Air purifying house plants

NASA scientists spent years researching ways to create suitable space station habitats. They studied many indoor plants to see which ones were most beneficial when it came to recycling the air that the astronauts were breathing. All indoors plants (flowering or not) were able to purify indoor air to some degree through their normal photosynthesis processes. But some were found to be more beneficial than others in removing harmful household toxins, even removing 90% of chemicals in the air in only twenty-four hours!

The three main household toxins to know about are:

Benzene

Formaldehyde

Trichloroethylene

These carcinogenic chemicals are used in the manufacturing of synthetic substances & materials and are emitted from new materials for some time (up to several years, depending on the material of product in question). Benzene can also be emitted from gas ranges during use, making some types of houseplants below great for use in the kitchen.

This means these types of houseplants may just decrease your risk of cancers, asthma, allergies, auto-immune disorders and other diseases.

• Choose one 10- to 12-inch potted plant per 100 square foot of your home for the most effective air purification.
• Consider where you might place your plants and the amount of sun they will receive to ensure your plant will thrive in that area.
• Make note of the water needed and write it on a calendar so that you can keep the watering schedules balanced.
• Periodically dust the leaves of each plant with a damp cloth to ensure proper absorption of air particles and toxins.
• Keep their soil replenished with rich compost or compost tea. Avoid non-organic or synthetic fertilizers.
• Whenever possible, capture rainwater for your plants. All types of houseplants thrive best with natural sources of water.

IMPORTANT: Please note that many houseplants are good for purifying air, but that doesn't mean they are safe for pets or kids who like to put things in their mouth. Talk to the plant seller or nursery to make sure they are nontoxic

1) Common Name: Aloe Vera, Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis

Benefits: Not only can it be used for burns on the skin, but also to remove formaldehyde from the air.

2) Common Name: Areca Palm, Botanical Name: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens

Benefits: General air purifier, especially as it grows larger. It's known for being one of the better performers in purifying the air.

3) Common Name: Baby Rubber Plant, Botanical Name: Peperomia obtusifolia or Ficus robusta

Benefits: This clean the air by emitting high oxygen content, and purifies indoor air by removing chemicals, such as formaldehyde or other toxins.

4) Common Name: Bamboo Palm or Reed Palm, Botanical Name: Chamaedorea seifrizii

Benefits: According to NASA, it removes formaldehyde and is also said to act as a natural humidifier.

5) Common Name: Boston Fern, Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata Bostoniensis

Benefits: Said to act as a natural air humidifier, removes formaldehyde and is a general air purifier. Said to be among the best in air purifying houseplants.

6) Common Name: Chinese Evergreen, Botanical Name: Aglaonema sp.

Benefits: Emits high oxygen content, and purifies indoor air by removing chemicals, such as formaldehyde, benzene or other toxins.

7) Common Name: Corn Cane or Mass Cane, Botanical Name: Dracaena massangeana or dracaena fragrans Massangeana

Benefits: Known for removing formaldehyde and known generally as one of the houseplants that clean the air.

8) Common Name: Dwarf/Pygmy Date Palm, Botanical Name: Phoenix roebelenii,

Benefits: Said to remove formaldehyde and xylene (a chemical found in plastics and solvents) from the air.

9) Common Name: English Ivy, Botanical Name: Hedera helix

Benefits: It's known for removing the chemical benzene, a known carcinogen found in cigarette smoke, detergents, pesticides, and also in the emissions from other synthetic materials. It is also said to be fantastic for asthma and allergies and yes, removes formaldehyde.

10) Common Name: Ficus alii, Botanical Name: Ficus maeleilandii alii

Benefits: Said to be a great overall air purifier.

11) Common Name: Gerbera Daisy, Botanical Name: Gerbera sp. or Gerbera jamesonii

Benefits: NASA says this plant is fantastic at removing benzene, a known cancer-causing chemical. It also absorbs carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen overnight, which is said to improve your sleep!

12) Common Name: Golden Pothos, Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum syn. Scindapsus aureus

Benefits: NASA places this plant among the top 3 types of houseplants great for removing formaldehyde. Also known for removing carbon monoxide and increasing general indoor air quality.

13) Common Name: Janet Craig, Botanical Name: Draecana deremensis

Benefits: Lady Palm is said to be a good overall air purifier, removing most air pollutants.

14) Common Name: Kimberly Queen Fern, Botanical Name: Nephrolepis obliterata

Benefits: These types of houseplants clean formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene out of your home.

15) Common Name: Lady Palm (10+ varieties), Botanical Name: Rhapis Excelsa

Benefits: These types of houseplants are said to be good overall air purifiers, removing most air pollutants.

16) Common Name: Marginata or Dragon tree, Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata

Benefits: Known for purifying the air of the carcinogen, benzene, commonly found in emissions from synthetic materials, cigarette smoke and other household chemicals. Also known for removing formaldehyde, xylene (found in varnishes, paints and paint thinners) and trichloroethylene (found in solvents) from the air.

17) Common Name: Moth Orchid, Botanical Name: Phalaenopsis

Benefits: Said to remove VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and formaldehyde commonly emitted from paints, solvents and other synthetic materials.