Keep houseplants happy

It’s the time of year when we tend to shut windows and hibernate indoors. But if you’ve noticed your home getting a little stuffy, investing in certain houseplants can help purify the air and get rid of nasty airborne toxins, dusts and germs

Snake Plant

Best in... bedrooms Also known as Motherin-Law’s Tongue, this yellow-tipped succulent both filters the air and releases oxygen at night, helping you to breathe better while sleeping. With this plant in your bedroom, you’re in for a great night’s sleep.

Areca Palm

Best in... living rooms

This elegant palm with its distinctive feathery arching fronds releases lots of moisture into the air, removes toxins very effectively, it’s easy to look after and resists insect infestations, too. During the winter, it can even replace the need for humidifiers altogether as it does the same job. It looks great on a coffee or side table, too!

Aloe Vera

Best in... kitchens Fragrant aloe plants make a lovely addition to your kitchen windowsill. Not only does this succulent come in handy for soothing minor kitchen burns, it also purifies the air of toxins most commonly found in varnishes, floor sealants and detergents.

English Ivy

Best in... bathrooms This easy-growing perennial vine acts like a natural air freshener, reducing unpleasant toilet smells. It needs generous watering and four hours of sunlight a day, so is best placed near a window. However, it’s toxic to animals so keep out of reach of curious paws!

Spider Plant

Best... anywhere! Spider plants are amazing at cleaning the air and loved for their hardiness. Keep them out of direct sunlight (but make sure they’re in a bright room) and water well once a week. If you have pets, this is one of the few houseplants that is non-toxic to animals.