Do you know someone that suffers from seasonal allergies or worse, gets sick from the polluted air? We have been there. My son suffers greatly and its miserable for him. We started to research how certain plants could help, hence this article on best indoor plants for allergies and asthma sufferers!
I am a huge fan of indoor plants- not only are they a great way to add some greenery to your home but they can improve air quality. However, for people who suffer from allergies or asthma, choosing the right plants can be a challenge. Some plants can actually worsen symptoms by releasing pollen or irritants into the air.
Fortunately, there are many indoor plants that are safe for people with allergies and asthma. These plants can even help to purify the air by removing toxins and other harmful substances. By choosing the right plants, you can enjoy the benefits of indoor gardening without worrying about triggering your allergies or asthma.
When selecting indoor plants for allergies and asthma, it is important to consider factors such as the plant’s pollen count, the type of irritants it releases, and its ability to filter the air. Some of the best indoor plants for allergies and asthma include English ivy, spider plants, and bamboo palms. These plants are known for their air-purifying properties and low levels of allergens.
Air-Purifying Plants
Indoor air pollution is a major concern for people with allergies and asthma. To combat this problem, air-purifying plants are a natural and effective solution.
These plants have the ability to remove harmful toxins from the air, making it easier for individuals with respiratory issues to breathe.
Snake Plant
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a popular indoor plant that is known for its air-purifying abilities. It is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, which is commonly found in household products such as cleaning agents and furniture.
One of the benefits of the snake plant is that it is very low maintenance. It does not require a lot of water or sunlight, making it an ideal plant for people who are new to gardening or have a busy lifestyle.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that is known for its medicinal properties. In addition to its healing benefits, it is also an excellent air-purifying plant. It is particularly effective at removing benzene, which is commonly found in paint, plastics, and synthetic fibers.
Aloe vera is also easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of environments. It requires minimal watering and can thrive in both bright and low light conditions.
Spider Plant
The spider plant is another popular indoor plant that is known for its air-purifying abilities. It is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, which is commonly found in household products such as cleaning agents and furniture.
One of the benefits of the spider plant is that it is easy to propagate. It produces small plantlets that can be removed and planted in their own pots, making it an ideal plant for people who want to expand their indoor garden.
Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is a plant that is known for its air-purifying properties. It has been found to be effective at removing indoor air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. These pollutants can irritate the airways and trigger symptoms in people with allergies and asthma.
In addition to filtering out harmful chemicals, the bamboo palm can also increase indoor humidity levels, which can be beneficial for people with respiratory issues. Dry air can irritate the airways and make it harder to breathe, while increasing humidity can help soothe the airways and reduce symptoms.
Incorporating air-purifying plants into your home can have a significant impact on your indoor air quality. The snake plant, aloe vera, and spider plant are just a few examples of plants that can help improve the air you breathe.
Dracaena
Dracaena is a genus of plants that is known for its air-purifying properties. It has been found to be effective at removing common indoor air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. These pollutants can irritate the airways and trigger symptoms in people with allergies and asthma.
In addition to filtering out harmful chemicals, Dracaena also emits oxygen and can increase indoor humidity levels. This can be beneficial for people with respiratory issues, as dry air can irritate the airways and make it harder to breathe. By increasing humidity, Dracaena can help soothe the airways and reduce symptoms.
Note: is that Dracaena can be toxic to pets if ingested, so it may not be the best choice for households with animals. However, it can still be a great option for improving indoor air quality and reducing the likelihood of allergens and irritants triggering asthma or allergy symptoms.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are another popular indoor plant that can help improve air quality and add a touch of green to any room.
In addition to purifying the air, peace lilies can also help to reduce humidity and mold spores, which can be especially helpful for people with allergies.
High humidity levels and mold spores can aggravate respiratory symptoms and cause allergic reactions, so having a peace lily in your home can help to create a more comfortable and healthy living environment.
Note: peace lilies can be toxic if ingested, so they may not be the best choice for households with small children or pets.
However, if you take care to keep the plant out of reach and avoid consuming any parts of the plant, peace lilies can be a great option for improving indoor air quality and reducing the likelihood of allergens and irritants triggering asthma or allergy symptoms.
Humidity-Loving Plants
Indoor plants not only add aesthetic appeal to a room, but they can also help improve air quality and reduce allergens.
Some plants are particularly well-suited for environments with low humidity, making them ideal for those living in dry climates or during the winter months when indoor heating can dry out the air. Here are a few humidity-loving plants that can thrive indoors:
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are a popular choice for indoor plants due to their lush foliage and air-purifying abilities. They also happen to be humidity-loving plants, making them perfect for adding moisture to the air in dry environments.
Boston ferns thrive in bright, indirect light and require consistent watering to maintain their moisture-loving nature. Consider placing a Boston fern in a bathroom or near a humidifier to help keep the air moist.
English Ivy
English ivy is a fast-growing plant that can add a touch of green to any room. It is also known for its ability to purify the air and remove allergens, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies or asthma.
English ivy is a humidity-loving plant and thrives in moist environments. Consider placing an English ivy plant in a bathroom or near a humidifier to help add moisture to the air and keep the plant healthy.
Areca Palm
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) is a popular indoor plant that has been found to be effective at removing indoor air pollutants that can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms. The Areca Palm is particularly good at removing harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, which can be found in common household items such as carpets, furniture, and cleaning products.
By removing these harmful toxins from the air, the Areca Palm can help to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory problems in people with allergies and asthma. Additionally, the Areca Palm is a good humidifier and can help to add moisture to the air, which can be beneficial for people with dry or irritated airways.
Overall, the Areca Palm is a great indoor plant for allergy and asthma sufferers because it can help to purify the air, increase humidity levels, and create a healthier indoor environment.
Low-Maintenance Plants
For those who want to enjoy the benefits of indoor plants without the hassle of frequent maintenance, there are several low-maintenance options to choose from. Here are a few:
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is a popular choice for those who want a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in low-light conditions.
It has glossy, dark green leaves that can grow up to three feet long. The ZZ plant is also known for its air-purifying properties, making it a great choice for those with allergies or asthma.
Pothos
The pothos plant is another low-maintenance option that can grow in a variety of lighting conditions. It has large, heart-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, and variegated. The pothos plant is also known for its air-purifying properties, as it can remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
Rubber Plant
The rubber plant is a low-maintenance option that can grow up to eight feet tall. It has large, glossy leaves that come in a variety of colors, including green, burgundy, and variegated. The rubber plant is also known for its air-purifying properties, as it can remove toxins like formaldehyde from the air.
Overall, these low-maintenance plants are a great choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of indoor plants without the hassle of frequent maintenance. They are also great for those with allergies or asthma, as they can help purify the air and improve indoor air quality.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there are many indoor plants that can help reduce allergens and improve air quality for people with allergies and asthma. Some of the best options include spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants.
It’s important to note that while plants can be helpful, they are not a substitute for proper medical treatment or other measures to reduce indoor allergens. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and using air purifiers can also make a big difference in reducing allergens and improving air quality.
When selecting indoor plants, it’s best to choose those that are known to be non-toxic and safe for pets and children. It’s also important to properly care for the plants to ensure they stay healthy and continue to provide benefits for air quality.
By incorporating indoor plants into a comprehensive plan for reducing allergens and improving air quality, people with allergies and asthma can create a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
