3 Non-Toxic Houseplants That Help Clean The Air

Some kitchen trends come and go, but a clean, fresh smelling kitchen is always in fashion! Kitchen hoods do the lion’s share of the work, removing airborne grease, smoke, steam and stinky odors from the room. But for an extra touch of freshness, why not add a few houseplants? Not only are they pretty to look at, but also some potted plants can help to purify the air in your home. While there are many options to choose from, these three air-cleaning houseplants are considered non-toxic and safe for homeowners with pets and small children. So take a deep breath, relax, and read all about it!

  • #1: Boston Fern

The Boston fern has long been a favorite amongst homeowners, thanks to frilly foliage and ease of care. Boston ferns feature lush, arching fronds that look lovely in a hanging basket, or when placed on a plant stand in an empty corner of the kitchen. Keep your fern’s soil moist (but not soggy), give it an occasional misting, and place it in a cool spot in the home with indirect sunlight. Be sure to trim back the fronds when necessary.

Spider plant in retro tea cup

  • #2: Spider Plant

The Spider plant is highly adaptable, and one of the easiest plants to grow indoors — no green thumb required! It doesn’t like to be soggy, so be sure to use a well-draining soil, and let it dry out a bit between watering. Keep your spider plant in a bright spot with indirect light and it should flourish, with the occasional pruning. It may even produce babies (called spiderettes) that can be rooted to make new plants.

  • #3: Bamboo Palm

The bamboo palm can grow up to 7 feet tall, making it a nice choice for homeowners looking for a dramatic houseplant to anchor a larger space. Since it prefers shade, it thrives indoors. As with most palms, the soil should be well draining and kept moist. Applying fertilizer in the summer months will help to keep your bamboo palm healthy and green.

A famous 1989 NASA Clean Air Study found these three houseplants to be powerful air-purifiers, particularly for their ability to remove formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and ammonia from an indoor environment. These common airborne pollutants can be found in kitchen cleaning supplies and furniture, and have been thought to cause headaches, respiratory problems, eye irritation, and other health concerns.

While the Boston fern, spider plant, and bamboo palm are all considered non-toxic for humans and pets, they could still pose a choking hazard, or may cause an upset stomach and other issues if ingested. With that said, it’s best to keep all houseplants out of reach and watch for any fallen leaves.

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