You may have heard that indoor air pollution is worse than outdoor air pollution. It's true! In fact, studies have shown that the air inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside.
But before you start panicking, know that there are ways to reduce indoor air pollution. One of the simplest (and prettiest) ways is to add some houseplants to your home. House plants are natural air filters, and they can help get rid of harmful toxins in the air.
Not sure which plants to choose? No problem! We've put together a list of some of our favorite house plants that are great for reducing indoor air pollution. Keep reading to learn more.
What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?
You might be wondering what indoor air pollution is and how it affects your home. Indoor air pollution is a broad term that refers to all the pollutants that are present inside your home.
These pollutants can come from many different sources, such as cleaning products, furniture, building materials, carpets, cigarettes, and even pets. Any of these things can release harmful chemicals into the air that can have a negative impact on your health.
That's why it's important to take steps to get rid of indoor air pollution and improve the air quality in your home. One easy way to do this is by adding some plants to your space.
What House Plants Help Reduce Indoor Air Pollution?
There are a number of house plants that have been shown to help reduce indoor air pollution. The NASA Clean Air Study found that the following plants are particularly effective at removing harmful chemicals from the air:
- Aloe Vera
- Bamboo Palm
- Boston Fern
- Chrysanthemum
- English Ivy
- Gerbera Daisy
- Lemon Balm
- Pothos
- Purple Waffle Plant
How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Home
Not all plants are created equal when it comes to air purification. Some plants are better at removing specific toxins from the air, while others are good all-rounders. So, how do you choose the right plants for your home?
The best way to start is by identifying the specific pollutants that are a problem for you. Look out for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released from paints, plastics, cleaning products, and other household items. Formaldehyde is a common VOC, and it can cause eye and respiratory problems.
Once you know the pollutants that you need to target, you can start looking for plants that are specifically good at removing them from the air. For example, the Boston fern is great at removing formaldehyde from the air, while the snake plant is good at removing benzene and carbon monoxide.
If you're not sure which plants to choose, or if you want an all-around solution, then go for a NASA-approved plant. These plants have been tested by NASA and found to be effective at removing a range of toxins from the air.
How to Care for Air-Purifying House Plants
Caring for air-purifying house plants can be a breeze. House plants generally need more water during the growing season and less water during the winter months. Additionally, they’ll need sufficient sunlight in order to produce oxygen. A few hours of sun every day should be enough. Try placing them close to windows or other sources of light to help keep them healthy.
Fertilizing is also important for keeping your house plants happy and healthy. Use an organic fertilizer formulated for house plants, and apply it every month or so according to the instructions on the label. You may also need to re-pot your house plant every year or two if it has outgrown its current pot.
Finally, do regular check-ins with your air-purifying house plants - check for wilting leaves, spots on the leaves, and other signs of poor health - and promptly address any issues that come up.
Tips for Keeping Air Pollution Out of Your Home
One of the best ways to keep air pollution out of your home and make sure the air quality is as clean and healthy as possible is by introducing house plants into your living space. Not only do they look great, but they can help clear the air in your home by filtering out pollutants and toxins.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Do research on plants that filter out specific pollutants to find the right fit for your home.
Look for low-maintenance plants that don’t require a lot of attention and watering.
Place them strategically around your home - closer to floors, windows, furniture, and closets for added efficiency.
Aim for about 15 medium-sized plants per 1,800 square feet of space in order to keep air quality at its highest levels.
Open windows when possible to prevent the buildup of airborne particles.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to reducing air pollution in your home with houseplants!
FAQs on How House Plants Help Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
You might be wondering how exactly house plants reduce air pollution in your home. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers that may help you understand this process better.
Do indoor plants absorb harmful chemicals?
Yes, most houseplants are capable of absorbing many of the harmful chemicals that are present in our homes, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. However, it is important to note that they do not absorb all types of pollutants and they do not absorb them at equal rates.
How much air pollution can house plants filter?
House plants generally have the ability to reduce levels of indoor air pollution by about 30-50%. This means that if you have a few cute house plants scattered around your home, you could drastically reduce the levels of air pollution present in your home.
Do I need to keep them watered regularly?
Yes! To ensure that your house plants are able to filter out pollutants effectively, make sure you water them at least once a week and give them the sunlight they need for photosynthesis.
Conclusion
There are several house plants that can help you get rid of air pollution in your home. Some of these plants are easy to care for, and some are more difficult. No matter what type of plant you choose, be sure to research how to care for it properly so that it can help clean the air in your home.