> At a Glance
> – Closed winter windows trap stale air; 78% of US adults worry about rising energy bills
> – Four low-maintenance plants filter formaldehyde, benzene and other VOCs without electricity
> – Start-up Neoplants claims one super-charged pothos equals 30 regular plants
> – Why it matters: Fresher indoor air for pennies instead of plugging in another appliance
When freezing weather seals windows shut, houseplants offer a silent, energy-free way to cut indoor pollution. News Of Los Angeles tested which varieties remove the most toxins while surviving forgetful owners.
The Plant Lineup
Marble queen pothos tops the list. It pulls formaldehyde, benzene and toluene from the air and needs water only once a week. Neoplants uses this species in its lab-boosted system that it says scrubs air 30 times faster than normal.
Peace lily handles low light and removes formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide. Expect white flag-like blooms and a 16-inch height at maturity.
English ivy cuts airborne fecal matter and formaldehyde from household cleaners. Keep it away from pets-it’s toxic if chewed.
Gerbera daisy adds color while filtering trichloroethylene and benzene. It craves direct sun and frequent watering.
Reality Check
NASA research shows leaves and roots absorb VOCs, but you would need hundreds of plants to match a portable purifier. Dusty leaves lose efficiency, so wipe them down or let an air purifier do the dust-catching instead.
| Plant | Key Toxin Removed | Pet-Safe | Light Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos | Formaldehyde, benzene | No | Low |
| Peace lily | Carbon monoxide | No | Low |
| English ivy | Fecal particles | No | Moderate |
| Gerbera daisy | Trichloroethylene | Yes | High |
Succulents and ZZ plants suit beginners-just don’t over-water or the roots rot.
Key Takeaways
- Four proven air-scrubbers: pothos, peace lily, ivy, gerbera daisy
- Pothos survives neglect; gerbera needs sunshine and steady moisture
- Pets hazard: three of the four are toxic if eaten
- Pair plants with a purifier for dust and pollen control
Add one-or twenty-of these leafy filters and breathe easier until spring windows reopen.
