We can’t deny the fact that indoor plants add beauty to our spaces. They make our houses and offices stand out and look classy. The need for purified air is essential.
However, there are many types of indoor pollutants that reduce the quality of our air. They may cause health hazards such as allergies, headaches, fatigue. In extreme cases, the pollutants may cause cancer, nervous system disorders, and in worst scenarios, death.
Did you know that there are plants that have the capabilities of purifying indoor air? You can improve the quality of the air and avoid health problems by having some of these plants:
1. Bamboo plant
The bamboo plant will be a perfect option for the area in your house with a high ceiling. They get rid of formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene from your home.
Mist your bamboo plants frequently. It will keep spider mites at bay. The plants are safe for pets. Bamboo plant does not tolerate standing water. After planting them, the plants will lose some of their foliage as they adapt to the indoor environment.
2. Philodendron
These heart-shaped plants are easy to look after. Just provide them with adequate water, bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves of the plant.
If you want the plants to look bushy, pluck out the growing tips frequently. Philodendrons will battle formaldehyde toxins. Keep the leaves free from dust and mist them regularly. Philonderons do not tolerate extreme temperatures.
 3. Dracaena
Dracaena requires large pots as they tend to grow very tall. Keep it in an area with a high ceiling. They prefer more misting than watering.
However, dracaena is toxic to pets. If you have them, take extra caution. Dracaena battles chemicals like xylene and trichloroethylene away from your house. Still, their bright red leaves add a pop of color to your home.
4. Peace Lily
Peace lilies remove toxins like xylene, trichloroethylene, carbon monoxide, and ammonia. Still, the beautiful glossy, green leaves of peace lilies will create memorable impressions in your house.
Water the Peace Lily plants frequently. Don’t expose them to direct sunlight.
5. Ficus
Also known as rubber plants, Ficus gets rid of formaldehyde, xylene, xylene, and trichloroethylene. Ficus can be grown in small plants or be allowed to grow tall in larger pots. Ficus requires moderate watering, especially during winter.
Always wipe the surfaces of the Ficus leaves to get rid of the dust. Do not place your plants near air-conditioning units or heating vents, as they may cause leaf loss. When attending to the plants, always have your gloves. They produce sap, which might cause skin irritation.
6. Snake Plant
With a snake plant in your bedroom, you can be sure that your night will be awesome. Snake plant releases oxygen at night, providing you with good night sleep.
Snake Plant also filters the air for benzene, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde. Do not overwater the plant as it will develop root rot.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera removes formaldehyde. When the chemical is in excess, the leaves of the plant will develop brown spots.
Aloe Vera is also famous for its anti-inflammatory properties.
8. English Ivy
English Ivy is prevalent for removing fecal particles in the air. They are suitable for bathrooms. English ivy also combats levels of mold in your household.
English Ivy requires frequent watering and exposure to the sun for at least 4 hours a day. The plants look better when crowded.
9. Pineapple Plant
A recent study shows that pineapple plants produce oxygen at night, boosting the quality of air. For people experiencing snoring, pineapple plants will help reduce the snores.
The plants require low amounts of water. However, pineapple plants do not tolerate frost or very cold weather conditions.
10. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen has been proven to get rid of cosmetic and detergent chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde. Still, they get rid of carbon monoxide. The plant will do better in your bathroom as it requires areas with high levels of humidity and low lit.
If you keep Chinese Evergreen in another area, remember to mist it from time to time. It is advisable to add fertilizer to the plant at least once in a year. You should also repot the plant after some time.
11. Golden Pothos
These plants are also known as the Devil’s Ivy. The plants remove xylene, toluene, benzene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde from your house.
Only water the plant after the soil gets completely dry. Trim the tendrils to maintain the size of your plants, according to your preference.
12. Areca palms
Areca palms will be a perfect addition to the bright, filtered light areas in your house. The plants require a lot of water during the growth stages, but less water during winter. Areca palms battle xylene, carbon monoxide, benzene, and formaldehyde, which have adverse effects on human health.
When buying an Areca palm, always go for the plants with a wide trunk at the base. Plants with a thin base tend to topple over easily and can be challenging to maintain. Mist the plant often to keep insects at bay and make the plant look fresh.
13. Spider plant
If you are a forgetful person or you are a beginner in gardening, the spider plant is a good option to start with.
The spider plant requires bright, but indirect sunlight to flourish. Spider plants will effectively combat chemicals like xylene and carbon monoxide.
Sources of Toxins at Home
1. Mold
Molds arise from damp areas whose temperatures are always changing. They can also come from the air conditioning unit or the furnace. Molds can cause the suppression of the immune system.
2. Formaldehyde
Mattresses, pillows, and bedding may contain the toxin. They may also be present in carpets, paints, furniture, glues, and adhesives.
3. Benzene
Although scented candles produce a nice smell, they may produce the chemical. Tobacco smoke, some glues, detergents, and pints also contain the chemical.
4. Carbon Monoxide
The chemical can be produced by gas and wood stoves. Generators and clothes dryers can also emit it.
5. Xylene
The toxin is found in many household products, including thinners, paints, gasoline, adhesives, and rust preventers.
6. Trichloroethylene
The chemical can be found in fumigations, paints and adhesives, carpet cleaning fluids, metal cleaners, and vanishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some indoor plants, such as dracaena, are toxic to pets. If you have them, it’s always good to keep the plants where the pets cannot reach.
Some of the plants absorb the toxins; then break them through a metabolic breakdown.
Yes. The rate of transpiration will influence the rate of toxins absorption. Higher temperatures results in increased transpiration. This speeds up the pace of toxin absorption.
Friendly plants include snake plant, areca palm, and bamboo palm are ideal choices as they are not toxic.
The chemicals include benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene, ammonia and formaldehyde.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing the right air purification plants for your home can detoxify the air you breathe in. Fresh, non-toxic air provides calmness and keeps you safe from future health problems. Still, the plants will add vibrancy and color to your space.