Indoor plants have been a growing trend in home decor for several years now, not just for their visual appeal but also for their possible health benefits. Among these benefits, the one that stands out is the ability of indoor plants to improve the air quality in a room. This comprehensive guide sheds light on the correlation that exists between indoor plants and air quality and provides some specifics on the types of plants that are best suited for improving indoor air quality.
There is an array of toxic compounds present in the air inside your home. These air pollutants come from various sources such as cleaning products, furniture, building materials, and even from outdoor air pollution infiltrating inside. Unfortunately, these contaminants can negatively affect indoor air quality, potentially causing health issues like headaches, dizziness, respiratory problems, and allergies. Luckily, indoor plants can serve as natural air purifiers, mitigating these indoor air pollutants.
This natural purifying process is a result of the plants’ inherent photosynthesis process. As plants absorb carbon dioxide, they also take in other toxins present in the air, effectively filtering it. In return, they release oxygen into the environment, which is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. Several scientific studies, including NASA’s Clean Air Study, have confirmed this inherent quality of plants, emphasizing their significance in our indoor spaces.
According to NASA’s study, the most effective plants for purifying indoor air include English Ivy, Spider Plant, Devils Ivys, Peace Lily, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, and Bamboo Palm. These plants filter out common household toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia from the air. Let’s delve further into details about these plants.
1. Spider Plant: Known scientifically as Chlorophytum comosum, the Spider Plant has arching, green and white leaves. It’s an excellent air purifier that tackles common pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Besides, they are low-maintenance, tolerant to a fair amount of neglect, and safe for pets, making them a great addition to any home.
2. English Ivy: This climbing vine is not just for outdoors – it makes a great houseplant as well. Studies found that it helps reduce mold and fecal-matter particles from the air. Hence, it’s beneficial for those with allergies or asthma. However, be careful with this plant if you have pets, as it’s toxic to dogs and cats.
3. Devil’s Ivy: Also known as Golden Pothos, this plant is an attractive sight with its heart-shaped leaves. Devil’s Ivy effectively filters out common indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, and carbon monoxide. It’s also easy to care for, requiring minimal sunlight and watering.
4. Peace Lily: The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular indoor plant known for its ability to break down and neutralize toxic gases like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. Plus, in full bloom, the pretty white flowers add a touch of elegance to your home. Bear in mind, though, Peace Lilies are toxic to pets and humans when ingested.
5. Snake Plant: Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the Snake Plant is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance. Its tall, pointed leaves contain saponins, which help purify the air by removing toxins like nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and benzene.
6. Bamboo Palm: The Bamboo Palm is a great indoor tropical plant that does well in indirect sunlight. Known scientifically as Chamaedorea seifrizii, the Bamboo Palm removes formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene, chloroform, and more.
Maintaining indoor plants for air quality isn’t about filling up your home with an endless array of greenery. The placement and care of these plants play a significant role in maximizing their air purifying potential. Giving them the correct amount of water and light, maintaining the right indoor temperature, and ensuring their health are all crucial to their survival and ability to cleanse the air.
While having purifying plants in your home can significantly improve air quality, they should not be the sole method for doing so. They should instead complement other air purification measures like maintaining clean air vents, reducing the use of aerosol products, investing in an air purifier, and regularly cleaning your living space.
Obviously, the size of the plant and its surface area correlates to its ability to purify air, as does the number of plants around the house. NASA recommends having at least one plant per 100 square feet of home or office space for effective air detoxification.
To conclude, adopting the use of indoor plants to improve air quality is a beautiful, natural, and effective method. The plants reduce indoor pollution levels, increase humidity, decrease indoor air temperatures, and even reduce background noise levels. So, go ahead, and make your home or office a greener space – it’s certainly inhaling in your best interests!
