10 Magical Air-purifying Plants to Help You Go Green Everyday
We celebrate Environment day every year on June 5, but why just celebrate one day for the environment and not every day? We live in an environment which has been polluted and destroyed over some time – thanks to its protectors i.e. we humans!
How the air gets polluted?
With the evolution of technology and industrialization, we have been successful in easing out almost every other function or activity. But, this advancement is harming the environment in uncountable ways. Poisonous gases emitted from cars, planes, power plants and consumption of natural gas and gasoline viciously pollute the air. Carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse gases which trap the heat in the atmosphere and contribute to adverse climatic changes.
Indoor smoke is becoming a health threat to over a billion people by burning fuel to cool or heat the homes. Air pollution accounts for higher rates of cancer, stroke, heart diseases and respiratory diseases like asthma. And it keeps increasing every day to dangerous levels.
What can we do to limit air pollution?
We can take simple measures to save our environment and protect our health from these hazardous gases by planting more trees and even having indoor plants that purify the air. Several indoor plants help in improving the indoor air quality and promoting your overall health and wellness.
As per the 1898 NASA experiment, indoor plants enhance the air quality by absorbing harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde from the air. The research suggested that many indoor plants can act as natural air filters. Moreover, having plants around you can help in reducing stress and improving heart rate and blood pressure. Green plants heal your mind by soothing your eyes and de-stressing your mind.
Who is your saviour?
Here is a list of indoor plants that act as organic air purifiers for your home by just being there!
Apart from being a pretty flower and adding décor to your home, Azalea is known for absorbing formaldehyde and improving indoor air quality. Plant it on a pot with moist soil and keep it in a humid environment.
2. Rubber Plant
Rubber plants are usually big and are low maintenance. They have large leaves which absorb more impurities and toxic materials from the air, converting them into compounds for the soil or nutrients for the plant.
3. Aloe Vera
The health benefits of the aloe vera plant are well known, but it is a lesser-known fact that it is a great air purifier. It helps in absorbing airborne compounds from cleaning agents and paint. So, the next time you get your home cleaned with strong chemicals, stock up aloe plants in the corners. Moreover, they double up as ornamental plants too.
4. Boston Fern
They are easy to care for and are known as a powerhouse for purifying the air at home. They can remove compounds like plastics, formaldehyde and cigarette smoke from the air.
The ease of care associated with this plant makes it a popular houseplant despite not being the most powerful air-purifying plant. This plant is great, to begin with, if you lack the green thumb.
6. Mass Cane
This plant is ranked number one by NASA for removing formaldehyde from the air. Also known as a corn plant, this is a low maintenance plant.
NASA found Gerbera Daisy to be the most effective plant in removing benzene from the air. These plants are known for producing oxygen at the night. The best part is, you will fall in love with the brilliant blooms they produce. So, why wait, when you can have beauty and a power purifier together!
8. Snake plant
Snake plant is known for converting oxygen by absorbing CO2. They remove toluene, trichloroethylene and xylene from the air and improve air quality. You can plant it in an adorable pot and make it a show-piece for your interior as well.
Peace Lily also finds its place in NASA’s list of popular indoor plants that absorb compounds in the air. It is known for its ability to break down compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde and monoxide.
10. English Ivy
English Ivy is best known for absorbing mould in the air, thus helping in purifying the air indoors. This plant should be kept under sunlight from time to time. Choose a nook close to the sun in your home and let it grow while offering you clean air.
When it comes to doing your bit for the environment, why not choose an air purifying plant for your home and office space? Let’s pledge to limit our carbon footprint and progress towards a healthier and greener world! You don’t have to step on the road and plant a tree to save the environment. Taking a baby step and potting an air-purifying plant and encouraging your close ones to do the same can also bring a change. Why the only environment, you can promote the green mission by gifting people a potted air-purifying plant from the above list and let them cherish your gift that offers them life i.e. pure air all its life! Wish you all a happy and healthy environment, irrespective of whether it’s Environment Day or not!