Leafy houseplants are excellent air purifiers. Scientific research shows they absorb toxins and carbon dioxide, to leave air cleaner and fresher, making us feel healthier.

Plants give off oxygen, boosting our energy, and help maintain the optimum humidity level for human health.  A couple of well chosen plants can remove many of the chemicals and pollutants released into our homes by electronic equipment and everyday synthetic materials.

So, they don’t just look good, they make us feel good too! Here are some of our favourite ‘fresh air’ plants:

Originating from Colombia, Anthurium has glossy foliage with colourful spathes that contain the plant’s true flower. Comes in range of colours, including red, white, pink and purple. It prefers warm and humid conditions, ideal in a bathroom. The large leaf surfaces make this plant effective at absorbing indoor air contaminants.

An outstanding foliage plant that also produces beautiful white spathes, the peace lily excels in the removal of alcohols, acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde. A really valuable and very attractive houseplant. Best in indirect, medium sunlight to low sunlight.

Grown strictly for their foliage, ferns are best displayed in a hanging basket or on a pedestal. As an indoor plant, they require frequent misting and watering or the leaves will quickly turn brown and begin to drop. Excellent for removing air pollutants, especially formaldehyde, and for adding humidity to the indoor environment. Best in indirect, medium sunlight.

A popular and graceful plant, best kept in semi shade, the Kentia Palm releases masses of moisture into the air and is also one of the best for removing air toxins . Looks gorgeous too!

A popular, easy to grow plants which adapts well to a variety of home environments. Can be grown as a climber, trailer or left to spread horizontally. English Ivy is on the NASA top ten list of the most effective plants for improving indoor air quality.