The best plants and flowers that purify the air

A bouquet of flowers in our homes is a staple for many. And beyond fragrance and freshness, there are many other benefits to a floral display—including improving the air quality in your home.

Air quality is something we often take for granted, yet it plays a crucial role in our overall well-being.

Many common household items, from cleaning products to even the furniture we own, can release pollutants into the air, contributing to issues like allergies, irritation, and respiratory problems.

In fact, research from Purdue University found that chemicals from candles, wax melts, air fresheners, and even cooking on a gas stove can pollute your home.

Ensuring you have clean air in your home is vital for maintaining good health, and creating a more comfortable living space, so why opt for chemical scents when you can use the real thing?

As such, the team here at Euroflorist have shared the air quality benefits that flowers can provide us with, as well as the best plants that clean air in your home.


 How do flowers support cleaner air?

So, for those wondering how to get clean air in your home using flowers, it’s actually very simple to do, as flowers contribute to clean air in the house in several different ways by simply being in their vase.

Firstly, they can help with absorbing toxins, as some flowers, just like houseplants, have the ability to absorb pollutants and toxins, such as formaldehyde and ammonia, which are commonly found in household products.

Flowers can also help to increase humidity, as they release moisture into the air, which can help combat dryness. As well as this, they release oxygen through photosynthesis—since flowers take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving the freshness of your indoor environment.

Finally, a bouquet will provide a natural fragrance to your home, so instead of using artificial air fresheners filled with chemicals, you can use flowers as a natural way to keep your home smelling fresh.

And beyond their air purifying properties, flowers also promote better mental well-being, as studies have shown that being around plants and flowers can lower stress levels and enhance your overall mood, contributing to a healthier and happier home environment.

It’s fair to say that flowers have many benefits, but not all flowers are equal when it comes to air purification, as some varieties are known to have particularly strong results.

But which plants and flowers are the best for clean air in the house?

What are the best air purifying plants?

Below, we have listed 5 of the best flowers that purify the air in your home:

 

1. Peace Lilies

Peace lilies are one of the most effective air purifying plants, known to remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. 

In fact, research from NASA has identified them as one of the best air-purifying houseplants.

They also thrive in low-light conditions, making them easy to care for, so even beginner gardeners and flower enthusiasts can enjoy the benefits of peace lilies!

 

2. Chrysanthemums

These bright and cheerful flowers do more than just look pretty, as chrysanthemums have been found to remove harmful pollutants, including ammonia and benzene. 

However, they require a good amount of sunlight, so it’s important to position them near a window where they can get an ample amount throughout the day.

 

3. Lavender

Famous for its calming scent, lavender can help reduce stress while also improving air quality. 

Lavender plants can help to filter air pollutants, and it releases a lovely, calming fragrance naturally, eliminating the need for any synthetic air fresheners in your home.

 

4. Jasmine

Jasmine flowers emit a sweet fragrance and can improve sleep quality and reduce stress by promoting relaxation. 

It’s also a great oxygen-producing plant, and one of the best air purifying plants for bedrooms, creating a calming atmosphere whilst absorbing harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene.

 

5. Orchids

Orchids are a fantastic choice for improving air quality, as they can absorb harmful chemicals like xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde that can be found in the air.

Just like jasmine, they also release oxygen at night, making them another excellent option for bedrooms.

Orchids are also a low-maintenance houseplant, as you only need to water them once every 7-10 days, meaning you can reap the benefits without doing much work.

Author

David Denyer

Euroflorist's Flower Expert

With over 35 years of floristry experience, David Denyer is a renowned master in his field. His talent and artistic vision have earned him numerous accolades and awards, establishing him as one of the industry's leading figures. David has captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing his passion for floristry in Europe, China, Australia, and America. His captivating demonstrations have left a lasting impression on floral enthusiasts globally. In 2023, David made a memorable appearance on the prestigious television show, Gardeners World, further solidifying his reputation as an exceptional florist. David's journey to success began in 1996 when he was named Interflora "Florist of the Year." Since then, he has represented the United Kingdom in the "Europa Cup" and achieved consecutive Chelsea Gold Medals and Best in Show titles at the renowned Chelsea Flower Show from 2000 to 2003. In July 2004, David was once again named Interflora "Florist of the Year" and led his team to victory at the Interflora World Cup in Melbourne, Australia. He continued to impress with another Chelsea Gold Medal in 2005 and received a Gold Medal in 2011 for his floral installation titled "A Sense of Perspective." David's Accolades: July 1996: Interflora "Florist of the Year"; September 1999: Represented the UK in the "Europa Cup" in Austria; May 2000-2005: 6x Consecutive Chelsea Gold Medal and Best in Show - Professional Floristry; July 2004: Interflora "Florist of the Year"; September 2004: Interflora World Cup Winners in Melbourne, Australia; 2011: Chelsea Gold Medal for "A Sense of Perspective" floral installation; 2023: Appeared on Gardeners World in 2023; David's vast experience and expertise now benefits Eflorist customers. Understanding the emotional power of flowers, he ensures that every customer receives the utmost delight when enjoying their thoughtfully sent bouquet.