Indoor air quality is a critical aspect of a healthy living environment. With rising concerns about pollution and its impact on health, many people are turning to natural solutions to improve the air they breathe. One effective and aesthetically pleasing way to enhance indoor air quality is through air purification plants. These plants not only add a touch of greenery to your home but also help remove toxins from the air. This article shares some examples of indoor air purification plants and their benefits.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
NASA approved, air purifying plant, Aloe Vera is well-known for its health benefits for overall body, skin, air, etc. This plant is one of the few plants on earth, which has multiple benefits, needs minimal care and even purifies. It is a natural air purifier, and helps clear the air of formaldehyde and benzene, which are common in household cleaning products. Aloe Vera plants need plenty of sunlight and occasional watering. It's best to drain all the water from the pot bottom holes, whenever the plant is watered.
Propagation of Aloe Vera is also managed by the plant itself. If sunlight and water are adequate and the plant is healthy, usually in 4-5 months, there will be baby Aloe vera plants grown around the main plant. Once, this baby - aloe-vera plant has enough leaves about 4-5 it can be detached with roots from the mother plant, and potted separately.
Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, the Snake Plant is another plant from the category of NASA certified air purifying plant. It is a robust and resilient plant that can survive in low light and with minimal watering. It is highly effective at filtering out formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide, xylene, and toluene. Additionally, Snake Plants release oxygen at night, making them perfect for bedrooms. However, this is the strongest plant, it can also grow outside in direct sunlight. Too much water to the plant, can make the leaves moist, and also weakens the root of plant.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bamboo Palms is the only one, from the air purifying plants list of NASA, which can be as tall as 6 feet, has a unique appearance of broad fan-like leave and stays healthy even in low light or dark zones. They are effective at removing pollutants like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. They thrive in bright, indirect light and need regular watering to keep the soil moist. Bamboo Palms also help to add moisture to the air, making them ideal for dry indoor environments.
Regular maintenance, such as appropriate watering, fertilization during the growing season, and minimal pruning, will keep your new bamboo palms healthy and thriving. While propagation may require patience, especially with seeds, the process is cost-effective and satisfying to enhance your indoor garden and share these beautiful plants with others.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is a popular choice for improving indoor air quality. It is known for its ability to remove common airborne toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene. Spider Plants are easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners. They thrive in indirect sunlight and only need to be watered occasionally, making them a low-maintenance option.
This plant is also very easy to propagate. the young plantlets that grow in the end of the shoots, cut them and plant them in a separate pot which has a damp potting mix. In 2-4 weeks the baby plant will get the roots 🙂
Also, so you know this plant talks also! The moment its leaves are getting brown, usually starts with edges; it means either underwatering or over-watering of the plants.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns add the tropical look to the place.In addition to the aesthetics, it is also known to use as a natural air purifier. It removes pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene and also can remove pollutants from car exhausts. They thrive in indirect sunlight and need to be kept in a cool place with high humidity. Regular misting and watering are necessary to keep Boston Ferns healthy.
This plant is also from NASA air purifying plants list, however this plant has considerable maintenance. Counter to the benefits and beauty the plant brings in, its maintenance is paid off, If you decide to grow this one, please read about its do’s and don'ts for growing a healthy Boston Fern plant.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is another great option, from the NASA list of top air purifying plants, and is known for improving indoor air quality. It is particularly good at removing formaldehyde from the air. Rubber Plants prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil becomes dry.
Propagation of the Rubber plant is easy and direct. It can grow by cutting a branch from a healthy plant, with 4-5 leaves on it, and simply plant this in a healthy and moist soil.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies are one of the few plants, got approved by NASA, as of the best air purifying plant. They decorate the room with their white blooms . They can remove pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Peace Lily, prefers shaded areas so can thrive in low-light spaces or even in fluorescent lights. They do require regular watering.
This plant talks more than spider plants.. The leaves will droop a bit when thirsty, telling it needs water. Actually, as the soil is too dry for the plant, the leaves and flowers usually start to sag. Once the plant is set in the place, and you and the plant also know the temperature , light difference prefers to observe the water cycle of the plant, at that place. Basically, for a healthy plant, one should avoid plant leaves to sag, and should water them about a day before it generally happens.
Propagation of this plant happens with the root. This means, once the new plant is set in a pot, roots will follow all over in the pot. Sometimes, if not take care, the roots may break the pot also !. So, when you see either the roots are popping out from pot-holes, and sometimes the top layer of soil ireself is basically covered by roots, the right time to prune the roots or propage into small plants or change the plant to a bigger pot .
Incorporating air purification plants into your indoor spaces is a natural and effective way to improve air quality. These plants not only remove harmful toxins but also add beauty and tranquility to your home. Whether you choose a low-maintenance Spider Plant or a humidity-loving Boston Fern, there is a perfect air-purifying plant for every space. By selecting the right plants, you can enjoy a healthier living environment and breathe easier every day.
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