House Plants That Clean the Air
Incorporating greenery into your home can improve your indoor air quality and ease stress. Plants can also add color and style to any decor.
Recent studies have revealed that certain plants are able to absorb pollutants such as formaldehyde benzene and trichloroethylene through their leaves or root.
To help you select the best house plants for your space We've compiled this list of top plants that can purify the air.
Snake Plant
Snake plant, or Mother-in Law's Tongue as it is also called, is one of easiest house plants to care for and grow. The wavy, strappy leaves make it a beautiful centerpiece for any room. It is also known for its ability to remove airborne contaminants and poisons. NASA's study of clean air revealed that snake plants as well as other common houseplants remove contaminants like benzene. formaldehyde. toluene. It does this by releasing oxygen and uptaking carbon dioxide via photosynthesis during the night.
This makes the snake plant a great choice for people who struggle to sleep well due to poor air quality in their homes or workplace. It's also a great option for pet owners since it is not harmful to animals and humans.
When it comes to taking care of snake plants, the main thing to remember is to not overwater. This is because snake plants are native to dry, rocky regions and don't like being soggy. It is recommended to let the soil dry out a bit in between waterings. You can use a water meter to determine the amount of moisture present in the soil.
If you're interested in adding an exotic snake plant to your garden, there are several different cultivars that are easy to find in most garden centers. Some of the most sought-after include Sansevieria trifaciata "Twist," which has twisted and striped leaves and can grow to around 14 inches (35.5 cm.) Sansevieria Trifaciata'Twist', with its striped and twisted leaves, can grow up to 14 inches (35.5 cm) tall. tall.
Besides being very easy to care for Snake plants are flexible and durable. They can be grown in a variety of environments that include low light. They are also resistant to diseases and pests and are therefore a safe home plant for people who are just starting out with indoor gardening.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been a popular plant for a long time because of its healing properties as well as skincare benefits. Its gel inside helps heal burns and cuts while it soothes the skin and helps prevent wrinkles. It is also helpful for digestion and other health issues. Aloe Vera plants purify the air by eliminating harmful organic volatile compounds (VOCs), which accumulate over time in stagnant interior spaces.
VOCs are the chemical compounds released into the air by a wide variety of household products that include glue, paint and cleaning supplies. These toxins are poisonous and can cause nausea, headaches and dizziness when inhaled for a long period of time. Aloe vera plants help eliminate these toxins and help purify the air by taking in carbon dioxide and other toxic compounds during photosynthesis.
While all plants participate in photosynthesis however, aloe vera plants are particularly good at removing toxins from the air by this process. This makes them one of the most effective houseplants to eliminate VOCs and other toxic substances from your home.
This plant thrives in bright light so put it on your windowsill or in a sunny spot outside. It should receive at minimum six hours of sunshine every day. Aloe can withstand extremely dry conditions, but the absence of sunlight can cause it to grow unbalanced and weaken its leaves. It can also be susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, scale or mites.
The English Ivy is another great plant to keep in your home since it helps to reduce airborne fecal matter which could cause harm if inhaled for a long time. The plant also has antiseptic properties. It releases oxygen at night, allowing it to effectively clear the air.
This plant is easy to care for and is available in most garden centers, or on the internet. It thrives in all conditions and requires very less water. It also emits an aroma that is pleasant when it is in bloom. It is important to remember that the English Ivy can be a bit of a climber, so keep it away from surfaces and other plants that could be knocked over or harm.
Weeping Fig
A favorite houseplant since Victorian times, weeping figs (Ficus benjamina) clear the air of common household toxins like formaldehyde and xylene. This evergreen that grows slowly is easy to care for and can withstand high humidity levels. Keep it in an area that has bright indirect lighting and some light shade. It is important to water it regularly but be careful not to over-water. It is best to move it outdoors during the summer months, and to a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid placing it near windows that are drafty as this could result in excessive leaf fall.
This tropical plant is often advertised as an indoor tree. The stems that arch are covered with small green or variegated leaves. The branches are braided to create a topiary look. Some of the more exotic cultivars include Indigo, which has dark-green glossy leaves, 'Midnight, with its wavy leaves and a 'SilverCloud or 'Monique' with broad variegated leaflets.
Also called the peace lily, or spathiphyllum this plant is easy to take care of and is tolerant of low light conditions. It is also one of NASA's most efficient plants for eliminating airborne Volatile Organic Compounds such as formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene.
Keep the plant away from direct sunlight as the UV rays could cause burning to the leaves. Water it regularly during the growing season, and every 10 days during winter. Repot every spring.
Like many others, goes dormant in the fall and winter. This is the time to cut back on the amount of watering and stop fertilizing. However, tall house plants will not shed its leaves like deciduous trees.
The ficus plant is susceptible to scale and spider mites. insects. To avoid pest infestations, remove any infested foliage and wash the leaves of the plant to remove their spores. To spread weeping figues cut a stem that has at least two sets of leaves and make the cutting 1/4 inch below one set of healthy leaves. The cutting will grow quickly if it is placed in a moist potting mix and lightly coated with a rooting hormone. Alternately, you can propagate the plant using seeds, which are generally available in late summer and autumn. Seeds can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years.
Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica, more commonly referred to as the rubber plant, or the fig, is one NASA's most effective indoor air purifier plants. Its large leaves are thought to absorb toxins and pollutants and break them down into harmless compounds which are then absorbed and assimilated by the roots. In a recent study, it was found that the roots of the rubber plant are more effective in eliminating toxins than other houseplants.
Rubber plant is a perennial evergreen. It can grow quite large in warm environments, but is smaller indoors. In its native habitat, it blooms with beautiful white flowers that are fragrant and green in spring, which produce a fig-like, inedible fruit after pollination. But, the flowers are not the main reason people flock to this beautiful plant as its leaves are the primary attraction.
The rubber plant is prized for its ability not only to clean the air and to help in the air purification process, but also to be used as an living bridge and to make bouncy ball in India. It's also extremely gentle when it comes to maintenance, which is another reason it is a great houseplant.
Contrary to other houseplants, the rubber plant doesn't require a lot of sunlight. In fact, it thrives in medium to low light conditions and can adapt well to darker areas. Avoid high humidity levels as they can result in leaf damage and root rot. When watering, it is necessary to keep the soil evenly moist, but not overly saturated. The rubber plant needs to be kept between moderate and warm.
Rubber plants filter the air and are therefore beneficial for those suffering from respiratory or allergies issues. They have been found to reduce odors, dust and chemicals, and may aid in relieving eye irritation too. This plant can also help in reducing the amount of benzene in your home.
Like all houseplants the rubber plant is susceptible to a variety of insects, including spider mites. These tiny insects feed on sap of the plant and can stick to the leaves. It's easy to eliminate of these unwanted guests. Simply clean the leaves using a damp, clean cloth lightly misted with insecticidal soap or Neem.