The cleanliness and purity of the air we breathe is a topic that poses tremendous relevance to us all, unless you’re superhuman or some shit and don’t require oxygen to literally exist. Air and water are two things we as human beings require to survive, and the cleaner the air, the better, relatively speaking.
Air purifiers are a great option for individuals looking to improve the quality of air in their home, however, they tend to be rather pricey. Furthermore, they rely on filters to rid toxins from the air, so, eventually, the filters need to be changed, which means more money again.
An alternative to an air purifier that would require less work and less money is one you might not expect; plants. Not just plants as a general concept, but specific plants that are extremely powerful in terms of possessing the ability to clean air. Check out the following information from wagnergreenhouses.com.
“1. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Bred for toughness, the rubber plant will tolerate dim light (they will burn in direct light) and cooler temperatures. It is easy to grow and is best at removing the chemical toxin formaldehyde. Care Tip: For best results, water this air purifier plant every 1-2 weeks and try to provide filtered morning sunlight if you’re able.
“2. Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ (Dracaena fragrans)
Also commonly known as the corn plant, the hardy, dark green leaves of the dracaena make it an attractive house plant that can grow quite tall. It is one of the best plants for removing trichloroethylene while also tolerating neglect and dim lighting. Perfect for new plant parents or housewarming gifts!
“3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Also referred to as common ivy, English ivy is easy to grow and adapts to a variety of home environments. It’s appreciated as a houseplant for it’s ability to trail to attractive lengths. This plant does not like high temperatures and is unfortunately more prone to common pests such as spider mites than other plants. Care Tip: English ivy can also be toxic to cats and dogs so it’s best suited for a pet-free environment.
“4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Arguably the easiest houseplant to care for, even seasoned plant enthusiasts appreciate it for its many varieties and beautiful heart shaped leaves. Pothos will tolerate lower light, humidity and temperature levels while being one of the best plants for removing all types of indoor toxins. Care Tip: While there are many different varieties of pothos, the color of the leaves will indicate the amount of light it prefers. The darker the leaves, the less light it requires to thrive.
“5. Bamboo Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Often called the areca palm or golden palm, this plant variety originates from Madagascar and will instantly give your space a tropical feeling. Best at eliminating benzene and formaldehyde, the bamboo palm likes part sun to part shade. Care Tip: if you typically neglect your houseplants, be warned that this variety doesn’t take well to lack of water. You’re better off slightly over watering than underwatering the bamboo palm. Investing in a moisture stick to check soil water level will help!” the web page explains.
Check back tomorrow for more examples of air-purifying plants.
Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash
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