The AQI in Mumbai has consistently been at unhealthy levels and is showing no signs of improving. There’s precious little you can do once you step out of the house to prevent inhaling toxic fumes, save for wearing the masks that we used during the height of the pandemic. Uncomfortable as they are, they are more essential now to save our lungs from the pollution. But, home is a different story. People in metros are increasingly looking at adding air purifiers to their home appliance list.
India’s air purifier market was valued at USD 1.9 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 3.16 billion by 2029. While air purifiers seem like a great idea, to at the very least control the kind of air we breathe in the house, having a natural option shouldn’t hurt either, right?
Now apartments in big cities typically do not have space for plants. But houseplants can easily be accommodated on window ledges, unused window AC vents, walls, and even refrigerator doors in cute magnetic plant holders. There are plenty of lovely planters available online or even at those roadside plant vendors you see peppered along the highways. You could score some pretty looking ones for a good price – if you know how to bargain.
To arrange the planters, there are some absolutely gorgeous stands available like these Assam cane planters. Macrame ones work perfectly for smaller pots too.
The best air purifying house plants are:
Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)
The Money Plant is one of the most popular indoor plants in India. It has long, trailing stems with heart-shaped leaves that are easy to care for and propagate. While it grows well in low light conditions and can survive with minimal watering, it is toxic if its leaves are ingested. So keep away from small children and pets. This fast-growing plant can be watered once a week or if the top soil looks dry. It grows well, in indirect sunlight. It’s best placed in the bedroom – on a corner planter stand, in magnetic plant holders on a metal cupboard, or on top of a chest of drawers.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Whoever named the Snake Plant, “Mother-in-law’s tongue”, had a wicked tongue-in-cheek sense of humour. Pun totally intended. This hardy and low-maintenance succulent can survive in almost any conditions. It has tall, upright leaves that are variegated with green and yellow stripes. It is known for its ability to purify the air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. Place them in the centre of the dining table, on your work desk, on the kids’ study table, or on a bedside table.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is a beautiful flowering plant that is popular in Indian households. It has glossy green leaves and white flowers that bloom throughout the year and can purify the air by removing pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. This plant is easy to care for and can survive in low light conditions. It flourishes in high temperatures and high humidity levels so you can’t go wrong with this. Water it only when the topsoil looks dry. This plant needs a well drained potting mix and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. It’ll fit perfectly on a bedside table or a side table in the living room.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant has long, thin leaves that grow in a rosette pattern and produce small, white flowers. It is known for its ability to purify the air by removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene. It is easy to propagate and can be grown in hanging baskets and they look gorgeous.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm is a beautiful indoor plant that can lend a beautiful tropical aesthetic to any home. It has long, feathery fronds that grow from a central stem and can reach up to 6 feet in height. Known for its ability to purify the air by removing pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, it needs bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
The Aloe Vera plant is a must have in every home. Its thick, succulent leaves contain a clear gel that is known for its soothing properties. Aloe vera gel is the main ingredient in many hair care and skin care products. So why would you want to use the gel from a box when you can get the real deal at home! It is easy to care for and can survive in low light conditions. Known for its ability to purify the air by removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene, the plant can grow to be really really big. So harvest the outer leaves regularly.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is a beautiful indoor plant with large, glossy leaves that can grow up to 12 inches long. It has the ability to purify the air by removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene. Bright, indirect light and regular watering is what it needs. It can grow up to 8 feet tall and can be pruned to maintain its size.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The Boston Fern has delicate, feathery fronds and the ability to purify the air by removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene. It needs bright, indirect light and regular watering. Its fronds are overhanging so putting the pots in macrame holders or on a contrasting stand will look the best.
A few tips to remember when placing houseplants
The plants will need to be watered, albeit irregularly, so consider how the pot will drain.
Place the plants in corners or on walls or along the perimeters to make the room look bigger.
Avoid placing them near the centre of the room.
Featured Image Huy Phan
