We all know that plants release oxygen which makes them beneficial to our homes, but the health benefits of some plants go much further. Several studies show they are also able to clean mold and toxins from the air. In fact, certain plants can rid a room of up to 89 percent of harmful VOCs like formaldehyde and xylene.

The following plants are some of the best at removing toxins.

1. Bamboo Palm

The bamboo palm or reed palm is one of easiest plants to decorate with as it has such a simple non-invasive aesthetic it seems to just blend-right-in regardless of where you place it. This plant does prefer partial sun though and has a knack for removing airborne pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde.

2. Dragon Tree

The Madagascar Dragon tree is one of the easiest indoor plants to maintain. The tree grows slow, can handle being ignored for months at a time, and improves air quality. The leaves can vary in color and trunks can vary in shape. The Dragon Tree is one of the plants on NASA’s air filtering plants list.

3. Spider Plant

This is probably the easiest-to-care-for plant on this list but does prefer to be placed in bright, indirect light. The Spider Plant is a hard-working air purifier, removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

 - Spider plants placed in closed chambers with 120 parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide remove 96 percent of the contaminant in 24 hours. Similarly, spider plants placed in closed chambers with 50 ppm of nitrogen oxide remove 99 percent of it from the air in 24 hours.

4. English Ivy

This evergreen vine has been planted in South Carolina for ages. Be careful planting it outside because it can be invasiveness and damage your homes gutters and exterior walls. However, inside, where it grows much slower due to the lack of light and controlled watering, it makes a great interior piece. It can be draped up an armoire or easily contained in a little pot. Many stores in the Myrtle Beach area will sell dwarf varieties of English Ivy that are especially good as interior plants as they are bred for their slow growth.

5. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen or Aglaonema can grow just about anywhere you place it. It can handle low light but also grows well in sun. One of the few plants that don’t require natural light to thrive. This leafy plant can come in both green and colorful varieties and helps with your home’s air quality but, it is important to note - this plant is not appropriate for homes with pets as it is toxic.

  • Also noteworthy: 
  • Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
  • Janet Craig (Dracaena fragrans "Janet Craig")
  • Marginata (Dracaena marginata)
  • Mass cane/corn plant (Dracaena fragrans "Massangeana")
  • Mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata laurentii)
  • Pot mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
  • Peace lily (Spathiphyllum "Mauna Loa")

+ Aloe

And since we here at Jeff Casterline Properties live at the beach in the GRAND STRAND AREA, we know all about the benefits of Aloe. From antioxidant and antibacterial benefits to treating sunburn, it's definitely a wonderful plant. This plant is sun-loving and also helps remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air. If you don’t already have on of these sitting on the windowsill of your home, you should definitely consider it!