BEST HOUSEPLANTS FOR PURIFICATION
Some of the best plants to surround yourself with are relatively easy to care for and provide numerous health benefits. Not only do plants add much-needed greenery, instantly beautify and spruce up any space, but they’re also good for our well-being. “Trees and plants are natural air filters, cleaning the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.” For example, a snake plant requires very little watering, doesn’t mind the shade, can sit on a windowsill even in winter, and thrives while cleaning the air. Spider plants and English ivy also freshen the air around them by eliminating mold spores and make wonderful additions to any bathroom. The areca palm increases humidity and eases breathing because it helps to trap dust. Cut flowers are also an option because gerbera daisies and chrysanthemums filter toxins. Not only are they bright and beautiful, but they also clean the air we breathe.
While all plants purify, some are better than others to have indoors due to growing conditions, etc. A peace lily can actually reduce small amounts of ammonia, “benzene and formaldehyde.” They are also ideal for dry rooms, as they release moisture and signal when they need water. Leaves will full-on droop and, when watered, perk up almost instantly. This is a great plant for anyone without a green thumb! With white, waxy flowers, peace lilies are always appealing and will last for years. There are also many plants that tolerate low light and are ideal for dim rooms, such as dracaena, aspidistra elatior (“cast iron plant”), and pothos. Pothos doesn’t even have to be potted; it will propagate in a vase with water. We recommend using a clear vessel so the roots are visible.
Plants purify the air from more harmful pollutants than we think, “such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbonyl, particulate matter, organic compounds, nitrates, sulfates, ammonia, calcium, ozone, and carbonate.” Bromeliads are a fine example of an ideal bedroom plant because, not only do they have attractive flowers and bright green foliage, but they also remove air pollutants as you sleep. They do best with indirect sunlight or even with fluorescents. Boston ferns, birds of paradise, and aloe vera are also effective at cleaning the air while bamboo palms are low-maintenance and will thrive with little light as long as they’re kept moist. These palms also rid the air of benzene and formaldehyde, along with trichloroethylene.
Birds of paradise are one of the most gorgeous plants, known for their ostentatious petals that actually look like orange and blue tropical birds in flight. Because of their appearance, they are ornamental plants often used as focal points in gardens. Because they are tropical (native to South Africa), they only tolerate warm weather and are typically grown indoors in pots outside of humid climates. When planted correctly, they generally tolerate varying soil and care and are pretty low-maintenance. They are the perfect accent to an enclosed sun porch and will thrive with direct sunlight. They are, however, toxic, so it’s best to keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Chelsea Flowers offers more than just cut floral arrangements; you can order a double-stem Phalaenopsis orchid to improve the air quality in your home or office. Available in yellow, orange, pink, or white, this orchid plant can help maintain a healthy environment by freshening the air. The “Phalaenopsis has even been found to absorb and break down particulate matter (PM) like dust and pollen, improving indoor air quality and reducing allergy symptoms.” Imagine that: real live décor that’s exotic, elegant, and practical!
For more on Chelsea Flowers and to order your orchid today, check out the website.
For more on low-maintenance purifying houseplants, click the links below:
https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/how-do-peace-lilies-purify-the-air
https://www.almanac.com/10-indoor-plants-clean-air