House Plants That Clean the Air
Incorporating greenery into your home can improve your indoor air quality and ease stress. Plants can also bring the look and color to any interior.
Previous experiments have revealed that certain plants can absorb pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene from their roots or leaves.
This list of household plants that help to clean the air will help you select the best plants for your home.
Snake Plant
Snake plant, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue as it is sometimes called it is among the simplest house plants to maintain and grow. low maintenance house plants , strappy leaves create a stunning centerpiece for any room. It is also known for its ability to filter airborne contaminants and toxic substances. NASA's clean air study found that snake plants, along with other common houseplants, eliminate toxic substances like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and toluene. It does this by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis at night time.
The snake plant is a good option for those who are having trouble sleeping due to poor indoor air quality. It is also a good choice for those who have pets, as it's non-toxic to animals and humans.
When you are looking after snake plants, the main thing to remember is to avoid overwatering. This is because snake plants are native to dry, rocky areas and do not like being wet. It is best to let the soil dry at least a little between waterings. You can use a basic water meter to gauge the amount of moisture present in the soil.
If you're ready to add the snake plant to your yard, there are several different cultivars that are easy to discover at the majority of garden centers. Some of the most well-known include Sansevieria trifaciata 'Twist' that has twisting and striped leaves that grow up to 14 inches (35.5 cm.) tall and Sansevieria trifaciata "Bantel's Sensation" has leaves that are narrow and horizontally striped with yellow variegated edges. They can reach 3 feet (91.4 centimeters.) tall.
Besides being very easy to take care of, snake plants are also robust and adaptable. They can be grown in a variety of conditions that include low light. They're also resistant to diseases and pests, making them a safe houseplant for those who are just starting out with indoor gardening.
Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant has for a long time been a favorite of many because of its skincare and healing properties. The gel inside aids in healing burns and wounds while it moisturizes the skin and can help reduce wrinkles. The plant is also good for digestion and other health issues. Aloe vera plants purify the air by getting rid of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that accumulate over time in stagnant indoor spaces.
VOCs are chemicals that are released into the air by a broad variety of household products that include glue, paint, and cleaning supplies. These contaminants can cause headaches dizziness, and other symptoms if they are inhaled for prolonged period of time. Aloe vera plants remove these toxins and aid in purifying the air by absorption of carbon dioxide and other harmful compounds during photosynthesis.
Aloe vera is especially effective at reducing air toxins by photosynthesis. This makes them one of the best houseplants for removing VOCs and other toxic substances from your home.
The plant thrives in bright light, so put it on your window or in a sunny area outside. Make sure it gets at least six hours of sun per day. Aloe can tolerate dry environments. However, lack of sunlight can cause the leaves to deteriorate and grow leggy. It also becomes vulnerable to pests such as mealybugs or scales.
The English Ivy is another great plant to have in your home since it helps reduce airborne fecal-matter that can be harmful if inhaled for a prolonged time. It also has antiseptic properties. It releases oxygen at night, allowing it to effectively clean the air.
This plant is extremely easy to maintain and can be found in many gardening stores or online. It thrives in all conditions and needs only a little water. It also emits a pleasant scent when it is in bloom. Keep in mind that English Ivy is a climber. It can cause damage to surfaces or even knock them over.
Weeping Fig
Weeping figs, also known as Ficus benjamina were popular as a houseplant since Victorian times. They help to purify the air by removing common household toxins like formaldehyde and other xylenes. This evergreen that grows slowly is easy to take care of and tolerates high humidity levels. Place it in a place with bright indirect light and some light shade. Water frequently but be careful not to over-water. It is recommended to move it outside during the warmer months, to a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid placing it near drafty windows because this can result in excessive leaf fall.
Often sold as an indoor tree this tropical plant stands out by its arching stems with small green or variegated leaves. The branches are braided to create a topiary effect. Fancy cultivars include 'Indigo' with dark-green, glossy foliage, 'Midnight' which has wispy leaves, and 'Silver Cloud' and 'Monique' with broad variegated leaves.
Also called the peace lily, or spathiphyllum this plant is simple to care for and tolerates low light conditions. It is also among NASA's top-performing plants to remove airborne Volatile Organic Compounds such as formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and benzene.
Keep this plant away from direct sunlight, since the rays can cause burns to the leaves. During the growing season, you should water it every 10 days. Repot it every year in spring.
This plant, as many others, goes dormant during the fall and winter. This is the time to cut back on watering and stop fertilizing. However, the plant does not shed its leaves as deciduous trees.
The ficus is prone to spider mites, scale insects and thrips. To prevent pest infestations remove the infested leaves and wash the leaves of the plant to eliminate their spores. To spread weeping figues cut a stem that has at least two sets leaves and make the cutting 1/4 inch lower than one set of healthy leaves. This cutting will root quickly if it is placed in a moist potting mixture and lightly coated with rooting hormone. Alternatively, you can grow the plant from seeds, which are usually available in late summer and fall. Seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years.
Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica is also referred to as a rubber plant or a rubberfig. It is one of NASA's top indoor air purifiers. Its large leaves are believed to absorb pollutants and toxins, and then break them down into harmless compounds which are then absorbed and assimilated by the roots. In a recent study, it was discovered that the roots of the rubber plant are more effective than other houseplants at getting rid of toxic substances.
The rubber plant is a perennial evergreen which grows quite large outdoors in warm climates, but it typically stays much smaller when grown as a houseplant. In its native habitat, it bears delicate white-colored flowers in spring, which produce a fig-like, inedible fruit after pollination. The leaves of this beautiful plant are what most people see and not the flowers.
Although the plant's rubber is used to create bouncey balls and an artificial bridge in some parts of India It is mostly valued for its ability to purify the air. It is also easy to take care of, which makes it a great houseplant.
Contrary to other plants in the house, the rubber plant does not require a lot of sunlight. It is able to tolerate dark areas and thrives in low to medium light. Avoid high humidity levels because they can cause leaf damage and root rot. When watering, it is essential to keep the soil evenly moist but not completely saturated. The ideal temperature for the rubber plant are between warm and normal room temperatures. It must be kept out of drafts.
Because of their ability filter the air, they are good for anyone suffering from respiratory allergies or other problems. They can help reduce odors and dust as well as ease eye irritation. This plant is also thought to lower the levels of benzene within the home.
The rubber plant, just like all houseplants, is prone to pests. Spider mites pose particularly problematic. These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant and may attach to its leaves. Fortunately, it's easy to eliminate the unwanted guests by gently wiping the leaves with a cloth that has been lightly misted with neem oil or insecticidal soap.