Thanks to a well-known NASA study from 1989, we’ve all heard that plants can purify the air, but a more recent study by skeptic-scientists elaborated further on how many.
Technically, the report’s official title claims, “Potted plants do not improve indoor air quality, and outlines that the clean air delivery rate (CADR), a measurement also used for air purifiers, of plants is essentially a fruitless attempt to make your home a little less hostile in terms of air quality. This is due to the fact that the rate at which plants purify the air is slower than the rate at which air enters and leaves your home. Although the study is quick to discount plants’ capacity for healing, it is accurate. Pollution of all kinds, including carbon and that from cows and cars, is a problem for us.
But don’t let that stop you from purchasing one or more houseplants. Plants continue to function. The calculations of the scientists show that in order to begin making a discernible difference in the fight against indoor air pollution, you’ll need between 100 and 1,000 plants for every 10 square feet.
Therefore, if your home is about 1,000 square feet, you’ll need between 10,000 and 100,000 plants. You’d require one or more large forests. The globe has those because of this. at least 2% of the surface area is devoted to it. Because of this, it’s crucial to preserve what little is left of our rain forests. For comparison, a rain forest can have up to 750 trees per square mile, and larger trees and plants are better able to filter both water and air. So, it might be wiser to plant a tree if you really want to improve the quality of the air in general.
Are air purifying air plants effective?
While air purifying plants can’t quickly filter the air in your home like an air purifier or a mechanical ventilation system, they may certainly help the process along with their amazing air cleaning capabilities.
Not all plants are created equal, so here is a list of some of the top indoor air purifying plants you may employ for a toxin-free environment:
English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
According to a NASA study, English ivies are one of the greatest plants for cleaning the air. Toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene can be eliminated by them. According to certain research, they can also lessen the amount of mold and feces in the air. Hedera helix can help you keep your ideal summer humidity levels because it absorbs humidity as well.
English ivies require a lot of direct but bright sunshine for proper growth. They enjoy high humidity and low temperatures, in the 60s. Before watering them again, until the soil’s surface to feel completely dry. Remember that due to their rapid growth, English ivies are regarded as invasive species in many regions of the world. Trim them frequently to prevent them from taking over your walls.
Unfortunately, this beautiful plant is toxic to pets. If consumed, a toxin included in the leaves and berries poses a risk to both kids and animals.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea Seifrizii)
The bamboo palm is another well-liked indoor air purifier that belongs to the Chamaedorea genus and has over 100 species to pick from. The chamaedorea seifrizii is the most widely used species of bamboo palm.
Bamboo palms are low-maintenance plants, making them ideal for beginners. They dislike being overwatered and in direct sunshine. One to three waterings each week are sufficient.
Toxicity: You don’t have to worry about their placement because these wonderful plants are pet-friendly.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
Long, lustrous green leaves are found on the lovely parlor palm, also known as the Bella palm or tabletop palm. It is well known that parlor palms may filter the air of dangerous substances like benzene and trichloroethylene.
It is a low-maintenance plant that can adapt to different lighting situations, which will please you to know. It thrives in filtered, bright light with minimal watering. It is preferable to undersea rather than overwater your parlor palm. Every one to two weeks, expect to water them.
Toxicity: Parlor palms are pet-safe, so you don’t have to be concerned about their wellbeing.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The areca palm is a well-known indoor plant that may filter the air by eliminating formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, trichloroethylene, and carbon monoxide. It adds beauty to any space with its thin, arching fronds.
Areca palms prefer direct, filtered sunshine for optimal health. The vegetation can become scorched by direct sunshine. They like damp soil, but you must ensure that the earth dries out a little bit between waterings because they don’t like waterlogged soil. Temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees are ideal for them.
Toxicity: The areca palm is pet safe in addition to being a beautiful addition to décor, so you can rest easy knowing your companion is safe.
Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
The Gerbera Daisy is another plant that received top marks in NASA’s 1989 Clean Air Study. This amazing air-purifying plant significantly improved the air quality in just 24 hours. It eliminated 50% of the formaldehyde, 67% of the benzene, and 35% of the trichloroethylene from the air.
Gerbera daisies thrive in a location with moderate sunlight, according to maintenance advice. Even though they like bright sunlight, placing them in it directly can cause the leaves to burn. Yes, gerbera flowers require routine watering. When the soil has dried out an inch or two below the surface, only water them.
Gerbera Daisies are also safe for pets, so you may decorate your home with them without worrying about their health.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena Dorado)
Dracaena family plants are among the best plants for air purification in general. This also applies to the dragon tree. It is excellent at eliminating airborne contaminants such carbon dioxide, benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde.
Maintenance advice: Due to its hardiness, the dragon tree makes a great indoor plant. Dragon trees thrive best in an environment with about 10 hours of indirect, bright sunshine every day. If dragon trees are left in standing water, they are prone to root rot. Before you water them again, let the soil partially dry out.
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Dracaena trifasciata)
Another outstanding plant from the Dracaena family that purifies the air is mother-in-tongue, law’s sometimes referred to as snake plant or St. George’s sword. Formaldehyde and benzene are both effectively removed.
Maintenance Advice: Mother-in-tongue law’s is a resilient plant that may thrive in a range of lighting conditions. Additionally, it can withstand drought and does not take well to overwatering. Only water the soil when it seems dry. It just has to be watered every three to four weeks during the summer.
Mother-in-tongue law’s is harmful to cats and dogs because it contains saponins, therefore pet owners should opt for another houseplant.
Pot Mum (Chrysanthemum Morifolium)
The pot mum, sometimes referred to as the florist’s mum, isn’t regarded as one of the best indoor plants for purifying the air for nothing. The little but mighty chrysanthemum can remove 41.2 percent trichloroethylene, 53 percent benzene, and 61% formaldehyde, according to NASA’s Clean Air Study.
Tips for Care: This vibrant houseplant is easily accessible and just requires a little careful loving care to thrive. Pot mums require at least 4 hours of direct sunshine each day because they adore the sun. They require frequent watering because they are also thirsty plants. If the top inch of the soil feels dry, they need to be watered. Water them until the bottom of the pot begins to drain.
The fact that pot mums are toxic to animals should not be overlooked. They should only be taken into account by households without pets as a result.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
When it comes to eliminating benzene from the air, the peace lily is renowned for being a superstar. In addition, this potent air-purifying plant appeals to homeowners with its lovely white blossoms and delicate aroma.
Maintenance advice: Peace lilies enjoy warm, humid conditions and require strong, filtered light. As a result, they require constant misting and watering during the summer. In the winter, you can get away with using less water, but be careful not to allow the soil get too dry.
Unfortunately, peace lilies are toxic to pets. Make sure peace lilies are planted in a place where your pets cannot access them if you are eager to plant them.
Flamingo Lily (Anthurium Andraeanum)
An eye-pleasing houseplant that purifies the air is the flamingo lily. It can also eliminate airborne formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene, and xylene in addition to being stunning to look at.
Maintenance advice: Regrettably, the flamingo lily is not the easiest plant to care for. To grow this fickle plant, you’ll need a little green thumb. The flamingo lily, which is indigenous to Central and South America, prefers high humidity and temperatures above 70 degrees. Put the plants in bright, indirect light because direct sunlight will scorch the leaves. Between waterings, allow the soil to gently dry out.
Flamingo lilies should not be kept in a home with children or pets because to its toxicity to both humans and animals.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
The dangerous air pollutants carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene can be removed by the spider plant, also known as ribbon plant or spider ivy. It has slender, arching lime-green leaves. Its lovely leaves and ability to filter the air make it a well-liked indoor air-purifying plant.
Maintenance hints: One of the easiest indoor plants to care for is the spider plant. They love filtered light and may even survive in dim environments. Keep them away from direct sunshine, though, as that might burn their leaves. Additionally, they detest damp soil and only sometimes require a gentle spritzing.
One of the rare indoor plants that is harmless to animals is the spider plant.
Mass Cane (Dracaena Massangeana)
The bulk cane is yet another air-purifying powerhouse that can eliminate up to 70% of formaldehyde from the air. These low-maintenance plants are frequently referred to as “fake palms” because of how closely they resemble palm trees.
Maintenance advice: They thrive in areas with filtered sunshine near windows. Their leaves can scorch and wilt when exposed to direct sunlight. They demand humidity levels of between 40 and 50 percent and a moderate amount of water. Plant health is impacted by excessively moist or dry soil.
Recall that the Dracaena Massangeana is toxic and not suitable for use around animals. Both dogs and cats get poisoned by it.
Rubber Tree (Ficus Elastica)
The rubber plant, which was once used to make rubber before synthetics were created, is a wonder of air purification. In eliminating formaldehyde from the air, it excels. In addition, it generates large amounts of oxygen and removes bacteria and mold spores from the air. It is a worthy addition to your collection of plants that filter the air thanks to these qualities.
Although it is often an easy-to-care-for plant, there are some maintenance suggestions you should be aware of. Indirect light that is moderate to bright is ideal for the rubber tree. Every one to two weeks, water, and let the soil dry out in between. Do not allow temperatures to go below 60 degrees because the rubber plant does not tolerate really cold temperatures.
Toxicity: The rubber tree has a low toxicity level for both people and animals. Make sure it is out of reach for kids and animals if you decide to grow one.
Heart Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron Oxycardium)
The heartleaf philodendron will be a worthwhile addition to your collection of indoor plants that filter the air because of its glossy, heart-shaped leaves. These trailing plants can be trained to climb a trellis or a pole or planted in hanging baskets.
Maintenance Advice: Water the heartleaf philodendron every one to two weeks, and it only requires medium-intensity indirect light. When it gets lighter out, water more frequently and let the soil dry between applications.
It is harmful to both humans and animals, thus anyone with pets or young children should not keep one.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well known for its ability to soothe skin. You might be shocked to learn that it is just as beneficial for the air as it is for your skin, though. This air-purifying facility eliminates carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene from the atmosphere.
Aloe vera can burn its leaves in direct sunlight, so plant it in an area with bright, indirect sunshine. Between waterings, let the soil totally dry out. Just slightly moisten their soil since most aloes do not require any water in the winter.
Aloe vera’s thorny leaves can be hazardous, and sadly, it is harmful to cats and dogs.
Fittonia (Fittonia Argyroneura)
Fittonia, often called the nerve plant or the mosaic plant, is a common indoor air purifier because of its rich, patterned leaves. It is not only a stunning plant, but it also has some incredible air-purifying properties. It effectively purges the air of benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene.
Maintenance Advice: Fittonia is more fickle and demanding of care than the other plants on this list. Since they prefer high humidity, they thrive in terrariums or restrooms. They favor a lot of water and direct, bright sunlight. Make sure the pot has adequate drainage, though, as stagnant water might result in feeble, yellowed leaves.
Fittonia is one of the few air-purifying plants that is fully safe for pets, which is good news for pet owners.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema Modestum)
The Chinese evergreen, renowned for being nearly indestructible, is the ideal air-purifying plant for novices. They filter pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene and are available in a wide range of hues.
Maintenance Advice: Chinese evergreens do well in bright, indirect light, but they prefer low light levels. Additionally, these plants thrive in warmer, more humid environments. The soil should be damp, but before adding further water, let the top two inches of soil dry off.
Toxicity: Unfortunately, pet owners should avoid this tough plant because it is toxic to animals.
Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina)
This ubiquitous houseplant, often known as the ficus tree or Benjamin fig, is a powerful air filter. It is a common choice for home decor because of its thin, arching branches.
Maintenance advice: The weeping fig prefers a lot of indirect light with a little bit of direct light on occasion indoors. Weeping figs require frequent watering since they enjoy dampness. To avoid developing root rot, do not allow it to sit in water. It enjoys warmer temperatures and higher humidity because it is a tropical plant. To boost humidity, you can mist the leaves frequently or use a humidifier.
Weeping fig toxicity: Dogs and cats should not be exposed to the weeping fig due to its toxicity.
Poinsettia (Euphorbia Pulcherrima)
Poinsettias are a well-liked plant throughout the holiday season and are a fantastic choice all year long. They are a sight for sore eyes and a healthy choice as well because to their capacity to remove minute amounts of formaldehyde from the air.
Maintenance advice: Poinsettias need 6 to 8 hours of strong, indirect sunlight each day because they enjoy the sun. Their leaves can burn in direct sunlight. When the tops of the plants feel dry to the touch, water them; do not, however, let the roots sit in water. Poinsettias like temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees because they are quite sensitive to the cold.
Poinsettias are somewhat poisonous to pets, however the symptoms are typically not severe. The ASPCA claims that its toxicity is exaggerated. To be safe, you could still choose another indoor plant that purifies the air. Place it out of reach of your pet if you decide to keep one.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
Due to its rich, green, arching fronds and air-purifying properties, the Boston fern, also known as the sword fern, is a common option for indoor plants. It purges the air of formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene.
Maintenance advice: Because direct sunlight can scorch their fronds, Boston ferns appreciate bright, indirect light. Always maintain a moderately damp, never waterlogged, soil condition. They prefer moderate temperatures and require humidity levels above 80%.
The Boston fern is not poisonous to animals, which is good news for pet owners. Consequently, you can unleash your inner gardener without being concerned for your pet’s wellbeing.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
This lush vine looks lovely propped up on a shelf or suspended in the air. One of the low-maintenance air-purifying plants is the pothos, sometimes known as satin or silk pothos. It filters numerous pollutants, such as benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene.
Maintenance advice: Although it can tolerate low light levels, the golden pothos thrives in direct, strong light. Every one to two weeks, give your pothos some water, and then let the soil dry out in between.
Pet owners should think about other houseplants that are safe for dogs and cats instead of the golden pothos due to its toxicity.