8 air-purifying plants
The air quality in our homes has deteriorated dramatically over the last 10 years. Very airtight buildings reduce air circulation and keep many pollutants and harmful substances inside. The deterioration is also often caused by faults in heating and ventilation, excessive humidity or air conditioning systems.
Exhaust fumes, volatile organic compounds and light industrial chemicals release many toxic substances into the air (formaldehyde, toluene, ammonia, etc.). We should keep in mind that these substances can also be carcinogenic. Mold, improper ventilation of ozone (often a by-product of office machines) and insufficient filtration of fresh air are harmful as well. And of course, in smoking areas the situation is far worse still.
In 2002, the World Health Organization announced that almost 60% of people in developed countries suffer from what is known as sick building syndrome, better known by the abbreviation SBS. Its symptoms include eye and nose irritation, rashes, increased skin sensitivity and, over a longer period, the development of allergies.
In today’s article, I have selected 8 air-purifying plants that should make our breathing easier and healthier. I drew on the official NASA study. NASA’s first research on this very issue was published back in 1989 and later expanded.
Here is a link to the study, titled Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement.
1. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily wins everyone over with its beautiful, elegant look, and beginners will also be pleased that it copes well with tough conditions. It is one of the few houseplants that also suit people who do not have much time for houseplant care. It loves humidity and partial shade, but in winter, by contrast, as much light as possible.
This tropical plant comes from Colombia, where it can reach one meter in width and length. In our homes, it forms medium-sized clumps. Between its pointed leaves, spathe-shaped inflorescences appear (a spathe is an enlarged bract wrapped around the inflorescence), which is why you may also find the plant under the name spathe flower. The plant flowers from April to September, and before the flowers wither, their color changes to light green.
The peace lily absorbs all sorts of harmful substances (benzene, formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene and trichloroethylene). We have to be careful, though, as it is toxic and therefore not suitable for homes with children or pets.
Spathiphyllum Alana
There is also a variegated version, Spathiphyllum Diamond variegata. You can choose peace lilies and other air-purifying plants at our store in Prague 8.
2. Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria)
Sansevieria, or mother-in-law’s tongue, has many more names than just these two. You could also find this houseplant under names such as snake plant, snake’s tongue or devil’s tongue, or Saint George’s sword. It probably got these nicknames because of the look of its pointed, hard, sharp leaves, most typically striped green and yellow.
This plant comes from West Africa (it grows in a belt stretching from Nigeria to the Congo). Again, it is suitable for complete beginners, as it is known for being low-maintenance, long-lived and happy even in shady spaces, and it needs less frequent watering (once every 2 to 3 weeks).
It absorbs formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and toluene. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for homes with children or pets either, as it is highly toxic.
Other varieties are popular too, such as Sansevieria cylindrica, Laurentii or Masoniana.
3. Flamingo flower (Anthurium)
Most of us know flamingo flowers as cut flowers with a vivid red or white bract. At first glance, they can even look as if they were made of wax. But do not be fooled: the genus Anthurium consists of approximately 825 diverse species and is the largest genus in the entire arum family.
It originally comes from the humid tropical rainforests of South and Central America. Unlike the previous plants, the flamingo flower is better suited to more experienced growers, because it is prone to pests (soft scales, thrips, scale insects…). It is a warmth-loving plant that is very sensitive to drafts and to overly cold water. The best spot for it is an east-facing window, as it cannot tolerate direct sun.
This houseplant absorbs the pollutants formaldehyde, toluene, xylene and ammonia. We have to be careful, though, as it contains substances that irritate mucous membranes and is toxic, so it is not suitable for homes with pets and children.
4. Dragon tree (Dracaena)
These false palms are elegant, low-maintenance and long-lived, and they suit any interior. Their native home is the tropical regions of Africa and Asia, but thanks to the large number of species, they are also found on the Canary Islands. The best-known species is Dracaena marginata, with long leaves that taper to a point.
Indoors, this dragon tree can grow up to three meters tall, but we need to know how to care for it. It does not tolerate drafts or direct light, which could burn its leaves, so it is important to place it correctly. At the same time, because of where it comes from, it loves high humidity.
Among others, you may also come across the species Dracaena fragrans or deremensis. So the dragon tree is suitable for beginner growers too. As a bonus, it absorbs benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene; unfortunately, it is toxic.
5. Aglaonema
Aglaonema, also known as Chinese evergreen, is an herbaceous perennial in the arum family, usually with spotted leaves (most often white and green or red and green). It has small flowers, and its fruits are berries. These houseplants are grown in the tropics or subtropics, but they are most often used as ornamental greenhouse plants in botanical gardens.
This houseplant flowers only in summer, and its flowers are white or yellow. Although the plant is suitable for beginners, we must not forget to mist it, because it loves a humid environment. Like peace lilies or philodendrons, for example, it enjoys partial shade and does not like direct light, as too much light can leave it open to spider mites. Like the previous houseplants, it does not like drafts.
It rids the air of benzene and formaldehyde, but its leaves contain oxalic acid, which makes it toxic to dogs, cats and children if they nibble on it.
6. Aloe vera
I think this plant hardly needs a lengthy introduction. Thanks to its beneficial effects and wide range of uses, it has become very widespread. It is a medicinal, healing and ornamental plant. Pure aloe vera gel is non-toxic and suitable for applying to burns, scrapes and minor wounds.
The exact origin of this houseplant is not known, but based on extensive research, the Arabian Peninsula is given as its native home. Aloe vera is known for its long, pointed leaves with serrated edges. Since it is a succulent, overwatering is the usual problem when caring for it. Watering once every 3 to 4 weeks is recommended. Aloe should be placed in a bright spot, as it needs 8 to 10 hours of light a day.
Aloe vera removes “only” benzene and formaldehyde from the air. Even though I have already mentioned its beneficial effects, it is not suitable for homes with pets or children, as eating it can cause digestive problems.
7. Ficus
Ficus, also known as the fig tree, is a popular indoor tree, perhaps partly because it can be grown as a bonsai. But do not be fooled: in their native habitat, some species grow up to 30 m tall, and in our homes they reach up to 200 cm. The most widespread species is the rubber plant (Ficus elastica), and as its name suggests, rubber is made from fig trees.
It comes from the tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. Caring for it is not at all demanding, because it does not need to be right by a window. It will also do well in heated apartments, as its leathery leaves can tolerate higher temperatures, and it does not mind dry air either.
We water it sparingly, just like aloe, and in suitable conditions it does not suffer from diseases or pests. Indoors, it serves as a natural air purifier; it is harmful to pets and children.
Other varieties are popular too, such as Ficus Lyrata, elastica Robusta or the variegated Ficus elastica Tineke.
8. Philodendron
Unlike the other plants mentioned, this robust herbaceous perennial has an interesting way of life. In tropical America, it commonly grows in treetops, on rocks or in swamps. Just as in our homes, though, it is used there to please the eye. The genus includes about 500 species.
An interesting fact from the life of philodendrons is the temperature they reach during pollination: scientists measured an incredible 43 °C. Grown as houseplants, some are suitable for beginners and others for advanced growers, depending on the species. In general, though, we could say that they love humidity and partial shade.
Philodendrons absorb carcinogenic formaldehyde from the air and are toxic because they contain oxalic acid. That is why they are not recommended for homes with pets and children.
I hope you found this article interesting and that it helped outline the issue of SBS, which, in my opinion, many people are not even aware of. I think it is in the interest of everyone’s health to get a houseplant or two for the home, and for the office too: they not only please the eye but also improve air quality.