Top 10 Plants To Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

Plants for the Home: Health

Numerous advantages of houseplants include greater focus and a reduction in stress. But did you know that some air-filtering plant species can protect you from cancer, kidney disease, and liver disease? 

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are present in the majority of household products, including furniture, paint, carpets, and even the building materials used to create the actual home. Over time, VOCs like formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and toluene are released into the atmosphere and can seriously harm human health.

It makes sense that people would look for new ways to address the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, which is engulfed in a deadly haze with alarming and dangerous levels of pollution. Masks are the first item people grab to ensure they are adequately protected against all poisons and dust particles, whether they be simple cotton masks, medical masks, or the more accurate N95 masks. As an alternative, some individuals begin to retreat and remain at home in the belief that doing so may lessen their exposure to the lethal toxins in the air. What most people fail to realise is that remaining indoors won't solve the problem. In reality, the indoor air quality is humongously deteriorating. Reason being, primarily one can not stay behind the bars forever and most importantly the air which we breathe in is not as  pure as one assumes it to be. Hence, a more conservative and practical way to resolve the problem is to look for something that is environmentally friendly and does not burn a hole in the pocket.  To answer the situation, home tubs of plants that purify the air is the apt option. Definitely! Such plants do exist and are easy to find too. When it comes to safeguarding your home without making it look too tacky, the best option to go for is by adopting green house plants. Plants that particularly are placed in bedrooms are not only evident in minimising toxins and pollutants but also boosts up oxygen levels that help get a good night sleep. In order to get a safe and healthy environment it does not necessarily require a balcony or large terrace space to build in. Rather, all you require is a strong will and tiniest spaces in your home for these beautiful and beneficial green plants.

Does air quality actually matter?

We spend over 90% of our time indoors, whether sleeping, binge-watching Netflix, or working in an office, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, spending so much time indoors exposes us to
contaminants. You must purchase these 10 plants to combat indoor air pollution.
There are a large number of reasons to jot down which will make you feel to throw in all the plants we’ll be talking about later in this section:

1. The old dusty carpets that attracts all the visitors 
2. Clothes that have been dry cleaned 
3. Paint 
4. Artificial building materials
5. Molds
6. Furnishings 
7. Bateria
8. Pesticides 
9. Outdoor pollution that enters through a persons clothes, windows etc. 

   The list goes infinitely long if we start pinning down every bit. Indoor plants not only make your homes look attractive but also play a major role in reducing tension and exhaustion thereby enhancing concentration of an individual. Hence, the most natural way to resolve all this issue which is cost effective is by planting these cute babies. It is said that inside Volatile organic Compounds (VOCs) levels are three-five times higher than the outside environment. Though, we are all exposed to some level of air pollution which does not actually cause any harm, but what is better than having more indoor plants. However, it may affect an individual's health particularly for one who is more sensitive when there is poor ventilation. A scientific term referred to as “ sick building syndrome” might affect a person's health and includes symptoms such as nausea, fatigue and headaches. 

What role does plants have in controlling Air Pollution?

Inside air pollution has been recognised as one of the most significant environmental threats to one's health. Inhaling and working in such hazardous environments comprising compounds in air and insufficient ventilation can lead to a lot of health problems such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, ear-eye-nose irritation and many more. Environmentalists believe that apart from giving oxygen and intaking carbon dioxide, some indoor plants also have a way to take in harmful compounds such as benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde.

Here are the top 10 Plants to help fight Indoor Air pollution without making your banks empty: 

Spider plant

For beginners or owners who tend to forget, spider plants are among the easiest indoor plants to maintain. If exposed to bright, indirect sunlight, spider plants will produce stems with blooms that will eventually develop into juvenile spider plants or spiderettes. The young plants can be given their own soil-filled pot even if they are still connected to the mother plant. Cut them off once they've rooted. Give these to friends or use them to increase the number of plants in your house.

Dracaena

These plants come over in 40 different varieties, hence one can have a whole lot of options to choose what compliments their home perfectly.  However, pet guardians should rather look for some other plants as these are fatal to cats and  dogs. Dracaena can climb 3 feet in height, require large pots and hence larger space. They best part about these plants are that they do not require huge amount of water rather just few mist.

Aloe Vera

A versatile, perennial herb called aloe vera (Aloe Barbadensis) has the ability to eliminate formaldehyde and benzene from the air. There are more than 250 options available. It requires a lot of sunlight and is easy to grow.

Peace Lily

Compared to many of the other plants on our list, peace lily plants are little, which makes them perfect for confined settings. Maintain peace lilies in a shaded area with moist but not soggy soil. These plants are easy to grow and bloom all summer long. Just remember that peace lilies release pollen and odours into the atmosphere. If kids or dogs consume peace flowers, it could be fatal.

Ficus/ Weeping FigFicus

 The ficus is a tree in its native Southeast Asia and parts of Australia. It's a hardy plant that, when cultivated indoors, can reach a height of 10 feet. Grow this low-maintenance beauty in strong indirect light, letting the soil dry out between waterings. When it's well above freezing outside, you can also utilise this indoor plant to brighten up your patio or porch.

Snake Plant

This plant, also referred to as mother-in-weed, law's is one of the best at removing formaldehyde. Additionally, it helps to remove nitrogen dioxide. Even at night, it absorbs carbon dioxide and exhales oxygen. This is a great plant for the bedroom. It is easy to maintain and only requires a little water and sunlight to thrive.

Bamboo Palm

This plant, also  popularly known as the Butterfly Palm or Areca Palm can no doubt be termed as the best air purifying plants available in India. It filters benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene and is a tough plant. It must be planted in moist soil that has good air circulation. In addition to air filtration, it also functions as a natural humidifier, which makes it even more useful during the dry winter. In regions with bright light but not direct sunshine, areca palms flourish. The plant needs to be pruned frequently since it grows quickly. Pets can use it safely because it is non-toxic.

Indian Basil

This plant, also known as tulsi, needs very little upkeep. It is one of the best anti-pollution or air-purifying plants in India with therapeutic capabilities. The optimal location for this plant to be kept is close to a window because the tulsi plant needs consistent sunlight. And yeah, remember to give these air-purifying plants in India regular watering.

Money Plant

These Indian plants are considered to be strong air purifying or anti pollutant plants that help in cleaning air inside the house successfully. It requires frequent watering to blossom well in indirect sunlight. These plants grow fast and hence need to be pruned consecutively. Although it might not be suitable for pet owners as they prove to be toxic for them and even for kids when consumed. 

English Ivy

These indoor evergreen air purifying plants reduce airborne faecal matter particles and filter out airborne formaldehyde. This plant needs upkeep because it attracts pests when it doesn't get enough light. Additionally, it needs to be watered carefully because the plant often does not tolerate standing water. Despite the fact that it requires a lot of maintenance, this plant is still one of the most effective air purifiers or anti-pollution plants because it can remove more than 55% of the airborne pollutants.