Plants that purify the air in your home aren't only decorative, they can also help to reduce harmful air pollutants. A study by NASA in 1989 revealed that a wide variety of plants was capable of doing this. Among the many kinds of plants that purify the air, Chinese evergreens, the Dracaena family, and Boston ferns all offer benefits.
Chinese evergreens
Chinese evergreens, also known as snake plants, are perfect for bedroom plants. The plant produces oxygen at night, so it's ideal for rooms where the light is low. They also tolerate low light, making them an ideal choice for people with a black thumb. There are many varieties of Chinese evergreens, including the Silver Queen, which has green and silver leaves.
Dracaena family
The Dracaena family is a great place to start when you're looking for an indoor air purifying plant. These plants are drought-tolerant, easy to care for, and nearly indestructible. They're also great because they can be planted year-round. You'll also love their tiny white flowers in the spring.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera plants are great for improving the air quality in your home. They help reduce volatile organic compounds in the air. These chemicals are released into the air from building materials, cleaning products, and other sources. Aloe vera plants attract microorganisms that break down the carbon chains in these compounds. This is a natural process that is carried out in the root system of the plant.
Boston ferns
Boston ferns are known for their ability to remove harmful pollutants from the air. They can eliminate toluene from the air, a chemical that has adverse effects on the human body. This chemical can be found in gasoline and other petroleum products, as well as in household cleaners and cosmetics. Children and adults who are exposed to toluene can experience adverse health effects such as headaches and dizziness. Boston ferns are relatively inexpensive plants that can greatly reduce this dangerous air pollution in the home or office.
Peace lily
If you're looking for a houseplant that purifies the air in your home, peace lilies are a great choice. These plants are easy to care for and emit clean air in the room they're placed in. When buying these plants, make sure to choose the right size and watering technique for the plant.
Spider plant
While a spider plant isn't the most effective air purifier, it is better than nothing. They can trap airborne particles and remove them. They have about 2,000 square centimeters of leaves, and can accumulate 50,000 micrograms of particles per plant. And since they do not produce toxins, they are safe to keep around the house and pets. Spider plants can be hung high or placed in a macrame basket to keep them out of reach of pets that may like to play with soil.
Golden pothos
A plant that filters the air in the home is a wonderful way to improve the quality of your indoor air. Golden pothos, also known as devil's ivy, is an excellent air purifier and requires little care. It can survive low light levels and only requires water every seven to ten days. According to a NASA study, this plant can remove up to 90% of the toxins in the air. It has large decorative leaves and is easy to grow indoors.