Indoor air pollution is a growing concern worldwide. Studies show that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue, and other health issues. This is caused by various indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene, which are commonly found in household items and furnishings. Carbon dioxide, ammonia, and carbon monoxide are other indoor air pollutants that can cause health problems.
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Breathing in lower quality air can cause problems such as
- Asthma
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Respiratory problems
- Fatigue
- Watery eyes
To combat indoor air pollution, it is important to purify the air in your home. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using houseplants. A NASA study found that plants can remove up to 87% of indoor air pollutants in just 24 hours. Plants absorb pollutants through their leaves and roots, and they release oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Some of the best air-purifying plants include spider plants, peace lilies, rubber plants, and Boston ferns.
Benefits of keeping plants in the home
In addition to purifying the air, keeping plants in the home has many other benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- They help keep the air clean and some increase oxygen levels
- Mood boosters
- Increase productivity
- Help with concentration and memory
- Help to reduce stress levels
- Help fight off fatigue
The American Society of Horticultural Science conducted a clean air study that found that plants can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. The study also found that plants can increase productivity by up to 15%. Therefore, it is highly recommended to keep plants in the home to improve air quality and overall health.
1 – Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a succulent that is easy to care for and makes an excellent bedroom plant. Unlike most plants, the Snake Plant releases oxygen at night, making it the perfect plant for the bedroom. Increased oxygen at night can help improve breathing and sleep quality.
In addition to its air-purifying qualities, the Snake Plant is also great at filtering toxins from the air and turning them into pure oxygen. However, it is important to note that this plant should be kept away from children and pets as it is toxic.
To care for the Snake Plant, avoid overwatering it as it is prone to root rot. Water the plant only when the soil is dry, and then let it dry out again before watering. With proper care, the Snake Plant can thrive and provide numerous benefits to your indoor environment.
2 – Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that not only purifies the air of toxins found in detergents and floor varnishes but also offers numerous health and healing benefits. This plant is easy to grow and thrives best in sunny locations with infrequent watering. It is recommended to water the plant thoroughly and then let the soil almost dry out before watering again, which should be done every 2-3 weeks depending on temperature, location, and humidity of the home. Aloe Vera is non-toxic, making it a safe addition to any household. Its healing properties have been utilized for centuries, making it a popular plant to have in the home.
3 – Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen is a tropical Asian evergreen that is a great plant for purifying the home. While it requires a little more care than some other air-purifying plants, it can remove many common toxins found in the air of our homes. This plant thrives in humid climates, so it would be best placed in the bathroom. Chinese Evergreen requires moist soil and does not tolerate dry conditions, so it’s important to keep the soil moist and mist the plant regularly. However, it’s important to note that this plant is toxic to pets, so it should be kept out of their reach.
4 – Chrysanthemum aka Mums
Chrysanthemums, also known as Mums, are not only beautiful flowers but also powerful air purifiers. The blooms of the Chrysanthemum plant filter out toxins from the air, making it a great addition to any household. However, the blooms need to be replaced every six weeks for optimal air purification. These plants love sunlight, so they thrive in a sunny kitchen window. It’s important to keep them away from pets as they are toxic to cats and dogs. To keep the soil damp, water the plant when the soil starts to dry.
5 – Barberton Daisy
Barberton Daisy is a beautiful flower that comes in various colors and can add a splash of color to any room. These plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, making them a great addition to any home. They thrive in well-draining soil and require watering when the soil is dry to the touch. Barberton Daisy is not toxic to humans or pets.
6 – Spider Plant
The spider plant is a resilient plant that is perfect for those who are not green-fingered. It is easy to care for and great at removing toxins and carbon monoxide from the air. This plant is non-toxic for kids and pets, making it a safe choice for households. Spider plants look fantastic in hanging baskets and sometimes produce beautiful white blossoms. To keep the spider plant healthy, water it 2-3 times per week. The spider plant is non-toxic, making it a great option for households with pets or children.
7 – Broad Lady Palm
The Broad Lady Palm is a humidity-loving plant that is ideal for bathrooms due to its ability to thrive in high humidity levels. This plant is great at removing toxins from the air and reducing levels of ammonia. It should be watered when the top 1 inch of soil is dry. The Broad Lady Palm is non-toxic.
8 – Dracaenas
Dracaenas are larger, slow-growing plants that are easy to care for, making them a great choice for newbies. These plants not only look fantastic in the house, but they also remove a whole host of toxins from the air. It is important not to overwater this plant as they don’t like having their roots saturated. To keep the soil damp but not drenched, water as needed. It is important to note that dracaenas are toxic to pets, so pet owners should be cautious when considering this plant for their home.
9 – English Ivy
English Ivy is a popular houseplant that can remove toxins, carbon monoxide, and even fecal particles from the air, making it an ideal plant for the bathroom. However, it is toxic to pets and can cause skin irritations in people with sensitive skin, so it should be kept out of reach of pets and handled with care. To ensure the plant stays healthy, it should be well watered.
10 – Peace Lilies
Peace lilies are a popular choice for indoor plants due to their ability to remove toxins and ammonia from the air. They produce beautiful flowers and are fairly easy to care for, but they do require some attention to lighting conditions to ensure they bloom. Peace lilies should be kept in moist soil, but not oversaturated. It’s important to note that peace lilies are toxic to both pets and humans.
11 – Weeping Fig
The Weeping Fig is a popular house plant known for its air-purifying properties. It prefers a sunny location away from drafts and thrives in well-draining soil. It is important to note that this plant does not like change, so choose a location carefully. Watering should only occur when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. It is essential to keep in mind that the sap in this plant is mildly toxic to both pets and humans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top recommended plants for purifying indoor air?
Some of the top recommended plants for purifying indoor air include spider plants, snake plants, peace lilies, and English ivy. These plants are known for their air-purifying qualities and can help remove toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
Which plants are recognized by NASA for their air purifying abilities?
NASA has recognized several plants for their air-purifying abilities, including the peace lily, spider plant, and snake plant. These plants are known for their ability to remove harmful toxins from the air, making them ideal for indoor environments.
What are the safest air purifying plants for homes with pets?
Some of the safest air purifying plants for homes with pets include the Boston fern, spider plant, and bamboo palm. These plants are non-toxic to pets and can help improve air quality in the home.
Which air purifying plants are suitable for low-light indoor environments?
Plants that are suitable for low-light indoor environments include the snake plant, ZZ plant, and peace lily. These plants can thrive in areas with minimal sunlight and are known for their air-purifying qualities.
What are the best plants to use in a bedroom for air purification?
Plants that are best for air purification in the bedroom include the snake plant, peace lily, and spider plant. These plants can help improve air quality and promote better sleep.
Are there specific plants that can help purify the air in bathrooms?
Plants that can help purify the air in bathrooms include the bamboo palm, spider plant, and Boston fern. These plants are known for their ability to remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. This makes them ideal for bathroom environments.
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