The 10 Best Plants for air purification in the home
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Air pollution has become a growing concern recently, and it’s no secret that it can have a negative impact on our health. Indoor air pollution is not exempt from this problem, and it’s essential to know that some common indoor pollutants can be even more harmful than outdoor pollution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution can be two to five times higher than outdoor air pollution. However, there’s an easy and natural solution to this problem – plants.
Many indoor plants have the power to purify the air and remove toxins, making them an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality. So, what plants are good for air purification in your home?
Spider Plant
The spider plant is one of the most popular plants for air purification in the home. It’s easy to care for and can help to remove toxins such as xylene and carbon monoxide from the air. Spider plants are also great for improving humidity levels in the home, making them an excellent choice for those who suffer from dry skin or respiratory problems.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well-known for its healing properties, but it’s also an excellent air purifier. This plant can help to remove pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making it a great addition to any home. Aloe vera is also easy to care for and its juice can treat a range of skin conditions and also soothe kitchen burns, making it a great all-around plant in your home.
Peace Lily
The peace lily is a beautiful plant that can help to purify the air by removing harmful toxins. Peace lilies work by absorbing these pollutants through their leaves and roots, and then breaking them down into harmless substances that the plant can use for growth. Peace lilies emit moisture, boosting the humidity in the room hence getting rid of the airborne microbes. It is important to note that peace lilies are poisonous to cats and dogs.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is an excellent air purifier that can help to remove toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the air. The snake plant releases oxygen at nigh so it is the best plant for your bedroom. This plant is easy to care for and can be grown in a range of light conditions, making it a great choice for any home.
Boston Fern
The Boston fern is another great plant for air purification in the home. It can help to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air and is also great for improving humidity levels. Boston ferns are easy to care for but require a little more attention than some of the other plants on this list.
English Ivy
English ivy is a great plant for removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from the air. This plant is easy to care for and can be grown in a range of light conditions, making it an excellent choice for any home. If you are looking to combat mould in your home, English ivy might be the best choice for you.
Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm is a beautiful plant that can help to remove toxins such as formaldehyde from the air. This plant is also great for improving humidity levels in the home, making it a great choice for those with dry skin or respiratory problems. The plant has long leaves suitable for all-round air cleaning.
Golden Pothos
Also known as devil’s ivy, the golden pothos is another excellent plant for air purification in the home. It can help to remove toxins such as benzene, carbon monoxide, and xylene from the air and is easy to care for. This plant can also be grown in various light conditions, making it a great choice for any home. The devil’s ivy is said to be toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
Rubber Plant
The rubber plant is a great choice for air purification in the home. It can help to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air and is also great for improving humidity levels. Rubber plants are easy to care for and can be grown in a range of light conditions, making them a great choice for your desk.
Areca Palm
The Areca palm is a beautiful plant that that gives you a tropical paradise vibe your home. It is very crucial in removing two major pollutants from the atmosphere; xylene and toluene. This plant is also great for improving humidity levels, making it an excellent choice for those with dry skin or respiratory problems. Areca palm is able to release oxygen during the night using crassulacean acid metabolism.
How Do Plants Purify the Air?
Plants purify the air through a process called phytoremediation. This process involves the plant absorbing pollutants from the air and converting them into nutrients that the plant can use. Some plants are better at this process than others, and the plants listed above are particularly good at removing common indoor pollutants. Some of the plants are also able to produce oxygen during the night.
It’s important to note that while plants can help improve indoor air quality, they should not be relied upon as the sole air purification method. Other methods, such as air purifiers and proper ventilation, should also be considered.
Tips for Choosing and Caring for Air Purifying Plants
When choosing air-purifying plants, it’s important to consider factors such as the level of light in your home and how much space you have available. Some plants require more care than others, so choosing a plant you can care for properly is essential.
Here are some tips for caring for air-purifying plants:
- Water plants when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, killing the plant.
- Provide plants with the correct amount of light. Some plants require more light than others, so it’s important to choose a plant that matches the light conditions in your home.
- Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent water from sitting in the pot.
- Keep plants away from drafts, which can cause damage to the plant.
- Clean the plant leaves regularly to remove dust and other particles that can build up.
- Some plants may be toxic to your pets, so check first before planting and be extra careful if you have one close to your pets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, plants are a natural and effective way to improve indoor air quality. The plants listed above are particularly good at removing common indoor pollutants and are easy to care for. When choosing air-purifying plants, it’s important to consider factors such as the level of light in your home and how much space you have available. Adding air-purifying plants to your home allows you to enjoy cleaner, healthier air and improve your overall well-being.