Air Purifying Plants
Cities with abnormal air pollution have always made the headlines. Plants don many hats. They release oxygen and mop up the carbon dioxide. They emanate positive energies, and beautify the milieu.
However, not many are aware that plants also purify the air naturally and filter toxins that are left suspended in the air due to chemicals, paints, and use of plastics. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Clean Air Study was conducted in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALC A). The study showed that certain common indoor plants provide a natural way of removing toxic agents.
Peace Lily,
It is the most common houseplant. Peace Lilies have white flowers that bloom in early summer and then continue to bloom the rest of the year. Its soil needs to be kept moist without overwatering. Peace lilies enjoy medium to low light. According to NASA’s study, this plant removes the maximum number of toxins. It is however toxic to dogs and cats.
Pollutants purified - benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, ammonia.
Florist's Chrysanthemum,
It is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Their vibrant colors splash liveliness and joy wherever it is grown. The "Festival of Happiness" in Japan celebrates the flower. They are also called ‘mum’ and they start to bloom in early autumn. According to NASA’s study, this plant, like Peace lily, removes the maximum number of toxins.
Pollutants purified - benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, ammonia.
English Ivy,
It is an evergreen climbing plant that can climb up to 20 to 30 meters on trees, walls and cliffs. It avoids exposure to direct sunlight, and also provides dense shelter and cooling effect in buildings during the summer. It is grown as an ornamental plant. It is toxic to dogs and cats.
Pollutants purified - benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene.
Snake Plant
Variegated snake plant or Sansevieri trifecta or 'Laurent ii', is also called mother-in-law's tongue. It is a hardy indoor plant. It grows straight and in a serpentine manner. It has yellow or silvery-white stripes on the leaf margins. It can tolerate low lights and irregular watering, but not overwatering. It is toxic to dogs and cats.
Pollutants purified - benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene.
Devil's Ivy (Money plant)
It is also called "Money Plant" or "Golden Pot hos". This popular houseplant is easy to grow, and it’s long, trailing stems can grow on. This plant does not die out quickly. The stems themselves become the roots in the soil. It is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Its beauty lies in the leaves with botched yellow and green combination.
Pollutants purified - benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.
Flamingo Lily
It is a flowering plant species belonging to the Araceli family. This beautiful plant can change the aesthetics of the room. It can be kept on the study table. It has beautiful wax like shiny, heart shaped flower bracts. It is toxic to cats and dogs.
Pollutants purified - formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.
Dracula,
This genus has more than 120 species of trees and shrubs under its belt. Some of its species were studied by NASA for its air purifying effects. It can tolerate sparse watering. They have long, wide leaves and commonly found in office and homes.
Red-edged Dracula or Dracula marginate can purify benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene. Cornstalk Dracaena or Dracula fragrant 'Massage'; and Janet Craig or Dracula dieresis "Janet Craig" can remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene
Pollutants purified - benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene.
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