A to Z of Helpful Houseplants

Interior trends often move in cycles, in the late Sixties and Seventies, bringing the outdoors in was firmly in fashion so it was only a matter of time before house plants were back in style. However putting trends aside for a moment houseplants have so much more to offer than simply ‘looking good’. Well-placed greenery can brighten up your space as well as purifying the air in your home. Nature is often linked to reduced stress levels and relieves tension, so if you’re looking to create a relaxing atmosphere in your home try including some of these beautiful houseplants to your interiors.

Aloe Plant 

Quickly becoming a firm favourite in many homes the Aloe Vera plant is not only easy to care for but it also boasts several natural healing properties. You may know that it can soothe cuts and burns but it also helps to monitor the air in your home. If the amount of harmful chemicals in the air becomes excessive the plants’ leaves will display brown spots, pretty clever for a standard houseplant!

Bamboo Palm

Perfect for shady indoor spaces, Bamboo Palm or as it’s also known Reed Palm is one of the best plants for purifying the air as well as filtering both benzene and trichloroethylene. Another benefit of the Bamboo Palm is that it can be placed around furniture that could be off-gassing formaldehyde.

Barberton Daisy 

As well as being pretty to look at the Barberton Daisy is suited for laundry rooms and bedrooms as it helps fight trichloroethylene which is a chemical used in dry cleaning. Keep the colourful flowering houseplant in direct sunlight.

Broadleaf Lady Palm

With a strange name and appearance, the Broadleaf Lady Palm is one of the most effective indoor houseplants that you can find. Cleaning toxins from the air including, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde xylene and ammonia the strange species of fan palm is also very easy to look after.

English Ivy 

According to NASA, the British Ivy is the number one best air-filtering houseplant and the most effective at absorbing formaldehyde. Although this plant can go to work in any room due to its ability to reduce airborne fecal matter it’s the ideal plant for bathrooms and toilets.

Orchids

Perhaps the prettiest plant on our list Orchids rid the air of xylene and live on little water and sunlight. Making a great housewarming gift Orchids give off oxygen at night and last a lot longer than cut flowers.

Peace Lily 

Another popular houseplant is the Peace Lily, excellent for the home or office as it brightens up your space whilst cleaning the room that it’s in. The low-maintenance flower can live well in the shade and cooler temperatures whilst it reduces the levels of several toxins in the air.

Philodendron

Decorative and easy to care for the heart-shaped philodendron is a popular houseplant that grows with moderate water and some sunlight. Although it’s great at removing formaldehyde its better in homes without small pets or children as if eaten the plant is toxic.

Red Edged Dracaena 

The Red Edged Dracaena is a vibrant plant that grows up to fifteen feet tall, whilst removing toxins from the air it also looks good filling an empty corner of your home.

Snake Plant

Don’t be put off by the name, Snake plants survive on little water and sunlight and are perfect for any corner of your home. Absorbing carbon dioxide in the day and releasing oxygen during the night this plant is a perfect addition to your bedroom for a boost of clean air while you sleep.

Spider Plant 

A great choice for beginners or those of you who forget to look after your plants, Spider plants are amongst the easiest to grow. In your home they will remove the pollutants, formaldehyde (emitted with vehicle exhausts) and xylene from the air making them ideal for garages and sheds.

Whether you’ve just moved in or are looking to add some helpful houseplants to your home you now know the best choices for each room. If you are selling or letting a property and would like some advice please contact your local Anthony Pepe branch and our team will be happy to help you.