Plants add beauty, create atmosphere and bring a bit of nature inside your home. But aesthetics is not the only reason to add plants throughout the house. They are nature's powerhouses and are effective in filtering toxins from the air. While nearly all plants will improve the air quality inside your home to a certain degree, some are better than others. To improve your indoor air quality, consider adding nature's powerful air cleaners to your home.

Golden Pothos

Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as devil's ivy, is easy to care for and does an excellent job of filtering the air. It removes formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide from the air. Golden pothos thrives in low-light but prefers bright, indirect light. Grow golden pothos near a sunny window, but avoid direct sunlight. Variegated varieties will lose their color and revert to pure green if they do not receive enough light. Simply move the plant to a brighter location and the color will return in a few weeks. Golden pothos is poisonous to small children and pets and should be grown out of their reach.

Heart Leaf Philodendron

Heart Leaf philodendron is often confused with pothos as it has similar foliage. This plant thrives in low light conditions and can even be grown in a vase of water, making it an easy to care for plant. It removes a variety of toxins from the air but is especially effective in removing formaldehyde. Grow philodendrons in low light areas where other plants may not survive. Philodendrons are toxic to both humans and pets if they are ingested. 

Spider Plant

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum), also known as airplane plants, produce long, slender, grass-like leaves in either green or variegated green and white. While the foliage cascades over the sides of hanging baskets naturally, its real splendor can be seen when mature plants overflow the pot with arches of tiny white blooms and baby spiders. These easy to care for plants require bright, indirect light and need watering when the soil dries. Spider plants remove benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene from the air improving your indoor air quality. Grow spider plants near a window with some shelter from the sun, such as shade from outside trees or by adding a sheer curtain between the window and the plant. Spider plants are safe to have around children and pets.

Peace Lily

Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum) are powerhouses for removing toxins from the air. In fact, the peace lily topped NASA's list of plants capable of removing formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene from the air. This attractive plant requires little care other than watering when the soil is dry. It thrives in low light and its attractive foliage and blooms complement any decor. Peace lilies are a good choice for bedrooms and are safe to have around children and pets.

Using houseplants to improve the air quality in your home can be fun and enjoyable, but there are other options, too. The professionals at Guaranteed Heating & Cooling can help you decide what options are best for you. Contact us today to discuss your needs.