If you Want a Natural Way to Purify Your Home, Get Yourself a Peace Lily – Scientists Say It’s one of the Best Plants for Removing Toxins from the Air

As if I didn't need any more reason to adore peace lilies (Spathiphyllum), these gorgeous indoor blooms are officially one of the best houseplants for purifying the air in your home.

Not only is peace lily care easy, but these plants help remove harmful toxins in the air, all while adorning interiors with elegant white flowers. They were even named in a NASA air-cleaning indoor plants study as one of the best for leaving rooms feeling more fresh.

But, how does it work? Here, I explore more about how peace lilies purify the air and how to take advantage of it in the home.

How Do Peace Lilies Purify the Air?

'Peace lily is considered a natural air purifier as it has been proven to remove toxic materials such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air, thus, creating a healthier environment,' says plant expert Lee Miller.

In 1989, NASA released a game-changing report for indoor gardens. It revealed the houseplants that are most effective for removing toxins from the air, and peace lily was in the mix.

As Lee notes, the NASA clean air study found that the plants tested (including peace lily) significantly reduced the amount of benzene and formaldehyde – common indoor pollutants – in particular.

This occurs through a process called phytoremediation where the plant absorbs toxins through its leaf pores (or stomata). The toxins are then transported to the roots where microbial activity breaks them down.

'Plant roots and their associated microorganisms are the major pathway for chemical removal,' reads the NASA clean air study.

At the same time, peace lilies transpire, releasing moisture and oxygen into the air in exchange.

The fact peace lily has such luscious foliage makes it one of the most effective in this process, alongside ficus plants and ivy (also mentioned in the NASA report).

Lee Miller

Lee Miller is a garden designer, consultant, garden coach, speaker, and award-winning garden blog author from the south shore of Long Island, who has been involved in the horticultural industry for over 29 years. She is the author of six gardening books, including her most recent addition, The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants. Lee is also a National Garden Bureau Member.

How to Use Peace Lilies to Purify the Air

You can take advantage of the fact peace lilies purify the air by placing a peace lily carefully.

For example, it can make a great bedroom plant for clean air that improves better sleep, and likewise works well as a bathroom plant to keep this space feel fresh and relaxing. Plus, the extra humidity in this room will keep this moisture-loving plant happy.

Another trick to make the most of the fact peace lilies purify the air is encouraging strong foliage growth.

This includes fertilizing your peace lily with a balanced NPK plant fertilizer to supply all the essential plant nutrients.

Nitrogen will encourage foliage growth, phosphorus encourages blooms, and potassium will improve plant processes, aiding toxin movement to roots where they're broken down.

This peace lily fertilizer from Amazon is a good choice, specially formulated to support all of these needs.

Make sure to also clean houseplant leaves to remove dust, ensuring pores aren't blocked and can absorb toxins effectively. I find microfiber houseplant dusting gloves (like these from Amazon) work well.

FAQs

Do Peace Lilies Get Rid of Mold?

To a certain extent, peace lilies help keep mold at bay. This is because, as humidity-lovers, they absorb excess moisture from the air. However, they aren't enough to get rid of mold altogether, so you will need to use other methods, too.

Alongside peace lilies being purifying, peace lilies symbolize renewal and rebirth, making them a beautiful plant to incorporate into the home at the stat of the year.

Peace Lily Care Essentials