12 Healthy Houseplants That Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Between the energy efficiency of homes and the amount of toxic chemicals that are released into the air every day, indoor air pollution can be very unhealthy.

The quality of the indoor air you breathe is very important to your long-term health. According the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor indoor air quality is one of the top public health risks you face each day.

Poor quality air has been linked to a number of different health effects that may be experienced immediately or several years later. Understanding and controlling the indoor air pollution you are exposed to by making small changes to your living space may help reduce your health risks.

Houseplants are very functional decorations for your home and office that brighten your space, improve your mood and clean your air.

Here are 12 plants to consider to help the quality of your indoor air:

1. Jade Plant - Particularly good at absorbing toluene emitted from gasoline, paint, kerosene and lacquers. These plants flourish in medium light, single pot and room temperature. Allow the soil to dry between watering; brown leaves indicate they need more water.

2. Spider Plant - These plants can absorb up to 90% of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from tobacco smoke and O-xylene from fuels and P-xylene found in plastics. (This plant is also called the airplane plant.) It is resilient and survives well even if you don't have a green thumb. The plant is safe for your pets and easy to grow.

3. Scarlet Start - In the family of Bromeliads, as is the pineapple, this plant easily purifies the air of 90% of benzenes emitted from glues, furniture wax, detergent and paint. These plants are easy to grow indoors and have very few problems with pests. They withstand drought well, but never overwater them.

4. Caribbean Tree Cactus - These lovely cactus plants can absorb up to 80% of the ethylbenzene in the space they are kept. This chemical is emitted from electronic products, construction material, garden care products, toys and furniture.

5. Dracaena - These beautiful variegated leaf plants absorb 90% of the acetone from household cleaners and nail polish remover.

6. Ferns - These leafy plants require a lot of water and provide humidity for your home.

7. Peace Lily - These plants come in either a solid color or variegated leaf variety. They bloom in the spring and don't require much light. Keep them close at hand in your office as they absorb electromagnetic radiation from your digital devices and humidify the air.

8. English Ivy - Easy to grow and care for, they are excellent at absorbing the toxins from cigarette smoke and cleansing the air for people suffering from asthma.

9. Ficus - Slightly more difficult to care for, the Ficus cleanses odors from the air and reduces toxic substances from your home and office. There are several varieties of the plant.

10. Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law's Tongue - This plant is easy to care for and grows well. It removes benzene and formaldehyde and increases the oxygen supply in the room at night.

11. Philodendron - These are favorite plants as they are easily grown and look great in hanging pots. They efficiently detoxify formaldehyde but are toxic to cats and dogs.

12. Bamboo Palm - Also known as the Reed Palm, this plant thrives indoors and readily absorbs formaldehyde outgassing from furniture. If you've purchased a new chair or couch you may want to decorate with a couple of these plants.

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