Many houseplants are able to absorb the pollutants present in the domestic environment, freeing us from asthma, mucosal irritations, sore throats, headaches, irritability or allergies.
Domestic pollution
The air in our homes is affected by both external and internal environmental pollution : paints, adhesives and preservatives for wood, cleaning products and cigarette smoke but also normal activities such as cooking, release into the environment domestic volatile and semi-volatile compounds.
In the air of our homes, for example, formaldehyde can be present, produced by cigarette smoke, gas used for cooking, wall paints, furniture, fabrics and curtains; cigarette smoke also releases numerous other health-damaging substances into the environment, including benzene .
Computer screens are responsible for the presence of xylene and toluene in the home air, while products used for domestic cleaning can pollute the air in the home with an excess of ammonia .
All these substances present in the air we breathe can cause various ailments, such as headaches, respiratory tract irritations, allergies and irritability.
To purify the air in the home, we should choose furniture made from environmentally friendly materials, use natural paint, not smoke inside our homes and opt for natural detergents as much as possible.
More help comes from plants capable of purifying the air in the home : for an apartment of one hundred square meters, eight to twelve plants are needed to improve the quality of the air in the home.
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10 plants to purify the air of home
The ficus
Ficus removes large quantities of formaldehyde from the environment . Ficus ( Ficus benjamina ) is perhaps the most well-known houseplant, but it is also very delicate: it needs constant and abundant watering, a humid climate and not too cold. Whoever has a green thumb can definitely place a Ficus in the living room, which will furnish the room and purify it by removing up to 12 micrograms of formaldehyde every hour.
ivy
Also the Edera variegata subtracts formaldehyde from the air of the house, but unlike Ficus it does not require special care. The variegated ivy ( Hedera helix variegata ) is a simple and resistant plant, with a hanging posture and variegated leaves with white shades.
aloe
Another plant capable of purifying the home air from formaldehyde is Aloe . Aloe ( Aloe vera ) is a succulent plant that requires little care: a light environment is enough and needs moderate watering.
Aloe has many properties in addition to purifying the air of our homes and it is worth having at least one in its green corner.
The anthurium
The anthurium purifies the home air from ammonia, removing about 10 micrograms of it per hour and is able to absorb even good percentages of formaldehyde, toluene and xylene.
Anthurium ( Anthurium andreanum ) is a plant characterized by shiny and bright heart-shaped leaves; the flowers are waxed and can be bright red, pink or white. In summer the anthurium can be placed outside, in a shaded area of the balcony or terrace.
The dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia absorbs formaldehyde, toluene and xylene from the environment . Dieffenbachia is an ornamental plant characterized by large oval leaves spotted with white or light green and not particularly showy flowers. It can be placed in an outdoor area during the summer months, as long as it is sheltered from direct sunlight.
The dracena
The genus Dracena includes plants that absorb formaldehyde, toluene and xylene ; the Dracena marginata is for example able to remove from the environment about 10 micrograms / hour of xylene and toluene.
The different varieties of Dracena have lance-shaped or line leaves and adapt well to the heated environment of our homes; in summer, these plants can be placed outdoors, in a shaded area.
Sansevieria
Sansevieria absorbs alcohol, acetone, benzene and small amounts of formaldehyde and xylene. Sansevieria ( Sansevieria trifasciata ) requires little care, so it is also suitable for those without a big green thumb. Furthermore, this plant performs a slight activity of synthesis even during the night, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. In summer, the Sansevieria is well tolerated in a sunny position if placed outdoors during the warm months.
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The spatifillo
The spatifillo removes considerable amounts of acetone from the environment, up to 19 micrograms per hour. The Spathiphyllum ( Spathiphyllum ) is an ornamental plant that needs a lot of light and abundant watering, otherwise the foliage will tend to lose turgor or dry up. In summer it produces white flowers and can be placed outside the apartment, in a cool, shady place.
Orchids
Orchids absorb xylene from the home environment. Orchids are elegant and delicate plants that need a lot of light and a lot of attention because they flower regularly.
The pothos
Pothos removes carbon monoxide from our homes. It is a plant that requires little care and is also suitable for those with black thumbs. The Pothos, or Potos, can be grown in pots making it climb to a support or placed in baskets and made to fall back. It needs a lot of light, abundant watering and a humid environment: it can therefore be placed in the kitchen and in the bathroom or cultivated in water jars.
