Plants not only add a bit of color to the office, but they can also be multi-purpose. Certain plants not only provide precious oxygen, but they also filter the air as well.

How do houseplants clean the air?

Plants absorb some of the particulates from the air as they take in carbon dioxide. Not only that, some of the microorganisms that lie in their soil also take part in the cleaning effect. On a separate, but equal note, while they clean the air, studies have proven that plants make people feel better. Patients in hospitals with plants in their rooms had lower blood pressure and stress levels and were more positive.

Here are 5 plants that filter the air:

1. Aloe Vera
   1. Pros: Cleans the air, relieves pain from sunburn
   2. Cons: Has to have proper draining, does not do well in standing water
2. Snake Plant/Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
   1. Pros: Extremely hard to kill, requires very little water. Will give you bonus points for being trendy
   2. Cons: Might not be the easiest to explain it’s name to your mother-in-law should she come to the office
3. Garden Mum
   1. Pros: They’re affordable and easy to find, come in a variety of colors. Not sure they’re right for your office? You can take them home and plant them in the yard and they’ll do as well there
      
4. Dracaena
   1. Pros: There are 40+ varieties, making it easy to find one that fits your office
   2. Cons: They are toxic to cats and dogs. If your office is pet friendly, we don’t recommend this one
5. Peace lily
   1. Pros: Easy to grow, bloom most of the summer with fragrant flowers
   2. Cons: Does prefer shadier areas, if you’re looking for something to for areas of high sunlight, this might not be for you