Indoor air pollution can come from numerous sources. The air we breathe is filled with toxins and chemicals triggering various illnesses and the use of detoxifiers and air purifiers has become vital to cut down the toxin levels.
However, these air purifiers are expensive and come with a hefty cost and that’s when air-purifying plants come to the rescue. Air purifying plants are inexpensive yet effective mediums to purify the air. Besides air purification, these plants also amp up the aesthetics of the household and you can buy houseplants online.
To give your home a healthy breath of fresh air, here’s how you choose the best air purifying plants.
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Tips to select the right air purifying plant
It is important to choose the plant depending on the needs and requirements because some plants are better at removing certain chemicals than others. It is ideal to include a variety of plants in a room to reap the utmost benefit.
Irrespective of its air purification ability, it is highly crucial to ensure that the plants are non-allergenic. If you have pets at home, it is necessary to ensure that the plants are pet-friendly to prevent any sort of toxic poisoning and allergies in pets
The plants should be easy to care for and maintain. Lighting is crucial for plant health, it is always better to choose the plant depending on the lighting levels of your home. It is advised to do basic research before picking the appropriate indoor plant
How do plants work as air purifiers?
Plants along with the soil microorganisms help in degrading the toxins present in the air. Photosynthesis is a major phenomenon that helps in this process. During photosynthesis, plants absorb these harmful toxins, break them down into simpler organic byproducts, which are stored in the soil and later utilized.
Scientists have reported that the size of the foliage influences the detoxification process. Leafier and huge plants are better air purifiers than smaller plants.
4 Best air-purifying plants
1.Rubber Plant
A most preferred indoor plant, This ficus has thick upright stems and glossy, extra-large leaves. They eliminate formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and more. These plants are toxic to dogs and cats, hence they are not suitable in a household with pets.
2.Pothos
Pothos are widely seen in offices and are fondly called “cubicle plants”. It is also regarded as one of the most efficient indoor air purifiers in terms of removing common toxins. These plants eliminate xylene, toluene, formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
3.Peace Lilies
They are flowering plants that thrive well in most conditions, however, they need light to bloom. They eliminate xylene, ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and more. But the downside of this plant is that humans and maybe even pets are highly allergic to it but if that isn’t a problem for you, it can be a suitable ornamental plant.
4.Snake Plant
This succulent, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue is often used as home decor and can grow anywhere between 6 inches to several feet. They are known to effectively filter formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, toluene, and xylene.
Benefits of air-purifying plants
- Helps in removing volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and toluene
- Reduces stress levels
- Improves concentration and focus
- Increases mood and productivity
- Improve indoor air quality by increasing oxygen and humidity levels
- It elicits a calming effect and helps in boosting the energy levels
