The good news is that it's up to us to reverse the situation in an easy and practical way: just surround yourself with plants! In addition to enhancing the place you inhabit, you will gain in health and well-being. That's why today we're going to learn about the function of purifying plants, which beautify our homes while protecting our health.
How do plants purify the air in your home?
We can consider that plants are filters that absorb toxins present in enclosed spaces through their leaves. By reducing the level of pollutants dispersed in the environment, the pathologies caused by them will also be reduced.
The larger the leaves of the plant, the greater their purifying power will be as they will absorb more harmful substances.
Plants purify the air in a number of ways: evapotranspiration causes the ambient humidity level to rise, which, in turn, causes pollen to weigh more and fall to the ground instead of remaining suspended. Beneficial for asthmatics and allergy sufferers! On the other hand, when photosynthesizing, plants absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen, which also increases ambient air quality.
Why is it important to place plants that clean the air?
As we have pointed out, the interior of our homes is full of toxic substances. The most common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found indoors include formaldehyde, toluene, carbon dioxide and ammonia. These substances, many of them carcinogenic, are released from commonly used elements, such as synthetic fibre fabrics, plastic, paint, solvents, hygiene and cleaning products, office supplies and a long etcetera.
The issue of indoor air pollution has reached such proportions that even NASA took matters into its own hands. In 1989 he prepared a report on ornamental plants to reduce air pollution in indoor spaces in which he details a list of species with purifying properties to maintain and improve the quality of the air we breathe.
In this report, NASA also recommends distributing about 15 plants of about 20 cm in diameter and medium size, in homes and premises of 170 m2.
Although
thelist of plants capable of purifying the air recommended by NASA is more extensive, in this article we are going to know the 10 most used in our homes:
- Spathiphyllo (Peace Lily) - In addition to being beautiful and sturdy, spathiphyll is one of the most powerful air purifiers out there. As a toxin filterer, it is able to substantially lower the levels of most VOCs present in our homes.
- Areca Palm - The second great ally to purify the air in your home is the areca palm, highly appreciated in interior decoration: it does not need much light, requires minimal maintenance care and also effectively eliminates carbon monoxide, among other harmful substances. A must-have in places with smokers!
- Bamboo - This plant, due to its characteristics of minimal maintenance, high resistance and great ornamental power, is one of the most appreciated in decoration both outdoors and indoors with low light. It is also able to effectively remove some of the most harmful VOCs such as benzene or formaldehydes.
- Brazil Trunk - This shrub with lancelated leaves and an intense green color is also characterized by being an effective filter of harmful volatile compounds such as trichloroethylene.
- Ribbon - Another of the 5 magnificent ribbons is the leafy ribbon. It lives for many years thanks to its incredible power of recovery and regeneration and is also one of the most effective annihilators of formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and other harmful substances.
- Sanseviera - This plant with spiky leaves is practically immortal. It withstands everything: lack of watering, light and fertilizer, pests, dryness or humidity. And it also rids your home of formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide!
- Poto - Who doesn't have a pothos at home? Its hardy heart-shaped leaves are one of the hallmarks of any home or workplace. They adapt to all kinds of environmental conditions and also clean the air of harmful carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.
- Ivy - This climbing plant, in addition to its incredible ability to thicken surfaces, is an effective ally in reducing the levels of formaldehyde and other harmful VOCs. Although it is generally used as an outdoor plant, its purifying qualities can be perfectly exploited by growing it in pots for indoor spaces.
- Ficus Robusta - One of the most popular houseplants in central and southern Europe thanks to its elegance, easy maintenance and resistance. It significantly combats the levels of formaldehyde dispersed in the environment.
- Chinese Palm - Elegant and adaptable, this small palm variety is ideal for indoor spaces. Placed in a beautiful pot, it will enhance any environment, while cleaning the environment of benzene and other VOCs harmful to the body.
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Keys to choosing a purifying plant
In our country we can easily find any of these beneficial species. When choosing the type of plant, you have to take into account the conditions of your place of residence. In Mediterranean areas, any of them will adapt without problems. For colder locations, it is convenient to choose a plant such as Brazil trunk, ficus, sansevieria, or cinta. These species withstand very well the dry environments generated in heated houses and also regulate the humidity level.
Poto, large-leaved ficus or Christmas cacti are other very common species in our homes with great purifying power and high resistance to different climatic conditions.
Useful tips for taking care of your purifying
plants- Place the plants in accessible places, always taking into account their requirements for watering, light, etc.
- Avoid placing them in places of transit, air currents or near direct sources of cold or heat such as radiators, air conditioners, etc.
- Choosing the right pot is very important. Not only will it enhance the beauty of the plant, but it will also help it grow and develop optimally.
- Choose the right substrate and fertilizer. When in doubt, ask for expert advice.
- To maintain their purifying function, gently wipe the leaves from time to time with a damp cloth and make sure that the substrate is always moistened.
Breathing clean, oxygenated air is essential for health. Purifying plants will be your great allies to ensure the well-being of your whole family!