Purify Air ... With Plants
By Sara Butler
Plants do more for your home than simply look nice, they also help to improve the air quality of your home. Many research studies, including some performed by NASA, have found that houseplants have a positive impact on air quality and health in the home. There are some varieties that are better air scrubbers than others, here are a few common houseplants you may want to invite into your space.
What Makes a Houseplant Great?
So, what distinguishing criteria do researchers look for in an air-purifying plant? In order to make the cut, the plant must be easy to grow and maintain (don't worry if you don't have a green thumb!), has the ability to remove chemicals from the air, and be resistant to infestation by insects. Plus, some plants are much better at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air than others, which is a big plus since VOCs are found in many common places around the home.
The Best Plants for Air Purification
Here are some easy to find and easy to grow plants that can perk up your home or office:
- Areca palm - This is a small palm tree that does well in very bright spaces. It's lush and grows rather large, making it a great centerpiece for your home as it works to absorb pollutants from the air.
- Spider plant - This is a robust and classic houseplant that happens to be very effective at removing toxins from the air
- Lady palm - This is a slow-growing plant that will last a long time in your household. It has trunks that resemble bamboo, which is responsible for its toxin-fighting powers.
- Rubber plant - This is a tropical plant with big, beautiful leaves that does well in indirect sunlight. It produces a latex sap that was used to make rubber, but It's used today to help keep the air in your home healthy to breathe.
- Janet Craig dracaena - This is a durable houseplant that does well in low light, making it great for dim apartments or offices with low light. You simply need to make sure it's always watered, but that's about the only upkeep required.
- Boston fern - This is a great hanging houseplant but does require a bit more effort than some of the others on the list. It does thrive indoors but needs a light misting and regular watering to stay healthy.
Add some plants to your home or office and reap the air-purifying benefits!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Long Beach, Calif.