5 ways to purify air with indoor plants
What's the story
Indoor air pollution is a major issue, especially in cities or places with bad ventilation. Luckily, indoor plants provide a natural remedy. They don't just improve the look of a space, but also purify the air. This post explores five easy ways to use indoor plants to improve air quality, helping you create a healthier, more welcoming home.
Selection
Choose the right plants
Not all plants are created equal when it comes to air purification. Powerhouses like the spider plant, snake plant, and peace lily are top performers. These plants excel at eliminating harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. By strategically placing a mix of these plants around your home, you can drastically improve indoor air quality.
Positioning
Optimal placement matters
The location of your indoor plants can significantly impact their ability to effectively purify the air. For best results, position larger plants in more spacious areas and smaller ones in more confined spaces. Ensure they are placed in areas where they can receive sufficient sunlight. However, avoid direct exposure to harsh sunlight that can damage the plants. Living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms are the perfect places to keep these plants.
Maintenance
Regular care and maintenance
To keep your indoor plants healthy and functioning as effective air purifiers, you need to take regular care of them. This means watering them when they need it (different plants need different amounts), making sure they get enough sun, and cutting away any dead leaves or branches. If you water them too much, mold can grow and that defeats the whole purpose of having indoor plants for clean air.
Humidity
Increase humidity levels naturally
Plants emit moisture into the air through a process known as transpiration, acting as natural humidifiers in dry environments. This is especially helpful during winter when indoor air can become dry due to heating systems. Plants such as Boston ferns are great for this, but they need to be watered a bit more often.
Growth management
Monitor growth and space
As plants grow, they will need to be repotted or pruned to control their size and keep them healthy. Bigger plants will filter more air but also take up more space, so you want to keep a balance between size and available room area. Keeping an eye on growth will ensure your plant continues to serve its purpose in purifying the air effectively without overwhelming your space.