The best indoor plants that purify the air
Trying to make their home more cozy and beautiful, owners usually buy a variety of decorative items and furniture, but few people think about how it can affect air quality. The fact is that the same “new things” can emit different substances. Electrical appliances, linoleum, laminate, etc. Sometimes they contain traces of formaldehyde, which, in turn, comes into contact with the air in the room. But what can you do to remedy this? Interior plants can improve the air quality in every home. Some can make the air cleaner after absorbing traces of smoke, dust, dust and other particles, as well as heavy compounds that are a health hazard.
15 indoor plants that clean the air
The following is a detailed description of the different types of interior plants, which have a remarkable ability to purify the air, high ornamental value, while taking care of them will not be difficult for you.
Chlorophytum
Chlorophytum (chlorophytum) can be “easy”. The fact is that it is able to import most of the toxic substances and carbon monoxide from the air. It occupies the front of all indoor plants to release oxygen and purify the air from formaldehyde.
Most gardeners think that such a plant looks very ugly. However, it is worth hanging it, decorating it with an unusual support for this or a pot with a beautiful pot, then the chlorophytum will immediately transform.
Ficus bendjamina
The Benjamin ficus is also one of the first indoor plants that can purify indoor air. This system can remove dust and various harmful compounds from the air, which are emitted by objects made of plastic and some furniture.
Such a ficus is also interesting because during its growth, its stems can be pulled up and give them various unusual shapes.
Spatifillum
The spatifillum plant has beautiful flowers, which are often called “bedding.” Such a plant can decorate almost any room, as it has a spectacular appearance. And it is also distinguished by its industriousness: it cleans the air in the room from mold, as well as from formaldehyde and trichlorine.
Pelargonium (indoor geraniums)
If you want to decorate your home with pelargonium, which is more commonly known as indoor geraniums, you should consider that it can have a negative effect on allergies. However, the benefits of such a flower are undeniable, as it is able to clean the air from pathogens. This amazing property is due to the fact that the bush contains essential oils, and if a person has no contraindications, they will also have a beneficial effect on her body. Thus, it has been found that pelargonium normalizes the state of the nervous system and helps to improve sleep.
Sansvieria (“mother and stepmother”)
Many flower growers probably know that the sansevilla, also called “mother tongue”, is characterized by a number of unusual properties. Even if you move the plant to a balcony in summer and leave it there for a month, it will survive even under the scorching sun at plus 35. If the bush dries out due to oversight, it should be moved to a shady place and watered. After some time, the bush will revive, and if it is also fed, it will already in a few months be pleasing to its attractive appearance.
Such a flower is also useful because it can clean the air in the room from formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides, this fact is proved by scientists. “The tongue of the mother ancestor” is perfectly suitable for different rooms, including the children’s room and the kitchen.
Hamedorea (Bamboo Palm).
A bamboo palm or chamedorrhea will be a real home decoration. This plant is different in that it can humidify the air, making the room much easier to breathe, as well as clean it from formaldehyde. This plant has a name that comes from several Greek words, namely: “Chamii”, which translates to “dwarf” and “Dorea”, “gift”. However, if you want to grow it in your home, remember that in room conditions the bush reaches an average of 200 cm. Nevertheless, such a palm is incredibly beautiful, and also very useful. The most popular among florists are such species as: Chamaedorea tall (Chamaedorea Elatior) and Chamaedorea y-Hages (Chamaedorea Elegans).
Gerbera
Many florists mistakenly believe that Gerbera, although very beautiful, is absolutely useless. And so it is only used for apartment decoration. However, few people know that this is not as simple as it seems. The fact is that such a flower is able to remove benzene from the air, and it also helps to improve sleep.
Cypress
A plant like cypress (Chamacyparis) can absorb dust from the air and negative ions that broadcast electrical appliances. And this flower can also soften the air in the room, as it gives positive ions to negative ions in return for the absorbed characteristics. This makes the air much cleaner and filled with freshness.
Orange and lemon trees
All lemon and orange trees have a positive effect on the air. In a room where there is such a plant, the air is cleaned of various pathogenic bacteria and germs.
Citrus trees contain essential oils that have a positive effect on the human body, and the air in the room becomes very fresh. Such trees are interesting because in some florists they grow perfectly without much care, while others have to put a lot of effort to ensure that such a plant does not die.
begonia
Begonia decorates window sills in many homes and for good reason! The fact is that it is able to absorb dust and humidify the air. At the same time, the bush should be systematically moistened with a sprayer, so that it absorbs dust again (like a vacuum cleaner).
And such a system can kill most germs and fungi in the air. They also help against the radiation of electrical appliances. In addition, during flowering, the bush looks incredibly spectacular.
Noble laurel
The laurel is very popular with European florists, but in Russia it is not so often found. However, this plant is incredibly useful! It removes various pathogenic germs and dust from the air, and can also help with various diseases. Although such a flower looks simple in appearance, it has a strong medicinal and cleansing effect.
Diffenbachia
Diffenbahia (Diffenbahia) is a must for people who are often ill with lung diseases. The fact is that such a plant is able to exterminate staphylococci, which contribute to the development of various diseases. Also, this flower can detect and exterminate toxic substances (xylene and toluene), which are released when painting walls or floors.
Dracaena
Another indoor plant that is great for purifying the air is the Dracaena. If you decorate your windowsill with such a flower, you can not worry that from the street into the room during the airing exhaust gases or other unpleasant smell. The fact is that such a shrub is good at cleaning the air from benzene and from trichlorylene, which can get into the room with exhaust fumes.
A very popular houseplant among flower growers is aloe (aloe). It is able to absorb formaldehyde from the air, which is emitted by new furniture. And also such a flower is able to alleviate various diseases. It can help with colds and runny nose. For the prevention and treatment of such diseases, it is recommended to drop a few drops of aloe juice into the nose. Aloe contains phytoncides, which help stimulate brain function and also relieve physical fatigue.
Schefflera
A plant like Schefflera (Schefflera) is ideal for smokers or those who have a smoker in the house. The fact is that it absorbs nicotine and tar from the air while neutralizing it.
This flower has a very spectacular appearance, while belonging to the largest genus, which is associated with the family Araliaceae. It should also be taken into account that the bush has a rich green-yellow color only if it gets a very large amount of scattered light.
On which color to choose, it is not necessary, the main thing is that you like it yourself. When choosing a plant, you should also consider how poisonous it is to animals and children.
10 interior plants that clean the air best
Interior plants aren’t just a fashion or beauty tribute. They have hundreds of different benefits for your health. Recent studies show that blooming greenery on your windowsill reduces stress levels, improves concentration, reduces asthma and allergy recurrence, and prevents lung disease, kidney disease, and cancer.
Do you think that’s amazing? Then you don’t know anything about NASA’s research! In the late 1990s, experts discovered that certain plants have a unique natural filter and can protect the human body from toxins that are in the air. Besides, all plants need is a little sun, water and your love!
Home, sweet home! What we don’t see.
Sure, you’ll say that you have no toxins in your home and you have nothing to worry about. But there are things that you underestimate!
Furniture glue, paint, furniture wax, and household chemicals are just the beginning of the list of ingredients that can be harmful to your health.
To create home comfort, we buy furniture made with chemicals directly involved, fabricate stretch ceilings, and install plastic metal windows. To maintain a radiant clean, we use dozens of cleaning products, some of which can remain on surfaces despite repeated washing.
According to experts, humans are most likely to come into contact in homes with substances such as formaldehyde, trichloryl, xylene, toluene and ammonia. Fortunately, there are plants that can clean the air and give you health. Medaboutm tells us about the top ten.
1. spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)
This is a perennial plant with a beautiful poetic name that is easy to take care of, even for those who do not have free time to devote to growing a flower. All it needs is a little sun and water. Grow Lily can only be in the shade, under direct sunlight it will die. During the warm season, it can be transplanted to shady places.
NASA’s analysis of interior plants showed that the Lily is most effective at removing formaldehyde, trichloreyl and benzene. Just plant it in a dark corner of your home, water it once a week, and you’ll get all the health benefits.
Keep in mind, however, that lily of the valley is a mildly toxic plant for animals and humans. If a pet eats some of the leaf, you may experience nausea, difficulty swallowing, and a burning or itchy feeling on the skin.
2. chrysanthemum morifolium (flower chrysanthemums)
Unlike the world lily, flower chrysanthemums like bright sun and need more regular watering. With proper care, you’ll present many blooming buds that will decorate your home and fill it with joy.
Researchers have found that the morifolium chrysanthemum is great at clearing the air of chemicals, but there is a downside – it is also toxic to animals. If a dog or cat swallows it, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and coordination problems.
3. chrysalidocarpus (Letsens, Palma Areca)
And this is the perfect plant for pet lovers. Even if your pet eats the leaves of this palm, nothing bad will happen – it is non-toxic.
This plant is valuable for humans because it not only filters the air in the house, but also acts as a natural humidifier, giving the air humidity.
It is useful for those who are thinking about a humidifier or have dermatological conditions.
The lighting requirements of the plant are small – more like indirect sunlight, but the floor should always be moist.
4: Emipremnum goldenrod (cursed ivy).
In stores, the golden ampremnum is often sold in decorative, hanging baskets, so it looks more spectacular and requires less space. The plant is very beautiful: it has small heart-shaped leaves, marbled with a yellowish-white hue.
It is best to keep this beauty on the window, but so that no direct sunlight falls on it. The floor should be well moistened.
The plant effectively cleans the air from benzene, trichloretilia, xylene and formaldehyde. Unfortunately, it is poisonous to the curious, gnawing on all pets in a row.
5. Dracaena reflexa (curved dracaena).
Another name for this plant is the red-edged dracaena. It is a shrub with straight, narrow-angled leaves. The latter can be green or yellow. When the plant matures, it produces small white flowers that turn into red-orange berries.
Dracaena is unpretentious, all it needs is to be in a place with indirect sunlight and keep the ground moist.
According to a NASA study, Dracaena is effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene and xylene. Toxic if ingested.
6. Sansvieria Dre i-Lane (snake plant, mother-oil).
If you ask a botanist what plant is most unappreciated in nursing, he will probably tell you about it.
This popular plant is the perfect gift for keen travelers who are away from home for weeks, or for those interested in unpretentious air-cleaning plants. Although the plant prefers lots of light, it can tolerate low levels for a long time. Watering it infrequently and abundantly is fatal to it.
According to NASA, sansvieria tricolor is excellent at absorbing toxins including formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide, benzene, xylene and trichloreyl, purifying fresh air.
7. Anthurium André (Flamingo Lily).
This gorgeous piece will liven up any room in the house. It has large bright flowers and large green leaves. The Flamingo Lily promotes wellness and is devoid of formaldehyde, xylene, toluene and ammonium. But it is not suitable for everyone, as the plant is very fastidious.
Keep it in a bright room, but not on the window, and the floor should always be moist. But most importantly, if the humidity in the room drops below 50%, the plant will die. Therefore, you should start it only in the presence of a humidifier.
Another important nuance – the plant is toxic when consumed orally for both humans and animals.
8. Hedera spiralis (green ivy)
While the previous plant needs moisture to survive, this plant, on the contrary, fights it. More precisely, with mold, which appears in rooms with pipes. Such data was presented by an expert of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
And according to NASA, green ivy effectively cleans the air from formaldehyde, xylene, benzene and toluene.
Gardeners warn, however, to be careful about breeding this plant. Green ivy spreads quickly and takes over everything around it. Keep it in a warm, sunny room, and the floor should be well irrigated and drained.
9. Bamboo palm.
Actually, this plant has nothing to do with bamboo. This evergreen tree is a frequent “guest” in offices and homes and rightfully holds the title of the best flooring.
The fine, graceful leaves form a beautiful interior, and as a bonus you filter the air from toxic substances like benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde.
The bamboo palm grows well in moderate light and does not need much moisture. Before each subsequent watering, the soil should be completely dry of water. The plant is non-toxic.
10. Aloe vera (aloe barbadensis)
Aloe leaves can help to restore skin after burns, saturate moisture or give freshness. They are used to make healing home infusions and masks for skin and hair. But not many people know that this plant filters the air beautifully and gets rid of formaldehyde.
It is also important to know that the plant is verbally poisonous to humans and animals. It loves light and should receive sun exposure at least 4 hours a day. And the soil should be moderately dry before each subsequent watering.
And how do you take care of the plants?
Engaging in breeding a “botanical garden” at home, use the rule: for every 30 square centimeters there should be one plant. That way everyone has enough space for maximum comfort.
In order not to confuse the frequency of watering, you can group different types of plants together. And when putting together flower arrangements, do not hesitate to experiment. With a little bit of effort, you can breathe easy! Literally.
Each of the above indoor plants is a great way to improve indoor air quality. They are easy to care for, nice to have, and help you breathe easier at night. However, these are just tools to help you stay healthy. In the long run, there are many other things you can do to improve the air quality in your home.
The most effective way is to purchase an air purifier. This is a device that captures and removes a wide range of pollutants, including toxins that “seep” through indoor plants.
Pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke and a long list of airborne chemicals are common pollutants found in almost every home.
That’s why you should take comprehensive measures in the fight for clean air in your home. Grow houseplants, try to identify and eliminate the source of the pollutant, and use an air purifier.
