As a continuation of the container plant series we included in last month’s newsletter, we will be discussing 7 plants which help purify your indoor space – whether it be at your office, work building, or home.
Plants have many benefits that affect us both mentally and physically. Not only do they purify your air, but also are linked with having mood-boosting powers.
Indoor plants are associated with lowering stress and anxiety, improving focus, boosting healing and pain tolerance, and reducing fatigue.
When it comes to air quality, indoor plants can help reduce migraines or headaches if you are prone, as air is often associated with head issues.
In this article we will discuss 7 indoor plants that are linked with improving air quality to try in your home today.
- Peace Lily
The peace lily is considered to be one of the top indoor plants for purifying air. They remove pollutants from the air through their leaves, send them to their roots, and break them down in the soil.
Peace lilies are also a great bedroom plant as the moisture given off boosts the humidity in the room and suppresses airborne microbes that can lead to allergies.
2. Spider Plant
Spider plants are known for their ability to absorb chemicals in homes or offices. Studies show them to be 90% effective in removing chemicals from the air, especially formaldehyde which is linked to causing cancer.
They are also great plants for beginner gardeners as the thick roots are still viable with inconsistent watering.
3. Snake Plant
Snake plants are great for producing oxygen in rooms with little airflow. They help filter indoor air by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen at night – making it a great bedroom plant.
If you were locked in a sealed room with absolutely no airflow, you could survive with 6-8 spider plants which is a pretty interesting fact.
4. Bamboo Palm
Rated as another one of the top indoor plants is the bamboo palm. Best known for its air purifying qualities as well as being a natural humidifier – the bamboo palms are popular houseplants that also bring a tropical feel into your home.
Planting bamboo is a green solution as they produce oxygen and help lower carbon footprints. As they release moisture and absorb carbon dioxides and other gasses, they are a great investment if clean air is your goal.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera succulents have many redeeming qualities as the gel is often used to treat skin, dental, oral, and digestive health. But did you know Aloe Vera also purifies the air of formaldehyde and benzene? Two chemicals often found in cleaning products that are not good for the air you breathe in.
Aloe Vera releases oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide through the night – meaning it is cleaning the air while you sleep. Sounds like the perfect indoor plant to me!
6. English Ivy
Studies of the English Ivy shows it to be the most effective houseplant for cleaning benzene from the air, which is a very harmful chemical to humans as it causes cells in the body to fail.
English Ivy is a great indoor plant for your bathroom as it reduces airborne particles. It also combats mold levels in your home for areas experiencing high levels of moisture.
7. Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are excellent at removing air pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and benzene which are common pollutants that cause people to get sick, irritated, as well as cause dizziness and headaches.
Studies show that the Boston Fern is the best indoor plant at removing formaldehyde from the air, which is emitted from common indoor products like paint, paper products, carpets, particle board and many others.
So there you have it – 7 plants that can improve the air quality at your home or office. Utilize this list and add some plants to your indoor space and see the changes in your mood, focus, work performance, and overall well being.
Let us know how adding indoor plants to your space benefits your physical and mental health. We at Green Schools Green Future would love to hear about your experiences with indoor plants!
Sources:
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/8-plants-that-improve-air-quality/
https://greatist.com/connect/houseplants-that-clean-air
https://youhadmeatgardening.com/indoor-plants-that-clean-the-air/
Blog Image Credit: Huy Phan on Pexels.com
Written by: Cassandra Briscoe
