Plants convert CO2 into oxygen and thus provide fresh air. However, some plants can do much more than that: some plants purify the air of pollutants and thus improve the air in your room. We show you suitable air-purifying plants, that you can put next to your laptop to enjoy BetLabel.
PLANTS TO IMPROVE THE INDOOR AIR
We spend around 80 to 90 percent of our lives indoors. But only a few rooms have plants. Yet that would be very important.
Because of paints, varnishes, electrical appliances, furniture, and carpets, there are sometimes toxic fumes in our indoor air – including trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and ammonia – all of which are harmful gases. They can trigger headaches, dizziness, allergies, and other health problems. They also prevent us from concentrating and make us unproductive.
However, almost 30 years ago, NASA was able to prove in a study that certain indoor plants break down chemical pollutants and thus improve the indoor climate. With its “Clean Air Study”, the American space agency originally wanted to find out how it could improve the climate in space stations. The result is a list of air-purifying plants.
PLANTS FOR A GOOD INDOOR CLIMATE
Chrysanthemums can also improve the indoor air. Houseplants are not only pretty to look at, they are also sound absorbers, oxygen donors, humidifiers and pollutant filters all in one. Particularly in winter, these natural air purifiers can create a pleasant, fresh atmosphere and help to combat dry heating air, thus improving the indoor air.
For the plants to develop their air-purifying effect, the researchers recommend at least one plant per nine square meters. The larger the plant, the greater the effect.
- Peace lily: This plant, also known as the vagina leaf, is a true all-rounder and binds most toxins from the air. It is easy to care for and only needs a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Its major disadvantage is that it is poisonous to dogs and cats and some allergy sufferers are also sensitive to it.
- Chrysanthemum: The chrysanthemum is also an all-rounder, but unfortunately it is also poisonous for our four-legged friends. This houseplant likes a sunny spot and regular watering. Waterlogging and drying out should be avoided.
- Dragon tree (Dracaena reflexa): Dragon tree, bow hemp and ivy cleanse your air of almost all the pollutants mentioned, except for ammonia. The beautiful-looking, evergreen Southerner prefers a bright location and sparing watering.
- Bow hemp (Sansevieria trifasciata): This exotic plant is probably one of the easiest to care for, natural air purifiers. It enjoys plenty of sun and occasional fertilization.
- Common ivy: Ivy thrives best in bright spots without direct sunlight. However, it should not be kept warmer than 20 degrees Celsius in the long term. The plant is also undemanding when it comes to watering. Ivy gets by with little water but needs to be watered regularly.
- Ivy lily: You can’t go far wrong with this climbing plant. It needs a bright location, an occasional gentle shower from a spray bottle and watering once a week is enough.
EXOTIC PLANTS CAN BE POINSINOUS
Most of the plants in the Nasa study are tropical or subtropical plants. Be careful with cheap flowers from DIY stores, furniture stores, or supermarkets. The plants sold there are often treated with pesticides during cultivation – this is harmful to the indoor climate and health.
It is best to buy your plants from a local organic nursery, where you will also get better advice. Or ask your friends and acquaintances for cuttings so that you can grow them yourself.