The best ways to improve indoor air quality is by removing the pollutant sources and the ventilation of the clean air throughout the space. While Air purifiers may help, air purifying plants are a great and natural way to clean the air supply inside a house. Let’s look at why you should get one and which one to get! This Buying Guide can make your buying process much easier.
Why Do You Need Air Purifying Plants?
Indoor pollution comes from the toxic contaminating elements which we encounter in our everyday life. Other elements of indoor pollution also include household supplies like glues, building materials, pesticides, cleaning agents, odorless and colorless gases, and CO (carbon monoxide).
Pollutants such as smoke, cooking gases, pet hair, cleaning products, and other materials and pet hair contribute to the unhealthy air of the surroundings.
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, in the air from paints, adhesives, and other building substances, leads to a lot of health issues, which can include nausea, headache, liver issues as well as lung and kidney cancer.
Scientists have conducted researches, and studies have revealed that certain plants can absorb toxic gases like formaldehyde and even benzene through the pores of their leaves. And this process of vigorously cleaning the air with plants is called phytoremediation.
Concept behind Phytoremediation
It is considered to be one of the more sustainable solutions for lessening indoor pollution. The following are the forms:
- Phyto stimulation: It refers to the fastening of the microbial activities in the soil to hasten the degradation of the contaminants.
- Phytotransformation: It refers to the process of chemical modification of the substances in soil, water, and air through plant metabolism.
- Phyto volatilization: It refers to the removal of contaminants from soil and water using plants and releasing them into the air by means of transpiration.
Some of the plants which help in indoor air purification are as follows:
1. Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera):
Along with the healing properties it has, there are a lot of perennial properties too, which are associated with this plant. It helps in filtering formaldehyde and benzene out of the air. Also, it blooms with ease as it does not require any extra conditions for surviving.
2. African Daisies:
This is another perennial plant that helps in improving the indoor air quality by removing carbon monoxide from the atmosphere. These plants have bright colors, which makes it difficult to grow indoors.This plant is expensive and requires well-drained soil for proper growth.
3. Areca Palm:
This plant has a knack for absorbing benzene and formaldehyde. It is a go-to plant for bright indoors. It is perfect for purchasing this plant while it is on top of its table size.
4. Dendrobium Phalaenopsis:
If you are willing to get rid of Xylene, which is a pollutant that comes along with glue, this plant is a perfect choice. It is a type of orchid native to Australia and is expected to be grown under bright sunlight.
5. Boston Fern:
The Boston Fern can easily absorb formaldehyde and is known to be better than any other air-purifying plant. Also, these are perfect for getting rid of other elements from the air, such as Xylene and Benzene, which can be found in building materials and paints.It requires weekly feedings in summer and monthly feedings in winter.
6. Spider Plant:
It is one of the top three air purifying plants which is great at removing formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and other toxins from the air. These plants easily adapt to the environment and do not require much attention.
7. Snake Plants:
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