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.
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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.
Kimberly Queen Fern
With their pretty looking narrow, straight and upright, and sometimes gracefully arching fronds, Kimberly queen fern has evolved from being an outdoor plant to an indoor choice. The plant is perfect for beginners and the neglecting ones as they require less caring than most.
They can do well in low-light areas; however, it is best to place them in sunlight for optimal growth and be watered once a week in cold and frequently during hot summer days. They don’t need to be pruned or trimmed, although moisture and fertilizing regularly ensure the plant’s good health.
Pineapple Plant
If you are someone who has trouble getting a good night’s sleep or has snoring issues, the pineapple plant is the one for you. Though the plant is not as good at removing toxins from the air as others on the list, it can effectively release oxygen and boost the house’s air quality. It helps cut out snores and requires less attention.
The pineapple plant also brings an exotic look to your interior with large and elegant leaves. Though these plants require minimal watering, i.e., when the top layer of soil dries out, it is best to keep them in the warm and sunny area of your house as they crave sunlight.
Rubber Plant
These are among the most popular indoor plants, given their fascinating leaves. They require minimal care with once a week watering in summers and periodical watering during winters. However, these pretty green plants prefer to be in filtered and bright light.
Rubber plants are known to humidify the air and remove toxins. These can quickly instill life in any part of your home as they are capable of thriving and adapting to small and large pots and ground. It is important to note here that these plants can be toxic to your pets; therefore, it is essential to ensure safety and keep it high above ground levels or reach.
Bamboo Palm
Bamboo palms make an excellent choice for adding charm to the interiors with their long and arching green foliages. These plants are absolutely pet friendly and can thrive well in low light, a perfect addition to your living room.
Bamboo plants are great at purifying air, especially in getting rid of formaldehyde from the air with minimal watering needed (only once the topsoil dries out).
Peace Lily
It is one of the top-selling houseplants, given its beautiful white flowers in addition to already pretty green and glossy-looking leaves. They are great at removing toxins like benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene from the air.
A peace lily plant is easy to take care of and demands watering only once a week. A slow-release fertilizer is for good plant health and beautiful flowers during spring. These plants can easily lift the ambiance in any room and is a must-have plant.
Devils Ivy
Also commonly called photos or golden photos, devils ivy has beautiful green and large leaves. They are the ultimate choice for someone who can’t care much for the plants or newbies as they are said to be harder to kill than keep alive.
They add color and life to the room and fight off toxins common to most households. Either place them in water, a hanging basket, or simply a pot by the desk cause their cascading tendrils makes anywhere look pretty.
These can thrive almost anywhere but are recommended in bright and light-efficient places, requiring adequate watering.
Flamingo Lily
Enough of the greens, if you wish to add a pop of colors to your living space with all the beneficial properties and effects, flamingo lily it is. Its salmon-red and heart-shaped leaves are blooming pretty much the entire year and efficiently purifying the air.
These are perfect beginner plants with watering required only twice a week, but make sure the plant is not in direct sunlight nor shade; bright indirect light is the best for those pretty flowers to grow. You can try keeping them in the kitchen or near the bathroom, where it is humid to keep the soil moist.
CONCLUSION
There are several alternatives to plants flooding the market, like humidifiers and air purifiers, which, although helpful, are no match for what these little green friends have to offer. A plant can significantly boost not only physical health but also one’s mood and mental health. There are endless other benefits of growing and investing little time in caring for these beautiful indoor plants. Still, above all, they are eco-friendly and helps you do your part in sustaining nature, reducing greenhouse gases, and fighting global warming even if you cannot grow a full-fledged garden.
There are various other household plants to choose from, like- Chinese evergreen, weeping figs, and many others that are equally effective and full of life.
