Plants have long been known for their extraordinary power of cleaning our air of harmful toxins. From the indoor air of your home or office to outdoor air pollution, best air cleaning plants can be the most efficient and cost-effective way to clean and purify the air. Not only do they absorb carbon dioxide and help to replace it with oxygen, but they also absorb other pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, chloroform and trichloroethylene. This helps to reduce the exposure to these harmful toxins, create a fresh and pleasant environment and ultimately, benefit human health.
Certain house and outdoor plants are better at purifying the air compared to others. These best air cleaning plants have an edge when it comes to effectively purifying the air. These plants for air purification can vary in size, type, and various maintenance requirements but they all share one thing in common; they are all great air cleaners. In the following article, we shall be discussing the best air purifying plants, their common characteristics and the best ways to incorporate them into your home or office.
Key Takeaways
1. Plant purification techniques have been studied since the 1980s and have been proven to reduce indoor air pollution.
2. Common toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene can be absorbed in the leaves and stems of indoor house plants.
3. Plants with broad leaves, such as ivy, spider plants, and peace lilies are effective air purifiers due to their large surface areas.
4. In addition to removing pollutants, house plants enhance the overall air quality by growing naturally and using photosynthesis to release oxygen into the atmosphere.
5. Proper maintenance of house plants is necessary for optimizing air purification, such as providing adequate sunlight and humidity and avoiding over-watering the plants.
What Are The Best Air Cleaning Plants For Indoors?
Common Houseplants That Help Filter Out Harmful Air Pollutants
Houseplants are a great way to add a bit of style and natural beauty to any home or office. But they also possess an amazing ability to help clean the air around us—an ability that can be incredibly beneficial for our respiratory health. Studies have shown that popular houseplants have the potential to absorb toxins present in the atmosphere from cigarette smoke, paint, and even furniture, as well as dust, gases, and other allergens. Here are a few of the best air cleaning plants for indoors.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the most popular air-cleaning house plants around. Studies have found that the sap of aloe vera contains natural compounds that work to remove formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the surrounding air. It’s also incredibly easy to care for, as it needs very little attention and very little water!
Spider Plant
Spider plants are also very popular for their air filtering properties. They are quite efficient in removing any airborne pollutants, such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. The best part about spider plants is that they are incredibly easy to grow and care for. All they need is a little sunlight and some water every once in a while.
Bamboo Palm
Bamboo palms are another great choice for indoor air cleaning. Studies have found these tropical plants to be particularly effective at removing benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. Just like the other plants, these are quite easy to care for—they only need to be watered once a week and receive a good amount of indirect light.
Peace Lily
The peace lily is one of the most beautiful and fragrant air-cleaning plants out there. Studies have found that it effectively removes a variety of toxins from the air, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It’s also incredibly easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering and indirect light.
How To Optimize Air Cleaning Plants to Get the Best Results
1. Place your houseplants in areas of higher air pollution, such as near smoking areas, entryways, or near office equipment that generates high heat.
2. Make sure to rotate your plants once a week to make sure they all receive equal amounts of sunlight and air.
3. Place an air purifier in the same room as your plants to enhance their air-filtering capabilities.
4. Choose plants with large, bushy leaves to make sure they have a good surface area for filtering the air.
5. Place several small plants together instead of opting for one large plant.
6. Trim your plants on a regular basis to keep them healthy and remove any dead leaves or stems.
What are the best air-cleaning plants?
The best air-cleaning plants are those that absorb pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, from the air. In particular, the ficus, aloe vera, English ivy, asparagus fern, spider plant, Chinese evergreen, pothos, peace lily, dracaena, and snake plant have all been found to be effective air-cleaning plants.
How do air-cleaning plants work?
Air-cleaning plants remove pollutants from the air through a process known as phytoremediation. This process involves the plants taking up the pollutants through their leaves and then transferring them to the soil, where it is broken down by bacteria. As a result, the polluted air is left cleaner than it was previously.
Do air-cleaning plants need special care?
Most air-cleaning plants are fairly easy to take care of and do not require any special care. However, it is important to make sure that the plants are kept at a suitable temperature, have access to sunlight, and are watered regularly to ensure their health.
Are air-cleaning plants safe?
Yes, air-cleaning plants are generally safe to be around, as they do not release any pollutants. However, some people may be allergic to certain types of plants, so it is important to research before adding any plants to your home.
How often should I water my air-cleaning plants?
The amount of water that your air-cleaning plants need will depend on the plant type and the size of the pot it is in. Generally, it is best to water your plants when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering your plants can lead to root rot, so be sure to monitor your plants and adjust your watering schedule as needed.
Do air-cleaning plants need sunlight?
Yes, most air-cleaning plants need some sunlight to grow. Try to find a spot in your home that receives indirect sunlight throughout the day, such as near a window or patio door. If direct sunlight is unavoidable, use a sheer curtain to diffuse the sunlight.
Are there any air-cleaning plants that are safe for cats and dogs?
Yes, there are several air-cleaning plants that are safe for cats and dogs, including the ZZ plant, cornstalk dracaena, spider plant, and peace lily. It’s important to note, however, that ingesting any part of a plant can cause your pet to get sick, so it’s best to keep the plants out of your pet’s reach.
Can air-cleaning plants reduce allergies?
Yes, air-cleaning plants can help to reduce allergies. Studies have found that certain plants, such as the Boston fern, can filter out up to 80% of airborne allergens such as dust, pet dander, and mold.
What are some other benefits of air-cleaning plants?
In addition to filtering out pollutants from the air, air-cleaning plants can also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Moreover, plants can also improve air quality by releasing oxygen and improving humidity levels in the air.
How much space do air-cleaning plants need?
The amount of space that an air-cleaning plant needs will depend on the type of plant and the size of the pot it is in. As a general rule of thumb, pots that are larger than 12 inches in diameter will require more space, so make sure to measure the space you have available before purchasing a plant.
Final Thought
Air-cleaning plants are an excellent way to filter pollutants from the air in your home. Not only do they help to reduce allergies, but they can also provide a sense of relaxation and improve air quality. While there are multiple types of air-cleaning plants available, it is important to research each type before purchasing to ensure that you have the best possible air-cleaning plant.
Overall, air-cleaning plants are a great addition to any home, and they can provide numerous benefits to you and your family. Taking the time to do your research and selecting the right plants for your space can ensure that your home has the cleanest air possible.
