
Fast Growing Trees to Purify Indoor Air Naturally
You’ve been thinking about bringing more plants into your home, but where do you start? With so many houseplant options out there, it can feel overwhelming trying to pick the right ones. What if you could choose plants that will not only liven up your living space but also clean your indoor air? Good news! There are plenty of fast-growing trees that can help purify the air in your home. In this article, we’ll walk through the top air-purifying plants you can grow quickly right in your own house. We’ll look at which common pollutants these leafy friends can help remove from your indoor air and provide tips for caring for them so they grow big and strong. Get ready to breathe a little easier by inviting nature inside your four walls. Let’s explore the best air-cleaning trees that grow fast to freshen your home’s environment!
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters with Fast Growing Trees
The air inside your home can contain all sorts of pollutants like dust, mold, chemicals, and other toxins that circulate in the air. Unfortunately, according to the EPA, indoor air pollution levels are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels. Poor Indoor Air Quality Can Affect Your Health Breathing in polluted air for long periods can lead to respiratory issues like asthma, allergies, and even heart disease. The toxins build up in your body over time, causing damage. Installing air-purifying plants is an easy way to help remove these pollutants and keep your family healthy.
Plants Naturally Clean the Air
Houseplants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. But certain plants, like Spider Plants, Peace Lilies, and Chinese Evergreens, are especially good at removing pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. These chemicals are common in building and furniture materials but can be toxic.
An Easy, Beautiful Solution
Not only do plants naturally clean the air in your home, but they also add beauty and help create a relaxing environment. With many fast-growing, low-maintenance options, you can find air-purifying plants to suit any space. All you need to do is place them in a spot with indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry.
In a short time, you’ll notice cleaner, fresher air in your home and fewer allergy or asthma symptoms. So do your health and home a favor – go green and clean the air with houseplants. Your body and mind will thank you.
The Top 5 Fast Growing Trees Purifying Trees
Ficus Benjamina (Weeping Fig)
Weeping figs are one of the most popular houseplants and for good reason. They grow quickly, reaching up to 3-6 feet in a few years, and efficiently remove chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. Place it in a spot with bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Dracaena Marginata (Madagascar Dragon Tree)
With strappy leaves and a sculptural form, the dragon tree is a stylish choice for purifying the air in your home. It grows up to 3 feet per year, absorbing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and acetone. Dragon trees do well in low light, so they’re ideal for dim corners of rooms. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Ficus Microcarpa (Chinese Banyan) from Fast Growing Trees
The dense, oval-shaped leaves of the Chinese banyan make it very effective at cleaning the air and growing quickly, up to 3-6 feet per year. It removes formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Place it in a spot with bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Mist it regularly to increase humidity.
Schefflera Arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)
With hand-shaped leaves and a bushy form, the dwarf umbrella tree brightens up any space while efficiently purifying the air. It grows up to 3 feet per year, absorbing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Place it in a spot with bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Mist it regularly to increase humidity.
Philodendron Scandens (Heartleaf Philodendron) from Fast Growing Trees
One of the most popular houseplants, the heartleaf philodendron trails or climbs and has lovely heart-shaped leaves. It grows quickly, up to 3-6 feet per year, and is very effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. Place it in a spot with indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Growing and Caring for Your Air Purifying Trees with Fast Growing Trees
Once you’ve selected an air-purifying tree, it’s important to properly care for it to keep it healthy and thriving in your home. These trees need bright light, moderate watering, and occasional fertilizer to grow their best.
Lighting
Place your tree near a window that gets lots of bright, indirect light during the day. An east- or west-facing window is ideal. Make sure it’s not in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, as this can scorch the leaves. If your space lacks natural light, you can supplement it with plant light. Your tree needs 10-12 hours of light per day to actively purify the air.
Watering
Check the soil before watering and only water when the top few inches become dry. Most air-purifying trees need moderate moisture, so water thoroughly until it flows out the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Let the soil drain completely and never leave the pot sitting in water. As a rule of thumb, most air-purifying trees need watering once a week. Adjust based on your conditions.
Fertilizing
During the growing season, fertilize your air-purifying tree once a month. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Dilute to 1/2 the recommended strength to avoid fertilizer burn. Fertilizer will encourage new healthy growth and vibrant foliage which, in turn, helps the tree purify more air. In the fall and winter, reduce or stop feeding when growth slows down.
Following these simple tips will keep your air-purifying tree healthy and actively working to clean the air in your home. With the proper care and maintenance, these trees can thrive for many years and provide natural air filtration. Pay close attention to your tree and make any adjustments needed based on your home’s conditions. Caring for greenery becomes more than a chore it becomes part of a lifestyle that values sustainability, serenity, and a deeper connection with nature. Whether you’re watering with your morning coffee or adjusting sunlight during your afternoon unwind, nurturing indoor trees adds a peaceful rhythm to your daily routine.