The Chemistry of Clean
In 1989, NASA released a landmark study indicating that many common houseplants were superior in removing certain toxins from the air. But you may wonder, what toxins? How do they get there? Air pollutants unfortunately and especially in urban areas can come from sources like vehicles burning fossil fuels, building materials (formaldehyde), household cleaners and organic compounds (like fur and dust).
Toxins include but aren’t limited to sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, Volatile organic compounds (including hydrocarbons like benzene, trichloroethylene etc.), carbon monoxide and ammonia. Plants will essentially breathe in carbon dioxide and other pollutants and break them down in the process of photosynthesis, thus removing them from the air and producing oxygen in return.
Top Air-Purifying Plants
The introduction of greenery and foliage benefits not only breathing, but additionally includes a beneficial impact on mood, among other things. To be around nature, even in a small capacity reduces stress and uplifts mood. Your cognitive abilities are sharpened and concentration is increased (see offices and workspaces). The overall appearance of any space is enhanced, creativity flows freely and it’s a joyful experience to watch growth. It’s truly the beauty of the biophilic.
Here are a few easy to find, and easy to care for favourites:
1. Snake Plant
Low light and low-effort, high-impact. What more could you really want from an air-purifying plant? In lower-light they’ll grow slower and with bright-indirect light, the leaves will eventually grow to a striking height.
Benefits: Removes common VOCs like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene, among others. Helps reduce allergens and dust by release of moisture and produces oxygen at night (rather than through the day), which can also improve sleep.
Notes: Keep out of reach of children and pets alike due to the presence of saponins found throughout all parts of the plant.
2. English Ivy
Dainty, trailing and precious, English Ivy is fast-growing and fairly easy to please. Simply check the soil, when dry to the first knuckle, provide a good drink. Ivy can be trained to climb as well as to trail and does best in bright, indirect-light. Plus, it’s easy to propagate via cuttings.
Benefits: Can remove toxins including: benzene, toluene, trichloroethylene, xylene along with carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.
Notes: Leaves and berries are toxic to animals including dogs, cats and horses and to children, place responsibility.
3. Dragon Tree
A taste of the tropics with very little hassle. These plants very much resemble larger palm-tree-like counterparts with very small footprints of their own. They do not need to be watered often (partial neglect is almost beneficial here), as many others on the list, thrive in bright, indirect light. These air-purifying superstars showcase foliage that is sure to dazzle year-round.
Benefits: Successful at removing xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde.
Notes: Given that these belong to the same genus as the Snake plants, they too are included in the toxic list due to the presence of saponins making them unsafe for dogs, cats and people.
4. Peace Lily
An absolute classic houseplant. The deep green of the foliage pairs beautifully with the delicate veining and bright white flowers. Peace Lilies can grow to staggering heights and widths with proper care. They can tolerate lower light and while they prefer soil to be more moist so long as their containers provide ample drainage.
Benefits: This air purifying plant, filters and removes toxins including benzene, formaldehyde, ethylene, and ammonia.
Notes: Place with care as these plants are mildly poisonous to people, and toxic to both cats and dogs.
5. Bamboo Palm
While others listed here are relatively small, the bamboo palm can grow from 4 to 12 ft tall and about 3-6ft wide, which isn’t realistic for all our spaces. But if you have the room, fill it with this majestic palm. Keep the soil consistently moist without letting it get soggy and this palm does best in partial shade or with minimal light (north-facing windows often do the trick).
Benefits: Both benzene and trichloroethylene are purified by this palm. It additionally introduces a good deal of moisture into the air enriching your indoor environments.
Notes: Safe for dogs, cats and children alike as this palm is considered non-toxic!
We hope you can enjoy the refresh, renewal and rejuvenation that the introduction of a new houseplant can bring. May each breath be a little bit better. For more things home, gardening and lifestyle, keep reading on The Wild Blog. Plus, if you don’t already, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest!
