Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
As summer officially commences, bringing with it extended daylight hours and refreshing open windows, it also introduces elevated levels of pollen, dust, and humidity. These can leave your home feeling stale and trigger allergy symptoms. For those seeking relief from seasonal discomfort without solely relying on air filters or purifiers, there’s a natural solution: houseplants for air purification. Certain plant varieties possess the inherent ability to cleanse indoor air, reduce allergens, regulate humidity, and even deter insects, enhancing your home’s environment during the hot summer months.
The Air-Purifying Potential of Houseplants
While most indoor plants offer some degree of air purification, the extent of their impact has been a subject of discussion. Some scientific viewpoints suggest that achieving a substantial enhancement in air quality would necessitate a significant number of plants. However, innovative approaches, such as the Neoplants proprietary solution, aim to amplify the air-cleansing capabilities of plants, potentially making them 30 times more effective.
Regardless of the debate, adding plants to your living space will not negatively affect air quality. Whether your goal is to neutralize toxins from HVAC systems or refresh a stuffy atmosphere, incorporating air-purifying plants is a beneficial step.
LONZERUI2024 New Mens Smart Watch with a 420Mah Large Battery, 1.96-Inch Ultra HD Screen, Wireless Calling, Flashlight Feature,, Suitable for Android And Ios Outdoor Use
Price: $0.62
Mens Gothic Hoodie - Fashion Hoodies with Retro Lace Up Design, Casual Graphic Print, Streetwear Style for Winter Fall, Great Gift Idea
Price: $1.79
[Anti-Slip Basketball Shoes] Anti-Slip Durable Mens High-Top Basketball Shoes | Fashion Training Sneakers for Sports and Casual Wear
🎉 Exclusive deal [Price: $9.19]
Top Houseplants for Enhanced Air Quality
Studies have demonstrated that specific plants can effectively absorb pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene through their leaves and roots. This absorption process naturally purifies the surrounding air.
A NASA study identified several plants that excel at enhancing air quality. If you’re looking for options to improve your indoor air without purchasing a dedicated purifier, consider incorporating one of these plants.
Marble Queen Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) – Epipremnum aureum
Also recognized as golden pothos, devil’s ivy stands out as an exceptional air-purifying plant. It is known for eliminating harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. Its resilience makes it ideal for novice plant owners, as it requires watering only once every 7 to 10 days.
The pothos’s air-cleansing efficiency is harnessed by biotech firms like Neoplants, which integrates the species into its microbiome-enhanced air-purifying system. This system transforms the plant into an efficient device, capable of removing the equivalent amount of toxins as 30 standard plants.
However, the marble queen pothos is not suitable for households with pets, as it contains substances that can be toxic if consumed.
Peace Lily – Spathiphyllum
Characterized by their pristine white blooms, peace lilies are effective in removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air. These plants can reach heights of up to 16 inches and thrive in indirect sunlight, requiring consistent watering.
English Ivy – Hedera helix
Per NASA’s research, English ivy is a superior choice for indoor cultivation due to its pronounced air-filtering capabilities.
English ivy is known to absorb formaldehyde found in selected household cleaning products and reduce airborne fecal matter. To ensure safety, it is best to keep this plant away from pets, as its ingestion can lead to poisoning.
Gerbera Daisy – Gerbera jamesonii
In addition to eye-catching colors, the gerbera daisy actively filters trichloroethylene and benzene, chemicals commonly present in cleaners and solvents. For optimal growth, gerbera daisies require plenty of direct sunlight and regular watering. These exotic-looking flowers are relatively easy-going. They thrive best when not directly exposed to the sun and when their soil is allowed to become arid between watering sessions.
Additional Plant Tips
- For additional guidance on gardening and plant care, explore resources on how to grow vegetables.
- Learn how to manipulate the coloration of hydrangeas for a vibrant garden display.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air-Purifying Plants
Which Plant is Ideal for Bedrooms?
The snake plant is a good choice for the bedroom, as it releases oxygen at night rather than during the day. This can help keep the air fresher overnight for more restful sleep.
Can Houseplants Substitute Air Purifiers?
No. Houseplants can recycle air and remove some pollutants, but they do not purify the biggest problem with indoor air quality: dust and fine particulate matter. Experts recommend air purifiers for every home so that they can filter out dust, smoke, mold, pollen and other allergens and irritants. In fact, houseplants — including some on this list — can lose their efficiency if their leaves get dusty; they can benefit from the dust-filtering of an air purifier just as much as you.
Which Plants are Best for Beginners?
Succulents are an excellent selection for beginners due to their resilience and minimal watering needs. The multitude of succulent variations allows you to choose one to suit your unique style.
Is Overwatering Possible?
Overwatering can definitely cause plant damage. Most indoor plants, especially succulents and ZZ plants, are susceptible. Excess water can suffocate and kill the plant’s roots.