Recently, research conducted by the Associated Landscape Contractors of America and NASA scientists has determined that certain plants can not only balance indoor humidity, but they can also keep your household air clean and pure. These common outdoor plants help fight indoor air pollution by absorbing pollutants and scrubbing harmful gases out of the air. The bottom line: if you want to breathe cleaner air, bring these outdoor plants inside.
While plants are no replacement for a whole-house air purifier and HEPA filtration, investing in indoor plants for cleaner air is a smart – and decorative – move. Here are the top healthy air plant choices:
Boston Fern
(Nephrolepsis exaltata bostoniensis)
A classic, shade-loving landscape plant, and perennial porch enhancement, the Boston fern is a natural humidifier. They release moisture in the air, which removes pollutants such as xylene, formaldehyde, and benzene. Boston ferns prefer filtered sunlight and humid conditions.
English Ivy
(Hedera helix)
English ivy is a popular cottage garden ground-cover favorite. Indoors, it is beneficial to people who suffer from asthma and allergies. English ivy can remove formaldehyde and benzene, as well as various volatile chemicals released by synthetic materials. It grows best in bright sunlight. Keep away from pets and children.
Golden Pothos
(Epipremnum aureum)
In landscapes, golden pothos is a highly invasive plant. Indoors, its mottled evergreen leaves make it a favorite in gift baskets and arrangements, but it also works efficiently to remove pollutants such as xylene, benzene, and formaldehyde. Like English ivy, pothos can be dangerous to children and pets if ingested.
Aloe Vera
(Aloe barbadensis)
An old standby in xeriscapes and cactus gardens, this attractive, fleshy succulent is often grown as an ornamental plant. Renowned as a magical cure-all for a plethora of digestive and skin disorders, and a common product in a variety of skincare products, Aloe Vera also works wonders in your home. Not only does it soothe skin irritation and burns, it also is very efficient at filtering out a variety of volatile gas emissions from toxic materials.
Peace Lily
(Spathiphyllum)
The number one outdoor plant you should bring indoors is the peace lily. It is known to be a powerful indoor pollution fighter – it reduces harmful indoor toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde. Often given as gifts at Easter, this is an easy-to-care-for houseplant.
For more information about how to keep the air in your home clean and free of toxins and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), contact Bounds Heating & Air to schedule an inspection by one of our expert HVAC technicians. Our staff of professionals is proud to serve our friends and neighbors in Gainesville and the surrounding communities.
