10 indoor plants to boost your air quality
When we close our door and head inside, we often assume we are blocking out the elements and any contaminated air. But what if we told you your indoor air might contain even more pollutants than you encounter outdoors? In the 1950s, NASA teamed up with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America to study houseplants as a way to combat this problem and help purify the air inside spacecrafts. Their research identified a variety of plants that help cleanse the air both in space and on Earth. Many senior communities strive to provide the cleanest air possible for residents with the help of HEPA filtration systems, but additional natural filtration in the form of plants can also help. Curious which plants made the cut? Peruse our comprehensive list of the flora NASA recommends to boost your air quality!
- Spider Plant (Clorophytum Comosum)
This easy-to-grow houseplant is about as resilient as they come. Also known as the airplane plant, this long-leafed specimen enjoys dry soil and indirect sunlight. The spider plant is also considered a safe houseplant for pets.
2.Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’)
Another easy-to-care-for indoor option is the snake plant. Also known as mother-in-law tongue, this tall, stalk-like plant thrives in low light and is best for filtering formaldehyde, a common additive in cleaning products and paper goods. Its absorption of carbon dioxide during the day and release of oxygen at night can bolster oxygen levels in a bedroom.
3. Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
This beautiful flowering mum comes in a variety of colors, making it a great aesthetic addition to any room. These colorful flowers are also great filterers of benzene, which can be found in paints, plastics and more. Select a floral mum rather than a garden variety, and place the flowers in direct sunlight.
4. Weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina)
Seen in offices around the world, the ficus is a great filter of pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. This popular option is generally easy to care for, with consistency being key. Regular watering and indirect light makes the weeping fig a splendid addition to any home.
5. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema Modestum)
The Chinese evergreen features beautifully colored foliage while still being one of the easiest indoor plants to care for. It is drought-tolerant and requires low light. This simple, eye-catching plant helps filter both benzene and formaldehyde. But beware around pets, since the Chinese evergreen is toxic to animals.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum Wallisii)
The peace lily may be one of the most effective options tested by NASA, as it helps filter out benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene and ammonia. It flourishes in a medium to low light, making it easy to care for. But please note this plant is toxic to cats and dogs.
7. Bamboo Palm (Chamadorea Seifrizii)
This easy-care plant is a great space filler, and it also serves as a powerful filter of formaldehyde, xylene and toluene. It requires little light, and it needs watering only when the surface of the soil feels dry. The bamboo palm is non-toxic to pets.
8. Lilyturf (Liriope Spicata)
This tall perennial has grass-like leaves and is non-toxic to pets. The lilyturf prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sunlight. Filtering formaldehyde, xylene, toluene and ammonia, it serves as a formidable air purifier.
9. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
This branching plant can serve as a lovely hanging accent in any room. Filtering out benzene, formaldehyde, trichlorethylene, xylene and toluene, it’s an impactful addition. It needs plenty of indirect sunlight and it’s toxic to pets, so please keep it high off the ground.
10. Flamingo Lily (Anthurium Andraeanum)
Known for its large, gorgeous flowers, this evergreen is an effective tool to remove formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene and xylene. This plant may be the most difficult on the list to maintain, with its high demands for light and humidity. It is also poisonous to humans and animals if consumed.
We hope these beautiful plants inspired you to accent your home or office with beautiful décor that’s good for your health!
Source credit:
https://lifehacker.com/this-graphic-shows-the-best-air-cleaning-plants-accord-1705307836