If you’re interested in the benefits of indoor air purification plants, you’ve probably tried the peace lily. This flowering plant is a longtime favorite of houseplant enthusiasts. Not only does it filter out harmful air pollutants, it’s also toxic to dogs and cats. While this plant can tolerate some dry soil, it will turn brown if you neglect it for any length of time. It does best in indirect light with moist soil.
Succulents have also been found to clean indoor air. The yellow-tipped succulent, known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, releases oxygen at night, so it’s a great plant to have at night. It can also filter benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene from the air. Chrysanthemum plants, which have large leaves, can remove ammonia, benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. These plants can be grown along with other plants that purify the air in the home.
A few other popular indoor air purification plants are the pineapple plant, a tropical palm that thrives in warm conditions. It’s best kept in a conservatory or close to sunlight. It’s not necessary to water the pineapple plant much, just keep its soil moist, and make sure you water the leaves and not the soil. Aside from the pineapple plant, you can also choose the Flamingo Lily, a heart-shaped plant that will purify the air in your home. Just be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight because it needs some bright light to grow.
Another popular plant for cleaning indoor air is the snake plant. This plant is known for its waxy leaves and is an excellent air purifier. It grows best indoors in moderate lighting conditions, and requires weekly watering. Make sure to give it plenty of moisture, as over-watering can cause root rot, so keep it well-watered. For one plant, two to four waist-level snake plants should suffice.
Many types of houseplants are capable of cleaning the air in an area. Spider plants, devil’s ivy, and bamboo palm were used in NASA experiments. The results of these tests showed that these plants effectively purified the air of volatile organic compounds such as xylenes, styrene, and trichloroethylene. As a bonus, these plants are also great interior decor elements. They are safe for pets and are an easy way to help improve the air quality of your home.
Although the benefits of indoor air purification plants are controversial, NASA has done extensive research on the topic. The space agency found that certain plants can be highly effective at cleaning the air in closed space stations. In addition to absorbing carbon dioxide, they can also absorb certain toxins from the air. Some experts believe that the more mature and large the plant, the better. However, the effects of indoor air purification plants will depend on the type of plant and the environment in which it’s placed.
Peace lilies require indirect sunlight, and watering when the soil dries. Their optimal temperature range is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit with 50-60 percent humidity. They will not grow indoors if grown in low light conditions. Weeping figs are one of the most effective indoor air purification trees and require little light. This means you can keep them in low-light rooms while reaping the benefits of oxygen filtering.