The quality of the air inside buildings is becoming a growing source of concern, particularly in urban areas with high pollution levels. It is interesting to note that a variety of factors, including household cleaners, paints, synthetic building materials, and even some kinds of furniture, can make indoor air two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Indoor plants that purify the air can be a natural and effective way to improve the quality of the air in your home. They also have therapeutic and aesthetic value.
In this blog, we'll talk about the advantages of air-purifying indoor plants, a list of the best varieties, and how to take care of them to get the most out of them.
The Science Behind Air-Purifying Plants:
In 1989, a ground-breaking NASA study found that some houseplants can remove common air pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from indoor air. Air-purifying plants are an excellent addition to any home environment to help combat these airborne toxins because these pollutants can originate from everyday household items like detergents, adhesives, and synthetic fabrics.
By absorbing harmful substances through their leaves and roots, indoor plants purify the air through a process known as phytoremediation. Additionally, these plants raise humidity levels, making the indoor environment cozier.
Top 10 Indoor Plants that Purify the Air in Your Home Here are some of the best indoor plants that purify the air in your home. They not only make your house look better, but they also make the air you breathe better.
1. Sansevieria trifasciata : Snake plant is known for its ability to remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor air, making it one of the most effective air purifiers. Additionally, these plants require very little watering and thrive in low light, making them extremely low-maintenance. They are a popular choice for offices and homes due to their distinctive vertical leaves.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Peace lilies are not only beautiful, but they are also powerful filters that remove pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia. This plant thrives in shade and requires little watering, making it ideal for dimly lit indoor settings. White flowers can be produced by peace lilies, which are elegant additions to any room.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): is a plant that is easy to grow and excels at filtering formaldehyde and benzene. It is also known as the "devil's ivy." It is ideal for beginners because it grows well in low light and can tolerate occasional neglect. Pothos is an appealing option for shelves or hanging baskets due to its trailing vines[2].
4. Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): It is a popular choice for improving air quality because it is excellent at removing formaldehyde. Because they thrive in humid environments with indirect sunlight, these ferns require a little bit more attention. They can be maintained at the necessary humidity by regularly misting them or placing them in bathrooms.
5. Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant): Spider plants are easy to grow and especially good at getting rid of formaldehyde and xylene. Spider plants are known for their attractive, arching leaves, which thrive in indirect sunlight and require little care. They are also capable of producing small "babies" that can be propagated, making them a great choice for plant enthusiasts.
6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): Rubber plants are popular indoor plants due to their capacity to absorb carbon dioxide and purify the air. They also get chemicals out of the air, like formaldehyde, which can be good for homes with furniture or flooring made of synthetic materials. When the topsoil appears dry, these plants should be watered[5]. They require moderate sunlight.
7. Aloe Vera : Aloe vera is well-known for its therapeutic properties, but it also works well as an air purifier. It removes formaldehyde from the air particularly effectively, and its gel can be used to treat skin conditions. Aloe vera is an ideal addition to a sunny kitchen or bathroom because it is a low-maintenance plant that requires little watering and bright indirect light.
8. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): It also known as the butterfly palm, is a plant that effectively removes xylene and toluene from indoor air and increases humidity. It thrives in well-lit living rooms or offices because it needs regular watering and bright, indirect sunlight.
9. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): The ability of Chinese evergreen plants to thrive in low light and their distinctive foliage have earned them a reputation. They are useful additions to any indoor space because they are effective at removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. These plants can thrive in a variety of indoor conditions and only require occasional watering.
10. The bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii): is a great indoor plant for filtering trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde. It thrives in moderate light and requires regular watering to grow. The bamboo palm also gives your house a tropical feel and helps you relax.
Benefits of Having Indoor Air-Purifying Plants:
Adding indoor air-purifying plants to your home has many advantages, including the following:
- Better Air Quality: These plants take in pollutants and toxins, making the environment healthier.
- Enhanced Appearance: Plants, which come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes, can complement the decor and bring a sense of the outdoors inside.
- Stress Management: The presence of plants has been shown in studies to alleviate stress and improve mood, thereby improving well-being as a whole.
- Improved Humidity Management: In dry climates or during the winter, when indoor air tends to be drier, plants can help by releasing moisture into the air.
Follow these guidelines to ensure that your indoor plants are effectively purifying the air.
Tips for Increasing the Effects on the Air
- Proper Positioning: Place the plants where they will get enough sunlight. Plants that prefer sunlight need to be closer to windows, while low-light varieties can be placed in shade.
- Proper Quantity of Plants: According to studies, the best way to clean the air is to have one plant for every 100 square feet.
- Continual Care: Dust leaves frequently because dusty leaves can make it harder for photosynthesis and make it harder to clean the air.
- Humidity and watering: Each plant requires different amounts of water, and some, like ferns, do best when the humidity is higher. For these plants, think about misting them or putting a humidifier nearby.
Conclusion: Improving the quality of the air in your home can be done inexpensively and naturally by incorporating indoor plants that clean the air. There is a plant for every indoor setting, including the durable snake plant and the decorative peace lily. These plants not only make the environment cleaner, but they also give your home beauty and life.
You can enjoy cleaner air, less stress, and the calming presence of nature in your indoor space by choosing the right plants and giving them the care they need.