The 5 Best Houseplants to Purify the Air In Your Home
Do you want to improve the quality of the air in your home? Space-saving houseplants recommended by NASA.
As far-fetched as it may seem, NASA has devoted significant time and effort to understanding how plants contribute to air quality, which is critical for enclosed spaces with recirculated air, like a spacecraft (or your apartment during winter). In addition to mitigating airborne chemicals such as ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, these plants can relieve headaches, coughing, and irritation caused by these chemicals. NASA recommends the following five plants.
Aloe vera
Not only can Aloe vera (also known as medicinal aloe) be used to treat burns, it’s also a great air purifier and is effective at removing airborne chemicals. NASA isn’t exactly sure how it works, but they do know that medicinal aloe is rich in antioxidants, which may help prevent free-radical damage. It’s hardy and easy to maintain, so if you forget to water it, don’t worry; its thick leaves won’t wilt. In addition to the plant itself being good for the air you breathe, the gel from the leaves has antibacterial properties that can also help protect against airborne contaminants.
1. Peace Lily
Linnaean name: Spathiphyllum wallisii
Light needs: Indirect
Water needs: Moderate (maintain moist soil, but do not overwater)
Peace lilies can grow up to a few feet tall and are large, lush tropical plants. Their leaves are deep green and their flowers are simple white. It requires very little maintenance.
2. Aloe Vera
What is the origin of its privileged position in human commerce? Although Aloe vera is one of the most well-known species of aloe, it is by no means the only one. It is estimated that over 500 species of aloe exist in Africa, the Middle East, and various islands in the Indian Ocean. A key feature behind the medicinal use of Aloe vera is its leaf succulence, which is found in all aloes. According to recent research, Aloe vera’s chemical composition does not explain its commercial significance; many other species of Aloe contain similar amounts of mesophyll monosaccharides. However, Aloe vera is cultivated throughout much of the world despite the fact that most Aloe species grow in small, endemic populations (all Aloe species except Aloe vera are listed as endangered by CITES). Are there any good scientific reasons for this?
Linnaean name: Aloe barbadensis miller
Light needs: a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day
Water needs: once per week
3. Spider plant
Linnaean name: Chlorophytum comosum
Light needs: Indirect
Water needs: Medium
An easy houseplant for beginners, the spider plant has green-edged white spiky leaves. In a hanging basket, they produce baby spider offshoots that look great as they mature.
Related Article: Aloe Vera Face Mask
4. Snake plant
Linnaean name: Trifasciata Sansevieri
Light needs: Indirect
Water needs: Little
With its ability to survive long periods without watering or sunlight, snake plants are one of the easiest and most common plants to maintain.
5. Ficus
Linnaean name: Benjaminia ficus
Light needs: indirect light
Water needs: Moderate to light
Ficus trees can grow to a height of a few feet and are sometimes called weeping figs. Known for its large, not-too-bushy leaves, it is a favorite among those looking to make a decorative statement, but be sure not to overwater: they like less water than you’d expect.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
