It is not just in the garden that flowering and green plants are a feast for the eyes. Houseplants beautify a room and contribute to a pleasant climate. This is achieved through conventional photosynthesis. Plants produce glucose by using carbon dioxide and water. This creates oxygen, which they release into the ambient air.
Air-purifying houseplants improve the climate in every room
Among the plants that contribute to air improvement is the spider plant or ribbon plant. In 1989, NASA published a study on air-purifying houseplants, in which this specimen ended up among the best "air purifiers". The herbaceous plant from the asparagus family filtered up to 95 percent of pollutants, including carbon monoxide, benzene, and formaldehyde. Through the enzymes in its leaves, it breaks these down and thereby removes their potential danger.
At the same time, the spider plant regulates humidity. It is not very demanding when it comes to choosing a location, as it gets by with little light. It is an easy-care room decoration that is suitable for allergy sufferers. Another air-purifying plant with multiple functions is common ivy.
In addition to improving the indoor climate, it helps against mold. Within twelve hours, the climbing plant manages to rid the air of up to 80 percent of mold spores. Another climbing plant with an air-purifying effect is the pothos. Although its name might suggest otherwise, it has nothing in common with ivy. The pothos primarily removes the pollutant formaldehyde from its ambient air. In addition, it manages to neutralize unpleasant odors.
Children and pets should not come into contact with this houseplant, which originates from Asia. It causes skin irritation. The situation is similar with the poisonous snake plant. Due to its uncomplicated care, it is one of the most popular air-purifying houseplants. Unlike many other plants, it does not produce more carbon dioxide than oxygen at night.
Visual highlights among air-purifying plants
If you would like a colorful houseplant with an air-purifying effect, a chrysanthemum is an option. There are 40 species of these. It cleans the ambient air of up to 100 percent of pollutants, including ammonia. It proves to be advantageous in a household with cats. Pet owners should ensure that their four-legged friends do not get to the chrysanthemums and nibble on them. Otherwise, there is a risk of poisoning symptoms.
The same applies to another houseplant: the dragon tree. It is an asparagus plant with long, dark green leaves. It filters the following from the air:
- Toluene,
- Benzene,
- Formaldehyde and
- Trichloroethylene.
If you would like a large houseplant, an air-purifying palm like the Kentia palm is a recommendation. It reaches a height of up to three meters in a pot. The plant from Australia impresses with its above-average oxygen production.
Plants that provide a jungle flair in your home
Air-purifying plants that score points with their special look are peace lilies. The houseplants, which bloom in spring and late summer, are also known as Spathiphyllum. They owe this name to their characteristic flower and its spadix shape. The plant cleans the indoor air all year round, so you benefit from a fresh and healthy climate. The peace lily is a good solution for smoke odors. Due to the oxalic acid it contains, it is poisonous to pets.
Another houseplant with a jungle character is the Swiss cheese plant. It comes from the forests of Central and South America. The jungle plant is characterized by its large leaves with a diameter of up to 80 centimeters. With their help, it removes pollutants from the air, such as formaldehyde and benzene.
Many of these Plants, which have a positive effect on the indoor climate, can be found at Plantsome. Founded in the Netherlands in 2017, the company has made it its mission to make buying plants easier. The website makes it easier for you to search for the right houseplants, depending on your experience level and the desired location. In addition to numerous plants and the necessary accessories, you will find tips on plant care on the site.
