Indoor air pollution is an excessively overlooked issue around the world. Though it is imperative to keep oneself away from pollution outdoors and near greens as much as possible, if you think it’s all good once you reach home, you’re in for a surprise. The quality of air inside the house is not controlled by merely keeping everything neat and clean.
Air pollutants are released from appliances like refrigerators, etc., along with the smog and contaminants from outside, filling the air inside with toxins and harmful chemicals. The microbes from household materials, furniture, and products can also enter the air, giving rise to several diseases airborne and otherwise. Therefore, it is much needed to ensure that the air you breathe is breathable, and certain indoor plants can help you with that.
Plants You Must Introduce Indoors
Though all indoor plants are known to improve the ambiance indoors, certain plants are more effective than the rest. These are known to filter out toxins, eliminate germs and bacteria’s from the air, absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), and release oxygen. Moreover, they also beautify the interiors with their intriguing textures and lively green foliage’s. Let’s have a look at 11 such plant species you must consider placing indoors.
Snake Plant
Also, widely known as mother in law’s tongue is a yellow-tipped succulent growing up to the height of 2 meters. It is easy to take care of and can even grow when left neglected for several days. The plant can release oxygen even during the night, making it an ideal plant to be placed in the bedroom for a good night’s sleep. For the healthy growth of the plant, make sure you do not overwater it as it thrives in dry conditions and also, if possible, place it somewhere under direct sunlight for a couple of hours now and then.
The plant effectively improves the air quality around the house and even filters out toxins like formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, benzene, and xylene.
Spider Plant
If you are a newbie to the houseplant culture, this plant is for you. It is a low-maintenance plant that can survive almost any condition and indirect sunlight, making it easier to handle even if you are bad at caring for plants. The plant is non-toxic to pets.
These plants are good at eliminating toxins like xylene and carbon monoxide, along with many other solvents used in rubber industries and printing, which can easily mix in the air resulting in severe health issues in the long run. The plant is also known to yield tiny spider plants, known as spiderettes which can be repotted to grow more of these little green friends for all the places around your humble abode.
Aloe Vera
Many people know Aloe vera for its use in beauty products and hacks, but do you also know about its effective anti-inflammatory properties and use in treating wounds, sunburns, etc. It makes for a good kitchen plant as it soothes kitchen burns. A species of aloe vera can be cooked and consumed and is very healthy for the skin and otherwise.
This succulent plant’s purifying properties include purifying the air for toxins like benzene and formaldehyde, found in detergents, floor finishes, etc. Although it does not require a lot of looking after, it is imperative to place it in direct sunlight as the plant thrives in warm and well-lit rooms. The plants also indicate when the air’s toxin levels are extreme by developing brown spots on their leaves.
English Ivy
English ivy is said to be one of the best air purifying indoor plants. Many of you might have seen these beautiful perennial vines growing on the walls and trees outside, but they look equally good indoors.
These are known to reduce airborne fecal particles and purify the air, making them an ideal plant to place near places like bathrooms. The English ivy is best in small pots as they prefer crowded growth and can even be in hanging baskets for a better look. These are easy to grow and can fight the mold levels around the house as well. Provide the plant with adequate watering and daily sunlight hours for best outcomes.
