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Indoor plants that improve air quality
The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is popular for its looks but can also do its bit to help the air quality in your home or workplace.(Wikimedia: Forest and Kim Starr)
One plant — English Ivy — is listed as a noxious weed in many parts of Australia, as outdoors it spreads easily and can kill other plants. But it's also one of the most effective at removing air-borne chemicals.
Many plants on the list are super easy to grow, although even if you do accidentally kill a plant, a 2004 study has shown microorganisms in the potting mix can also be helpful in removing chemicals such as benzene. So even a planter in the corner could be helpful, long after a plant has died.
It's important to note that poisonous plants such as ivy are only good indoors if you don't plan to eat them.
If you share your home with animals (or children) who may be tempted to chew leaves, you need to filter your search a bit more.
Common plants poisonous to pets
Bad news: your favourite houseplants and flowers are probably toxic to your dogs and cats.
Whether you're planning a sojourn in outer space, or you simply want to breathe more easily at work or home, here are some plants to include in your air-con arsenal:
Golden cane palm (Dypsis lutescens): Grows 2 metres tall indoors. Multiple bamboo-like gold-green stems and graceful fronds. Needs good drainage and high light levels; does not like temperatures under 15°C.
Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'): Long lacy fronds and can get large — to 1 metre high and wide. Likes a cool, well-lit spot away from direct sun and regular watering, but tolerates drought better than wet feet. Suits a hanging basket when small.
The Chlorophytum comosum makes a great hanging plant.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Its arched, pointed leaves hang gracefully over containers, making it a great hanging plant. It produces long stems bearing little white flowers and plantlets that will eventually grow roots and become new plants. It can last a long time without water and survive in dark conditions or bright sun. Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum): An attractive vine that will climb up a post. Protect from direct sun. Prefers temperatures between 17-30°C and only needs watering when the soil feels dry. Can be grown as a cutting in water.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa'): One of Australia's most common indoor plants that tolerates dark and dry soil (but not waterlogging), this is also one of the most efficient air cleaners, even removing ammonia — a component of urine — so good in bathrooms.
Be aware: Peace lily plants can be poisonous to pets.
Flamingo lily (Anthurium andaeanum): Another ammonia absorber, this ornamental plant produces bright red or pink spathes (a colourful sheath around a flower spike) and likes diffused light, moist but well-drained soil, and a high humidity.
Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii): Produces lots of bamboo-like stems with graceful fronds. Prefers a shady spot and can grow to 3 metres. Like moist, well-drained soil.
Variegated snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii'): A relative of asparagus, this produces stiff upright leaves. The pores on its leaves only open at night, which prevents water loss during the heat of the day and helps the plant cope with drought conditions — so it fills your house with oxygen as you sleep.The secrets to keeping indoor plants alive Just as you feel more comfy in certain parts of your house, so too do your plants.
Dracaena (Dracaena marginata): Has long, thin leaves that can be variegated with red or pale yellow. Another high-performing air filter, and unaffected by most common plant diseases, but liable to root rot if overwatered.
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina): The official tree of Bangkok has glossy, dark-green leaves on gracefully drooping branches. It can also be pruned quite hard and miniature cultivars are popular for bonsai. Prefers bright conditions but tolerates shade. Has a latex sap that can cause allergies.
Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii): An attractive daisy plant available in a range of flowering colours, these make a great alternative to buying cut flowers. Native to South Africa, they tolerate Australian conditions well and will grow outdoors in warmer states but are harder to keep flowering indoors. They like a warm, bright spot, but direct sun through windows can burn them. Susceptible to crown rot if water or wet soil sits around the new growth.Live in an apartment? You can still have a thriving gardenBorn from a growth in high-rise living, balcony gardens are fast becoming the new Aussie backyards — with green oases flourishing in places you would least expect.
Rubber plant (Ficus elastica): Native to South-East Asia, these can grow into huge trees, but are easily cut back if they reach the ceiling. There are colourful cultivars with red markings. Its white latex sap is what rubber is made from, but it can cause allergies. Not the best air cleaner, but one of the most-coveted aesthetically!
Aloe vera (Aloe vera): One of the few succulents on the list, Aloe vera is well known for its cosmetic use, although the jury is still out on how effective or safe it actually is. Originally from the Arabian Peninsula, it is a tough, drought-hardy plant that also survives frost and snow. Indoors it like a bright spot and well-drained soil (mixing river sand with potting mix works well), although it can still burn in full sun and needs minimal water over winter.Please remember that many easy-growing plants can become weeds outside — always dispose of unwanted plants responsibly and check with your local council or state environment department for any restrictions.
*Pet owners beware: These are poisonous to animals!
