Top Five Houseplants For A Happier And Cleaner Home & How To Keep Them Alive

Top Five Houseplants For A Happier And Cleaner Home & How To Keep Them Alive

If you have been spending a lot more time at home and are looking for some cheery companionship - get some houseplants. I find my house plants bring me joy, make my space feel more cozy, and add that special touch to any empty corner.
I have more than 30 species of plants strewn about my house, but let’s talk about my top five picks for a happier, cleaner home (and how to keep them alive). Houseplants can rid the air of harmful chemicals while producing clean oxygen for your home, they also brighten your mood, reduce stress, and elevate your space. Mix and match a few per room and you’ll be on your way to a happier and healthier home.

1. POTHOS & PHILODENDRON

Looking for two low maintenance roommates?? If Pothos and Philodendron were people they would NEVER ask for the manager, never complain their water was low, and be chill - either sitting in a table in the back by the bathroom, or at the VIP table by the window.

Although very similar, pothos and philidendron are slightly different in a few ways. They can both thrive in many light situations but pothos can handle low light a little bit better. Both and can deal with dry bouts pretty well, but pothos are a bit more drought tolerant. I have also found that pothos can be a bit easier to propagate.

These are great plants for low light spaces and they love being around moisture as well. Consider adding a pothos to your bathroom for a dreamy boho vibe.


☀️ Like medium to bright indirect light, can handle low light situations
💧 Water once a week or when the soil feels dry
💚 Great at cleaning indoor air of toxins
☠️ Toxic to cats and dogs when ingested - can cause irritation and vomiting
 

2. PEACE LILY

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If you are looking for one of the best air purifying plants, consider adding a Peace Lily to your plant family. Not only does the name give me joy, so does knowing that it is working overtime to help provide my home with clean air. Definitely keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy, just slightly moist) or the leaves will wilt and your plant will struggle.


☀️ Likes medium to bright indirect light
💧 Keep soil consistently slightly moist
💚 One of the best at cleaning indoor air of toxins: formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia
☠️ Toxic to cats and dogs when ingested and can cause skin irritation especially with children
 

3. FIDDLE LEAF FIG TREE

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Finicky but worth it! We have all seen beautiful fiddle leaf fig trees gracing the presence of magazine spreads and our Pinterest boards. Once you conquer the learning curve of how to provide the right environment for your fiddle leaf fig tree you can sit back and enjoy its beauty. Since this plant is a rainforest native it needs plenty of bright light, lots of water, and a warm humid enviremont. If your tree is in direct sunlight and has burnt tips, it is suffering from leaf scorch - try moving it to a bright location but out of direct sunlight.


☀️ Likes plenty of bright indirect and direct sunlight

💧 Keep soil consistently slightly moist

💚 Their broad leaf structure makes this one of the best house plants for cleaning indoor air of toxins

☠️ Toxic to cats and dogs when ingested


4. ALOE VERA

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Growing up in Florida, the large Aloe Vera plant that was planted outside of my grandparents front door was a beach or pool day savior. Aloe Vera gel is one of the best natural remedies for a sunburn - it has antioxidant and antibacterial properties and accelerates the healing process. Aloe Vera is also fantastic for internal healing - I am not a doctor or scientist so here is a great resource if you are looking to incorporate Aloe Vera into your diet.


☀️ Likes plenty of indirect sunshine

💧 Water every 2-3 weeks, water deeply then let top third of soil dry out before watering again (Water less frequently in fall and winter)

💚 Great for removing toxins from the air

☠️ Some Aloe plants can be toxic to cats and dogs and humans, know which variety you have before ingesting or applying topically


5. SNAKE PLANT OR MOTHER-IN-LAW’S TONGUE

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Place one of these snake plants in your bedroom and your body will thank you. Along with Pothos, Philodendron, Peace Lily and Aloe Vera, snake plants releases oxygen at night and will help you get a better nights sleep. These are easy to propagate in water, and the pups can be pulled from the mother propagation stem for planting and the mother stem will regrow another pup.


☀️ Likes plenty of indirect sunshine

💧 Water every 2-3 weeks, water deeply then let top third of soil dry out before watering again (Water less frequently in fall and winter) Roots are prime to root rot if kept too moist.

💚 Great for removing toxins from the air such as formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene.

☠️ Mildy toxic if ingested

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