Best Practices For Using Plants As Air Purifiers

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Plants use photosynthesis to convert CO2 into glucose (sugar) and oxygen; however, through respiration they also release some back into the atmosphere.

NASA conducted a groundbreaking study in 1989 which demonstrated how plants could effectively rid the air of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), cancer-causing compounds linked to respiratory ailments and decreased lung function.

1. Place them in open spaces

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to clean the air in your home is with plants. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they can also improve air quality by filtering out pollutants such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and formaldehyde - two pollutants often responsible for poor indoor air quality.

Start in your living room, where it is best to add as many different kinds of greenery as possible. Plants work best when happy and healthy, so take the extra steps necessary to provide them with enough nourishment - you could do this using timed drip systems with sub-irrigation techniques to ensure that their roots receive sufficient hydration without seeingping through to furniture and carpeting.

As far as which plants are best at filtering the air, just one visit to your greenhouse will show that there is an array of species available - each designed specifically to filter their respective environments' air. A wise homeowner will do research into each variety to find which one has proven itself most efficient at filtering the atmosphere in their respective environment.

2. Place them near air vents

Plants can help purify the air in your home, but placement matters. Be especially wary when placing them near air vents - doing so may encourage mold growth that could spread throughout your space and potentially make breathing harder for everyone in it.

A 1989 NASA Clean Air Study concluded that certain plants are effective at reducing indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde. Unfortunately, however, the research did not indicate whether plants could do so at an equal or comparable rate to air purifying devices like HEPA filters.

Studies conducted recently demonstrate that indoor plants are effective air purifiers for home and offices. Neoplants is an innovative Paris-based startup which has genetically engineered an epipremnum aureum pothos plant to filter air up to 30 times an hour!

Parlor palm, part of Chamaedorea genus, can effectively remove VOCs such as benzene and xylene from the air.

Easy-to-care-for and pet-friendly plants like spider plants can help purify the air in your house by filtering harmful chemicals such as benzene, toluene, xylene and trichloroethylene from the atmosphere. As they can reach heights up to 12 feet tall, spider plants provide an effective means of purifying air quality in any household.

These plants not only absorb airborne toxins, but they can also add colour and beauty to your space. Chrysanthemums (commonly referred to as disbuds or mums) are beloved flowers known for their beautiful blooms that thrive under bright indirect sunlight; water them once to twice each week for optimal care.

3. Place them in corners

Not everyone has a green thumb or lives in the city, but that doesn't preclude incorporating indoor plants into your home. While maintaining them may take more work than anticipated, the rewards will make the effort worth your while in terms of providing you with a more tranquil environment and breathing in air that's free from harmful toxins - meaning incorporating the ideal indoor plant into either your office or bedroom space could go far towards helping you sleep better at night and have more energy to devote towards productive pursuits during the day.

4. Place them in humid areas

NASA conducted a 1989 study which demonstrated that indoor plants could effectively absorb up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde and benzene, found in carpeting, vinyl flooring, cigarettes smoke and other man-made products.

Plants increase humidity levels, which in turn helps combat respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, plants produce oxygen which refreshes the air and enhances concentration.

Researchers recently conducted a study, finding that plants increased concentration and productivity by up to 10% while also improving overall health by decreasing fatigue and stress.

There are plenty of great plants to choose from, including Dracaena marginata with its sword-shaped leaves that purify air contaminants such as Trichloroethylene and Xylene. Dracaenas require minimal space and are also easy to care for.

Pothos vine (devil's ivy) is another popular choice for purifying air. It can remove harmful pollutants such as benzene, toluene and trichloroethylene from the air.

Pothos thrives in humid environments, making it an excellent bathroom plant to help filter out VOCs from hairspray, cleaners and fabric softeners. Make sure it's watered regularly, in a container that drains well to avoid root rot.

Fittonia (mosaic plant) is another air-purifying houseplant that thrives in humid environments, thanks to its beautiful leaves with intricate patterns. Commonly seen in terrariums.

Fittonia can reach 10 feet tall with proper care and watering. It requires bright indirect lighting with regular irrigation of its leaves - while soil should be allowed to dry fully in between watering sessions - in addition to being kept out of direct sunlight as this can cause yellowed and limp leaves, as well as not faring well in either hot or cold climates.

5. Place them in the bathroom

Many of us enjoy adding plants to our homes - they add vibrancy and reduce stress, not to mention purify the air in places such as bathrooms where there are an abundance of toxins and bacteria.

Not all houseplants are suitable for this environment, which means you need to select carefully when selecting houseplants for this environment. Some require more sunlight while others thrive under humid conditions.

An English Ivy vine can make the ideal bathroom plant. This trailing vine absorbs mold spores while filtering out harmful airborne pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde from your environment - ideal if your bathroom space is limited. English Ivy can be grown in small pots or hanging baskets for optimal growth; shelves work great too if your bathroom is limited by space.

An attractive yet practical choice is a crinkly leaved fern, which filters and dehumidifies air while looking chic in any bathroom. Easy to care for and capable of lasting two weeks without watering needs - perfect!

Orchids make an excellent addition to bathrooms as they require little care, adding colour and adding visual texture. Perfect for smaller bathrooms as they won't take up too much room!

The Boston Fern is an excellent addition to any bathroom, providing much-needed air purification by filtering formaldehyde emissions found in new flooring and wall coverings. This plant can thrive in various environments but prefers indirect sunlight.

Peace lily plants make great dehumidifiers. Their glossy green leaves add style and elegance, but may need up to 2 feet of space as they expand.

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