The Top 5 (Low-Maintenance) House Plants for Clean Air
One of the greatest weaknesses in our modern homes is poor indoor air quality. Our furniture, painted walls, coated floors, and other household items produce off-gassing (often for YEARS), which can silently wreak havoc on our health. While we can’t avoid all of these toxins, we can do some simple things to help reduce their negative impact on our bodies!
Enter God’s design: Did you know that keeping certain plants alive in your home can actually contribute to cleaner indoor air? You may have a green thumb, but choosing from the hundreds of indoor plant options may feel overwhelming… Or you may be like me and love the idea of having house plants, but can’t seem to keep them alive…
I have finally found the best five plants that are SUPER easy to keep alive, and contribute beautifully to the aesthetics AND air quality in your home!
The beautiful rubber tree boasts thick deep green leaves, slow & steady indoor growth, and flexibility toward its environment. It will cooperate with typical indoor temperatures, and is not picky about humidity. It can typically go a week or two between watering, but should be quite happy near a window. My only “beef” with the rubber tree is that it is not considered safe for pets or kids, were they to put it in their mouth, due to a sap that is sometimes produced on it. So be cautious and don’t leave kiddos or fur babies unsupervised around it.
2. Prayer Plant (Calathea)
This happy, high-reaching plant is an eye-catcher! If you have a little space, a little light (indirect sunlight is great!), and a little water to share, this beauty will be a cheerful companion. She can grow over 3 feet tall, and over 2 feet wide when she’s happy. You’ll notice as it gets dark this special plant folds its leaves upward, as if folding its hands to pray (hence: the name “prayer plant”). She’s resilient and easy to please… a delight for any room in the house!
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
An eclectic friend for any sunny space, the spider plant has quite a personality! Thankfully, it gets its name from how it appears (“legs” everywhere), not because it brings spiders in its wake. Settle it into a spot with indirect sunlight, and get into a simple rhythm of watering (probably weekly, but each home’s temperature and humidity varies), and you’ll have a brightly colored companion contributing to cleaner air!
4. Zebra Plant (Aphelandra)
The striking zebra plant has become my personal favorite in my home. This delightfully designed plant is resilient and brightly colored, with gorgeous leaves. You’ll find if she’s starting to droop, just give her a drink, and she’ll perk up in minutes! She prefers bright, but indirect sunlight, and will bring joy wherever you place her. With consistent, but low-maintenance care, she can remain a faithful friend for 10+ years.
5. Peacock Plant (Calathea)
The peacock plant seems to be a bit of a show-off, like the animal. You will enjoy its brightly colored leaves proudly on display. Just offer indirect sunlight, medium watering, and it will be content, even in a cooler indoor temperature. The varying colors give you beautiful options, as you select your new indoor companion.
If you decide to bring home some plants to freshen up your space, snap a picture and tag @PlantBasedInGrace so we can meet your new friends!