I'm sure you're all no stranger to hearing about the benefits of air-purifying plants, but it's not just all talk. In 1989 a study conducted by NASA revealed that certain plants can remove harmful toxins from the air.
Some common pollutants that you can find in the home are -
- Asbestos
- Carbon monoxide
- Formaldehyde
- Lead
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Pesticides
- Radon
- Indoor particulate matter
- Secondhand smoke
- Volatile organic compounds
Plants purify the air through reverse breathing, like the trees outside through photosynthesis they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
It also happens that most of the plants with air-purifying qualities are super easy to care for! Here's a roundup of our favourites:
Snake Plant
Sansevieria, native to West Africa and commonly known as snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue, is one of the most low maintenance plants you'll find. They can stand a wide range of temperatures and light conditions, and, if necessary, can be left to fend for themselves for several weeks at a time.
Toxins removed: formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, benzene and xylene.
Devil's Ivy
Devils Ivy is a popular plant in the hardy pothos family. All members of this group have glossy, heart-shaped, leathery leaves but in different colours. This plant can also be trained to grow on a pole or trellis.
Toxins removed: xylene, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
Peace Lily
A very popular plant, the peace lily is sought after due to its gorgeous glossy foliage that stays dense and bushy along with its arum like flowers that are very long lasting.
Toxins removed: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene.
Aglaonema
Aglaonema's are lovely decorative house plants with large, narrow, glossy, oval leaves. They come in a variety of beautiful colour variations, Crete is a beautiful pink and green variety.
Toxins removed: formaldehyde and xylene.
Philodendron
A Philodendron Imperial Green a real eye catcher, huge glossy leaves with air purifying qualities. This is an easy-care plant that can adapt to all kinds of conditions as long as you keep it warm.
Toxins removed: formaldehyde.
It's not just NASA that has been in on the action, The University of Technology Sydney also conducted research in 2013 which found that having plants in your workspace can be productive to your working day. Even with just one plant on your desk, you could find that you achieve a 37 per cent reduction in tension, 44 per cent reduction in anger and 38 per cent reduction in fatigue. Put these plants in your office to help you relax or in your bedroom to help you sleep soundly.
See any of your favourites here?
Explore our full range of air-purifying plants here.
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