Houseplants That Purify Your Indoor Air

To remove indoor pollutants from the air you breathe at home, you don’t need to buy expensive and hi-tech gadgets. In fact, according to NASA, some handy household plants can do the job.

NASA has been doing researches on ways to cleanse the air so that future space stations can become fit for human habitation for longer periods of time. Through the research made, it has been discovered that many common houseplants eliminate significant amount of harmful gases – such as benzene and formaldehyde – from the air through photosynthesis. The plants absorb the pollutants and render them harmless in the soil.

This is especially useful for those who live and work in newly constructed buildings, which are tightly sealed to conserve energy but trap pollutants indoors consequently. As recommended by NASA researchers, a minimum of two plants per 100 square feet should be used indoors, whether inside home or in the office. You don’t even need to have a green thumb to have these useful, popular and low-maintenance indoor plants.

Dracaena

Dracaenas are slow-growing plants that can retain their foliage for long periods of time. They can be planted in regular potting mix with constantly moist soil, but don’t let the pot sit in water. These plants love bright, indirect sunlight, low humidity, and warm temperatures.

It is one of the favorite house plants because they can grow better than most plants even under adverse conditions. They are best kept in warm, moderately moist areas and away from direct sunlight.

Pothos

This plant looks similar to the philodendron but it can be distinguished by the ridges on the stems. Because these plants are climbers, they will look nice in a hanging basket. They grow best in warm temperatures, bright but indirect sunlight, and low humidity.

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreen plants can tolerate various indoor settings and flourish for years with minimal care. If kept in a shadowless area, such as a north-facing window, with the soil kept barely moist, they can stay with you for many years.

Spider Plant

Spider plants are excellent hanging plants. They prefer bright sunlight but they can also adapt in medium light areas. Spider plants produce plantlets, that’s why they are good to have if your wish to populate your area with indoor foliage.

Snake Plant

The snake plant grows in almost any environment. They develop clumps of strap-shaped leaves and can grow from 18 to 30 inches tall. Let the soil completely dry in between waterings. They grow in varied light intensities, from dim interior light to full sun.

Weeping Fig

The weeping fig, or ficus benjamina, grows well under normal household conditions. The leaves drop in cold temperature. Keep the plant’s roots crowded in a small pot and frequently wipe the leaves with a wet cloth.