Air-purifying plants: These green helpers improve the indoor climate

Natural pollutant filter
Air-purifying plants: These plants improve the indoor climate

Indoor plants are not only decorative, they also have a practical use: they produce oxygen and humidify the air. Depending on the type and size, the green roommates can even filter larger amounts of pollutants – and thus demonstrably improve the indoor climate.

As part of a study on the oxygen production of plants published a few years ago by the NASA was carried out, the positive benefits of green compacts could be confirmed: In order to improve the indoor climate for astronauts, the US Federal Agency for Space and Flight Science used indoor plants. And found out that their test objects have an air-purifying effect by filtering pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethane out of the air. These can be found, for example, in paints and solvents, cigarettes and carpets. They contribute to the deterioration of the air quality in closed rooms and the ability to concentrate is negatively affected. Air-purifying plants are therefore a sensible purchase for your home – or even the office.

Five air-purifying plants: tips for care

1. Spider plant

Due to its easy-care properties, the spider plant a welcome guest in many households. The air-purifying plant prefers partial shade, i.e. it should neither be in the blazing sun nor in the dark shade. Its green leaves are adorned with a white edge, making it particularly decorative – and on top of that it also filters pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air. It is also particularly nice that the spider plant is easy to propagate: simply cut off a flowering shoot and place it in water for a week or two until the roots sprout. In addition, the plant is non-toxic and therefore also suitable for cat owners.

2. Dragon Tree

This air-purifying plant is also a master at breaking down pollutants from the air – such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichlorethylene and xylene. the dragon tree prefers a bright location, but does not like blazing sun. It is an exotic species from Africa that prefers warm temperatures (between 19 and 25 degrees Celsius) – and unfortunately it is also poisonous, so it should not be kept within the reach of small children or cats. It grows between 50 and 120 centimeters, the leaves are narrow and have white vertical stripes.

3. Aloe vera

That aloe vera has a positive effect on our body (more precisely, the ingredients from its leaves) is commonly known. But did you also know that the evergreen houseplant has air-purifying properties? It is even particularly efficient when it comes to breaking down formaldehyde and benzene. In contrast to other species, it produces oxygen 24 hours a day, including at night, and is therefore particularly suitable for the bedroom. In addition, the succulent has few demands on its location and is therefore particularly easy to care for.

4. Leaflet

That A leaf also likes it in partial shade (like shade too) and only needs moderate water. In addition to its air-filtering properties, which pollutants benzene, formaldehyde, trichlorethylene and xylene fall victim to, the houseplant with its green leaves and white flowers is a real eye-catcher. But caution is also required here, as the green roommate is poisonous – and therefore not suitable for pet owners or families with small children. Unless the plant is not accessible to vulnerable people and animals.

5. Bow hemp

Its hard, long (upward growing) leaves make for an imposing appearance: the poisonous bow hemp Like its predecessors, is also very talented when it comes to improving the indoor climate. The air-purifying plant is easy to care for, likes direct sunlight and even tolerates high temperatures. Due to its large leaves, pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichlorethylene and xylenes are very effectively broken down from the air. Likewise, the green roommate produces fresh oxygen.

How many plants do you need for a room?

Depending on how big a room is and how many people are in it at the same time, you need a certain number of air-purifying plants – one alone cannot noticeably improve the indoor climate. At least eight small or four large houseplants (the pot diameter should be 24 centimeters) are recommended for a 30 square meter room. It doesn’t matter whether you want to improve the air quality in private or business rooms, the number remains the same. When choosing your plants, however, keep in mind that they will only serve their purpose if you respond to individual needs. This means the ideal location as well as the watering intervals.

You might also be interested in:

This article contains so-called affiliate links. Further information are available here.

branch