Indoor Air Purifying Plants

Air Purifying Indoor Plants

Being an urban Indian, we know how fast the air quality is depleting in our periphery. The hassle bustle of the busy traffic, the deforestation and the increasing population act as a catalyst to air pollution.This in fact is also affecting our and our children's health conditions.Detoxifying in a big way may not be our cup of tea.But we can make simple choices by chosing air purifying indoor plants.

In 1989 NASA conducted an experiment and found that indoor plants can absorb the cancerogenic volatile organic compound like formaldehyde and benzene.Even the soil in the pot plays a significant role in air purification.

Benefits of indoor plants

It purifies the air around us

Through photosynthesis process, the plants convert the carbon dioxide into oxygen.Bigger the leaf of the plant more is the amount of oxygen emitted.

It acts as a stress buster

According to the study of Physiological Anthropology touching, smelling and watching the plant grow can reduce physiological stress.

Interior decoration

The plants placed instantly brighten up space.It also adds a touch of freshness to the place.Its a cost-effective way of decorating a space

Improves our productivity and business

Itwas observed that when plants were placed in the shopping centre; the customers spent an average of 30 minutes more on buying things in the shopping centre.Even many companies are making their space green with plants, as they know of its soothing and stress-relieving effects.

WhatCauses Indoor Air Pollution?

• The sources of air pollution in our house are building material, furniture,plywood,paints,cosmetics.

• If your house is near the construction site or a busy road, then you are definitely inhaling pollutants.

• Inadequate ventilation is also a major reason for indoor air pollution

• High temperature and humidity also adds to the pollution

• Asbestos is a leading cause of indoor air pollution

• Tobacco smoke that comes from inside or outside also affects the air quality.

Effects of air pollution

• Formaldehydes present in the air cause allergic reactions and irritation of eyes, nose and throat

• Asbestos can cause lung cancer

• Tobacco smoke results in pneumonia, bronchitis,respiratory irritations

• Paints and certain cleaning agent results in brain,kidney and liver damage.

Air Purifying Plants

Money Plant(Epipremnum aureus)

The money plant earns its common name from its use as a wealth and prosperity booster in the Chinese system of Feng Shui.It can grow in any corner of the house.It's easy to maintain and grows rapidly. It's a powerful air purifier it can also absorb the smell of the synthetic paint. Making the room fresh and odour free.

Bamboo Palm(Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)

This plant particularly absorbs formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide.It's an excellent humidifieras well.Thus it is excellent for the dry climate and helps those with a breathing problem.They need to be placed in a place inbright light.

Peace Lily Plant(Spathiphyllum wallisii)

The flower of this plant is like a snake hood so it is called the snake plant.It grows in a place with low light.It removes benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethane from air

Mother in Law tongue(Sansevieria trifasciata)

This plant act as a natural humidifier.It is very low maintenance it can thrive without water for a week.It gives oxygen during the nightas well.

Rubber Plant(Ficus Elastica)

It can remove the bio-effluents from the air.Please note that it can be toxic with pets

Aloe Vera plant(Aloe indica royale)

It is a medicinal plant.The gel inside the thick leaves of the plant acts as an antiseptic.It removes the formaldehyde that is produced from the off gassing of the carpets, curtains and furniture

Cornstalk Dracaena(Dracaena fragrans)

It also filters benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethane from the air.It needs watering after the soil is dry.

Spider Plant(Chlorophytum comosum)

The leaves of these plants look like spider legs hanging down.So they name it as a spider plant.It can filter formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.It requires bright to medium sunlight

Boston Fern(Nephrolepis exaltata)

It’s an air humidifier.It filters formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.It requires water regularly.It’s a primitive plant, it grows rapidly from the spores underneath the leaves.

Giving life to a plant is like giving life and good health to our family.Why not take up this noble task in a selfish motive of makingus healthy.