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 Eflorist have shared the air quality benefits that flowers can provide us with, as well as the best plants to purify the air in our spaces.
So, how can I clean the air in my home using flowers? Well, flowers contribute to clean home air 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 home air?
Below, Eflorist have listed 5 of the best flowers that clean the air in your home:
1. Peace Lilies
Peace lilies are one of the most effective air purifying flowers, 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—making them a great plant to purify air.
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, making it another of the best air purifying plants.
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 for your bedroom, and creates 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.