Most homes have common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air. These toxins are found in emissions from paint, plastics, carpet, cleaning solutions, dry cleaning solutions, and many types of building materials. The following are the most commonly found:
- formaldehyde: in carpets, upholstery, glues, paint, and more.
- trichloroethylene: in paint removers, rug cleaning solution, adhesives, and more.
- benzene: in plastics, synthetic fibers, lubricants, rubber, pesticides, and more.
There are several houseplants that will clean the air and filter out these chemicals naturally. Plant leaves are able to absorb pollutants and send them to the roots, where they become food for microbes. Let’s take a look at some of these air purifying plants.
My home always has one or two Majesty Palms in it. They are inexpensive, have beautiful lacy fronds, and are perfect for an open corner of a room. Majesty Palms love bright light, so place it near a window. Avoid direct sunlight which could cause leaf scorch. They prefer their soil to be moist at all times, but do not allow it to be soggy. Soggy soil will develop molds. Never allow the soil to dry out completely. Removes: Benzene, Formaldehyde, Carbon Monoxide.
Dumb Cane is a very popular houseplant that has large, glossy leaves with a variegated pattern of white splotches and flecks. It is a very attractive house plant and maintains a nice size. They like moderately moist soil and filtered bright light. Removes: Formaldehyde, Xylene/Toluene.
English Ivy is an evergreen vine that is very easy to grow. It is an excellent choice of house plant for low light situations. It can be planted in a pot or basket or trained in a topiary form. Water generously during growth and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged through the winter months. Removes: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and allergens like molds and animal feces.
The Peace Lily is a great choice for a low- light location, but it does well in bright light also. Do not place it in direct sunlight though or scorching can occur on the leaves. This houseplant is very effective removing toxins from the air. To maintain it’s effectiveness, be sure to dust the leaves often. It likes moderately moist soil and monthly feedings with an all purpose fertilizer. It produces pretty white flowers occasionally too. Removes: formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia, and more.
The Rubber Plant has thick, shiny, dark green leaves. Some varieties though can have cream variegation or a purple color. They enjoy bright full light, moderate watering, and a monthly feeding of a fertilizer high in nitrogen. Removes: carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and more.
The Areca Palm has thin, flowing clusters of fronds. It is a very graceful and delicate looking plant that makes it an attractive choice. The palm likes bright filtered light. Be sure to shade it from hot, direct sunlight. Provide ample amounts of water when in growth, but reduce watering in winter. According to NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, Areca Palm is the most efficient air purifying plant and is an excellent air humidifier. Removes: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and more.
Chinese Evergreens produce numerous leaves, which are attractively patterned or variegated in some varieties. They prefer filtered light and humid climates. So these would be a great choice for a bathroom setting. They benefit from occasional misting with water and like moist soil. Allow the soil to almost dry out between watering. Removes: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and more.
This is a huge species of plant and comes in many different shapes, colors and sizes. This is a great plant then for all you brown thumbs! Dracaena like their soil to be watered thoroughly and allowed to dry out completely between watering. They thrive in bright light. Removes: formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, trichloroethylene.
Need some color in your life? Few can resist the cheerful and bright Gerbera Daisy! Keep the soil damp at all times and give it bright light. Removes: trichloroethylene, benzene.
If you are looking for a plant that is very hard to kill then the Golden Pathos is for you! Its long cascading stems grow prolifically. It thrives in almost any amount of light (except direct) and is considered one of the most effective indoor purifiers of the plant world. It needs to be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. Removes: formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, carbon monoxide, and more.
Add a few of these air purifying plants to each room and help your family breath a bit better!
via sandandsisal
