Indoor plants are a great addition to any home. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also help to purify and improve the air quality in your home. Over the past few years, research has been conducted to determine which plants are the best for air purification. We have compiled a list of the top indoor plants for air purification and improving the air quality of your home.
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What is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a measure of the healthfulness and comfort of the air inside homes and buildings. Poor indoor air quality can have negative impacts on the health and well-being of occupants. Contributing factors to IAQ include allergens, dust, pet dander, mould and mildew, as well as airborne pollutants from sources like stove-tops, fireplaces, and air fresheners.
To improve your home’s air quality, it is essential to incorporate Indoor Plants. Plants act as natural air purifiers to help cleanse and detoxify the air by absorbing and filtering out contaminants and toxins. Additionally, plants replenish oxygen levels and can help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.
Benefits of Indoor Plants
Indoor plants are not simply attractive décor pieces in your home. In addition to improving aesthetic appeal, indoor plants can also have an effect on the air quality in your home. Studies have shown that Indoor Plants act as natural air filters for pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Furthermore, some indoor plants may even reduce the number of microbes in the air you breathe. By introducing plants into your home, you can improve the air quality and keep your family healthy.
Best Plants for Air Purification
Indoor plants have been shown to help improve indoor air quality and purify the air of pollutants. Some of the best indoor plants for air purification include peace lilies, Chinese evergreen, bamboo palm, English ivy, Gerbera daisies, and snake plants. Peace lilies are a great choice for their air-purifying abilities and ease of care, while Chinese evergreen is a hardy plant with great air-purifying abilities. Bamboo palm is a tall and striking plant that purifies air of formaldehyde, English ivy is a versatile, air-purifying vine, and Gerbera daisies and snake plants are great for filtering out benzene and trichloroethylene.
Spider Plant
Spider plants (Chlorphytum comosum) are among the most popular indoor plants for air purification and improving indoor air quality. These plants are easy to take care of, as they require minimal water and maintenance and can survive in a wide range of temperatures. Spider plants can reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and xylene, among other contaminants in the air, making them one of the best Indoor Plants for purifying the air. Spider plants can also increase oxygen production in a room, contributing to improved air quality.
Aloe Vera
is one of the most popular Indoor Plants for air purification. This succulent is easy to grow, requires relatively little light and water, and may even help improve indoor air quality. Aloe Vera is known to absorb toxic gases, such as formaldehyde, as well as nitrogen oxides, which are common in many homes. Studies suggest that having an Aloe Vera plant in a room can significantly reduce the levels of these harmful airborne contaminants. Additionally, it is capable of increasing humidity in a room and filtering dust from the air. Its calming and elegant look adds to any home decor while providing practical air cleaning benefits.
Bamboo Palm
Bamboo palms, also known as reed palm and love palm, are one of the most popular Indoor Plants for air purification. Bamboo palms are known for their air-purifying abilities, as they are able to absorb and release moisture while also filtering out toxins in the air. Bamboo palms also release oxygen during the night, making them an excellent choice for adding oxygen to bedrooms. This plant is easy to maintain, requiring minimal care and light to keep it healthy.
Boston Fern
s are one of the best Indoor Plants for air purification and improving indoor air quality. This fern is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of locations. The plant helps to filter out pollutants including formaldehyde and benzene, as well as chemicals from cleaning products. Boston Ferns also add humidity to the air, which can help reduce allergies and asthma symptoms. In addition, these ferns are great for helping create a calming, natural atmosphere in any room.
Chinese Evergreen
(Aglaonema) is an indoor plant that can help purify the air and promote a healthy indoor environment. It is one of the most popular Indoor Plants for air purification and improving air quality due to its low maintenance requirements and robust growth. It can tolerate low light levels and prefers medium to bright indirect light. Additionally, it can absorb airborne toxins, such as formaldehyde and benzene, which are often found in cleaning and personal care products. Chinese Evergreen can be an effective addition to any home as it helps reduce indoor pollution and improve air quality.
Dracaena
is a type of Indoor Plant that is easy to care for and will purify your indoor air. This genus of plants includes over 100 species that are native to Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian peninsula. Dracaena plants are known for their long and glossy leaves, and they thrive in partial shade or indirect light. Dracaena plants help to reduce the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from furniture and other furnishings, as well as other pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. Their ability to absorb airborne chemicals makes them a great choice for improving indoor air quality.
English Ivy
English Ivy is an effective indoor plant at improving indoor air quality. It is especially useful at removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. These chemicals are commonly found in many homes in furniture, adhesives and detergents. English Ivy is also a low-maintenance plant, making it one of the best indoor plants for air purification. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and moist soil. When caring for English Ivy, it is important to monitor water levels, as excessive water can cause root rot.
Peace Lily
, scientifically known as Spathiphyllum, is an attractive and popular indoor plant often used in homes or offices. It is an excellent choice for air purification and improving indoor air quality as it is known to absorb and filter toxins from the air. Peace Lily is a low-maintenance plant that requires very little sunlight and water, making it easy to care for. In addition, its white flowers not only add an elegant touch of beauty to any room but also can help to reduce stress. Because it is easy to maintain, Peace Lily is an ideal indoor plant for those looking to purify the air and freshen up their indoor space.
Rubber Plant
The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is an evergreen, native to Asia. It is an ideal indoor plant for air purification and improving indoor air quality as it is known to absorb toxins in the air and transform them into oxygen. It is easy to care for and can tolerate low light environments, making it an ideal choice for areas that may be low in natural light. Rubber plants are also known for their ability to tolerate dry air, making them a great choice for improving air quality in areas with lower humidity.
Caring for Indoor Plants
Indoor plants are a great addition to any home, as they can provide air purification, improve air quality, and lift mood. To get the most out of your plants, it is important to care for them properly. First, be sure to water your plants regularly and keep the soil moist. Additionally, make sure the plants are properly located – some plants like indirect sunlight while others prefer to be in the dark. Lastly, regular fertilizing is recommended to keep the plants healthy and vibrant. With proper care, your indoor plants can last for years and continue to provide benefits for your home.
Best Types of Soil for Indoor Plants
When selecting the best soil for your indoor plants, it is important to consider the plant’s needs, the size of the container, and the type of plant. Loose, well-draining soils are the best for most indoor plants, as they allow for adequate air circulation and water drainage. While some Indoor Plants may require heavier soils, others may need lighter soils, so it is important to research specific requirements before buying soil. Compost, potting soil, peat moss, and vermiculite are all common options to use with your Indoor Plants.
Watering and Feeding Indoor Plants
When it comes to watering and feeding Indoor Plants, it is important to keep in mind that plants need water, nutrients, and light to survive. When choosing an Indoor Plant, it is important to consider the watering and feeding requirements for that species. Over-watering or under-watering can damage the plant, and incorrect fertilization can damage the plant and affect its ability to clean the air. Generally, the amount of water and the type of fertilizer needed should be determined by the type and size of the Indoor Plant. Additionally, it is important to note that some plants require more frequent watering and feeding than others.
Maintaining an Ideal Temperature for Indoor Plants
Indoor plants are excellent when it comes to air purification and improving indoor air quality. However, they also require their ideal temperature to survive and thrive in a home environment. Ideally, indoor plants should be kept in temperatures between 65-75°F. Temperature changes can cause them stress and negatively affect their ability to purify the air. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of any drafts, air vents, and direct sunlight, as these factors can also affect temperature fluctuation and the health of your indoor plants.
Providing Proper Light and Humidity for Indoor Plants
Indoor plants require different levels of light and humidity depending on their type. Without the proper environment, your indoor plants may not survive. To provide your plants with the adequate amounts of light and humidity, make sure to place them in areas of the home where they will receive the appropriate levels. Generally, Indoor Plants require plenty of natural sunlight during the day, and maintenance of a comfortable humidity level, usually between 40 and 55%. If your home does not get enough natural light, you may need to invest in a supplemental lighting system. Additionally, using a plant mister or a humidifier can help to maintain a comfortable humidity level.
