Five flowers that improve air quality and are easy to look after

If you’re aiming to reduce indoor toxins, boost humidity, or simply give your home a quick refresh, a simple trick is to just add flowers. Yes, it may sound simple but it’s the perfect solution – and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Specialists at Eflorist have identified the best flowers to naturally purify your indoor air, many of which are also easy to care for.

So, how exactly do flowers help? Flowers improve air quality in several ways. Some varieties, like houseplants, can absorb common pollutants such as formaldehyde and ammonia found in everyday household products. They also increase humidity by releasing moisture into the air, helping to combat dryness. Additionally, through photosynthesis, flowers absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, enhancing the overall freshness of your space.

Another benefit? Their natural fragrance. Instead of relying on chemical-laden air fresheners, fresh flowers offer a clean, pleasant scent – and they add beauty to any room. However, while all flowers are beautiful, not all are equally effective at air purification. So, which ones should you choose?

1. Chrysanthemums

These bright and cheerful flowers do more than just look pretty. Chrysanthemums have been found to remove harmful pollutants, including ammonia and benzene – making them a great flower 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.

2. Peace lilies

The specialists explain that these flowers “are one of the most effective air purifying flowers or houseplants” which are best known for their abilities to “remove dangerous toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.”

They explain: “So much so that research from NASA identifies 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.”

3. Lavender

This is best-known for it’s relaxing scent – used in a variety of ways. But did you know it can also help to improve air quality, making it another of the best air purifying plants? The specialists said: “Lavender 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 flower 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.

Thankfully, these plants are also 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.