The days are getting shorter and colder, meaning you'll be spending more time cozied up indoors. While the comfort of your home is appealing, the stale air circulating can make the long winter months feel dreary. Rather than shelling out hundreds of dollars for an air purifier, you can freshen up your space naturally using houseplants. Houseplants are nature's air purifiers, absorbing toxins and producing clean oxygen. Not only will they brighten your home with greenery, but they'll clean the air and boost your mood all season long. Here are the top houseplants to cozy up your home this winter.
Winterise Your Home With These Top Air Purifying Plants
When the weather outside is frightful, the air inside can get pretty stale. Houseplants are natural air purifiers that can freshen up your home and remove toxins. During winter, it’s a great idea to bring some plants indoors.
The spider plant is one of the best for filtering out carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Its long, grassy leaves absorb airborne pollutants and all you need to do is give it moderate light and water. The pothos plant is another option that can thrive in low light and requires little maintenance. It helps reduce mold spores and airborne germs.
For removing benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde, try the peace lily. This easy-to-care for plant produces beautiful white flowers and needs medium to low light. The Chinese evergreen is great at absorbing benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It comes in variegated colours and only requires moderate watering and indirect light.
Snake plants, or mother-in-law’s tongue, are excellent at filtering out benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and carbon monoxide. They can tolerate low light and dry conditions. Philodendrons also help remove formaldehyde and need medium light and moisture.
This winter, fill your home with natural air purifiers like pothos, peace lilies, Chinese evergreens and snake plants. They freshen up your indoor air, boost your mood and make cozy spaces feel more alive. Your home will be healthier, happier and more vibrant until spring.
The Best Low Light Air Purifying Plants for Dark Rooms
If the winter months have you craving natural light, don’t despair. There are houseplants that can thrive even in dark rooms. Some of the best low-light purifiers include:
Spider Plants
Snake plants, or mother-in-law's tongue, are nearly indestructible and can tolerate very low light. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night, so place one in your bedroom. Only water when the soil is quite dry.
Chinese Evergreens
This popular houseplant helps filter out benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It does best in medium to low light. Water when the top layer of soil feels dry and fertilize monthly during the growing season. The variegated varieties can brighten up a dim space.
Peace Lilies
With their beautiful white blooms, peace lilies are a wonderful choice for a low-light room. They remove chemicals like trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out between waterings. Mist frequently with a spray bottle to provide humidity.
By adding a few of these natural air purifiers to your dim and shady rooms, you’ll be breathing cleaner, fresher air in no time. And their lush greenery is sure to make your living space feel cosier all winter long.
Add Warmth and Coziness With These Pet-Safe Houseplants
Adding live plants to your home during the winter is a great way to make your space feel cozy and warm. Here are some pet-friendly houseplants that can naturally freshen the air in your home:
Spider Plant
The spider plant is a popular houseplant that helps remove toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. It’s non-toxic to pets and easy to care for, requiring moderate light and watering when the top inch of soil is dry.
Peace Lily
With its beautiful white flowers, the peace lily is another natural air purifier that removes chemicals like trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde. It thrives in low light and humid conditions. Water when the top of the soil is dry, but be careful not to overwater. While the peace lily’s leaves are toxic to pets, the flowers are not. Place this plant out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
Chinese Evergreens
This tropical plant helps filter out benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It comes in variegated colors with eye-catching leaves and prefers medium to low light. Water when the top inch or so of soil is dry. Chinese evergreens are non-toxic to pets, but may cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large amounts.
Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant is a succulent that removes formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. It requires lots of bright light and little watering. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. While the gel from the aloe vera leaves can be used to soothe minor cuts and burns, the leaves themselves may cause diarrhea and vomiting if chewed by pets. Place this plant in an area that’s inaccessible to cats and dogs.
By adding a few of these natural air purifiers to your home, you'll be creating a cosier space and fresher indoor environment for you and your pets to enjoy all winter long.
Decorating With Winter Houseplants - Tips for Styling Your Indoor Oasis
Decorating with houseplants during winter not only adds warmth to your home but also helps naturally clean the air. Here are some tips for creating an indoor oasis:
Choose Low-Light Plants
Since days are shorter in winter, opt for plants that can thrive in low light conditions. Great options include:
- Pothos: This easy-care vine can tolerate low light and inconsistent watering. Let its trailing stems cascade over a shelf or mantel.
- Chinese Evergreens: With colorful variegated leaves, these tropical plants brighten up dim corners. Group a few together for an easy DIY centerpiece.
- ZZ Plant: One of the most tolerant houseplants, the ZZ Plant can handle low light and drought. Its waxy green leaves make it an ideal sculptural plant for tabletops or floor space.
Create a Jungle Vibe
Cluster several plants together on tables, counters, and the floor to create the look of an indoor jungle oasis. Some plants to combine include:
- Snake Plants: Tall, upright leaves add height.
- Ferns: Lacy fronds create an airy, woodsy feel.
- Philodendrons: Heart-shaped leaves fill in space with tropical greenery.
Accessorise for the Season
Add seasonal touches to complete the cozy vibe. Consider:
- Natural wood or rattan cachepots, baskets and stands
- Candles in seasonal scents like cinnamon, clove or pine
- Soft lighting from table and floor lamps
- Throws, pillows and rugs in warm colours and natural fibres
Whether you have a green thumb or not, creating an indoor oasis with houseplants is easy. Start with a few low-maintenance plants in a space you enjoy, add seasonal decor to set the right mood, then sit back and enjoy your cozy, naturally-purified winter sanctuary. The simple pleasures of nurturing life provide comfort in the quieter months.
Caring for Houseplants in Dry Winter Conditions
The dry, heated air in homes during winter can be harsh on houseplants. To keep your natural air purifiers thriving, you’ll need to make some adjustments to their care.
Increase humidity
The low humidity indoors can cause plant leaves to dry out and brown tips to form. Mist your plants with a spray bottle a few times a week or place them on top of pebbles with some water added. Grouping plants together also helps increase local humidity. A humidifier can help for the whole room.
Water more frequently
Most houseplants need more frequent watering in the winter since the soil dries out faster. Check the top few inches of soil before watering to ensure it’s dry. When you do water, thoroughly drench the soil until water flows out the drainage holes. This will hydrate the entire root ball. Never leave plants sitting in water, as root rot can develop.
Fertilise lightly or stop feeding
Slowed growth in the winter means most plants don’t need as much fertilizer. Use a balanced, all- purpose fertilizer at 1/2 the recommended strength every few weeks. Or stop feeding altogether from December through February for most plants. Fertilising too heavily in the winter can burn roots.
Increase light
To supplement shorter days and less intense sunlight, you may need to provide some artificial lighting for your plants. Use a inexpensive plant light bulb in a lamp positioned close to the tops of your plants. Timers can help ensure they get the right amount of light each day.
Repot if necessary
Only repot in the winter if a plant is severely pot bound or top heavy. Otherwise, wait until the spring after the last frost when plants resume active growth. When you do repot, go up just one size and use fresh, well-draining soil.
With some extra TLC, your houseplants can thrive indoors during winter and continue naturally purifying the air in your home. Pay close attention to their needs and make adjustments as the seasons change. Your plants will reward you by staying green and healthy until spring returns.
Conclusion
So there you have it - five natural air purifiers that will freshen up your space and make your home cozier than ever this winter. With these plants by your side, you'll be breathing easy in no time. Their natural ability to filter out toxins and pollutants is a win for both your health and home decor. And caring for houseplants provides a welcome dose of nurturing during a season when nature seems far away. Make the most of being indoors - give your green friends a home and watch as they work their magic. Your lungs and living room will thank you. Stay warm and keep on purifying!
