Plants all over the world are working non-stop to remove pollutants from the air and create cleaner, fresher air in its place. This is why preserving our natural forests and green spaces is so important for the future of our planet. It is also the reason why having a house plant in your home is a step towards better health for you and your family.

Formaldehyde from tissues, carpets and furniture can cause asthma and other respiratory problems and houseplants can remove formaldehyde from the air. Carbon monoxide is the toxic gas found in car exhaust fumes and a spider plant placed in a small enclosed space can remove 96% of the carbon monoxide from the air.

NASA space research, conducted inside airtight space habitats, showed ordinary houseplants had amazing capabilities in fighting air pollution. In its test, in addition to formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, houseplants absorbed benzene (found in car exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke) and trichloroethylene (TCE) or dry-cleaning fluid.

The most effective types of house plant, aside from spider plants, are palms, including lady palm (Raphis excelsa) and parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans), ficus, peace lily (Spathiphyllum), dragon tree (Dracaena), Boston fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata), chrysanthemum and gerbera.

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