Indoor plants not only enhance the aesthetics of your living space but also play a crucial role in cleaning the air, removing toxins and improving overall air quality.
Indoor air quality is a significant concern for homeowners and office dwellers, given that we spend much of our lives indoors. Various pollutants, from volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) emitted by paints and furnishings to carbon dioxide and dust, can accumulate, affecting our health and well-being.
However, nature offers a simple, aesthetically pleasing solution to improve indoor air quality: houseplants. Leveraging the natural process of photosynthesis, where plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, certain indoor plants go a step further by purifying the air of harmful chemicals.
Research, most notably the NASA Clean Air Study in the late 1980s, has identified a range of houseplants with exceptional air-purifying capabilities. These plants can absorb not only CO2 but also pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia. Through transpiration, plants also increase humidity levels, benefiting respiratory health.
Formaldehyde: This common indoor pollutant, found in everything from building materials to household cleaning products, is effectively absorbed by plants like the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), Florist’s Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium), and Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii).
Ammonia: Found in cleaning products, fertilizers, and some building materials, ammonia can be effectively absorbed by plants such as the Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa), Queen of Hearts (Adelonema wallisii), or Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana). These plants help in reducing the concentration of ammonia, making indoor air safer to breathe.
Benzene: A volatile organic compound (VOC) present in gasoline, paints, and detergents, benzene is effectively removed by plants like the Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii), Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), and Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckei’.
Incorporating air-purifying plants into indoor spaces can contribute to a healthier living environment, reducing the risk of health issues associated with poor air quality, such as headaches, respiratory problems, and allergies.
Moreover, beyond their air-purifying abilities, these plants add to the visual appeal of indoor spaces, enhance mood, and connect us to nature, contributing to mental well-being. However, it’s essential to consider each plant’s care needs, including light, water, and temperature requirements, to ensure they thrive and effectively purify the air.
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
