The 10 Best Indoor Plants for Air Purification: Based on the NASA Clean Air Study

       

Introduction

Indoor plants are plants that are grown indoors. They are popular for their aesthetic appeal and ability to improve indoor air quality. Indoor plants can remove a variety of air pollutants, including formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. These pollutants can be released from household products such as furniture, cleaning supplies, and air fresheners.

What are indoor plants and why are they good for air purification?

Indoor plants purify the air through a process called phytoremediation. Phytoremediation is the use of plants to remove pollutants from the environment. Plants absorb pollutants from the air through their leaves and roots. The pollutants are then transported to the plant’s stem and roots, where they are broken down and stored.

Some plants are better at removing certain pollutants than others. For example, the snake plant is particularly good at removing formaldehyde from the air, while the peace lily is particularly good at removing benzene from the air.

What are the different types of air pollutants that indoor plants can remove?

Indoor plants can remove a variety of air pollutants, including:

• Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a strong odor. It is used in a variety of household products, such as furniture, plywood, and carpets. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause respiratory problems and other health problems.
• Benzene: Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor. It is used in a variety of household products, such as gasoline, paint, and cleaning supplies. Benzene is a known carcinogen and can cause blood disorders and other health problems.
• Trichloroethylene: Trichloroethylene is a colorless, non-flammable liquid with a sweet odor. It is used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, such as dry cleaning and metal degreasing. Trichloroethylene is a known carcinogen and can cause liver damage and other health problems.

In addition to these pollutants, indoor plants can also remove other pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone.

What are the benefits of having air-purifying plants in your home or office?

Having air-purifying plants in your home or office can provide a number of benefits, including:

• Improved air quality: Indoor plants can remove a variety of air pollutants, improving the overall air quality in your home or office.
• Reduced stress levels: Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress levels and improve mood.
• Increased productivity: Studies have also shown that being around plants can increase productivity and creativity.
• Reduced noise levels: Plants can help to absorb sound, reducing noise levels in your home or office.
• Increased humidity: Plants can help to increase humidity levels in the air, which can be beneficial for people with dry skin and respiratory problems.

Data from NASA Clean Air Study

Common name	Scientific name	Formaldehyde removal rate	Benzene removal rate	Trichloroethylene removal rate
Snake plant	Sansevieria trifasciata	47%	44%	29%
Peace lily	Spathiphyllum	37%	38%	25%
Spider plant	Chlorophytum comosum	20%	24%	15%
English ivy	Hedera helix	28%	28%	15%
Boston fern	Nephrolepis exaltata	23%	24%	12%
Areca palm	Chrysalidocarpus lutescens	21%	21%	10%
Rubber plant	Ficus elastica	20%	18%	11%
Dracaena	Dracaena marginata	19%	18%	10%
Philodendron	Philodendron spp.	18%	17%	10%
Chinese evergreen	Aglaonema commutatum	17%	16%	9%

This table shows the average removal rates for all three pollutants listed for each plant. However, it is important to note that some plants are more effective at removing certain pollutants than others. For example, the snake plant is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, while the peace lily is particularly effective at removing benzene.

When choosing indoor plants for air purification, it is important to consider the specific pollutants that you are concerned about. You should also consider the light and watering requirements of each plant, as well as its overall size and shape.

The 10 Best Indoor Plants for Air Purification

Indoor plants can play an important role in improving indoor air quality. They can remove a variety of air pollutants, including formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. These pollutants can be released from household products such as furniture, cleaning supplies, and air fresheners.

Here are the 10 best indoor plants for air purification, based on their ability to remove specific pollutants from the air, according to the NASA Clean Air Study dataset:

Common name	Scientific name	Ability to remove specific pollutants from the air	Light requirements	Watering requirements	Toxicity to humans and pets
Snake plant	Sansevieria trifasciata	Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene	Low	Low	Non-toxic
Peace lily	Spathiphyllum	Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene	Medium	Medium	Non-toxic
Spider plant	Chlorophytum comosum	Formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, benzene	Medium	Medium	Non-toxic
English ivy	Hedera helix	Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene	Medium	Medium	Non-toxic
Boston fern	Nephrolepis exaltata	Formaldehyde, trichloroethylene	Medium	High	Non-toxic
Areca palm	Chrysalidocarpus lutescens	Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene	Bright, indirect	Medium	Non-toxic
Rubber plant	Ficus elastica	Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene	Bright, indirect	Medium	Non-toxic
Dracaena	Dracaena marginata	Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene	Bright, indirect	Medium	Non-toxic
Philodendron	Philodendron spp.	Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene	Medium	Medium	Non-toxic
Chinese evergreen	Aglaonema commutatum	Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene	Medium	Medium	Non-toxic

Snake plant

The snake plant is a low-maintenance plant that is very effective at removing formaldehyde from the air. It is also tolerant of low light conditions, making it a good choice for people who don’t have a lot of natural light in their homes.

Peace lily

The peace lily is a beautiful flowering plant that is also effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. It prefers medium light conditions and moist soil.

Spider plant

The spider plant is a fast-growing plant that is easy to care for. It is effective at removing formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and benzene from the air. Spider plants prefer medium light conditions and moist soil.

English ivy

English ivy is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of light conditions. It is effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. English ivy prefers moist soil.

Boston fern

The Boston fern is a beautiful fern that is effective at removing formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and other pollutants from the air. It prefers medium to bright, indirect light and moist soil.

Areca palm

The areca palm is a popular houseplant that is effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil.

Rubber plant

The rubber plant is a large plant that is effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil.

Dracaena

The dracaena is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of light conditions. It is effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. Dracaena prefers moist soil.

Philodendron

The philodendron is a large plant that is effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. It prefers medium to bright, indirect light and moist soil.

Chinese evergreen

The Chinese evergreen is a low-maintenance plant that is effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. It prefers medium to bright, indirect light and moist soil.

How to care for your indoor air-purifying plants

Indoor plants are relatively low-maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and thriving:

• Choose a location with the appropriate light and water conditions. Most air-purifying plants prefer medium to bright, indirect light. However, some plants, such as the snake plant, can tolerate low light conditions. Be sure to water your plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Most air-purifying plants prefer moist soil, but not soggy soil.
• Fertilize your plants regularly. Most air-purifying plants benefit from being fertilized every few weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is diluted to half strength.
• Inspect your plants regularly for pests and diseases. If you see any pests or diseases on your plants, treat them immediately.

Additional tips for using indoor air-purifying plants

• Place air-purifying plants in strategic locations throughout your home or office. For example, you can place a snake plant in your bedroom to help remove formaldehyde from the air.
• Group air-purifying plants together to create a “miniature forest.” This will help to increase the air purification benefits of your plants.
• Clean your air-purifying plants regularly. This will help to remove dust and other pollutants from the leaves of your plants.

Conclusion

Indoor air-purifying plants are a great way to improve the air quality in your home or office. They are relatively low-maintenance and can be placed in strategic locations throughout your space. By following the tips above, you can keep your air-purifying plants healthy and thriving, and enjoy the many benefits they have to offer.

Here are some additional benefits of having air-purifying plants in your home or office:

• They can help to reduce stress levels and improve mood.
• They can increase productivity and creativity.
• They can reduce noise levels.
• They can increase humidity levels in the air, which can be beneficial for people with dry skin and respiratory problems.

If you are looking for a way to improve the air quality in your home or office, consider adding some air-purifying plants. They are a low-cost and effective way to improve your health and well-being.

How to choose and care for indoor plants for air purification

Indoor plants can help to improve air quality by removing pollutants from the air. They can also add beauty and life to your home or office.

Tips for choosing the right plants for your space

When choosing indoor plants for air purification, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Light conditions: Most air-purifying plants prefer medium to bright, indirect light. However, some plants, such as the snake plant, can tolerate low light conditions.
• Water requirements: Most air-purifying plants prefer moist soil, but not soggy soil. Be sure to water your plants regularly, but avoid overwatering.
• Size: Consider the size of your space when choosing air-purifying plants. Some plants, such as the rubber plant, can grow quite large.
• Toxicity: Some air-purifying plants are toxic to humans and pets. Be sure to choose plants that are safe for your family and pets if you have them.

Here are some popular air-purifying plants to choose from:

• Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• English ivy (Hedera helix)
• Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
• Areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
• Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
• Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
• Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
• Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

Tips for caring for your indoor plants

Once you have chosen the right air-purifying plants for your space, it is important to care for them properly so that they can thrive. Here are a few tips:

• Water your plants regularly. Most air-purifying plants prefer moist soil, but not soggy soil. Be sure to check the soil before watering your plants. If the top inch of soil is dry, it is time to water.
• Fertilize your plants every few weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is diluted to half strength.
• Inspect your plants regularly for pests and diseases. If you see any pests or diseases on your plants, treat them immediately.
• Clean your air-purifying plants regularly. This will help to remove dust and other pollutants from the leaves of your plants.

Additional tips

• Place air-purifying plants in strategic locations throughout your home or office. For example, you can place a snake plant in your bedroom to help remove formaldehyde from the air.
• Group air-purifying plants together to create a “miniature forest.” This will help to increase the air purification benefits of your plants.
• Be patient! It takes time for air-purifying plants to remove pollutants from the air. However, with proper care, your plants will eventually start to have a positive impact on the air quality in your home or office.

Conclusion

Indoor air-purifying plants are a great way to improve the air quality in your home or office. They are relatively low-maintenance and can be placed in strategic locations throughout your space. By following the tips above, you can keep your air-purifying plants healthy and thriving, and enjoy the many benefits they have to offer.

How to place your indoor plants for optimal air purification

Indoor plants can help to improve air quality by removing pollutants from the air. However, where you place your plants can make a big difference in how effective they are at purifying the air. Here are some tips for placing your indoor plants for optimal air purification:

• Place plants in areas where they will receive the appropriate amount of light. Most air-purifying plants prefer medium to bright, indirect light. However, some plants, such as the snake plant, can tolerate low light conditions.
• Place plants in areas where they will be exposed to air pollutants. For example, you can place a snake plant in your bedroom to help remove formaldehyde from the air, or place a peace lily in your kitchen to help remove benzene from the air.
• Group plants together to create a “miniature forest.” This will help to increase the air purification benefits of your plants.
• Place plants in high-traffic areas. This will help to ensure that the plants are able to purify the air as much as possible.

Here are some specific examples of how to place your indoor plants for optimal air purification:

• Bedroom: Place a snake plant or peace lily in your bedroom to help remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
• Living room: Place a spider plant, English ivy, or Boston fern in your living room to help remove formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and benzene from the air.
• Kitchen: Place a peace lily or areca palm in your kitchen to help remove benzene and trichloroethylene from the air.
• Bathroom: Place a Chinese evergreen or philodendron in your bathroom to help remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

Additional tips

• Place plants at different heights. This will help to ensure that the plants are able to purify the air throughout the room.
• Place plants in different types of containers. This will add visual interest to your space and help to create a more natural look.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try placing your plants in different locations to see where they work best.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can place your indoor plants for optimal air purification. This will help you to enjoy the many benefits that air-purifying plants have to offer, such as improved air quality, reduced stress levels, and increased mood.

Troubleshoot common problems with indoor plants

Indoor plants are a beautiful and low-maintenance way to add life to your home or office. However, even the most experienced plant parents can experience problems with their indoor plants from time to time.

Here are some common problems with indoor plants and how to troubleshoot them:

Problem: Yellowing leaves

Causes:

• Overwatering
• Underwatering
• Nutrient deficiency
• Sunburn
• Pests or diseases

Solutions:

• If you think you are overwatering your plant, check the soil before watering. The top inch of soil should be dry before you water again.
• If you think you are underwatering your plant, water it deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes.
• If you think your plant is nutrient deficient, fertilize it according to the instructions on the fertilizer label.
• If you think your plant has sunburn, move it to a shadier location.
• If you see any pests or diseases on your plant, treat them immediately.

Problem: Wilting leaves

Causes:

• Underwatering
• Heat stress
• Root rot
• Pests or diseases

Solutions:

• If you think your plant is underwatered, water it deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes.
• If you think your plant is experiencing heat stress, move it to a cooler location.
• If you think your plant has root rot, repot it in new soil and remove any rotted roots.
• If you see any pests or diseases on your plant, treat them immediately.

Problem: Brown tips on leaves

Causes:

• Dry air
• Overwatering
• Nutrient deficiency
• Pests or diseases

Solutions:

• If you think your plant is experiencing dry air, increase the humidity around your plant by grouping it with other plants, placing it on a pebble tray, or using a humidifier.
• If you think you are overwatering your plant, check the soil before watering. The top inch of soil should be dry before you water again.
• If you think your plant is nutrient deficient, fertilize it according to the instructions on the fertilizer label.
• If you see any pests or diseases on your plant, treat them immediately.

Problem: Drooping leaves

Causes:

• Underwatering
• Heat stress
• Root rot
• Pests or diseases

Solutions:

• If you think your plant is underwatered, water it deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes.
• If you think your plant is experiencing heat stress, move it to a cooler location.
• If you think your plant has root rot, repot it in new soil and remove any rotted roots.
• If you see any pests or diseases on your plant, treat them immediately.

Problem: Leaves falling off

Causes:

• Overwatering
• Underwatering
• Nutrient deficiency
• Pests or diseases
• Transplant shock

Solutions:

• If you think you are overwatering your plant, check the soil before watering. The top inch of soil should be dry before you water again.
• If you think you are underwatering your plant, water it deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes.
• If you think your plant is nutrient deficient, fertilize it according to the instructions on the fertilizer label.
• If you see any pests or diseases on your plant, treat them immediately.
• If you think your plant is experiencing transplant shock, give it time to adjust to its new environment.

Problem: Stunted growth

Causes:

• Overwatering
• Underwatering
• Nutrient deficiency
• Pests or diseases
• Lack of sunlight

Solutions:

• If you think you are overwatering your plant, check the soil before watering. The top inch of soil should be dry before you water again.
• If you think you are underwatering your plant, water it deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes.
• If you think your plant is nutrient deficient, fertilize it according to the instructions on the fertilizer label.
• If you see any pests or diseases on your plant, treat them immediately.
• If you think your plant is not getting enough sunlight, move it to a brighter location.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can troubleshoot common problems with indoor plants and keep your plants healthy and thriving.

Additional tips

• Inspect your plants regularly for pests and diseases. If you see any problems, treat them immediately.
• Fertilize your plants regularly during the growing season.

Summary of the key points of the post

Indoor plants can help to improve air quality, reduce stress levels, and increase mood. They are also relatively low-maintenance and can be placed in strategic locations throughout your home or office.

When choosing indoor plants for air purification, it is important to consider the light conditions, water requirements, size, and toxicity of the plants. Some popular air-purifying plants include the snake plant, peace lily, spider plant, English ivy, Boston fern, areca palm, rubber plant, dracaena, philodendron, and Chinese evergreen.

To place your indoor plants for optimal air purification, consider placing them in areas where they will receive the appropriate amount of light and be exposed to air pollutants. You can also group plants together to increase their air purification benefits.

Common problems with indoor plants include yellowing leaves, wilting leaves, brown tips on leaves, drooping leaves, leaves falling off, and stunted growth. These problems can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, pests or diseases, and other factors.

By following the tips in this article, you can troubleshoot common problems with indoor plants and keep your plants healthy and thriving.

Do it!

If you are looking for a way to improve the air quality in your home or office, consider adding some air-purifying plants. They are a low-cost and effective way to improve your health and well-being.

To get started, choose some air-purifying plants that are appropriate for your light conditions and space. Then, place them in strategic locations throughout your home or office. Be sure to water and fertilize your plants regularly, and inspect them regularly for pests and diseases.

With a little care and attention, your air-purifying plants will thrive and help you to enjoy the many benefits that they have to offer.

FAQ

1. What are the benefits of having indoor plants for air purification?

Indoor plants can help to improve air quality by removing pollutants from the air. They can also help to reduce stress levels, increase mood, and improve productivity.

2. What are some common air pollutants that indoor plants can remove?

Indoor plants can remove a variety of air pollutants, including formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

3. What are some of the best indoor plants for air purification?

Some of the best indoor plants for air purification include the snake plant, peace lily, spider plant, English ivy, Boston fern, areca palm, rubber plant, dracaena, philodendron, and Chinese evergreen.

4. How many indoor plants do I need to purify the air in my home?

The number of indoor plants you need to purify the air in your home will depend on the size of your home and the types of pollutants you are trying to remove. However, a good rule of thumb is to have at least one plant for every 100 square feet of space.

5. Where should I place my indoor plants for optimal air purification?

Place your indoor plants in areas where they will receive the appropriate amount of light and be exposed to air pollutants. You can also group plants together to increase their air purification benefits.

6. How often should I water my indoor plants for air purification?

Most indoor plants for air purification prefer moist soil, but not soggy soil. Be sure to check the soil before watering your plants. The top inch of soil should be dry before you water again.

7. How often should I fertilize my indoor plants for air purification?

Fertilize your indoor plants for air purification every few weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is diluted to half strength.

8. How can I troubleshoot common problems with indoor plants for air purification?

Common problems with indoor plants for air purification include yellowing leaves, wilting leaves, brown tips on leaves, drooping leaves, leaves falling off, and stunted growth. These problems can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, pests or diseases, and other factors.

To troubleshoot common problems with indoor plants for air purification, check the soil before watering to make sure it is not too wet or too dry. Fertilize your plants regularly during the growing season, and inspect them regularly for pests and diseases.

9. Are indoor plants for air purification safe for pets?

Some indoor plants for air purification are toxic to pets. Be sure to choose plants that are safe for your pets if you have them.

10. Where can I buy indoor plants for air purification?

You can buy indoor plants for air purification at most nurseries and garden centers. You can also find them online at a variety of retailers.

If you have any other questions about indoor plants for air purification, please feel free to leave a comment below.tuneshareGoogle it