Escape the screens in your life and get the privacy you need in a literal “breathing room” stocked with house plants that purify the air. “Everyone needs a break from our hectic lifestyles,” says Meg Gallagher, English Gardens House Plant Buyer. “Create your own zen paradise to achieve total relaxation.”

Breathing rooms are rising in popularity and more homeowners or renters are using them to clean the air and clear their mind. These rooms are specially designed to help people connect with nature and disconnect from our fast-paced society. Connections to nature are achieved through house plants that help increase our concertation and reduce anxiety.  

Introduce some zen into your breathing rooms with these house plants that purify the air of any toxins:

• Areca Palm: Also known as Yellow Palm or Butterfly Palm, the Areca Palm is very popular and known for its grace. It releases copious amounts of moisture in the air and has aesthetic benefits.
• Peace Lily: Listed on NASA’s top air purifiers, the Peace Lily produces white spathes. It excels at purifying the air of acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde.
• Pothos: Create a tropical canopy with Pothos in hanging baskets. Pothos can tolerate low light, low humidity and cooler temperatures. It is also listed on NASA’s list of top air purifiers.
• English Ivy: Add to your canopy with hanging baskets of English Ivy! It is very easy to grow and adapts to a variety of indoor environments.
• Rubber Plant: Rubber Plants are fantastic house plants to provide color and interest to your breathing room. They are bred for toughness and can tolerate low light and temperatures. Rubber Plants are ideal for removing formeldahyde.

When choosing the pottery for these house plants, select calm colors and consider container size. Muted or cool tones are relaxing and provide subtle color. Your plants need breathing room too. Ensure the container is large enough for them to grow into.

Add scented candles or aromatherapy to create a welcoming scent or feel within in your space. Finally, leave room for rugs, your yoga mat or a comfortable chair.