Air Purifying Plants
Whether its old or new, your home could be harboring unhealthy (and
invisible) toxins. These chemical compounds are found in emissions
from paint, plastics, carpet, cleaning solutions, and numerous building
materials. Three major offenders found in the home include:
formaldehyde: in carpets, upholstery, glues, paint, and more
benzene: in plastics, synthetic fibers, lubricants, rubber, pesticides,
and more)
trichloroethylene: in paint removers, rug cleaning solution, adhesives,
and more
Plants that Clean the Air
Lucky for us, nature has a way of keeping itself clean. There are many
powerful air-cleaning plants that naturally remove pollutants from the air. We
picked nine of our favorites and offer tips on how to keep them in top working
condition.
Tip: In a 2,000 square foot house, bring in 15 to 20 plants in 6-inch pots or
larger. Rather than scattering single plants, create group displays in each
room for a great look and maximum air quality. Adjust accordingly for larger or
smaller homes. Before purchasing, ask about which plants could be harmful
to pets if ingested.
Air Purifying Plants
Whether its old or new, your home could be harboring unhealthy (and
invisible) toxins. These chemical compounds are found in emissions from
paint, plastics, carpet, cleaning solutions, and numerous building materials.
Three major offenders found in the home include:
formaldehyde: in carpets, upholstery, glues, paint, and more
benzene: in plastics, synthetic fibers, lubricants, rubber, pesticides, and
more)
trichloroethylene: in paint removers, rug cleaning solution, adhesives, and
more
Plants that Clean the Air
Lucky for us, nature has a way of keeping itself clean. There are many
powerful air-cleaning plants that naturally remove pollutants from the air. We
picked nine of our favorites and offer tips on how to keep them in top working
condition.
Tip: In a 2,000 square foot house, bring in 15 to 20 plants in 6-inch pots or
larger. Rather than scattering single plants, create group displays in each
room for a great look and maximum air quality. Adjust accordingly for larger or
smaller homes. Before purchasing, ask about which plants could be harmful
to pets if ingested.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
In the 1980s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America
discovered that peace lilies absorb benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene,
and more. To maximize the plant's air-cleansing potential, keep the foliage
dust-free. Pristine white blooms are a bonus with this efficient plant.
Care: The peace lily thrives in both low and bright light. Keep the soil slightly
moist and feed monthly during spring and summer with an all-purpose liquid
fertilizer. Low-light conditions inhibit flower production.
Eliminates: formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia, and
more
Dracaena
This large group of houseplants offers selections in all shapes, sizes, and
colors. The tall corn plant (D. fragrans 'Massangeana') looks at home in a
corner, while the colorful striped leaves of 'Lemon Lime' (D. deremensis 'Lemon
Lime') and the day-glow 'Limelight' (D. deremensis 'Limelight') brighten up a
dark spot. These selections flourish in low light, while the Madagascar Dragon
Tree (D. marginata) prefers bright light.
Care: There's a dracaena for every light situation. Keep the soil damp but not
soggy. A pot sitting in a water-filled saucer is the kiss of death for this
plant. Feed monthly during spring and summer with an all-purpose liquid
fertilizer.
Eliminates: formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, trichloroethylene
Air Purifying Plants
Whether its old or new, your home could be harboring unhealthy (and
invisible) toxins. These chemical compounds are found in emissions from
paint, plastics, carpet, cleaning solutions, and numerous building materials.
Three major offenders found in the home include:
formaldehyde: in carpets, upholstery, glues, paint, and more
benzene: in plastics, synthetic fibers, lubricants, rubber, pesticides, and
more)
trichloroethylene: in paint removers, rug cleaning solution, adhesives, and
more
Plants that Clean the Air
Lucky for us, nature has a way of keeping itself clean. There are many
powerful air-cleaning plants that naturally remove pollutants from the air. We
picked nine of our favorites and offer tips on how to keep them in top working
condition.
Tip: In a 2,000 square foot house, bring in 15 to 20 plants in 6-inch pots or
larger. Rather than scattering single plants, create group displays in each
room for a great look and maximum air quality. Adjust accordingly for larger or
smaller homes. Before purchasing, ask about which plants could be harmful
to pets if ingested.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
In the 1980s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America
discovered that peace lilies absorb benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene,
and more. To maximize the plant's air-cleansing potential, keep the foliage
dust-free. Pristine white blooms are a bonus with this efficient plant.
Care: The peace lily thrives in both low and bright light. Keep the soil slightly
moist and feed monthly during spring and summer with an all-purpose liquid
fertilizer. Low-light conditions inhibit flower production.
Eliminates: formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia, and
more
Dracaena
This large group of houseplants offers selections in all shapes, sizes, and
colors. The tall corn plant (D. fragrans 'Massangeana') looks at home in a
corner, while the colorful striped leaves of 'Lemon Lime' (D. deremensis 'Lemon
Lime') and the day-glow 'Limelight' (D. deremensis 'Limelight') brighten up a
dark spot. These selections flourish in low light, while the Madagascar Dragon
Tree (D. marginata) prefers bright light.
Care: There's a dracaena for every light situation. Keep the soil damp but not
soggy. A pot sitting in a water-filled saucer is the kiss of death for this
plant. Feed monthly during spring and summer with an all-purpose liquid
fertilizer.
Eliminates: formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, trichloroethylene
Florists Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
While anthurium and orchids do a good job purifying the air, the florists
chrysanthemum (commonly called a "mum") is one of the best. Technically
not a houseplant, this seasonal beauty flowers for about six weeks with proper
care. When its spent, toss it in the compost pile and treat yourself to another
fresh pot.
Care: Place the chrysanthemum in bright, indirect light. Check the soils
moisture every other day, and keep it damp. Dont bother with fertilizer, as it
wont re-bloom.
Eliminates: formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, ammonia
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Easy elegance best describes this sturdy palm. It grows between three and
six feet tall and also transpires a healthy bit of moisture into a room, making it
particularly welcome in dry winter months.
Care: Although this palm requires bright light to flourish, dont place it in direct
sunlight. Keep the soil moist and feed your plant monthly during summer with
an all-purpose liquid fertilizer. Placing the plant where air circulates freely and
occasional misting both help deter spider mites.
Eliminates: formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene, chloroform,
and more
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Virtually indestructible, golden pothos consistently grows in high gear and is
considered one of the most effective indoor purifiers of the plant world. Show
it off in a hanging basket or place in small 6-inch pots at the base of a tall
indoor tree (such as the Dracaena corn plant) to cascade over the pots edge.
The newest selection, Neon, boasts brilliant, glowing foliage.
Care: Golden pothos grows in any light situation except direct sunlight. Water
it when the soil becomes dry to the touch. Feed monthly with an all-purpose
liquid plant food and trim long tendrils when the plant becomes too large.
Eliminates: formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, carbon monoxide, and
more
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is an evergreen climbing plant that is well adapted to indoor
conditions. Theyre easily grown as houseplants in hanging baskets or
containers and are an excellent choice for low-light situations. Use green-
leaved varieties to provide contrast against lighter surroundings and choose
variegated forms to brighten up dark corners. English Ivy is recommended for
removing allergens such as mold and animal feces.
Care: Green-leaved varieties will grow in bright indirect light and low-light
situations. Pale, variegated forms need bright, indirect light to thrive. Water
generously during growth and keep compost moist but not waterlogged
through the winter months. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during
growth.
Eliminates: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and
more
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Chinese evergreen plants are evergreen perennials from tropical forests in
Asia. Theyre usually grown as foliage plants where they produce numerous
leaves, which are attractively patterned or variegated in some varieties. They
remove formaldehyde and benzene amongst other toxins.
Care: Grow in well-drained potting soil in filtered light and provide high
humidity by placing plants above trays of water or by regularly misting with
water. Water moderately and allow compost to almost dry out before watering.
During the growing season, provide a balanced liquid fertilizer. Repot every
two to three years.
Eliminates: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and
more
Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Areca palm is a small, cluster-forming palm from Madagascar. The plants
graceful, arching leaves and architectural form make it an attractive indoor
specimen plant. According toNASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of
America, Areca Palm is the most efficient air purifying plant and is an excellent
air humidifier.
Care: Grow in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun. Provide plentiful
water when in growth, but reduce watering in winter. Apply a balanced liquid
fertilizer monthly during growth.
Eliminates: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene,
xylene, and more
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants are evergreen trees from India. Tropical in appearance, they
make handsome container specimens. Leaves are typically broad, deep
green and shiny. However, some varieties exhibit cream variegated and
purple tinged foliage. Roots are produced aerially, which oftentimes entwine
around the trunk forming interesting entangled shapes and buttressing. Tests
have shown that rubber plants are especially efficient at removing
formaldehyde from the air.
Care: Grow in full or bright, filtered light. When in growth, water moderately
and apply a high nitrogen fertilizer monthly. Keep the compost moist in winter.
Some pruning may be necessary to reduce plant size. Retain leaf shine by
wiping with a damp cloth periodically.
Eliminates: carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and more
