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Apart from adding a touch of greenery to your living spaces, these indoor plants can also help in purifying the air quality of your house.
NASA lists spider plant as one of the top three plants to have indoors.
A thick layer of smog and haze engulfed the national capital this morning, raising the quality of air to the ‘severe’ category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi breached the 400 mark at 9 AM, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This pressing issue has detrimental effects on health and well-being, leading to respiratory problems, heart diseases, and other health complications. While various measures are being taken to combat severe air pollution, it is important for Delhitees to improve indoor air quality through air-purifying plants.
Here’s a handy list of houseplants that enhance indoor air quality while adding beauty and life to your living spaces.
Aloe Vera
Every household does own an Aloe Vera plant, thanks to its air-purifying capabilities and healing properties. This succulent plant is particularly effective at removing benzene and formaldehyde from indoor air. Do you know what’s the best part about this plant? It can tolerate a range of soil types and conditions, requires indirect sunlight, and requires very little watering. Besides its extensive air-purifying qualities, Aloe Vera has been used for centuries to treat burns, cuts, and other skin irritations.
Snake Plant
Popularly known for its exceptional air-purifying properties, this plant thrives in both light and dark places and does not require much care. Snake plant is a resilient and effective air purifier for purifying the air by removing formaldehyde, xylene, trichloroethylene, and benzene. It is also recognized for its nighttime oxygen-release properties. Another reason for its popularity is its striking upright leaves that can grow quite tall, reaching up to several feet in height.
Spider Plant
This plant is on the list of NASA’s top 3 houseplants, which are great at removing formaldehyde from the air. Spider plant is a fast-growing, easy-to-care-for houseplant that helps regulate carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and nitrogen dioxide levels in the air. Its long, arching leaves and low maintenance requirements make it a popular choice among indoor gardeners. This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and relatively less watering, making them suitable for those who may forget to water their plants regularly.
Bamboo Palm
Another NASA-certified air-purifying plant is the Bamboo Palm. Similar to Aloe Vera, this plant is known to release oxygen at night and add moisture to the air. Not only this, this plant is also effective at filtering out toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and chloroform. Bamboo palms can grow up to 12 feet tall, thrive in bright, indirect light, and prefer consistently moist soil. Regular watering is vital, especially during the growing season. With its elegant appearance and air-cleaning capabilities, it is an excellent choice for living rooms, offices, or any indoor space to add a touch of greenery.
Peace Lily
Known for its air-purifying capabilities and beautiful white flowers, peace lilies are a popular indoor plant that is highly effective at removing harmful toxins. It removes formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air and requires relatively less care. Peace lilies prefer indirect sunlight and require regular watering to keep the soil moist. Moreover, peace lilies are known for their ability to regulate humidity levels in indoor spaces. Through a process called transpiration, they release moisture into the air, which helps alleviate dry skin and respiratory issues.
Rubber Plant
The rubber plant, also known as the rubber tree, is a large, striking houseplant that prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. It is great for removing formaldehyde and improving overall air quality. The large, glossy leaves and ability to grow quite tall add a touch of elegance to any room.
Chinese Evergreen
This plant emits a high oxygen content and purifies the air in the house by removing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and xylene. Chinese Evergreen also eliminates benzene, carbon monoxide, trichloroethylene, etc. It requires full shade and water in moderate quantities. The leaves of this plant turn a beautiful pinkish colour if left near a moderate to brightly lit window, providing lush foliage in your home spaces.
Pothos
The pothos, also known as the Devil’s Ivy, is excellent at filtering out formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor air. This fast-growing, trailing houseplant thrives in a variety of lighting conditions, making it a popular choice among indoor gardeners. Pothos plants are relatively easy to care for as they prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil is dry. One of the most appealing aspects is its long, vining stems that can climb up a trellis or be allowed to trail down from a hanging basket or shelf.
