15/12/2021
Several studies show that the – health experts warn about indoor air pollution hazards, that the indoor pollutants are higher than outdoor environment. According to ‘Dr Vivek Nangia’, (the HOD &director of pulmonology, Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, New Delhi) stated that “Air pollution is an invisible killer.” Similarly, the survey done by the ‘United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’ says that Humans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, from home to office, shopping Malls, Restaurants, Study centers, Events center, Worship places and so much more indoors places where the concentration of indoor pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors. Owing to the pollution from paints, varnish, mosquito sprays, adhesives, air fresheners, and heavy upholstery. Therefore, essentially, we need to take more care of air pollution at home.
How are We Trying to Improve?
People are realizing the increasing risk the indoors pollutants causes to their health and are keen on bringing good changes in their lifestyle by focusing their attention on improving their indoor living through the removing of unwanted carpets, properly Cleaning of their indoors space at regular intervals and introducing Air purifying plants to their indoor space.
According to Green Building Council (GBC) – Green Interiors Rating System standards for individual use states that ‘Encourage usage of indoor plants to enhance indoor air quality, thereby improving the health and wellbeing of occupants’ (Indoor Environment – IE Credit 6). which explain that plants are extremely beneficial for human existence and human survival because they exhale oxygen, oxygen – the most essential aspect of human life.
Due to the general awareness regarding environment, a majority of people these days have transformed their balcony into a balcony garden. The living room and entire interior space of the house is being utilized wisely by planting indoor plants. Terrace gardening is being profusely used by the building management to plant greens to save life and planet. Greenery is a treat to our eyes and it absorbs the pollution in the form of carbon dioxide that exists in the atmosphere. Plants are considered pious in our most tradition and culture as it emits positive energy…Yet, we have a long way to go! More people should come forward and increase green spaces on our planet.
10 AIR PURIFYING PLANTS FOR INDOORS
In this article we shall discuss in detail about the 10 plants which can help improve the air quality and say goodbye to the crucial air pollution.
It is necessary to mention here that all the plants discussed in this article under are indoor plants which can be planted inside the house, on window sills or in balconies. These plants particularly being indoor plants, most of them can survive without sunlight whereas there are few which require partial sunlight as mentioned below in the details of each plant
1. SNAKE PLANT:
Is a green coloured plant with sword-shaped wide fleshy leaves tipped with a yellow hue. It does not require much caring. These plants can be neglected for weeks at a time; yet, they look fresh. It should not be watered regularly because it is succulent in nature and does not absorb much water. Essentially you have to keep the soil moist and it is perfectly fine if you water it every alternate day or whenever you find the soil dry.
Snake Plants are often known as Mother-in-law’s-tongue and they are easily available in any nearby nursery. It is a decorative plant and can be placed both indoors and outdoors; but as we are particularly discussing about air purifying plants for our home, snake plant air purifier works for both indoors as well as outdoors and fetches the benefit of both. It is propagated by its roots. It grows up to a maximum height of 70cm and can be pruned and located as per your requirement. You can decorate this plant in your bedroom, living room or bathroom.
2. ARECA PALM:
Is well known by the name Golden Cane Palm. This is one of the most widely used indoor plants for interiors. It is also known as a living room plant. The leaves of this plant are green throughout the year. It is an air purifying plant and lives for decades. It releases oxygen throughout 24 hours and absorbs carbon dioxide. It is best for health, especially for patients with respiratory problems.
You can plant it in a big size pot as it has a tremendous growth and can grow up to a height of 6 – 7 feet. They can be well maintained by regular trimming. The soil should be aerated. The key factor for its proper growth is the right amount of light. Thus, see to it that it receives sunlight for few hours regularly, else keep it outside for a couple of days every two months. This will ensure its healthy growth. It is propagated by seeds and by roots.
3. ALOE VERA PLANT:
Aloe Vera is a medicinal herbal plant. It is one of the oldest plants known to provide many amazing benefits for skin, health, weight loss. It consists of gel which contains most of the bioactive compounds. It can be used raw for burns, skin and hair care. It is a plant of the succulent group with broad thick green leaves pointed at the tip. You can plant aloe vera on a kitchen window sill where it can see sunlight.
Aloe Vera is one of the best air purifying plant and it wards off harmful chemicals of detergent, varnish, and paint. Aloe Vera contains various powerful antioxidant compounds. Some of these compounds can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. It is also widely used in oils, cosmetics and Ayurveda medicine. Aloe Vera is easy to plant and it grows generously, up to maximum 3 feet height. It gives out oxygen at night, thus good for home dwellers. You can grow multiple pots from one single pot.
4. SPIDER PLANT:
Spider Plant is safe for you and your pets. It is a non-toxic plant and it is one of the best indoor plants. Spider plants are known for their air-purifying ability, though a large amount of plants is required to truly reap the benefits. They are easy to grow and propagate. Spider plant does not like to be too dry or too wet. Spider plant do not appreciate direct sunlight. Thus, keep plants in bright to moderate indirect sunlight. Apart from providing proper water and sunlight, no extra care is required.
You can have multiple pots by single pot just by planting the tiny spiderettes that grows in the plants. The spider plant acts as an air purifier that absorbs the available toxins from the environment. It has green leaves with a white ridge and it is green throughout the year. The maximum growth of the plant in height is 60cms. You can prune them up to desired height.
It is a perfect air cleanser and fights against the harmful gases emitted by chemicals and cleaning materials.
5. PEACE LILY PLANT:
Peace lily plant is also known as Cobra Plant. It is an elegant plant with low maintenance. It has pointed dark green oval leaves and is a sturdy plant with white flower flowers in them. It grows up to a maximum height of 4 feet. It is an air purifier and grows easily in indoors. Peace lily gives you a peaceful indoor environment by fighting against the air impurities.
Research conducted by ‘Dr B.C. Wolverton’ (an American scientist) well-known for being the principal investigator of NASA Clean Air Study where the plants were tested in order to find out their ability to purify air. He said that Peace Lily is one of the top indoor plants for cleaning air. This tropical plant breaks down and neutralizes toxic gases like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide.
To be continued...
