Plants are an excellent way to improve indoor air quality. According to NASA research scientist Bill Wolverton’s 1989 study, two “good-sized” plants per 100 square feet of interior space is ideal. Larger plants purify air more effectively than small ones, and the amount of air they purify depends on the leaf surface area. Read on to learn more about the benefits of plants for indoor air quality. Whether you’re looking for a way to improve your indoor air quality or an inexpensive way to decorate your home, here are some plants to consider.
Weeping figs
Weeping figs are an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality. This Victorian houseplant thrives in moist, cool conditions and fights pollutants with its thick, leathery leaves. However, it is a finicky plant and requires indirect lighting and protection from drafts. You can grow this plant indoors or in large pots outdoors. After that, it does not need any special care.
Because weeping figs are long-lived house plants, they will keep the air moist throughout the year. Misting will encourage moisture to build around the plant and prevent over-watering. However, misting the plant might cause scale insects, which are small, brown insects found on the underside of the leaves and stems. If you suspect that a pest is infesting your plant, treat it with insecticidal soap before you start spraying the plant.
Because weeping figs need consistent moisture, they should be kept in a bright, light room. In addition, weeping figs prefer a moderate level of humidity and do not grow well in low relative humidity. During their natural habitat, weeping figs grow in semi-shady conditions and thrive in a moderately-light environment. Weeping figs require high-quality, fast-draining potting soil that has little organic matter and plenty of drainage. In addition, they need an annual top-up of compost. Unlike many other plants, weeping figs can tolerate drafty, humid conditions.
The Weeping Fig has a glossy, pointed foliage. The leaves get darker green as the plant grows older. Many growers braid the trunks of weeping figs to give them a topiary appearance. Weeping figs come in a variety of fancy cultivars. The variegated varieties are spotted with cream-white or yellow.
English ivy
English ivy is a popular houseplant that is known to help with air quality. It has many uses and is also attractive to look at. Several varieties are available, and they can be grown in hanging baskets or placed on bookshelves. The plant grows quickly and thrives in indirect sunlight. Although it is a poison if eaten, it can be an excellent indoor plant for those who are concerned about indoor air quality.
The ivy is a hardy plant, and it can survive in a wide range of soil conditions. It is easy to grow and is suitable for beginner-to-intermediate plant lovers. Like many houseplants, English ivy is also suitable for a range of indoor environments. It can tolerate low and indirect light, and prefers slightly cool temperatures.
The devil’s ivy is native to the subtropical region of Asia, but it can be grown indoors as well. Its waxy leaves will reduce the amount of dust, mold spores, and allergens in your air. If you have a housemate who suffers from allergies, this plant will benefit them the most. It’s also low maintenance and pet-friendly. It’s a great choice for industrial settings and is especially effective in absorbing solvents from the printing and rubber industries.
The philodendron is another great houseplant that is hard to kill. Its heart-shaped leaves are excellent for absorbing formaldehyde. It also works well to absorb other chemicals, including benzene, xylene, and toluene. In addition to the philodendron, English ivy is another great choice for those looking to improve their indoor air quality.
Mums
Plants that purify the air in your home can be a great choice if you’re trying to improve the quality of the air in your home. Some plants are particularly good for indoor air quality, but there are some things you should keep in mind before putting one into your home. These air-purifying plants have to be kept in a specific temperature range. Mums thrive in the 15 to 20 degC (60 to 65 degF) range. Also, they should not be placed near any heat-generating appliances, such as air conditioning units or heater vents.
A garden mum is a popular houseplant that needs little water and produces pretty flowers that improve indoor air quality. It filters airborne toxins, such as ammonia and formaldehyde. It also produces beautiful white flowers that bloom for about six weeks. The mum also removes mold spores in the air, and its roots and leaves circulate the spores. They also look great in bathrooms!
Chrysanthemums have been cultivated in China for thousands of years. In Chinese culture, they are symbolic of wealth and fidelity. They are also often boiled and made into tea, called chrysanthemum tea. Traditionally, mums are given to mothers on Mother’s Day, and their fragrance can improve the quality of indoor air. It is important to note that mums require a little extra maintenance, and their blooms can lead to skin irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, they are worth it for the positive impact they have on the quality of the air in your home.
Ficus plant
The Ficus plant, also known as the Weeping Fig, is a popular houseplant that is effective at cleaning the air. According to the NASA’s Clean Air Study, it can effectively clean the air of benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene. Listed below are some of the advantages of a Ficus plant. Read on to learn more about this easy-to-care-for plant.
The Snake Plant, commonly called the Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, produces nighttime oxygen while filtering pollutants from the air. It needs window light and is watered weekly. A single plant should be spaced six to eight inches above the floor. NASA has also featured the Money Plant in their report on the benefits of a plant for indoor air quality. It can remove chemicals from the air, including xylene, but it’s toxic to small children.
Another study showed that the soil alone was the most effective at removing toxins from the air. Green leaves did not perform as well as those without any leaves on the stem. The combination of soil microbes and plant respiration resulted in the greatest reduction of toxins and the highest improvement in the air quality in the room. These results are promising for both indoor and outdoor air quality. They should be used in homes and public places.
A plant’s air cleaning ability is based on how well it can tolerate low light levels. A good houseplant will clean air when properly cared for and has a healthy microorganism balance. It is best to choose a plant that does not require high light levels. This plant is also easy to maintain indoors. You can use a combination of houseplants, air cleaners, and carbon activated filtration to improve indoor air quality.
Spider plant
When choosing a houseplant, a spider plant is one of the most beneficial options. Not only is it easy to care for, but it can filter many of the toxins in your home’s air. Spider plants need indirect lighting throughout the day to grow well and should be planted in a well-drained container. They can be hung from a macrame basket or placed on a shelf. A variety of different houseplants are beneficial for improving indoor air quality.
Many people wonder how a spider plant can improve the air quality in their home. A NASA study found that the plant can remove 95% of the toxins in air after only 24 hours. Although this may seem like a large amount of work, the benefits of the plant go far beyond aesthetic appeal. The plant can also help reduce carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide levels. In addition, it can even help improve your mood.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently tested three common houseplants to see which one can remove the highest levels of formaldehyde from the air. The spider plant performed better than the other two and removed ninety-five percent of the formaldehyde in the air within 24 hours. And even though the National Wildlife Federation recommends adding multiple plants to improve air quality, some people do not have the time to maintain a large number of plants. In such a case, it may be wise to add foliage in the rooms where you spend the most time.
In addition to its antimicrobial effects, spider plants can help improve indoor air quality by absorbing particulate matter. Particulate matter, or PM, is one of the most common air pollutants. Vegetation that accumulates particulate matter can reduce its impact and protect us from the risks it poses. The spider plant can absorb PM and degrade many different chemicals. This is why it is so important to maintain good indoor air quality.