By Priyanka Deshpande

CNBC-TV18.com

Best air-purifying plants you can keep at home

Published October 24, 2024

Delhi’s air quality worsened to ‘very poor’ on Thursday morning (October 24), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 330 in several areas. As air quality worsens in Delhi-NCR, a look at some air-purifying plants that are perfect for indoor spaces.

One of the most effective indoor air purifiers that removes common toxins. It grows well in water, pots and hanging baskets.

Care & Maintenance: No special care required; should be watered only when soil is dry. Is a risk to pets.

DEVIL'S IVY

Effective in removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene & toluene. Good for spots that have free air circulation, bright but not direct sunlight.

Care & Maintenance: Need moist soil and occasional misting to prevent spider mites. No risk to pets.

BAMBOO PALM

These plants effectively defend against airborne allergies by absorbing harmful toxins and can produce enough oxygen in a sealed room for normal breathing.

Care & Maintenance: Very sensitive to overwatering; require dry soil with occasional moisture. Is a risk to pets.

SNAKE PLANT

Their large leaves can absorb airborne chemicals and break them down, rendering them harmless. These plants also eliminate bacteria and mold spores in the air.

Care & Maintenance: Very sensitive to overwatering; require dry soil with occasional moisture. Is a risk to pets.

RUBBER PLANT

It emits high oxygen levels and purifies indoor spaces by removing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, carbon monoxide, and trichloroethylene.

Care & Maintenance: Needs full shade and water in moderate quantities. Is a risk to pets.

CHINESE EVERGREEN

It removes chemicals like formaldehyde & benzene from varnishes, floor finishes, & detergents. It also absorbs carbon dioxide & releases oxygen at night, making it ideal for bedrooms.

Care & Maintenance: Sensitive  to excess watering. A possible risk to pets. 

ALOE VERA

Help in removing toxins including carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in the printing and rubber industries. Great for absorbing odors and fumes.

Care & Maintenance: Prefer to dry  out completely  before being  watered again. Is pet friendly.

SPIDER PLANT

One of the most efficient plants at removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the air, it releases lots of moisture in the air.

Care & Maintenance: Prefer less  water than  most indoor  plants. Is not pet friendly.

DRACAENA PLANT