Liên Hương sưu tầm
Types of Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air
Why invest in expensive electrical air purifiers when you could purchase
a few types of houseplants to clean and filter the air naturally and
inexpensively?
Much of the research on these beneficial houseplants has been done by
NASA scientists researching ways to create suitable space station
habitats. All indoors plants (flowering or not) are able to purify
indoor air to some degree through their normal photosynthesis processes.
But some were found to be more beneficial than others in removing
harmful household toxins,
even removing 90% of chemicals in the air in only twenty-four hours!
The three main household toxins of concern are:
- benzene
- formaldahyde
- trichloroethylene
These carcinogenic chemicals are used in the manufacturing of synthetic
substances and materials and are off-gased from new materials for some
time (up to several years, depending on the material of product in
question). Benzene can also be emitted from gas ranges during use,
making some types of houseplants below great for use in the kitchen.
This means these types of houseplants may just decrease your
risk of cancers, asthma, allergies, auto-immune disorders and other
diseases.
Tips for Choosing and Caring for Your Plants
Below you'll find the common name and botanical name of each plant, its
benefit to you and your home and a few ideas of the type of care it
needs.
Along with a corresponding photo and the following tips, you can decide which plant is best for your home.
- Choose one 10- to 12-inch potted plant per 100 square foot of your home for the most effective air purification.
- Cross-reference several care guides to check for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Because common names can very, be sure to cross-reference the
botanical name of any plant you get to ensure it will do the job you
need it to do.
- Consider where you might place your plants and the amount of sun
they will receive to ensure your plant will thrive in that area.
- Make note of the water needed and write it on a calendar so that you can keep the watering schedules balanced.
- Periodically dust the leaves of each plant with a damp cloth to ensure proper absorption of air particles and toxins.
- Keep their soil replenished with rich compost or compost tea. Avoid non-organic or synthetic fertilizers.
- Whenever possible, capture rainwater for your plants. All types of houseplants thrive best with natural sources of water.
Nineteen Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air
The following list of beneficial types of houseplants should get you started in finding the right plants for your home.
Common Name: Aloe Vera
Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis
Benefits: Not only can it be used for burns on the skin, it is also known to remove formaldahyde from the air.
Notes: Needs well-drained soil with slight drying
between waterings, full sun is best with protection from high heats.
Although largely known for its healing properties, it is considered to
be an irritant to some.
Common Name: Areca Palm
Botanical Name: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
Benefits: General air purifier, especially as it grows larger. It's known for being one of the better performers in purifying the air.
Notes: Moderately drought tolerant and prefers partial sun and well-drained soil.
Common Name: Baby Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Peperomia obtusifolia or Ficus robusta
Benefits: These houseplants clean the air by emitting
high oxygen content, and purifies indoor air by removing chemicals, such
as formaldahyde or other toxins.
Notes: Likes filtered light, infrequent watering and
rich soil. I've found conflicting information as to whether or not this
plant contains any poisonous parts.
Common Name: Bamboo Palm or Reed Palm
Botanical Name: Chamaedorea seifrizii
Sorry, no photo yet...unless you'd like to contribute one!
Benefits: According to NASA, it removes formaldahyde and is also said to act as a natural humidifier.
Notes: Likes bright, indirect light and prefers to remain moist but not too much and doesn't like sitting in water.
Common Name: Boston Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata Bostoniensis
Benefits: Said to act as a natural air humidifier, removes formaldahyde and is a general air purifier.
Said to be among the best in air purifying houseplants.
Notes: Likes bright light and damp soil but can be tolerant of drought or partial light.
Common Name: Chinese Evergreen
Botanical Name: Aglaonema sp.
Benefits: Emits high oxygen content, and purifies indoor air by removing chemicals, such as formaldahyde, benzene or other toxins.
Notes: Does well with full shade and good draining;
variegated plants need more sunlight. The sap of this plant is
considered poisonous and is an irritant.
Common Name: Corn Cane or Mass Cane
Botanical Name: Dracaena massangeana or dracaena fragrans Massangeana
Benefits: Known for removing formaldahyde and known generally as one of the houseplants that clean the air.
Notes: Does great with low light and low water.
Common Name: Dwarf Date Palm
Botanical Name: Phoenix roebelenii
Sorry, no photo yet...unless you'd like to contribute one!
Benefits: Said to remove formaldehyde and xylene (a chemical found in plastics and solvents) from the air.
Notes: Loves lots of sun, moist soil and warm water.
Common Name: English Ivy
Botanical Name: Hedera helix
Benefits: It's known for removing the chemical benzene,
a known carcinogen found in cigarette smoke, detergents, pesticides,
and the off-gasing of other synthetic materials, is said to be fantastic
for asthma and allergies and also removes formaldehyde.
Notes: Can be invasive, making it great for a potted plant.
Common Name: Ficus alii
Botanical Name: Ficus maeleilandii alii
Sorry, no photo yet...unless you'd like to contribute one!
Benefits: Said to be a great overall air purifier.
Notes: These types of houseplants love indirect sunlight; be careful not to overwater.
Those with allergies to latex may react to this plant!
Common Name: Gerbera Daisy
Botanical Name: Gerbera sp. or Gerbera jamesonii
Benefits: NASA says this plant is fantastic at removing
benzene, a known cancer-causing chemical. It also absorbs carbon
dioxide and gives off oxygen overnight, which is said to improve your
sleep!
Notes: Likes bright light
Common Name: Golden Pothos
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum syn. Scindapsus aureus
Benefits: NASA places this plant among the top 3 types
of houseplants great for removing formaldhyde. Also known for removing
carbon monoxide and increasing general indoor air quality.
Notes: Needs less water in colder temps and partial sun.
Common Name: Janet Craig
Botanical Name: Draecana deremensis
Benefits: Lady Palm is said to be a good overall air purifier, removing most air pollutants.
Notes: Prefers indirect sunlight, and watering without fertilizers.
Common Name: Kimberly Queen Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis obliterata
Sorry, no photo yet...unless you'd like to contribute one!
Benefits: These types of houseplants clean formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene out of your home.
Notes: Prefers bright but indirect sunlight, with dry soil between waterings (but not dry for too long).
Common Name: Lady Palm (plus 10+ varieties)
Botanical Name: Rhapis Excelsa
Benefits: These types of houseplants are said to be a good overall air purifier, removing most air pollutants.
Notes: Prefers partial sun all day and shade in the
winter, with more frequent water in hotter months, but never allow to
sit in water or be overwatered.
Common Name: Marginata or Dragon tree
Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata
Benefits: Known for purifying the air of the
carcinogen, benzene, commonly found in the off-gasing of synthetic
materials, ciagerette smoke and other household chemicals. Also known
for removing formaldahyde, xylene (found in varnishes, paints and paint
thinners) and trichloroethylene (found in solvents) from the air.
Notes: It requires little attention, tolerates dry soil
and irregular watering and prefers no direct sunlight. It is, however,
susceptible to fluoride toxicity (so fluoridated water sources may need
to be avoided).
Common Name: Moth Orchid
Botanical Name: Phalaenopsis
Benefits: Said to remove VOCs (volatile organic
compounds) and formaldahyde commonly off-gased from paints, solvents and
other synthetic materials.
Notes: Thrives in high humidity, lots of light (but not
hot, mid-day sun) and thorough waterings with, unlike many types of
houseplants, almost complete drying out between.
Common Name: Mums
Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum sp. or Chrysanthemum morifolium
Benefits: Very effective at removing benzene, a
carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) associated with most chemicals,
plastics, cigarettes and off-gasing. Also removes trichloroethylene
(found in solvets and cleaners), formaldehyde and ammonia.
Notes: Likes partial sun, and lots of water. Although
they're among the houseplants that clean the air, they only flower once
and are generally annual plants, especially when planted outdoors.
Common Name: Peace Lily
Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum sp.
Benefits: Known for removing benzene, a common
household chemical and known carcinogen. It's also said to remove mold
spores in the air, making it great for bathrooms, kitchens and laundry
rooms; purifying the air of trichloroethylene, a chemical found in
cleaners and solvents; and removing alcohols, acetone, and formaldehyde.
Notes: Easy to care for, it prefers lots of water, less often and bright, indirect light.
Common Name: Philodendron
Botanical Name: P. cordatum, P.scandens or P. selloum
Benefits: Also noted by NASA among the best tyoes of houseplants for removing formaldahyde, especially higher concentrations.
Notes: Philodendrons are considered poisonous, so keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Common Name: Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Sansevieria trifasciata
Benefits: Found by NASA to absorb toxins, such as nitrogen oxides and formaldahyde.
Notes: It tolerates low light levels and irregular watering (and needs only a few waterings throughout winter).
Common Name: Schefflera, or Umbrella Tree
Botanical Name: Brassaia actinophylla
Benefits: Said to remove benzene (a carcinogenic substance) from the air.
Notes: Can be toxic to pets and children. Prfers bright but indirect sun and lots of water and humidity.
Common Name: Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Benefits: NASA places this plant among the top 3 types
of houseplants that are great at removing formaldahyde. Also removes
carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities.
Notes: Likes bright, indirect light and lots of water while growing.
Common Name: Warneckii or Dracanaena warneckei
Botanical Name: Dracaena deremeusis or Dracanea deremensis warneckei
Benefits: Known for removing trichloroethylene, a
chemical found in many solvents, dry cleaning solutions and
refrigerants. Also said to remove benzene, a carcinogene.
Notes: Moderate sun and water needs, but, like most types of houseplants, dislikes sitting in water. Avoid fluoridated water sources.
Common Name: Weeping Fig or Ficus Tree
Botanical Name: Ficus benjamina
Benefits: Known to remove common airborn toxins and increase oxygen levels.
Notes: Prefers bright light and sun, but is also shade-tolerant. Moderate water needs for these types of houseplants.
