This article on air purifying plants is not going to be the last word on air purification plants, so I intend to make it complete enough to provide you with all the information you need. In this book, you will learn how to balance the growing level of pollution in major cities in a natural way. The importance of physical and mental well-being will be gushingly discussed in this little essay.
Greenery and plants can definitely keep you at bay from the doctor’s doorstep, but only if you value them and get friendly with them. Here are a couple of pollutants you need to know before finding out which plants can purify the air around your home.
- Ammonia, a mildly dangerous substance, is emitted from the Toilet.
- Carbon monoxide, which is highly hazardous, enters the air in your home from the cooking stove that you use every day.
- Benzene and formaldehyde are produced by the laundry and garbage, respectively, that will not rest your mind.
All these can lead to a number of physical health problems including Eye Irritation, Itching, Cough, Rash, allergies, etc.
However, thanks to nature, we have survived some of the most extreme havocs viewed by humans with some of its natural remedies. You can enjoy fresh air in your home and office with plants. Here are some examples of those plants…
1. Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)
You can get many benefits from an Aloe Vera plant at home! This plant is not only healthy for the skin and hair, it also promotes good health and overall well-being in human beings by removing the harmful air pollutants from the indoor air for safer breathing. We must not wait long to bring this plant into a home with the level of pollution rising in various cities across the world!
Toxins removed: Benzene and formaldehyde
How to Take Care:
- The aloe vera plant can survive in sunlight directly and indirectly, as well as in artificial light.
- Preferable temperature: 13 and 27°C
- At one time, give aloe vera plant plenty of water. Water the plant when the soil is bare.
- Avoid frequent watering this plant during winters.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Among the people, Peace Lilies are one of the most popular and demanded plants for home decoration. This plant needs little care and has the power to absorb a lot of VOCs which makes it very useful to bring home. Its rich foliage and bright colors decorate the home décor while demanding less care from you. It is an air purifying plant that has been included in NASA’s Clean Air Study, making the indoor air clean and devoid of harmful pollutants.
Toxins removed: Benzene, Carbon Monoxide, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Ammonia, Trichloroethylene, & Xylene
How to Take Care:
- Plants of the genus Peace lily prefer partial shade above direct sunlight, but can thrive under artificial lights.
- Avoid watering the peace lily plant with chlorine as it is highly sensitive to it.
- The peace lily prefers moist soil, and it can be damaged by overwatering.
- Keep it indoors under room temperature.
- Always place the plant in humid areas.
- Plants should not be exposed to extreme hot and cold temperature areas.
- Due to its toxicity, peace lilies should not be kept in reach of small children and animals.
- A repot every year is ideal as this plant is a fast grower.
3. Areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus Lutescens)
It’s the perfect one if you want to make your home more beautiful and keep it clean as well. What’s great is that when you take care of these plants, you won’t have to be as involved in their care. The air purifying plant can grow from 3 feet to 5 feet, adding charm in the beauty of the home. If you want to get rid of toxic gases, such as toluene and xylene, choose this air purifying plant.
Toxins removed: Benzene, Carbon Monoxide, Formaldehyde, toluene and xylene
How to Take Care:
- Despite being highly tolerant of direct sunlight, Areca palms require bright light to survive.
- Well-drained soil is ideal for the growth of this plant.
- Do not use fluoride-containing water.
- Overwatering is not tolerable by these plants.
- Keep this plant away from cold and heated zones.
- High humidity is essential for Areca palm.
- The maximum amount of liquid fertilizer you can use during the growing season is two times.
4. Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
These plants help you breathe fresh without hogging up your space, and they’re easy to grow and take good care of. Spider plants are rich in nutrients and they clean the air of toxic elements such as carbon monoxide, keeping it clean for you. The plant also contains a considerable amount of antioxidants which keep the rate of illness 50% below the normal level. Taking good care of it, in summers, will make you take the taste of a great health.
Toxins removed: Formaldehyde and xylene
How to Take Care:
- It is better for spider plants to be evenly moist; they don’t like to be too dry or too wet.
- Direct sunlight is ideal for plants, but some shade is also fine.
- Maintain room humidity and temperature at a reasonable level.
- The amount of fertilizer you need in spring and summer can range from one to two times a month.
- You should plant this in a potting mix that is based on soil, and which drains well.
5. Dracaenas (Dracaena marginata)
Different shades, shapes and sizes of Dracaenas are available. The one in purple color with a rainbow marking is perfect to keep at home. The plant does not need to be fed with water in excess as that will result in it dying. You need to be careful about your pets while it is in your home, as it may cause them to vomit or salivate.
Toxins removed: Trichloroethylene, Xylene, & Formaldehyde
How to Take Care:
- It is best to keep your Dracaenas near a window with filtered sunlight, as direct sunlight can damage the delicate leaves of the plant.
- Good drainage and misting together contribute to this plant’s growth. Don’t make the soil too soggy and keep it moist.
- Because I am extremely sensitive to fluoride, always use purified water.
- Do not place your dracaena plant near any heating or cooling appliance.
- Plants need good amounts of moisture in the air.
- It is toxic in nature, so keep it away from pets such as dogs and cats.
6. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Every household should have this plant, as it will help the occupants fight the pollutant coming from carpets and furniture. By removing formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene, weeping fig plants clean the air. Even though they may appear hard to handle in the beginning, once they get to know you and your surroundings, they can be around for a long time.
Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, Benzene and Trichloroethylene
How to Take Care:
- It is best to keep this plant in a room with bright light.
- Perfect for the weeping fig plant is potting soil that has a good drainage system.
- For re-potting, add sand, perlite, and vermiculite to the potting soil for improved drainage.
- Keep the soil moist and not waterlogged.
- Weeping figs prefer high humidity.
7. Golden Pathos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden pathos can be the perfect plant to bring home if you are looking to get rid of the common impurities in your home. Since the air is cleansed by removing formaldehyde, it is better to keep them close to the car garage. Those who are new to gardening might find golden pathos helpful. They are easy to handle and grow faster than most other plants, thus giving a positive impression on the gardener.
Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, Benzene and Xylene
How to Take Care:
- Plant golden pathos in well-drained potting soil.
- Make sure not to overwater this plant.
- Bright light is preferred by the plant as opposed to direct sunlight.
- Moderate humidity is ideal for this plant.
- Use indoor plant fertilizer in every six months.
8. Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp)
If you want to keep the living room or bath room clean and pure, snake plants are great air purifying plants. Formaldehyde from toilet paper, personal care products, cleaning products, and others may be detected using these filters. You can place them in the bathroom to fight impure air, they need only low humidity and little light. Alternatively, since they breathe in carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night, these plants can provide you with fresh air while they are placed in your bedroom.
Toxins removed: Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Xylene
How to Take Care:
- Snake plant prefers free-drainage soil.
- Only after the plant is dry should it be re-watered.
- Keep this plant in indirect light.
- During the growth season, fertilize the plant with plant food.
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