8 Plants That Help Reduce The Impact Of Air Pollution On Us

In modern times, there is hardly any city that is not struggling with air pollution. According to a report by the WHO, 4.3 million people worldwide die due to poor air quality inside the house.

With COVID-19 hovering over our heads, most of us have compromised with a way of living that requires us to cut down our social life and mostly stay indoors. But we might as well know that staying indoors comes with its own baggage.

Even the modern apartments that claim to be energy efficient can pose a serious risk of lack of airflow inside the building. When there is inadequate airflow, there is a high risk of indoor air pollution building up and causing respiratory and other health issues. The chemicals in cleaning solutions, furnishings and synthetic materials also contribute to 90% of indoor pollution.

How plants help?

There are a few common indoor plants that rescue us when it comes to fighting the menace of indoor air pollution. As per a NASA study, led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA), houseplants can clean indoor air by absorbing harmful toxins from the environment. While these plants are not as effective as air purifiers, they are definitely a cost-effective, more natural and therapeutic way to breathe clean air.

Here are 8 indoor plants that can help you clean your indoor air by tackling harmful pollutants:

1. Golden Pothos (Scindapsus aures)

Also known as Devil’s Ivy, Pothos are one of the most common house decorations around the world. These bright green and yellow plants can grow up to 8 feet without much care and are considered really effective indoor air purifiers.

These plants are known to eliminate formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, and carbon monoxide.

2. Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are one of the most adaptable and easiest to grow plants that look especially great in hanging pots. These are named so because of their dangling spiderettes like leaves that hang down from the mother plant.

Spider plants fight against formaldehyde, xylene, benzene which comes from paints, detergents, thinner and other things.

3. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

These beautiful bright flowers are ranked the highest for purifying air. Also known as ‘mums’, these plants bloom with seasonal flowers only for six weeks. Once the season passes, it no longer serves the purpose of combating air pollution for the rest of the year.

This flower eliminates ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene and xylene.

4. Snake Plants (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’)

Keeping snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, in the house can be the best way to get direct oxygen. It takes minimal efforts to maintain this plant as it survives with limited water and sunlight exposure too.

Snake plants combat formaldehyde, xylene, trichloroethylene and benzene in the air.

5. Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

This elegant plant is best to keep at home during dry winters as it acts as a natural humidifier too. Thriving in shady indoor spaces, Bamboo Palm does not ask for much care. It helps eliminate carbon monoxide, xylene, chloroform and formaldehyde from the air.

6. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum)

In 1980, NASA named Peace Lilies the third most effective air purifying plant. A member of the Araceae family, it is an adaptable and low-maintenance plant that helps eliminate formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia, and more.

7. Rubber plants (Ficus elastic)

Rubber plants demand a little more care than the above plants. If provided ample care and sunlight, these plants can grow to impressive heights. If you wish to keep the plant short, a small pot can restrict its growth.

These plants love bright, filtered light and can eliminate carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and more

8. Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)

Native to tropical forests in Asia, Chinese Evergreen plants have an increasing popularity among indoor gardeners for house decoration. These plants can effectively clear indoor air of toxins but they are slow-grower and require special attention.

They help eliminate benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and more.