Environment

Grow these plants to clean indoor air

By Sreya Basu

Posted on June 6, 2017

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Did you know most half of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India?

According to a survey by the World Health Organization (WHO), Delhi is the 9th most polluted cities of the world, while the list also includes Gwalior, Allahabad, Patna and Raipur.

Studies have found that indoor air pollution is one of the Top 5 environmental risks to public health. We do have an option to get an air purifier, but nothing beats going nature’s way, especially if you have “green fingers”.

Here are 10 houseplants that have been proven to reduce toxins and clean indoor air:

1. Garden Mum

A research by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has found that Garden Mum is an expert at removing ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from indoor air.

This popular plant is quite inexpensive and can even be grown outdoors.

2. Spider Plant

One of the easiest houseplants to grow, Spider plants are great for beginners as they need minimal care. They can be grown in indirect sunlight and soon send out shoots with flowers that grow into new Spider plants. This plant removes formaldehyde and xylene from the air.

3. Dracaena

Available in almost 40 varieties, Dracaena plants cleans benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from indoor air. However, this plant is toxic to dogs and cats. So, pet-owners, beware!

4. Weeping Fig

Weeping Fig or Ficus is a hardy tree that can be grown indoors. It grows between two to 10 feet. Weeping Fig is low-maintenance and grows well in indirect light. It is known to remove benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from air.

5. Peace Lily

Easy to grow, Peace Lily is into serious air-cleaning. They prefer to grow and bloom in shade and moist soil. This plant cleans ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from indoor air.

6. Boston Fern

Boston Fern grows well in a cool place, high humidity and indirect light. Relatively easy to grow, this plant cleans formaldehyde and xylene from the air.

7. Snake Plant

Snake Plant is one of the hardiest houseplants. It needs water occasionally. It is an expert at cleaning benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and xylene pollutants.

8. Bamboo Palm

The stylish Bamboo Palm is a favourite among interior designers. Best known for filtering formaldehyde, this plant needs full sun or bright light. Bamboo Palms grow as tall as four to 12 feet are and pet-friendly as well. They remove benzene and trichloroethylene as well.

9. Aloe Vera

Extremely easy to care, Aloe Vera not only removes formaldehyde from indoor air, but its leaves contain a clear liquid that are rich in vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and other compounds with wound-healing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe Vera is known to heal skin diseases like psoriasis.
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10. Lavender

Lavender plant is known for its air purification properties. The plant needs direct sunlight, sandy soil and good drainage to grow.

Lavender plant not only lowers carbon dioxide and removes indoor contaminants like formaldehyde and ammonia, but also works as an excellent insect repellent. Besides, the aroma of lavender flowers soothes your anxiety and help you get better sleep.

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