FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OVER $35 (CONTINENTAL US ONLY!)

5 Plants That Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

Written by Naomi Meza

• 

Posted on September 06 2018

The next time you find yourself doing household chores, you may want to add “clean the air” to your list.

As odd as this sounds, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims that in the average home, indoor air is almost five times more polluted than outdoor air.

And since studies show we spend more than 80 percent of our time indoors, air purification may not be such a bad idea.

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

While you may be familiar with the term pollution, the phrase “indoor air pollution” is not as commonly known. Indoor air pollution is when pollutants like chemicals and toxins, contaminate the air indoors.

Indoor air pollution can increase your risk of certain diseases such as stroke, lung cancer, and upper respiratory infections.

Possible indoor contaminants may include:

  • Building Materials
  • Tobacco Smoke
  • Heating Devices (i.e. stoves, heaters, microwaves, etc.)

What Can You Do About Indoor Air Pollution?

The risks that come with exposure to indoor air pollution may be worrisome, but the good news is combatting indoor air pollution is easier than you think! For this, most people usually turn to air purifiers.

But rather than place a bulky machine in your living space, why not turn to mother nature's air purifiers and add some charming indoor plants to your home, instead?

Read on to learn which five houseplants can improve your air quality and keep indoor air pollution at bay.

1. Snake Plant (Toxic to pets if ingested)

Snake Plant for Clean Air

Sansevieria, or the snake plant, is simple, yet elegant with serious toxin-fighting power.

This plant can rid your home of 107 different air pollutants by absorbing toxins through its leaves and producing pure oxygen in return.

Even more impressive, is the snake plant’s ability to emit oxygen at night. In the absence of sunlight, many plants release carbon dioxide because they are unable to photosynthesize.

However, snake plants continue to give off oxygen long after sunset.

2. Golden Pothos (Toxic to pets if ingested)

Golden Pothos for Clean Air

With its leafy vines, the Golden Pothos should not be overlooked for improving your indoor air quality.

This plant happens to be NASA’s top recommendation for removing formaldehyde: a toxin abundant in nearly all indoor environments because of its widespread use in common household items like cleaners, paper towels and heating fuels.

It’s also great at reducing carbon monoxide levels. 

3. Bamboo Palm

Bamboo Palm Tree for Clean Air

If you’re dealing with indoor air pollution and dry air, the bamboo palm is the perfect choice! With its slender stems and long palm leaves, the bamboo palm is easy to care for and increases a room’s humidity levels, making it ideal for indoors during dry, winter months.

Like the Golden Pothos, the Bamboo Palm can rid your home of formaldehyde as well as benzene (from vehicle exhaust, art supplies and inks) and trichloroethylene (found in wood finishes and paint and stain removers).

4. Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera Daisies for Clean Air

    If you prefer a flowering plant, Gerbera Daisies should be considered.

    The plant’s colorful blossoms are pretty to look at but are also effective against trichloroethylene and benzene.

    The only downside is that the toxin-fighting abilities of the plant only last as long as the flowers live so you may need to replace them often depending on their life cycle in your home.

    5. Chrysanthemums (Toxic to pets if ingested)

    Chrysanthemums for Clean Air

      Similar to the Gerbera Daisy, the Chrysanthemum’s blossoms can only fight off toxins for weeks at a time, but they’re great at filtering the air from benzene and ammonia. You can find them at most nurseries or floral shops.

      Grow With Greenway

      Although they don't require nutrients in large amounts like outdoor plants, it's still important to feed them and protect them from diseases. Browse some of our fertilizer collection below or head to our home page to view more. We have you covered for your indoor and outdoor plant needs.

      Indoor air pollution won't be in your home for long with these plants nearby!

       

      Related Posts: 

      Comments

      0 Comments

      Leave a Comment