Indoor toxins pose a significant environmental hazard causing numerous health issues ranging from allergies and asthma to chronic diseases like cancer. Many common household items and building materials such as paint, flooring, furniture, and cleaners emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, considerably polluting indoor air. However, a well-placed indoor plant can actively filter out harmful pollutants, enhancing the quality of the air we breathe in our homes and workplaces.
NASA’s Clean Air Study, one of the most prominent studies done on indoor air quality, recommends using specific houseplants to detoxify air in space stations. This powerful insight has influenced the choice of houseplants to reduce indoor toxins on Earth as well. Here are some of these botanical champions that excel in detoxifying indoor air.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Spider plants are excellent at filtering out formaldehyde, which is prevalent in all indoor environments due to its widespread use in manufacturing building and household materials. They excel in environments with low light intensity and minimal care, making them perfect for novice plant owners. The best placement of spider plants is in or near your kitchen or next to fireplaces and furnaces where formaldehyde concentrations can be highest.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
Commonly known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, Snake Plants are excellent for absorbing toxins like benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and formaldehyde. They have the unusual ability to release oxygen at night, making them an ideal choice for bedrooms. Snake plants prefer low light conditions and have high resistance to lack of water, hence demanding minimal care.
3. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
An exceptional plant for absorbing formaldehyde, English Ivy also filters out benzene, toluene, and xylene. Its beautiful hanging vines make it an excellent choice for top shelves or hanging baskets. Although it prefers well-lit environments, it can also tolerate lower-light conditions. Regular misting maintains its health as it prefers a humid environment.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lily is a potent indoor air cleaner, removing numerous toxins, including ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It also helps in curbing the levels of mold spores by absorbing the spores through its leaves and transferring them to its roots to use as food. Despite its potent air cleaning properties, be warned that Peace Lilies can be toxic to pets if consumed.
5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea Seifrizii)
This elegant plant is fantastic at purifying air, specifically in screening out benzene and trichloroethylene while also helping to maintain indoor humidity levels. Bamboo Palms thrive in shade and need proper care to avoid spider mites, a common pest for this plant.
6. Aloe Vera
Apart from the well-known benefits for skin and health, Aloe vera also improves indoor air quality by filtering out formaldehyde and benzene. This hardy plant prefers sunny locations and does not require frequent watering.
While these houseplants play a significant role in reducing indoor toxins, it’s important to ensure their health for effective pollutant removal. A few tips are as follows:
Watering: Most houseplants prefer their soil to dry out completely between watering, and it is vital not to overwater them as this could lead to root rot.
Lighting: Majority of these plants do well in bright, indirect light. However, Snake Plant and Spider Plant can also tolerate lower light conditions.
Temperature: Average indoor temperatures of 18-24°C are ideal for most indoor plants. Sudden changes can harm the plants, so avoid placing them near drafts, heat vents, or air conditioners.
Pest Control: Regularly wiping the leaves with a soft damp cloth or lightly spraying them with water will deter pests and keep your plants clean to perform photosynthesis.
Regular Feeding: All plants require nutrients to grow and flower. Using a slow-release fertilizer is an excellent way to ensure your plants are getting adequate nutrients over time.
To conclude, clean and pure indoor air quality is undeniably a significant constituent of our health and wellbeing. With increasing urbanization, it’s high time we utilize the innate powers of these houseplants to combat indoor pollution in our homes and offices. However, while plants can enhance indoor air quality, they’re just one part of the puzzle. It’s equally critical to maintain a clean, well-ventilated, and smoke-free environment.
