NASA research scientists have found that common indoor plants can provide a natural solution to combat Sick Building Syndrome. In addition, certain houseplants with air-purifying properties can significantly improve indoor air quality. Below, we highlight some of the best plants for this purpose.
Which Plants Improve Indoor Air Quality?
NASA conducted studies on various popular ornamental plants to assess their effectiveness in removing key indoor pollutants. The research revealed that living plants are highly efficient at absorbing contaminants, so much so that some plants will even be used in space as part of biological life support systems on future space stations.
Here are the best plants for improving indoor air quality:
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Benefits: Removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Care: Easy to maintain, thrives in indirect sunlight, and adapts to varying temperatures.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Benefits: Removes formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides.
Care: Low-maintenance, tolerates low light, and needs minimal watering.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Benefits: Removes formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia.
Care: Prefers indirect light and moist soil.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Benefits: Removes formaldehyde and benzene.
Care: Needs bright, indirect sunlight and infrequent watering.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Benefits: Removes formaldehyde and xylene.
Care: Prefers high humidity, indirect light, and regular watering.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Benefits: Effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene.
Care: Thrives in moderate light and prefers moist soil.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Benefits: Removes formaldehyde.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Benefits: Removes formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene.
Care: Easy to care for, tolerates low light, and infrequent watering.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Benefits: Removes formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene.
Care: Prefers indirect light and regular watering.
Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Benefits: Removes formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Benefits: Removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Benefits: Known for removing benzene and trichloroethylene.
Care: Needs bright light and well-drained soil.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Benefits: Removes formaldehyde.
Care: Prefers indirect light and regular watering.
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Benefits: Removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Benefits: Removes formaldehyde and benzene.
Care: Tolerates low light and infrequent watering.
Are Plants Better Than Air Purifiers?
Both plants and air purifiers play an important role in improving indoor air quality, but they work in different ways. The choice between the two depends on the specific needs of your indoor space. Here's a comparison:
Benefits of Plants:
Natural Air Purification: Plants filter the air through biological processes like photosynthesis and transpiration, effectively removing pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Aesthetic and Psychological Impact: Plants enhance the beauty of a space and can improve mood and reduce stress.
Humidity Regulation: Plants can add moisture to dry air, which benefits respiratory health.
Sustainability: Plants are energy-efficient, require no electricity, and have minimal ongoing costs.
Limitations of Plants:
Limited Pollutant Removal: While effective at absorbing certain chemicals, plants may not be as efficient at removing high concentrations of pollutants or addressing particulates and microorganisms.
Maintenance Needs: Plants require regular care, including watering, pruning, and monitoring their health.
Benefits of Air Purifiers:
High Efficiency: Air purifiers with HEPA filters remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Odor and Chemical Absorption: Activated carbon filters can effectively eliminate odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Immediate Impact: Air purifiers work quickly, circulating and filtering air multiple times per hour to improve air quality.
Limitations of Air Purifiers:
Energy Use: Air purifiers require electricity, which can add to energy costs.
Ongoing Maintenance: Filters need regular replacement, which can incur additional costs.
Noise: Some air purifiers can be noisy, which may be a concern in quiet environments like bedrooms.
The Best Approach: Combining Plants and Air Purifiers
For the best indoor air quality, using both plants and air purifiers together can be highly effective:
Plants: Enhance air quality naturally, improve humidity, and add aesthetic value.
Air Purifiers: Efficiently remove a broader range of pollutants, including particulates, VOCs, and allergens.
By combining both solutions, you can create a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment.
Wikipedia