Looking for indoor plants to improve your home’s air quality? Not only do they enhance the aesthetics of your space, but they also help purify the air, promoting a healthier environment for you and your family. These plants not only add a touch of greenery but also contribute to sustainability, giving your home a fresh, eco-friendly vibe.
Poor indoor air quality can cause severe health problems like respiratory issues, allergies, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Additionally, poor air quality has been linked to decreased cognitive function, sleep disturbances, and an overall decline in physical and mental well-being.
But you know what? Don’t worry! Indoor plants are here to save the day.
Fortunately, there are some plants that have the natural ability to absorb harmful chemicals, release oxygen, and create a more refreshing environment.
Do indoor plants really improve air quality?
Let’s be honest, when you think about fresh air at home, the first thing that probably comes to mind isn’t a houseplant. Indoor plants are often considered natural air purifiers, however, research offers mixed findings, but there’s plenty to appreciate about their role.
According to a Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) study, strategically placing indoor plants like Syngonium, money plant, and areca palm significantly improves humidity levels and maintains home temperatures, as indoor air can be up to 12 times more polluted than outdoor air.
According to studies, indoor plants like snake plants and peace lilies can absorb certain toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. The impact however may not be drastic, but it must also be noted that these small contributions, especially when you have multiple plants at home, certainly add up for good.
Experts say you should have at least one plant for every 100 square feet inside. So, if your room is about 300 square feet, you’d want around 3 plants. That can really help the air quality.
Plants can also boost humidity and make the air feel fresher, especially when it’s dry. Mixing different plants in your home can improve the air and give you a nice, calm vibe.
Best indoor plants to purify your home’s air
Let’s look at the 5 indoor plants that are easily available in India and perfect for purifying your space:
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
This popular indoor plant is known for its evergreen, sword-shaped leaves and its low-maintenance nature.
Benefits of keeping a snake plant at home
- It is an amazing air purifier that can easily filter out toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.
- This indoor plant can be an excellent choice for your bedroom because this is one of the plants that release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide at night through photosynthesis. This released oxygen helps remove toxins from the air.
2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Areca palms boost feathery, graceful narrow fronds, adding a tropical vibe to your home. In the summer, small bright yellow flowers pop up under the leaves, giving it an aesthetically pleasing look.
Benefits of keeping an Areca palm at home
Areca palms are great for improving air quality in your home.
- They can remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. This helps make the air fresher and healthier.
- These palms also help with humidity. They add moisture to the air, which can stop dry skin and throat problems. This is helpful in dry places.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily plant is a beautiful evergreen plant that offers a charming look to any space. Its dark green leaves look great, and the white flowers add a nice touch. This plant is from tropical Central and South America. It also helps clean the air, making it a favorite in many homes in India.
Benefits of keeping a Peace Lily at home
- Peace Lily, also called cobra plants, is a natural air purifier that helps in reducing harmful gases and VOCs.
- Studies have shown that this plant can absorb pollutants such as benzene, xylene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde.
- It eliminates 60% of air pollutants, making the air cleaner.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants give a really charming look to the space. They have long, green leaves that curve nicely and some have cool white stripes. They also grow tiny white flowers. Plus, they make little baby plants called pups. You can take these pups and grow more spider plants.
Benefits of keeping a Spider plant at home
- Spider plants are great at cleaning the air as they get rid of toxins like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene. This means your home can have fresher air.
- These plants are super easy to care for. You don’t need to do much to keep them alive.
- Plus, they release oxygen and help with airflow in your space.
5. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe Vera is a greenish-gray succulent plant that is not only easy to care for but also offers a range of benefits for your home.
Benefits of keeping an Aloe Vera plant at home
- Aloe Vera helps remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
- The gel inside its leaves is useful for healing burns, cuts, and irritated skin.
- Plus, it’s super easy to care for. That makes it perfect for beginners or anyone with a busy schedule.
Bottom Line
While indoor plants might not completely eliminate air pollution, they can definitely help make the air in your home fresher and healthier. By placing a variety of plants around your space, you can create a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for you and your family. Whether you’re looking to improve air quality, boost humidity, or just add some greenery to brighten up your home, these plants are a great way to do it. They’re easy to care for and make a big difference in how your space feels.
FAQs
How do indoor plants improve air quality?
Indoor plants remove toxins like formaldehyde and increase humidity, benefiting respiratory health.
Which plants are the best for improving air quality?
Snake plants, peace lilies, English ivy, spider plants, and rubber plants are effective at removing toxins from the air.
How many plants do I need to improve air quality?
Start with 2-3 medium-sized plants per 200/300 square feet of living space, considering your home size, number of occupants, and local air pollution levels.
How do I care for my air-purifying plants?
Water regularly, provide appropriate light, fertilize during the growing season, and clean the leaves regularly for optimal air purification.
Are there any safety concerns with indoor plants?
Some plants are toxic to pets, and overwatering can lead to mold growth. Additionally, some individuals may have allergies to certain plants.
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