Deborah TorresAir purification is important for your home because it can help to reduce the amount of harmful air pollution that’s released into the atmosphere. Pollutants can cause a wide variety of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and even premature death. Air purifying houseplants can help to reduce the amount of these pollutants in your home, improving your overall health and well-being.
Types of Air Purifying Houseplants
Air purifying houseplants can play an important role in helping to improve the air quality in your home, especially if you suffer from asthma or other respiratory conditions. There are many types of air purifying houseplants, and each offers its own unique benefits. Some of the most common types of air purifying houseplants include spider plants, ferns, and Peace lilies.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. There are about 19 species, and they are native to Asia and North America. Chrysanthemums are perennial herbs with flower heads that are typically yellow, but can also be white, pink, or purple. The flowers can be used for making tea, and the leaves can be eaten as a vegetable.
Chrysanthemums are known for their ability to purify the air in our homes. The flower releases oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide during the day, which helps to improve the air quality.
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen, also known as Aglaonema or Spathiphyllum, is a tropical plant that is often used indoors to improve air quality. The plant removes toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air, making it a helpful addition to any home. Chinese Evergreen plants are easy to care for and thrive in bright, indirect light.
Succulents
Succulents are a type of plant that have evolved to store water in their leaves, stems, and roots. This allows them to survive in conditions with low levels of rainfall or in areas where the soil is very dry. Succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some can even be used as houseplants.
The ability of succulents to purify air in our homes has been studied in recent years. Studies have shown that succulents can remove harmful toxins from the air. The succulents do this by trapping the toxins in their leaves and absorbing them. This helps to improve the air quality in our homes and make them healthier places to live.
Kentia Palm
The Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) is a species of flowering plant in the palm family, Arecaceae. It is endemic to Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea, between Australia and New Zealand. It is a small to medium-sized tree, reaching 5–15 m tall. The leaves are fan-shaped, 1.5–3 m long and 0.5–1.2 m wide, with a petiole up to 1 m long.
Kentia palm is a plant that can be used to improve air quality in a home. Kentia palm does this by trapping the pollutants in its leaves and then breaking them down over time. This process helps to improve the air quality in a home and can help to reduce the risk of respiratory problems.
Barberton Daisy
The Barberton daisy is a type of flowering plant that is native to South Africa. It is a perennial, meaning that it grows back each year, and can reach up to three feet in height. The flowers are typically a bright orange or yellow color, and bloom from summer to fall. The Barberton daisy is popular for use in landscaping, as it is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance.
Studies have shown that this plant can remove harmful toxins from the air, such as benzene and trichloroethylene. The Barberton daisy does this by releasing natural chemicals called terpenes into the air. These chemicals attach to the harmful toxins and neutralize them, making the air safer to breathe.
Rubber Plants
Rubber plants are a type of houseplant that is known for its glossy green leaves and rubber-like sap. While the sap is not actually made of rubber, it does have a similar consistency and can be used to make a natural adhesive. Rubber plants are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.
Rubber plants are able to absorb toxins from the air. The toxins are then broken down by the plant’s metabolism, and the purified air is released back into the environment. Rubber plants are very effective at removing these toxins from the air, and they can even improve the air quality in a room that has been sealed off from outside airflow.
Bamboo Palm
The Bamboo Palm is a small, tropical palm that is native to Mexico and Central America. It typically grows in moist, shady areas near streams or rivers. The Bamboo Palm has a slender trunk and long, feathery leaves that give it a graceful appearance. It produces small, white flowers that are fragrant and attract butterflies.
The plant has a high surface area to volume ratio, which allows it to absorb more pollutants from the air. It also has a strong root system that can pull pollutants from the soil. The plant also produces oxygen, which helps to improve the air quality in our home.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is a genus of tropical plants in the family Araceae. It is native to Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. Dieffenbachia is a popular houseplant because it is easy to grow and does not require much light or water. The leaves of dieffenbachia are large and often variegated, which makes them a popular choice for indoor plants.
Dieffenbachia plants are capable of removing harmful toxins from the air. The plant’s leaves contain a substance called “phytol” which binds to harmful chemicals in the air and neutralizes them. This process helps to improve the air quality in our homes and offices, and can help to protect us from harmful pollutants.
Kimberly Queen Fern
Kimberly Queen Fern is a type of houseplant that is best suited for indoor environments. It has large, dark green leaves that are lacey in appearance and can grow up to three feet in height. Kimberly Queen Ferns prefer moist soil and indirect sunlight. They are easy to care for and make a great addition to any home décor.
The Queen Fern filters the air in our home by trapping pollutants and allergens. The leaves of the fern have a waxy coating that helps to capture these particles. The plant also releases oxygen into the air, which helps to improve the air quality in our home.
Scarlet Star Bromeliad
The Scarlet Star Bromeliad is a type of ornamental plant that is prized for its bright red flowers. It is a tropical plant that grows in warm, humid environments, and it requires a lot of sunlight and water to thrive. The Scarlet Star Bromeliad is a popular choice for indoor gardens, and it can also be grown outdoors in tropical climates.
The leaves of a bromeliad plant are covered in tiny hairs that trap dust, pollen, and other pollutants. The plant’s long, narrow leaves also create a lot of surface area, which allows the plant to absorb more pollutants.
Broad Lady Palm
The Broad Lady Palm, also known as the Triangle Palm, is a species of palm tree that is native to Madagascar. It is a small palm, typically reaching a height of only 10-15 feet, with a slender trunk and broad, fan-shaped leaves. The Broad Lady Palm is a popular ornamental tree due to its attractive appearance and ease of care.
Broad Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) has been shown to improve air quality by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that are emitted from things like carpets, furniture, and paint, and can cause headaches, nausea, and other health problems. Broad Lady Palm is able to remove VOCs by absorbing them into its leaves.
Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is an evergreen vine that is popular for its easy care requirements and tolerance of a wide range of growing conditions. It has attractive, heart-shaped leaves that are green with a yellow variegation. Pothos is a versatile plant and can be grown as a houseplant or outdoors in temperate climates. It is also one of the few plants that can be grown in water-only containers.
Pothos is effective at removing formaldehyde from the air. Formaldehyde is a chemical that is commonly used in building materials and furniture, and can cause harmful health effects such as eye, nose, and throat irritation. Pothos absorbs the formaldehyde from the air and converts it into an inert compound.
English Ivy
English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a woody climbing plant that is native to Europe and Western Asia. The plant has small, dark green leaves and grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, hedges, and cliffs. English Ivy is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens, and it is also popular for use in indoor landscaping.
The English Ivy plant is able to purify the air in our homes by removing harmful toxins and pollutants. The plant does this by trapping the particles in its leaves and then breaking them down into less harmful molecules. This process helps to improve the air quality and make our homes more healthy.
Weeping Fig
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is a tropical tree that is native to Southeast Asia. The tree has glossy green leaves and produces small white flowers. Weeping fig is a popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and can tolerate low light levels. The tree grows best in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a warm, humid climate.
Weeping Fig purifies the air in our home by trapping pollutants and absorbing them. The leaves of the Weeping Fig are covered in tiny, sharp hairs that act as a trap for pollutants like smoke, dust, and pollen. The leaves also absorb these pollutants, which helps to clean the air in our home.
ZZ plant
ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, is a succulent plant that is native to Eastern Africa. The plant has rhizomes that produce leaves that are dark green and glossy. The leaves are also arrow-shaped and grow up to 12 inches long. In addition, the plant produces small white flowers that bloom in late summer.
ZZ plant has been found to remove harmful toxins such as benzene, toluene, and xylene from the air. ZZ plant does this by absorbing the toxins into its leaves. The toxins are then broken down and released back into the air as harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide.
Dracaena
Dracaena is a genus of about 120 species of evergreen flowering plants in the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. They are native to tropical and subtropical Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula.
Dracaena can improve air quality by removing pollutants and increasing oxygen levels. The Dracaena is effective in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. The plant’s leaves trap these pollutants and break them down into benign components. Additionally, the Dracaena releases oxygen into the air during the night, which can improve sleep quality.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are a type of houseplant that are known for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions and their tendency to produce offspring that are easy to propagate. The plants get their common name from the fact that the long, spindly stems of new plants can sometimes be mistaken for spider legs. Spider plants are relatively easy to care for and can be propagated by division or by planting the tiny young plants that grow on the ends of the stems.
Spider plants are able to improve air quality by absorbing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air. They do this through a process called phytoremediation, which is the ability of plants to remove pollutants from the environment. The plant’s leaves have tiny pores that allow it to take in these pollutants, and it also releases oxygen into the air as it grows. This makes spider plants a great choice for improving indoor air quality.
Red-Edged Dracaena
The Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena marginata) is a tropical plant that is native to Africa. It is a succulent, meaning it stores water in its leaves, and can tolerate drought conditions. The Red-Edged Dracaena has narrow, green leaves with red margins. It grows best in bright, indirect light and can be used as a houseplant or outdoor plant in warm climates.
Air Plants
Air plants, also known as epiphytes, are plants that live in or on the surface of other plants. They get their water and nutrients from the air and use their leaves to absorb sunlight. Some air plants even have roots that grow down into the soil.
Air plants are popular terrarium plants because they require very little care. They usually only need to be watered occasionally and kept in a bright area with plenty of light.
Air plants are able to purify the air in our home by removing toxins and other harmful pollutants. They do this by trapping the pollutants within their leaves and converting them into nutrients that the plant can use. This helps to improve the quality of the air in our home and makes it easier for us to breathe.
Peace Lily
Peace Lily is a plant that was originally found in the rainforest of Brazil. The plant is known for its large, white flowers that bloom in the summer. The leaves of the peace lily are also very large and can grow up to 18 inches long. The plant is a popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and does well in low light conditions.
Peace Lilies purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants. The plant has a high transpiration rate, which means it releases a lot of water vapor into the air. This water vapor contains toxins that the plant has sucked up from the soil. The Peace Lily also produces oxygen, which improves air quality.
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a tropical vine that has aerial roots that grow down and attach to trees or other objects. The plant has large, heart-shaped leaves that are green with a white splotch in the center. Monstera deliciosa is a climbing plant that can grow up to 30 feet long.
The Monstera plant is effective at removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air, which are common toxic compounds found in many household items such as adhesives, cleaners, and paints. The Monstera plant also releases oxygen into the air and helps to improve air quality.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that is indigenous to Africa. The leaves of the Aloe Vera plant contain a gel that can be used topically to treat a variety of skin conditions, including burns, sunburns, and psoriasis. Aloe Vera gel is also thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The plant Aloe Vera is known to have air purifying properties. It is able to remove common air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. This is likely due to the plant’s ability to produce oxygen and its high levels of antioxidants. The antioxidants help to neutralize the pollutants, while the oxygen helps to break them down. In addition, Aloe Vera is known to release moisture into the air, which can help to reduce dust levels.
Clivia
Clivia miniata, also known as the clivia lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae. It is native to South Africa, where it grows in shady areas, often near water. Clivia miniata is a perennial herbaceous plant with strap-shaped leaves and bright orange flowers. It is often grown as a houseplant in colder climates.
The natural ability of clivia to filter out common pollutants and toxins in the home make it a popular choice for indoor plants. Clivia plants remove benzene, toluene, and xylene from the air, as well as formaldehyde, which is commonly found in building materials and furniture. In addition to improving the air quality in your home, clivia plants are also known for their beautiful flowers.
Calathea
The genus Calathea is a member of the Marantaceae family, and contains around 60 species of tropical and subtropical plants. These plants are characterised by their large, showy leaves, which are often variegated with different shades of green, cream, and pink. Many Calathea species are grown as houseplants, and they are prized for their ability to add colour and interest to a room.
Calathea improve air quality by removing carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air. This is likely due to the presence of a group of enzymes called heme oxygenases in their leaves.
Bird of Paradise Plant
The Bird of Paradise Plant is a tropical plant that is found in South Africa. The plant has large, colorful flowers that are often used in floral arrangements. The flowers can be red, orange, yellow, or purple, and they are often shaped like birds. The plant is a perennial, meaning it can live for more than two years.
The Bird of Paradise Plant has the ability to purify the air in our homes by removing harmful toxins and pollutants from the air and replacing them with fresh oxygen. The plant also helps to improve the humidity levels in our homes, which can be beneficial for people with asthma or other respiratory problems.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, also known as the Sansevieria trifasciata, is a popular houseplant that is known for its easy care and tough nature. This plant can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a great option for those who are new to horticulture. The Snake Plant has long, slender leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The leaves are green with dark bands that run down the center of each blade.
Snake Plant purifies air by absorbing toxins and emitting oxygen. The plant converts carbon dioxide into oxygen during the day, which improve air quality and provide a natural way to detoxify your home. Snake Plant is one of the best plants for improving air quality, as it is capable of removing benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.
Pineapple Plant
Pineapple plant is an evergreen perennial belonging to the Bromeliaceae family. Native to South America, it is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide for its fruit, which is a favorite of many. The pineapple plant has a rosette of leaves at the base that grow up to 1 meter tall. The leaves are green with sharp spines along the margins. The fruit of the pineapple plant is an elongated cluster of berries that are fused together at the base.
This plant is known for being able to filter out pollutants and toxins in the air, such as formaldehyde. The pineapple plant does this by releasing negative ions into the air which bind to positively charged particles like smoke, dust, and pollen. This process not only cleans the air, but also helps to improve mood and energy levels.
Flamingo Lily
Flamingo Lily is a perennial plant that grows from a corm. The leaves are long and blade-like, and the flowers are large and showy. The flowers are typically a deep pink or red, but can also be white or yellow. Flamingo Lily is native to South Africa, but can be grown in other parts of the world.
Flamingo lilies are a type of air purifier that work by removing toxins from the air. The plant absorbs harmful pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, and releases clean oxygen back into the environment. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies or asthma, as well as for those who want to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals.
Philodendron
Philodendron is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae, containing about 900 species. They are found in moist tropical forests worldwide. Philodendron are perennial herbs with simple or compound leaves. The leaves are typically large and lobed, but vary greatly in form. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, produced in a spathe.
Philodendron are house plants that are known to improve air quality. The plants absorb toxins like formaldehyde from the air, and release oxygen and water vapor. This helps to purify the air in our homes, and can make it easier to breathe.
Croton
Croton is a genus of flowering plants in the family Euphorbiaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The genus contains about 260 species.
Croton plants are effective at removing volatile organic compounds from the air. This is likely due to the large surface area of their leaves, which allows for more contact with the air. Additionally, crotons produce a lot of oxygen, which helps to improve the air quality in your home.
Conclusion
Lastly, it is evident that many houseplants can be used to purify air. Not only do they improve the air quality in a room, but they also contribute to the overall aesthetic of a space. Anyone can benefit from having plants in their home, as they provide numerous health and environmental benefits. If you are looking for ways to improve the air quality in your home, consider adding some plants to your decor.
