which makes it difficult to make a decision – eeek!

Check them on Instagram here!

 

 

*Info provided by Potted Earth Co.