There is a possibility that you are living in a sick house without knowing it. This is because we have three to five times more pollutants indoors than outside.
A lot of things you use on a daily basis can cause headaches, allergies, breathing problems, and sore throats, like xylene (in paint and lacquers), benzene (in furniture wax and insect repellants), formaldehyde (in upholstery) and trichloroethylene (in cleaners and adhesives).
Therefore, a NASA study looked into simple, yet effective methods for detoxifying indoor air. In a study, it was revealed that some house plants have natural air purifying powers and can be kept at home. Would you like to know which air purifying plant NASA approved? Keep reading to find out.
How Do Air Purifying Plants Work
The first thing we need to understand is how plants purify the air. Plants purify air through photosynthesis, as you probably know.
We breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, but plants do the opposite. Additionally, the function of plants is to absorb light, carbon dioxide, and water, and to produce sugar. During this chemical process, oxygen is produced as a byproduct.
Now, a second concept to understand is phytoremediation. When a plant mitigates pollution in the soil, air, or water, it is called phytoremediation.
Moreover, NASA’s research shows that air-purifying plants can absorb other gases besides carbon dioxide, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many indoor VOCs, including benzene, found in plastics, fabrics, pesticides, and cigarette smoke, are also eliminated by plants.
As air purifying plants transpire, phytochemicals and water vapor are released, causing air to move. It’s easy for plants to pull toxins out of the air as they transpire. Additionally, to absorb pollutants from the air, leaves have microscopic openings called stomata.
All of these processes result in a reduction in air pollution. However, air purifying plants can offer you much more than that. Take a look at the amazing benefits of air purifying plants below.
Benefits of Air Purifying Plants
NASA Clean Air studies have shown that indoor plants can reduce airborne contaminants such as cigarette smoke, dust, germs, and chemicals.
Also, the benefits of air-purifying plants go beyond converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. Here are some:
- By detoxifying the air, plants reduce allergy symptoms like itching, runny noses, eye irritation, and breathing difficulties.
- You may feel more relaxed and calm when you are constantly surrounded by plants, which can reduce stress and anxiety.
- In addition to improving concentration and memory, plants have calming effects.
- When certain air purifying plants are present at home, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from home building and maintenance products are minimized. Some types of cancer are linked to VOCs due to their long-term effects, including chronic headaches, nausea, irritation, kidney damage, and nervous system damage.
- Air purifying plants can improve your sleep quality because they help purify the air you breathe.
- When people suffer from depression, trauma, and dementia, being around plants helps them recover.
- Aside from its physical and mental benefits, air purifying plants also enhance the aesthetics of a place.
Aren’t those great benefits of air purifying plants? Yet, it can be difficult to care for plants, especially if you lack a green thumb. Worry not! Listed below are the 10 best air purifying plants you can grow at home easily.
10 Best Air Purifying Plants to Reduce Air Pollution
1. Areca Palm
Areca palms take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, just like all plants. Yet, what makes the Areca Palm unique is its ability to purify the environment by removing dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Areca Palm Care Tips
| Light | Full to partial sun |
| Best Place | Living room |
| Water | 1-2 times a week |
| Soil | Moist and well-drained |
| Toxic | No |
2. Snake plant
Mother-In-Law’s Tongue or Snake plant is an amazing plant that produces oxygen at night and also removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the air at night.
Snake Plant Care Tips
| Light | Shade to partial sun |
| Best place | Bedroom |
| Water | When the soil is nearly dry, water it |
| Soil | Sandy and well-drained |
| Toxic | Yes |
3. Money Plant
According to NASA, the Money Plant removes chemicals and other pollutants from the air, including benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Yet, even though this plant has a high purification rate, its leaves are toxic to cats, dogs, and small children.
Money Plant Care Tips
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Best Place | In any room, but keep pets and children away |
| Water | 3 times a week |
| Soil | Rich and fertile soil |
| Toxic | Yes |
4. Spider Plant
If you are new to houseplants, the resilient spider plant is a great choice. This little thing will battle toxins like carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent in rubber and printing.
Furthermore, this plant is not poisonous, so you can keep it in your house if you have pets.
Spider Plant Care Tips
| Light | Bright to moderate light |
| Best place | Bedroom or living room |
| Water | one time a week |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix |
| Toxic | No |
5. Aloe Vera
If you live in a sunny area, an aloe plant will thrive in your kitchen windowsill. Besides soothing kitchen burns, this succulent will remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
Aloe Vera Care Tips
| Light | Place in bright, indirect sunlight or artificial light |
| Best Place | Window sill or well-lit corner |
| Water | 2-3 times a week |
| Soil | Sandy |
| Toxic | Yes |
6. Rubber plant
According to NASA studies, rubber plants (Ficus robusta) improve indoor air quality while being easy to care for houseplants. Using their large leaves, they can absorb and break down airborne chemicals.
During the process of breathing, they absorb exhaled carbon dioxide and convert it into breathable oxygen. Additionally, rubber plants eliminate airborne bacteria and mold spores.
Rubber Plant Care Tips
| Light | Medium to bright light |
| Best Place | Living room or bedroom |
| Water | 1-2 times a week |
| Soil | Well-draining soil |
| Toxic | Yes |
7. Weeping Fig
The weeping fig has become a popular houseplant since the Victorian era as it can reduce formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene levels.
Weeping Fig Care Tips
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Best Place | Balcony, window sill, well-lit place |
| Water | Water if the soil is dry or water your fig every week or two. |
| Soil | Rich, fast-draining potting soil |
| Toxic | Yes |
8. Chinese Evergreen
One of the most common plants in households is the Chinese Evergreen. In addition to emitting high oxygen levels, this plant also eliminates harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene from indoor spaces.
Its high efficiency in removing pollution from the air explains its popularity.
Chinese Evergreen Care Tips
| Light | Indirect light |
| Best Place | Living room |
| Water | Water when topsoil is dry |
| Soil | Peat-based potting soil or any well-draining soil |
| Toxic | Yes |
9. Peace Lily
Other than its air-purifying properties, the peace lily is also known as a good luck and health plant.
It can remove several types of air pollutants, including benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, xylene, toluene, and plenty more.
In the summer, it blooms profusely and requires little maintenance.
Peace Lily Care Tips
| Light | Bright but indirect light |
| Best Place | Bedroom |
| Water | 1-2 times a week |
| Soil | Well-draining, all-purpose potting soil |
| Toxic | Yes |
10. ZZ Plant
There are many advantages to owning a ZZ plant, including its wide, attractive, dark green leaves. Moreover, a ZZ plant is neglect-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and can tolerate low light without fuss. As a result of its waxy, smooth leaves, it reflects sunlight and brightens rooms.
Moreover, A NASA study found the ZZ plant removes copious amounts of toxins from the air, such as xylene, toluene, and benzene.
ZZ Plant Care Tips
| Light | Lots of indirect light |
| Best Place | Living room or bedroom |
| Water | 2-3 time a week |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix |
| Toxic | Yes |
FAQs
Q1. What is the best indoor plant for boosting oxygen?
Ans. Some of the best indoor plants for boosting oxygen levels and purifying the air are snake plants, spider plants, rubber plants, and peace lilies.
Q2. Is a snake plant good for the bedroom?
Ans. Yes. The snake plant filters indoor air similarly to other household succulents. One of the things that makes this plant unique is that it can convert carbon dioxide (CO 2) into oxygen at night. As a result, it’s perfect for bedroom decor, since it regulates airflow.
Q3. How many plants do I need to reduce CO2 in my house?
Ans. For a house to reduce CO2, at least two “good sized” plants are needed per 100 square feet.
Q4. What is a natural air purifier?
Ans. The top natural air purifier is Golden Pothos, Peace Lily, Boston Fern, Snake Plant, English Ivy, Dracaena, Aloe vera, and Spider Plant.
Conclusion
With today’s pollution levels, asthma, and respiratory allergies are often associated with poor air quality. Thankfully, NASA’s clean air study has uncovered plants that can reduce indoor air pollution.
Aside from filtering air, air-purifying plants can benefit your physical and mental well-being.
In addition to these benefits, some plants also have aesthetic value. For example, the peace lily is an excellent way to improve the beauty and health of your place. Your place will surely be enlivened by those white flowers.
A snake plant or an aloe vera are excellent choices if you are looking for a hardy plant. If you want to give your interior space a touch of green, make sure to have at least two good-sized plants per 100 square feet.
If you need help growing these amazing air purifying plants, feel free to ask in the comments. I will be glad to assist you. Be sure to share this article with your family and friends.
Related Articles
- Bonsai Tree in a Terrarium – An Ultimate Guide To Build Bonsai Terrarium.
- Redwood Bonsai Care Guide: How to Grow, and Bonsai For Sale
- Growing Kale Indoor From Seeds With LED Grow Light
- Best Bonsai Plants to Grow in Summer
- Spider Plant in Distress? How to Identify and Fix an Overwatered Plant
- 10 Best Nasa Approved Air Purifying Plants to Reduce Air Pollution
