Most people spend a majority of their time indoors in increasingly well-sealed buildings surrounded by paints and other synthetic materials which off-gas noxious chemicals. These conditions are related to increasing incidences of asthma, allergies, and cancer. Indeed, indoor air quality can be much more polluted than outdoor air, up to tenfold.
When “sick building syndrome” was first becoming recognized as a growing problem, NASA conducted a study of various house plants and their effectiveness at filtering out hazardous chemicals from the air. Their findings? Numerous of the plants were highly effective at removing hazardous chemicals from the air. Not only that, but they can regulate humidity as well. They are also much less expensive than air purifying machines or humidifiers.
The following are the top ten indoor plants, as rated for ease of maintenance and effectiveness at purifying the air, summarized from NASA’s studies. For more information, see B.C. Wolverton’s “EcoFriendly Houseplants.”
1. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
The best performer at removing airborne toxins, it also releases moisture into the air to regulate humidity, and is attractive to look at. It’s also effective at removing salt from soil. It is easy to take care of and very resistant to pests. Enjoys semi-sun, temperatures between 65-75 degrees.
2. Lady Palm (Rhapsis excelsa)
The lady palm is easy to care for as it is very resistant to pests and grows slowly. Enjoys semi-sun and 60-70 degrees, and not less than 50 degrees during winter.
3. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The bamboo palm can grow to 6 ft. and is more resistant to pests than the areca palm. It is also even more effective than both the areca and the lady palm at removing airborne chemicals. Also an excellent humidifier. Enjoys semi-sun and 60-75 degree temperatures, and not less than 50 degrees.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)
The rubber plant, named for the appearance of its leaves, is known for being a plant which requires little light and can tolerate lower temperatures than the previously mentioned plants. It is especially effective at removing the ubiquitous chemical formaldehyde from the air. It can grow to 8 ft. Enjoys semi-sun to semi-shade and 60-80 degree temperatures, and as low as 40 degrees for short periods.
5. Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena deremensis “Janet Craig”)
This plant is one of the most effective at removing trichloroethylene from the air, which is a chemical commonly emitted by photocopiers and similar devices. While the standard variety can grow to 10 ft., the smaller “Compacta” variety reaches only 1-3 ft. and requires less maintenance. Enjoys semi-shade (even poorly lit areas) and 60-75 degree temperatures, and not less than 50 degrees.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy grows well in hanging baskets. It can benefit from some time spent outdoors in the spring or summer. It is especially good at removing formaldehyde from the air. Enjoys semi-sun to semi-shade and 60-70 degrees temperatures, 50-60 degrees at night.
7. Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
The dwarf date palm can reach a maximum height of about 6 ft. and grows slowly. It thrives without much light and can survive for decades. It is very effective at removing xylene from the air, which can come from caulking, adhesives, floor coverings, wall coverings, paints, and particle board. Enjoys 60-75 degrees temperatures, but not below 50 degrees.
8. Ficus Alii (Ficus macleilandii)
You can find ficus alii grown three ways: one solitary plant, a bush (with multiple stems from one pot), and braided (with multiple stems intertwined). These plants may molt some of their leaves until they adapt to a new space. Enjoys 60-75 degree temperatures, and 55-68 at nights.
9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”)
The Boston fern grows lush foliage but does not flower. They are best grown in a hanging basket or on a pedestal. It is highly effective at removing chemicals and humidifying, but requires a bit more attention than the previous plants. It should be misted regularly. Enjoys 65-75 degrees, and 50-65 at night.
10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)
I know, cute name, right? It boasts white shell-like flowers reminiscent of the more common calla lily and is one of a handful of plants that successfully bloom indoors. Aesthetically pleasing, easy to take care of, and excellent at removing chemicals… what more could you ask for? Enjoys 60-75 degrees temperatures, and 55-68 at night.
It is interesting to notice how many people are turning back to Nature for environmental solutions. Using house plants to purify your home’s air is far more eco-friendly than buying an electric air-purifier AND you save money and beautify your home. Nature has the answers to so many of our problems; sometimes it’s better to use simple, natural solutions before turning to technology.
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