Best Houseplants For Allergy Sufferers
These 5 Houseplants Might Actually Soothe Your Allergy Symptoms, According to Experts
Sure, houseplants are a great way to decorate your apartment, especially when you're on a budget. But there are lots more reasons to pick up some plants. They can help you ward off colds and flu and get a more restful night's sleep, and keep your home cool during the warmer months ahead. It should come as no surprise then that indoor plants can also help ease allergy symptoms by trapping dust, filtering household air, and more. If you're an allergy sufferer, try one of these expert picks.
1. Dracaena
"The dracaena is an ideal plant for people with allergies, as it absorbs allergens from the air and traps them in its leaves," Pol Bishop, a gardening and plants expert at Fantastic Gardeners, told POPSUGAR. "It does grow to be quite large, though, so regular pruning is required." If you decide to bring this plant into your home, find it a spot with moderate sun exposure.
2. Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm is a tropical houseplant that's very effective at improving air quality. "It tops the list of air-purifying plants, filtering out carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, xylene, and even carbon," Pol said. Pollutants are known to exacerbate allergy symptoms. "On top of that, the bamboo palm has strong insect-repellent capabilities," Pol added. It requires bright but indirect sunlight and needs to be watered regularly.
3. Dracaena Marginata Colorama
"The marginata plant helps purify the air from chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene," Pol explained. It also helps control humidity in your home, and breathing dry air can make allergy symptoms worse. This low-maintenance plant can survive in low light and doesn't need to be watered constantly.
4. Gerbera Daisies
Assuming you don't have pollen allergies, this happy, flowered plant is a perfect addition to your home. Gerbera daisies help filter out benzene, a harmful chemical compound that is found in common irritants such as pesticides, paints, dyes, and tobacco smoke. "They're fairly easy to grow," Pol told POPSUGAR. "Just remember to place them in a spot where they will get direct sunlight."
5. English Ivy
A preliminary study found that English ivy can greatly reduce the amount of mold spores in the air — a welcome change for those whose allergies are triggered by them.
