Aloe Vera has always been prized for its healing properties. The gel inside the leaves is great for moisturising the skin, healing wounds and burns.

Aside from possessing healing properties, aloe vera also does wonders in improving the air quality by keeping your living space free from the benzene, an industrial solvent commonly found in paint and chemical cleaners.

Even if you don’t have green fingers, you can still grow and care for this low-maintenance houseplant.

If you have chronic dry skin, you might want to give the beauty aisle a miss and head to the plants section instead. Boston fern is a popular plant that grows very well in humid environments with strong sunlight.

They serve as a humidifier by restoring moisture in the air. Additionally, the plant also gets rid of traces of formaldehyde, a strong-smelling chemical that is used to produce objects like furniture made from manufactured wood.

This beautiful flowering plant will not only spruce up any living space but also purify the air and reduce the levels of toxins in the air. Because it thrives in shade and cooler temperatures, this low-maintenance flower is the perfect plant to have around in your office.

The perfect plant for gardening rookies, the plant is not only easy to care for but is also useful in removing toxins in the air that are found in chemical based cleaners. The Chinese evergreen is able to survive under low light conditions so it is a good option for those who are looking to decorate their rooms with plants.

This plant has been said to be able to remove up to 90 percent of pollutants in the air. If you are allergic to dust, do consider placing a spider plant in your living space because the leaves of the spider plant have been known to absorb mold and other harmful allergens. It has also been proven to remove traces of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.

For those with furry pals at home, the English ivy plant is a godsend because it can help to reduce the amount of airborne fecal matter. If you have problems concentrating at work, studies have also shown that the plant helps to increase focus because it removes traces of benzene, a chemical that is commonly found in office supplies.

While this toxic plant (when consumed) may not be the most ideal plant if you have little ones or pets at home, it is excellent in removing traces of formaldehyde. Plus, it is also relatively easy to care for.

Coming in a large variety of colours and markings, orchids can make a beautiful statement in a living room. They also help to rid the air of xylene, a pollutant found in many glues and paints. Orchids are also suitable to be placed in the bedroom as they give off oxygen at night. Naturally, they make an excellent housewarming gift.

Well-suited to Singapore’s humidity. ensure the roots of your orchid plant have adequate air circulation. Orchids are also happiest in a relatively small pot, so it’s best to use a suitably sized pot and re-pot  it annually.

The mere thought of having your mother-in-law in your bedroom might make you think twice about this plant. But thankfully, this easy grower (also known as the Snake Plant) is mostly happy to be left alone in a corner. It is well suited to be placed in your sleeping quarters as it releases oxygen at night instead of in the day. It also removes pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and xylene, which is commonly used in the printing, paint, rubber and leather industries.

With itssucculent leaves, this plant can withstand long periods of dryness. The plant is also does well in low-light conditions, though it’s best to expose it to some bright, indirect light.

Also known as the Ficus Elastica, the Rubber Plant comes in a selection of attractive colours which you can pick to suit the including an interesting patterned variety (known as “variegated”). It is a hardy plant that does not need regular watering and can be left in a shady part of the home. Besides adding moisture to the environment, the Rubber Plant is good for removing formaldehyde which is found in common household cleaning agents. High exposure to this chemical may irritate the respiratory tract, cause headaches and asthma.

Text: Letty Seah/HerWorld & Theresa Tay, Additional Reporting: Seah Pei Jun

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