Houseplants have much to recommend them. They’re fun to care for, they look good on Instagram, and they beautify of your home. They also act as purifying agents ensuring you have a healthier home. Studies by NASA, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Georgia and other respected institutions suggest that certain plants are adept at absorbing common indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) besides carbon dioxide. Benzene (found in some plastics, fabrics, pesticides and cigarette smoke) and formaldehyde (found in some cosmetics, dish detergent, fabric softener and carpet cleaner) are examples of common indoor VOCs that plants help eliminate.
Here is our recommendation of the five easy to grow and maintain air purifying plants for your home.
Areca Palm
Areca Palms are perfect to use inside. A more mature palm can transpire up to 1 litre of water per day which keeps air fresh, moist, and makes it easier to breathe. For people with asthma, moist air is especially helpful. It does well when placed in shaded areas by a bright window.
Peace Lilly
The Peace Lily has a great reputation as a beautiful and healthy plant. According to NASA’s research, this plant can help improve air quality by 60%. It neutralizes benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. This plant prefers to grow in indirect sunlight. You can keep them on your bathroom sill or your dining table to showcase its beauty.
Snake Plant
Place this plant in your bedroom if you want a good night’s rest. This plant releases oxygen at night thus enriching your space and helping you sleep better. This plant also filters out certain toxins like formaldehyde from the air. Be careful not to overwater, as the roots are susceptible to rotting.
Spider Plant
This is one resilient plant that is perfect for those of you trying out gardening for the first time, as the plant is very easy to manage. They do more than just brighten up a room; they have the ability to remove significant amount toxins in the household air within a few days – especially formaldehyde. They can be kept on a table or used in a hanging basket.
Chinese Evergreen
This tropical beauty has proven to be an effective cleanser against residues from detergents and cosmetics. It thrives in humid conditions with low light, so its good for your bathrooms as well. You will need to mist the leaves often to prevent them from drying.
The NASA studies on indoor pollution done in 1989 recommends 15 to 18 plants in 6 to 8-inch- diameter containers to clean the air in an average 1,800 square foot house. That’s roughly one plant per 100 square feet of floor space.
By carefully selecting and positioning the right houseplants you can your turn your home into a nature retreat with clean air for your family to breathe.
