According to a recent NASA study, some indoor plants can truly purify the air.
The investigation was done to figure out how to get rid of harmful germs from space stations. Toxic substances like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde were to be eliminated from homes as a result of NASA's collaboration with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America.
The investigation ultimately turned up numerous indoor plants that may filter the air and remove pollutants.
The scientists from NASA and the ALCA advise planting one potted plant every 100 square feet of a residence in order to get the most out of an indoor plant. Microorganisms that live in the soil can really clean the air in addition to filtering and renewing it through a plant's leaves. There are a lot of indoor plants that are excellent for cleaning the air, but we've compiled a list of the top 8.
Top/ Best Air Filtering Plants
(8 House Plants that Purify the Air)
1. Aloe
Aloe has been used for thousands of years to treat irritated skin. It’s also an extremely easy plant to grow. A perfect place to keep a potted aloe plant would be on a kitchen windowsill. Daily watering and warm sunlight is enough for this plant to grow. Aloe clears the air of benzene and formaldehyde. Paint can cause these dangerous toxins to build up in a home over time, but aloe is scientifically proven to remove both of these agents from the air.
2. Spider Plant
This enduring plant earned its name from the way its leaves grow out. The spider plant requires little effort to grow, but it should not be neglected. Carbon monoxide, xylene, and benzene can be eliminated from a household with the aid of the spider plant. The ideal growing conditions for this plant would be in a cool corner of a basement that receives occasional sunlight. Spraying the leaves of this plant throughout the day is recommended as well.
3. Gerbera Daisy
The gerbera daisy is a beautiful flower that comes in a wide variety of bright colors. This plant is great for eliminating trichloroethylene and benzene. Aside from being a powerful air purifier, this flower is also pleasing to the eye. The gerbera daisy requires several hours of direct sunlight each day, and it grows best in a soil pot that is fitted with drainage holes.
4. Snake Plant
The snake plant is a powerful air purifier that removes formaldehyde with ease. This plant was named after its long and curvaceous leaves that can grow over a foot tall. What makes this plant even more incredible is that it actually releases oxygen during late hours of the night. Placing this plant in the corner of your bedroom can help to increase your own oxygen saturation levels.
5. Chrysanthemum
This beautiful and bright plant has several uses aside from being pleasant to look at. In fact, it’s one of the best purifiers of benzene, which is usually left behind from paint, rubber, and detergent. The chrysanthemum can be used for air filtration and decor. It’s available in almost any color, which makes it the perfect plant to match any room with. In order for this plant to grow, direct sunlight for several hours a day is required.
6. Ficus
This tall and beautiful plant makes a great fixture for living rooms and dining rooms. Ficus leaves are efficient at filtering trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, and benzene. Paint, carpet dander, and dust from furniture can cause these dangerous toxins to pollute the air. However, the tall and mighty ficus can help rid a room of all unhealthy agents. Of course, proper care is needed for the ficus to grow. This plant requires several hours of indirect sunlight to grow.
7. Azalea
The azalea is another beautiful flower that does more than just please the eye. This plant is a powerful eliminator of formaldehyde, and it also boosts oxygen levels as well. The azalea grows best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees. Plant experts also encourage to place the azalea in a humid area of your home.
8. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese evergreen is a self-surviving plant the requires little effort to grow. However, it does best in humid climates and cool temperatures. Nonetheless, the Chinese evergreen is great for filtering formaldehyde and benzene. The low maintenance of this plant makes it a favorite for homeowners.
Air pollution is a very serious problem that should be addressed. NASA and the ALCA are discovering natural and alternative ways to rid the air of dangerous toxins. Potted plants seem to be the best solution. They detoxify the air, increase oxygen levels, and add ambience to a room. Human’s may eventually discover a technological advancement in the future that can rid the air of all pollution, but for now, Mother Nature still knows best.