A Breath Of Freshness: Houseplants That Purify The Air
The pollution levels have been rising alarmingly, especially in cities, causing health hazard. Though we take small steps to keep the environment clean, the air in many parts is still not clean enough. But, apart from technological ways to purify the air, there also are natural options to ensure the air we breathe at home is healthy and fresh.
MakaanIQ lists some plants that were studied by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) scientists and found to be air purifiers:
Aloe vera
(Dreamstime)
Besides its medicinal qualities, aloe vera helps clean the air. The plant clears benzene and formaldehyde, which are by-products of chemical-based cleaners and paints. A kitchen window could be the right place to place an aloe vera plant.
Spider plant
(Dreamstime)
One of the easiest houseplants to grow, spider plant is also known to remove toxins present in the air. The plant cleanses benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and carbon monoxide from the air. It grows best in indirect sunlight and is considered the safest plant if you have pets at home.
Bamboo palm
(Dreamstime)
This plant purifies the air from toxins like benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. It is suggested to be kept near the furniture that emit formaldehyde. The plant requires bright light and can grow up to a height of 12 feet.
Snake plant
(Dreamstime)
Snake plant is best for cleaning formaldehyde emitted by personal care products. It also clears benzene, trichloroethylene and xylene. The best place at home for this plant is bathroom, as it needs low light and humid conditions. Another unique feature of this plant is that it releases oxygen at night and absorbs carbon dioxide, a process that is reverse of what most plants do.
Peace lily
(Dreamstime)
An ideal plant for indoors, peace lily works wonders in cleaning most volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene, ammonia, etc. It is best for bathrooms or laundry rooms as it also removes mold spores. However, the leaves of this plant could be poisonous for children and pets. So, avoid keeping the plant in their reach.
Boston fern
(Dreamstime)
The plant is highly efficient in removing air pollutants like xylene, benzene and formaldehyde. It cleans the air from a place in the home that has high humidity and indirect sunlight.
Golden pathos
(Dreamstime)
Another plant that deals with formaldehyde, it is ideally placed in a garage or car parking area, as car exhaust is full of formaldehyde. It also looks beautiful when planted in hanging pots on the porch.
Rubber plants
(Dreamstime)
This plant provides moisture and eliminates bio effluents from the air. It cleanses the air from VOCs like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, etc. It requires low light to grow and, as time passes, it gets more effective in removing impurities from the air.
Flowery plants
(Dreamstime)
There are many houseplants with flowers that will not only add beauty to your home but will also purify the air. Some such plants with flowers are chrysanthemum, gerbera daisy and azalea. Most of these plants combat formaldehyde and benzene from the air and need direct sunlight to grow, so place them near a window or door in a room.