Introduction
Having a healthy home environment means knowing how to maintain a clean and safe space for your family. The air in your indoors can be just as important as the air quality outside, and one of the most natural ways to improve it is by keeping a few houseplants around. In this article, we will discuss what plants are best for indoor air quality and the benefits of each.
Studies have shown that houseplants can help remove pollutants from the air, making them less toxic while also providing additional benefits like improving mood and reducing stress levels. It’s important to note that not all plants are created equal when it comes to improving indoor air quality; certain plants may work better than others in some situations. To ensure you get the most benefit from your potted friends, consider researching common indoor plants that have been proven to improve air quality before deciding which ones to keep around your home. Keep reading to learn more about some top-rated picks!
Benefits of Indoor Plants
Indoor plants are a great way to bring nature indoors and improve air quality in your home. They can also add to the aesthetic of your space with their vibrant colors and beautiful foliage. Indoor plants can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from allergies and asthma, as they can help filter harmful pollutants in the air.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of plants that can help improve air quality in your home:
Improved Air Quality
Indoor plants can act as natural air filters, helping to reduce indoor air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust particles, toxins and allergens. VOCs are often found in everyday products such as paint, glues and cleaning supplies that off gas into the air. Pollutants can cause allergies and asthma attacks; with plants absorbing VOCs from paint, detergents, furniture and more from our living environment.
Common houseplants like Dracaena, spider plant and English Ivy are able to absorb VOCs as well as some of the most powerful airborne toxins including formaldehyde. Additionally their foliage helps to regulate the humidity in your home creating essential balance for clear lungs. Their ability to absorb any noxious vapors means fewer allergy symptoms for those inhabitants with poor respiratory health that may be sensitive to strong air perfumes or chemical odors.
Many indoor plants such as Chinese evergreen, Golden Pothos or Aloe Vera contain compounds that convert carbon dioxide into oxygen while providing a healthier atmosphere consistent with proper renewal of oxygen in the room. The importance of having an adequate supply of oxygen present is beyond doubt; it is an essential component of life on this planet – even plants need it! Research has shown that breathing in twice the normal amount of oxygen results in:
- Increased brain functioning
- Cognitive improvement
Definitely worth introducing some greenery inside the home!
Reduced Stress
Studies have shown that having indoor plants can help to reduce stress levels, blood pressure, and overall anxiety. This is likely because of the calming nature that comes with working with live plants and caring for them. In addition, plants can create a more tranquil environment with their beauty and serenity. Because of the positive vibes that come along with tending to plants and enjoying their presence while they grow, they are increasingly being kept in homes, schools, offices, and other public spaces as an effective way to reduce stress levels.
Not only do living plants reduce stress directly but they also help improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere at night. Further research on indoor air quality has suggested that volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released from building materials such as particleboard furniture, paint, and carpets may have an adverse effect on cognitive skills that lead to increased anxiety levels. The presence of indoor plants helps limit the amount of VOCs released into the atmosphere and boost better performance by improving oxygen consumption. Evaluations have been able to demonstrate that people who work in offices filled with greenery tend to show fewer signs of fatigue than those who work in offices without any plant life present.
The presence of living or artificial (silk) plants has also been linked to improved creativity when compared between individuals who regularly interact with bio-friendly species versus those who do not spend time engaging with these items at all. This is likely due to higher stimulation levels caused by the enhanced environment created through foliage aesthetics a healthier atmosphere which yields more cheerful moods that promote creative thinking over rational processes.
Improved Concentration
Research shows that indoor plants can help improve concentration and productivity in the home or workplace. Being surrounded by plants has been found to reduce fatigue, increase attention span and decrease levels of stress. This may be due to the natural air purifying mechanism of these plants. By filtering out toxins they cleanse the air, releasing oxygen which aids in relaxation, helps keep alertness levels up, and provides an overall calming effect.
Indoor plants also have an aesthetic appeal which can uplift your mood and add personality to any living space or office. Plants such as aloe vera and spider plants have been found to be especially good at filtering out toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene from the air while others such as snake plant release high amounts of oxygen at night making them ideal for bedrooms.
Other indoor plants that are great for reducing pollutants indoors include:
- Peace lilies
- Rubber plants
- English ivy
Just some of the many different varieties available on the market.
Types of Indoor Plants
Adding plants to your living space can improve air quality, reduce stress, and add some natural beauty to your home. But which species of plants should you choose? While there is no single best type of plant for indoor air quality, there are some species that have been found to have health benefits and can clean the air.
This section will look at different types of plants and their effectiveness in improving the quality of the air indoors:
Dracaena
Dracaena is a group of easy-care houseplants with a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. It comes in more than 120 varieties, all of which can help improve air quality in the home. This type of plant is known for its air purifying capabilities, especially when it comes to VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that are often present in the home due to building materials and furnishings. Dracaena plants have been shown to reduce levels of formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene.
These hardy plants come in both variegated and solid shades of green or yellow, with some even featuring shades or purple, red or bronze tones as well. Some varieties feature braided stems or long leaves that grow straight from their stems while other plants are grown into thick jungles offering multiple areas where they can grow upright simultaneously. Dracaenas offer a combination of beauty and functionality and survive best on a bit of neglect—just water regularly but don’t overwater them. As an added bonus, Dracaenas are pet-friendly!
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily (also known as the White Flag or Spathiphyllum) is a popular houseplant that is on NASA’s list of top air-purifying plants. Its scientific name, Spathiphyllum, means “leaf peace” in Greek. In addition to its natural ability to clean and freshen indoor air, it’s also relatively easy to care for and will look great in any interior space!
Peace lilies prefer warm temperatures and moderate humidity. They require an abundance of indirect sunlight, as intense direct sun can burn their leaves. The best soil for this plant is a well-draining potting mixture specifically designed for houseplants. The optimum watering schedule is every other week throughout the growing season (spring to fall). The Peace Lily will quickly show signs of distress if over watered or under watered – be sure to check the soil regularly!
In terms of pests, bugs are not typically a problem with this plant; however, it can be susceptible to certain fungal diseases such as fusarium and rhizoctonia root rot if waterlogged due to overwatering or soggy soils caused by poor drainage conditions in the soil.
Peace lilies are one of the few plants that actually flower indoors! Because they bloom best when severely pot-bound, don’t repot too often – once every two years should be sufficient. The white flowers will appear throughout the year on sturdy stalks above their shiny dark leaves; usually wrinkled when thirsty, smooth again after they’ve had their fill! If you want your peace lily living up to its full potential make sure you give it at least 4 hours of bright but indirect sunlight per day.
Spider Plant
The spider plant, also known botanically as Chlorophytum comosum, is an easy-to-care-for perennial that is one of the best plants for improving air quality indoors. It’s often grown in hanging pots where the long stems and grass-like leaves can gracefully drape down. Spider plants are an ideal choice for a beginner because they have a high tolerance for neglect and low light conditions.
Spider plants are native to South Africa and do best in temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can tolerate colder temperatures if necessary. They require bright indirect light or even some shade, however; Spider plants will grow equally well in cooler rooms or south facing windowsills.
Watering spider plants is simple – they should never be allowed to dry out completely and should be watered regularly with warm water during the active growing period (spring through summer). During the dormant period (fall through winter) cut back on all watering until new leaves start to appear, then resume regular watering habits.
There are several varieties of spider plants available which all share very similar characteristics: long flowering stems with small white flowers which produce tiny plantlets (or “spiderettes”) at their tips that can eventually be replanted once they mature enough to do so. The most common type available is Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’ which features green striped leaves that trail elegantly down from its center shoot. Other varieties include ‘Variegatum Bright Edge’ which has creamier foliage markings near the leaf edges, as well as quickly growing forms such as ‘Vittatum’ with bold white stripes up each leaf blade’s center vein.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) is one of the most popular indoor plants available due to its ease of care and attractive appearance. Aloe Vera is valued for its medicinal uses, as well as its ability to improve air quality. This succulent can grow up to two feet in height and features wide, pointed leaves with fleshy sap.
Aloe Vera was named “The Miracle Plant” by the Egyptians for its healing properties and is known to reduce indoor air pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde. Aloe Vera is decorative and appealing, making it an ideal fit for any home or office space.
Additionally, this plant requires minimal maintenance:
- Make sure it has plenty of sun.
- Water when needed.
It will bring beauty, serenity, and improved air quality into your home!
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a great choice for an indoor plant. It’s low-maintenance, highly tolerant, and looks aesthetically pleasing. Some of its other common names are “Mother-in-law’s Tongue” and “Viper’s Bowstring Hemp”.
Snake plants typically have broad, dark and glossy leaves which grow in the pattern of a snake’s scales. It does not require very frequent watering and has good air-purifying qualities which is why it is often recommended for areas with poor air quality or where people want to improve their indoor air pollution levels.
Snake plants are a great choice for those seeking a plant to improve their indoor air quality as it is known to remove toxins from the environment – specifically benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene – as well as producing oxygen at night, purifying the air while you sleep. Additionally snake plants can reduce signs of asthma symptoms when placed within bedrooms or near sleeping areas in the home due to its ability to filter out allergens like dust particles & pet dander.
If you’re searching for something that doesn’t need frequent maintenance or immediate care while still making a statement in your living space – Look no further than the Snake Plant!
Care Tips
Increasingly, people are turning to plants to purify the air quality in their homes and offices. There is a lot of research regarding the potential of plants to remove indoor air pollutants and improve air quality. To get the most benefits from your indoor plants, it’s important to choose the right plants and care for them properly.
Let’s take a look at some care tips for plants that are known to increase air quality:
Watering
Watering your plants is essential for keeping them healthy, vibrant, and maintaining good indoor air quality. It is important to water plants with tepid or room-temperature water. Hot or cold water can shock roots and hurt the plants’ health. The amount of water required depends on the type of plant and size of the pot. Stick your finger in the soil and if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If you see leaves or stems drooping or wilting, that is a sign that the plant needs more frequent watering.
Whenever possible, consider collecting rainwater for use in watering your plants – rainwater captures naturally occurring minerals and nutrients that may be missing from tap water. Additionally, certain plants flower more abundant when watered with rainwater instead of tap water due to its composition.
Sunlight
Tarfon plants require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day, and shorter periods of sun are okay. However, direct sunlight is the best light for optimal growth. If your plant does not receive enough light, the leaves may begin to yellow and droop, signaling that it is not getting enough sun. If this happens, try moving the plant to a brighter location that gets more natural sunlight.
If you don’t have access to outdoor sunlight or if you live in a traditionally colder climate with limited natural light in winter months, artificial light may provide sufficient illumination for healthy Tarfon plants. To increase length and quality of growth under artificial light conditions for those who can’t place their plants near windows or decks, specialised lamps and bulbs may work nicely. You can always experiment by researching what will work best for your environment before settling on an artificial lighting solution.
Soil
For your houseplant, it’s crucial to select the right type of soil. Your soil should have excellent drainage so excess water can escape. To improve drainage, add perlite or small stones to the soil – this will ensure the roots stay healthy and strong. Additionally, add a layer of mulch around your plant to retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing.
Your soil must also be able to support the quality of your desired plant, such as allowing for enhancement for nutrient uptake or air circulation. Specialized soils may be mixed together with generic potting mixes or other materials like Perlite and vermiculite for specific applications such as rooting cuttings, storage topdressing and propagating plants that are sensitive in nature.
Make sure you use quality soil with fertilizer and organic matter which will offer a mixture of beneficial microorganisms that are vital for maintaining long term health when growing indoor plants. By combining organic matter with basic potting mix you’re helping provide a steady supply of nutrients needed for healthy plant growth and air quality in an indoor setting.
Fertilizer
For best results, fertilize your indoor plants regularly according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer or retailer. Fertilizer can help provide your plants with essential nutrients that may not be found in your soil. While over-fertilizing may initially cause your indoor plants to grow quickly, it can limit their nutrients and water retention capabilities in the long run, resulting in brown mold, wilted leaves, and weak stems.
To protect against this, use a slow-release fertilizer once every four weeks. Additionally, use an organic option that has been specially formulated for indoor plants to ensure that they are getting all of the nutrients they need while also protecting your family from potentially hazardous chemicals associated with artificial fertilizers.
Finally, keep an eye on how much fertilizer you’re giving to each plant – make sure you follow package directions so as not to overwhelm any one individual plant with too much fertilizer at once:
- Use a slow-release fertilizer once every four weeks.
- Use an organic option that has been specially formulated for indoor plants.
- Follow package directions to avoid overwhelming any one individual plant with too much fertilizer at once.
Conclusion
Indoor air quality can be drastically improved by adding plants to the home. Plants rid the air of volatile organic compounds, increase oxygen levels and help to humidify the air. Different plants can offer varying levels of purification, so it’s important to research the best plants for achieving desired results.
For mild air purification and minimal maintenance requirements, Boston Ferns are a great choice, while Peace Lilies are ideal for combating high levels of indoor pollutants such as benzene. Aloe Vera is incredibly easy to care for and purifies formaldehyde and benzene particles from the surrounding environment. Spider plants are not only beautiful but they filter airborne toxins such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide at a rapid rate. Money trees bring good luck according to Chinese mythology but they also filter out toxins in addition to General Bacterial VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds).
Ultimately when trying to improve indoor air quality via vegetation, remember that size matters – bigger is better; higher maintenance varieties can be substituted with solid low maintenance options; locate carefully (optimum sunlight); and go with plants that look good and are easy to maintain!