Certain house plants were especially good at scrubbing the air of VOCs, off-gases from carpeting, particle board and certain types of finishes. Some of the chemicals found to be absorbed from these plants were:
- benzene
- formaldehyde
- trichloroethylene
Unfortunately, one contaminate that plants were not able to absorb is tobacco smoke; Although some of the harmful chemicals are no doubt reduced. Of course, the best reduction plan for cigarette smoke is “Do not smoke indoors!”
House plants that were found to be best were tropical and subtropical varieties, which grow in low light conditions on the forest floor. So these are well adapted for home conditions with indoor lighting.
The soil is also a factor in contributing to air quality improvement, so make sure that the soil be kept clear of debris, so it can do its job.
So which plants made the list of best House Plants to
Improve Indoor Air Quality?
- Hedera helix ~ English Ivy
- Chlorophytum comosum ~ Spider Plant
- Epipiremnum aureum ~ Golden Pothos
- Spathiphyllum`Mauna Loa’ ~ Peace Lily
- Aglaonema modestum ~ Chinese Evergreen
- Chamaedorea sefritzii ~ Bamboo or Reed Palm
- Sansevieria trifasciata ~ Snake Plant
- Philodendron scandens `oxycardium’ ~ Heartleaf Philodendron
- Philodendron selloum selloum ~ Philodendron
- Philodendron domesticum ~ Elephant Ear Philodendron
- Dracaena marginata ~ Red-Edged Dracaena
- Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana’ ~ Cornstalk Dracaena
- Dracaena deremensis `~ Janet Craig’ Janet Craig Dracaena
- Dracaena deremensis `Warneckii’ Warneck dracaena
- Ficus benjamina ~ Weeping Fig
To get the full effect, we recommend having quite a few plants. One 6-8 inch potted plant per 100 square feet is recommended. But why not at least start with a few of these air-cleaning house plants? Not only will you breathe a bit easier, but they also look great too!
SO how many of these plants do you plan to add to your home?