Indoor plants not only bring a touch of nature into our homes but also have the ability to improve air quality. In the late 1980s, NASA’s Clean Air Study found that certain plants can help filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants from the air. Here’s a guide to some of the best indoor plants known for enhancing air quality.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum):
- Pollutant Removal: Effective at removing pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene.
- Ease of Care: Known for its hardiness, making it perfect for beginners or those with a less-than-green thumb.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata):
- Oxygen Production: One of the best plants for improving indoor air quality. It’s unique in that it converts CO2 to oxygen at night, making it ideal for bedrooms.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal watering and can thrive in low light conditions.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum):
- Pollutant Removal: Good at absorbing airborne toxins such as ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
- Visual Appeal: Adds beauty to a room with its white blooms and can thrive in low to medium light.
4. Aloe Vera:
- VOC Removal: Not only known for its skin-healing properties, but it’s also effective at filtering out formaldehyde and benzene.
- Easy to Grow: Thrives in sunny conditions and requires minimal watering.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata):
- Humidity Regulation: Helps restore moisture to the air, making it a great choice for dry climates or those with dry skin or respiratory issues.
- Pollutant Removal: Effective at removing pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene.
6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica):
- Large Leaves: Its large leaves can absorb airborne chemicals and break them down, rendering them harmless.
- Grows Well in Indoor Conditions: Prefers indirect light and moderate watering.
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix):
- Air Purifier: Excellent for absorbing formaldehyde. Its ability to climb makes it a great choice for vertical gardens.
- Care Tips: Prefers moist soil and cooler room temperatures.
8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii):
- Filtration: Effective at filtering out benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde.
- Adds Humidity: Releases a good amount of moisture into the air, beneficial in drier environments.
9. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii):
- Oxygen Release: They release oxygen at night while removing toxins like benzene and trichloroethylene.
- Light Requirements: Needs a significant amount of natural light.
Conclusion:
Incorporating these plants into your indoor spaces can improve air quality while also enhancing your home’s aesthetic appeal. However, it’s important to remember that while indoor plants can contribute to better air quality, they are part of a broader strategy and should not be solely relied upon for air purification.
