Natural Air Purifying Plants

Let’s be honest- toxins and toxicants are everywhere! What are toxicants? A toxic substance introduced into the environment, e.g., a pesticide. Improving your indoor air quality with air purifying plants is a simple solution to reduce air-borne toxicants and allergens.  At times, the indoor air quality of your home or office is significantly worse than it is outside.  There are several steps you can take to greatly improve the indoor air quality in your home.

In a previous post a few years back where I mentioned the importance of cleansing your space, however it is also important to have consistent clean and fresh air within your sacred space. Air purifying plants are an inexpensive way to improve the air circulation and quality of your sacred space. 

How Do Air Purifying Plants Clean the Air Quality?

Air in our homes have been shown to contain harmful toxicants which ultimately end up in our bodies. Whether the toxicants are from building materials, paint, out-gassing carpets, dust, or flame retardants, the levels of these toxicants in the air can be reduced. These plants can reduce many air pollutants including formaldehyde, microbial pathogens, and microbial pathogens. In the 1980’s, NASA conducted a study that shows house plants help remove toxicants and purify the air. Below are my top 3 favorite house plants that naturally help purify the air.

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1- Spider Plant

Spider plants are tolerant of a wide range of conditions and are extremely adaptable to different environments. For those who don’t believe they have a “green thumb” or worry about caring for houseplants- fear not! These plants are extremely easy to care for. Watering: Depending on how warm & bright your house is, this might be every 10-14 days. Water them when they’re almost dry & be sure to let the water drain all the way through the pot. If your water is high in salts, consider using distilled water.

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2- Split Leaf Philodendron

The philodendron thrives in bright to moderate but never direct sunlight. Keeping it within 1-2 meters of a window is best. Plants kept in lower light tend to produce smaller leaves with less iconic holes or splits. Watering: This plant is drought friendly, preferring to be on the dry side so the philodendron can be watered every 7 to 10 days. Keep the soil evenly moist and drain well.

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3. Mother-in-Law Tongue or Snake Plant

Also known as the snake plant, the mother in law’s tongue is a great indoor plant for beginners because it flourishes in any lighting condition from bright indirect sunlight to shade. This plant is almost impossible to kill. Watering:  It can go for up to a month without water so make sure to keep the soil relatively dry – it is better to under water than over water. I water my snake plant a quarter cup of water every few weeks, making sure the soil dries between each watering. If you see its leaves drooping and becoming slimy, it means that the soil is too wet, remove any affected leaves and adjust your watering frequency.

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Indoor Plant Essentials

If you’re serious about adding more plants and living greens to your surroundings, here are a handful of products I absolutely adore and utilize in my little indoor garden. If you are worried that you don’t have a green thumb- here are some excellent resources to help your indoor plants thrive!

The Green Witch: Your Complete Guide to the Natural Magic of Herbs, Flowers, Essential Oils, and More 
by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

This is one of my all time favorite books in my home. If you feel a call to add more plants into your life, this book will become your best friend. Understanding the power of plants is truly alchemical medicine. This book is extremely easy to read and isn’t too dense. A super approachable way to cultivate a practice of honoring herbs, flowers, plants, and more.

Besmen Soil Test Kit
This inexpensive purchase was a miracle when I was first getting into caring for my indoor herbs and plants. Living in a desert climate affects my watering schedule and moisture content in the atmosphere. This device calculates the Ph levels of the soil, measures the soil moisture content, and sunlight intensity. Highly recommended for novice and advanced indoor gardeners and plant mamas – and the papi’s 😉

Rivet Geometric Ceramic Planter
I absolutely love adding textures and colors in my home by adding different pots and planters. These are one of my favorite planters which hold my snake plants, Chinese evergreen and Areca Palm. This planter has a great mid-century, boho-desert vibe.

Joyful Dirt Fertilizer – *AMAZING*
I don’t know how this product gives consistent amazing results, however I’m always super impressed with how effective this fertilizer is for my plants. From time to time I have a succulent grouping that just isn’t thriving, or my basil plant will be looking droopy and unhappy. Whatever the reason – depending on the herb or plant, 8-20 days after using just a dash of this fertilizer, my plants are thriving! As a reference- I have about 12-16 plants in my home at a time. When using this product with a dash per plant whenever needed, I go through about a bottle every 2.5 – 3 months. The BEST organic fertilizer.

Mid-Century Planter with Pot w/ Drainage
Honestly, this was one of my first investments I ever made when I was upgrading my home decor. I have had this planter for over two years and I am absolutely in love with it. The high quality planter stand has withheld several room changes, movement of furniture etc., and has zero scratches or bumps. A huge bonus that it comes with a great ceramic planter with drainage for your plant babies.

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