Houseplants: The best low maintenance plants to remove ‘harmful toxins’ from the air

Monty Don provides advice on watering houseplants

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Houseplants are extremely popular in the UK, with several varieties requiring low maintenance to keep alive. What’s more, many opt to keep houseplants because of the health benefits they provide, including improving sleep and removing airborne mould. Gardening-Guru at Miracle-Gro, Kate Turner, shared the top plants which can be beneficial in the home.

The expert explained: “Cleaning, decorating products, cookers and fires all contribute to air pollution.

“Our homes can also suffer from poor ventilation, especially in winter as we tend to open our windows less.

“Having plants can therefore help improve air quality in our homes by removing harmful toxins from the air and clean it for us too.

“Studies have even shown that once you’ve introduced more plants to your house, you may find that after a long day at work you are feeling less fatigued, with some plants even helping with the quality of your sleep.”

One plant which is a great plant to keep in the bedroom is the Areca Palm.

Kate said: “In the winter months, dry air can make your sinuses painful, but Areca Palm is a born humidifier and therefore will help you sleep peacefully.

“This is a fairly big plant, so make sure you have enough room in your bedroom for it.”

It requires little maintenance, although it likes to keep its soil moist so the occasional watering is required during the winter months.

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The Peace Lily, also known as Spathiphyllum, is one of the most popular indoor plants in the UK.

This is because it has gorgeous white flowers and can bring tranquillity into the home.

The expert explained: “This plant is not only very easy to care for but is also great at purifying the air.

“They enjoy medium to low light, which makes it a great bedroom plant and will add a touch of brightness to your room with its beautiful flowers.”

For those who have allergies or asthma, the English Ivy houseplant may be a great option to keep in the bedroom.

Ongoing research has suggested that the plant can help to remove up to 78 percent of airborne mould in less than a day, according to the expert.

She added: “It therefore could be a great plant to purify the air and help you breathe easy at night.”

One of the easiest houseplants to take care of is the Snake Plant.

Often known as being “unkillable”, the mother-in-law’s tongue helps to remove both toxins and carbon dioxide from the air.

It likes the humidity, and keeping it in the bathroom could be a good option.

Owners only need to water the plant when the soil is completely dry and pests often stay away from the Snake Plant.

Kate continued: “The more plants you have grouped together, the better the air quality and the greater the benefits.

“When your plants start flowering, usually in spring, it’s important to give them plant food to give them all the nutrients they need to be healthy.

“I would recommend using Miracle Gro’s Organic Pump and Feed for all your houseplants and cacti.”

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