Air Purifying Plants – Using NASA Research to choose Plants for a Healthy Home

VOC’s

Many of the materials used in building and furnishing modern homes, emit volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) such as formaldehyde which are harmful to human health. VOC’s are emitted as gases from certain solids and liquids. That “new smell” we get from products like carpets, couches and even mattresses is a result of the finishes, paint, glue, flame retardants and other substances emitting chemical particles as they settle. Carpeting, vinyl flooring, paint, particleboard, plywood, and insulation all emit VOC’s. Some of the products we use to clean our homes with as well as air fresheners also contain toxic substances that stick around in the air long after use. We can’t always smell this off-gassing, most of the time it’s not noticeable at all.

The more modern and energy efficient our homes become, the more the air quality inside is comprised. When the flow of air between inside and outside is reduced, concentrations of VOC’s can build up. It’s estimated that the concentrations of many VOC’s are up to ten times higher in indoor environments compared to outdoors.

Research into “sick building syndrome” shows that several of these VOC’s can cause significant health problems at high concentrations and some are known carcinogens. Even at low to moderate levels, many VOC’s may also produce adverse reactions. With evidence to suggest that we are becoming an increasingly “indoor generation”, it is more important than ever to make sure that we are breathing clean, healthy air.

The Power of Plants

All plants absorb carbon dixoide from the air and give out oxygen during a process called photosynthesis (kudos if you can remember learning this in biology lessons!). Our bodies do the opposite, taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide which makes plants and people natural partners.

As well as carbon dioxide, some plants absorb certain chemicals from the air. In their pioneering 1989 study, NASA tested the effect of fifteen house plants on pollutants known to be present in aircrafts: benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. These chemicals are also present in homes and office buildings, within building materials, furnishings and office equipment. Under the controlled conditions, house-plants were found to remove as much as 87 percent of indoor air pollutants within 24 hours – amazing!

Several more recent studies have looked in greater detail at the mechanics of how plants filter out these and other toxins from from the air. They found that leaves, roots and bacteria in the soil which attach to the plant’s roots, all have a role to play.

Snake Plant.

The Snake Plant Sansevieria trifasciata also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue is one of the best air-purifying plants. It removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene from the air. Snake plants are easy to grow and very forgiving, great for first-time plant parents! They prefer indirect light (but can adapt to most light conditions), need little watering and like warmer room temperatures so are perfect for the average apartment. Moderately toxic to humans and pets.

Dracaena.

One of the best plants for removing formaldehyde, Dracaena Deremensis is an attractive house-plant and a great plant for low-light conditions. The two main varieties are “Janet Craig” which has solid green, flexible leaves and “Warneckii” which features stiff leaves that are striped in grey, green, or white. Moderately toxic to pets.

Florist’s Chrysanthemum.

Also know as “Pot Mums” the Florist’s Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum morifolium is one of the best all round air-filtering plants removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene. It can be kept as a flowering house-plant with an array of cheerful colours to choose from. The secret to keeping blossoms fresh for several weeks is to keep it well watered, in a cool place and removed the old faded blooms to encourage more flowers. Toxic to animals and can cause an allergic reaction in humans.

Bamboo Palm.

The Bamboo palm Chamaedorea seifrizii is a beautiful, ornamental palm which adds a peaceful, tropical feel to any environment. It’s one of the hardest working air-purifying plants, removing benzene, formalydehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene. The Bamboo Palm likes bright but indirect light, a nice warm room and fertile, well-drained soil. Non-toxic, so a good choice for homes with pets and children.

Peace Lily.

The much loved Peace Lily Spathiphyllum is a tropical plant with glossy green leaves and long lasting white flowers. They filter more pollutants than most other plants so are a great plant to have in the home. Peace Lilies are shade-loving plants so need indirect light and like a rich, loose soil. Their native habitats have high humidity so they do best with regular watering and misting in the summer months. Toxic to humans and pets.

Boston Fern.

An attractive fern with long graceful fronds. It removes formaldehyde, xylene and toulene from the air. The Boston Fern Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’ prefers bright, indirect light and the root ball needs to be kept moist. It’s a good idea to mist it regularly if the fern is sitting in a dry rather than a humid room. Non-toxic.

Elephant Ear Philodendron.

Bring a touch of jungle to your home with the glossy leaved Philodendron, Philodendron domesticum, a great plant  for removing formaldehyde. Like many house plants, Philodendrons are tropical plants so it’s best to provide them with plenty of warmth and moisture. They thrive best in light shade and the soil needs to be kept moist. Philodendron leaves and stems are high in calcium oxalate, which can be toxic to both humans and pets when eaten.

Heart Leaf Philodendron.

With long climbing stems and heart-shaped leaves the Heart Leaf Philodendron Philodendron cordatum makes a beautiful hanging or table plant and is a good choice for removing formaldehyde from the air. Philodendrons like bright but indirect light and some pruning may be needed to keep the plant looking full and not straggly. Toxic to humans and pets.

Pothos Plant.

The Pothos plant, Epipremnum aureum is a great air-filtering plant removing benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene. Also known as Devil’s Ivy, Pothos is possibly the easiest of all house plants to grow, so another great choice for first-time plant parents! A beautiful trailing plant, Pothos likes bright, indirect light but can also thrive in areas that don’t get a lot of sunlight or have only fluorescent lighting. It’s best to let their soil dry out completely between watering so if you often forget to water this could be the plant for you! Toxic to humans and pets.

English Ivy.

A popular plant for hanging baskets and trailing from tables and shelves.

English Ivy Hedera Helix removes benzene, formalydehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene. It likes bright light but not direct light in the summer months. The trick to growing healthy ivy is to provide cool nights and moist, humid conditions. Misting is a good idea if it’s in a dry environment. Toxic to humans and pets.