Indoor plants for improving air quality
Posted By: Hugh Forbia Category: Plant CareAmong the benefits of growing indoor plants is their ability to purify the air around them. Alongside absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the room they filter out a range of toxins and purify their surroundings. Their leaves are also beneficial by filtering out dust. Microorganisms present in the compost have also been found to be a part of the cleansing process. By intoducing a few houseplants to your home or office and with a little care you can enjoy a healthier environment to live in.
Plants that improve air quality
The varieties of indoor plant that have been proven to improve air quality are very common and easy to grow. NASA compiled a list of the most beneficial plants during tests they were conducting during the late eighties. Their findings show a selection of plants that have benefits across a range of toxins, with some removing isolated chemicals and other plants removing a broader range.
Listed below are seven easy-care indoor plants that will have the greatest effect on the air quality in your home and make it healthier to breathe.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’)
A beautiful glossy leaved plant with elegant white flowers held high above the foliage on upright stalks. Easy to grow in a warm room and happy in shade or part shade.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Familiar cream and green grassy foliage plant that cascades over the side of the pot. Mature plants send out long stalks that bear small plantlets at thier tips adding to the display. Easy to grow anywhere, in sun or shade.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Unmistakeable both indoors and out, our native Ivy is one of the most versatile plants to grow and it purifies the air. Easy to grow in sun or shade where it will happily climb or trail wherever you let it.
Dragon Tree (Dracena marginata)
A fine specimen for indoors in partial shade or sun. Eventually reaching 6ft or more, the Dragon Tree has strappy, plam-like leaves and bare stems giving a tropical effect to a room.
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Another indoor specimen plant that becomes a small indoor tree over time. It has lovely dark green glossy leaves and an attractive weeping habit. Grow it in a warm room where it recieves sun for part of the day.
Mother-In-Law’s-Tongue (Sanseveria trifasciata 'Laurentii')
A spectacular succulent with upright, striped leaves which are mottled green and yellow. A sun lover that requires little attention.
Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andreanum)
An exotic flowering plant from South America with large, glossy red, pink or white blooms and dark green foliage. Related to the Peace Lily, this plant enjoys a warm room and some shade.
