Top 10 NASA Recommended Plants to Improve Air Quality: Indoor Plants for Oxygen
Table of Contents
- 1. Snake Plant
- 2. Money Plant
- 3. Spider Plant
- 4. Lady Palm
- 5. Gerbera Plant
- 6. Weeping Fig
- 7. Chrysanthemum Plant
- 8. Peace Lily
- 9. Aloe Vera
- 10. Areca Palm
- 11. FAQs
The right to clean air is fundamental, but it’s rare to breathe clean air, especially in cities. Buying an air purifier seems like the best option, but they are expensive. So, what can you do? Consider investing in houseplants. They not only enhance your home decor but also clean toxins from the air, making it a win-win situation. Keep reading to discover 10 amazing air-purifying houseplants recommended by NASA, learn how to care for them, and find out where to place them in your home.
1. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, is most effective at night. While you sleep, it purifies the air by removing toxins and releasing oxygen, helping you feel more refreshed and energized when you wake up. Avoid overwatering it, as snake plants do not handle excessive moisture well and are prone to rot.
2. Money Plant
Money plants are one of the most important indoor plants for air purification, making them an excellent choice. The money plant is one of the most popular home plants in India and is believed to bring success and fortune to our homes. It can be grown as a hanging plant or a climber, and it also looks great. Additionally, it is a beneficial plant for air purification as it helps eliminate air contaminants when grown nearby.
The Money Plant, as highlighted by NASA, is well-known for its ability to eliminate chemicals and other air pollutants, including benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Even if your workspace has only a small window, you don’t need to worry; it also thrives in indirect light.
3. Spider Plant
Spider plants are a great choice for purifying the air in your kids’ playroom because they are non-toxic to people, as well as dogs and cats. Spider plants are very effective at removing xylene from the air, and can even help reduce the harmful chemical carbon monoxide. Water your spider plant once a week, and don’t worry if you overwater it, as they usually need a decent amount of water! Spider plants can help remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. These resilient plants are a perfect option for beginners to indoor gardening.
4. Lady Palm
The Lady Palm is recommended as a great plant for the bathroom by NASA. Cleaning products in the bathroom often contain ammonia, and having this plant can help remove the toxic gas from the air. If you like taking long, steamy showers, there’s no need to worry because this plant thrives in humidity. However, keep in mind that with the natural moisture in the bathroom, the plant will require less frequent watering.
5. Gerbera Plant
These plants have green leaves and red blossoms and can easily fit into any upscale bedroom. They are also great at constantly cleansing the air. At night, gerbera daisies continue to generate a lot of oxygen and purify the air by removing benzene, trichloroethylene, and other pollutants.
Place your Gerbera plant near a window in the spring, summer, or fall so it can receive strong light. During the winter, it prefers indirect light. Water your Gerbera about once a week and ensure that the soil remains moist
6. Weeping Fig
The weeping fig, also known as the Ficus tree, is a small but beautiful plant with lush, glossy leaves. A study has shown that the weeping fig can increase oxygen levels and filter out harmful VOCs such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
7. Chrysanthemum Plant
If you want to brighten up your home, consider adding a beautiful arrangement of Chrysanthemums. These lovely blossoms come in orange, yellow, red, and pink colors, and can cheer up even the darkest days. Chrysanthemums also help to remove ammonia and benzene from the air, providing you with clean, fresh air to breathe.
8. Peace Lily
White blossoms on peace lilies are unique and distinctive. They symbolize prosperity, charm, and good fortune. Peace lilies require little maintenance and are an excellent way to improve indoor oxygen levels. In addition to being attractive, peace lilies can help by providing clean, oxygen-rich air in your home. Peace lilies are very effective at removing airborne impurities. According to NASA tests, peace lilies are particularly good at eliminating benzene and trichloroethylene, two common pollutants found in homes and workplaces.
9. Aloe Vera
The benefits of aloe vera are well known, but many people may not be aware of its air-purifying and oxygen-boosting properties. Aloe vera is capable of removing airborne pollutants such as benzene and aldehydes. Unlike most plants, it also releases oxygen at night, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms and other small spaces.
10. Areca Palm
The Areca Palm is not only a highly attractive plant, but it also produces a lot of oxygen and eliminates many of the poisons that NASA studied. Like all other plants, the Areca Palm is organically designed to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. What distinguishes the Areca Palm, however, is its capacity to eliminate harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the environment it is placed in.
For plant maintenance, each person needs at least four shoulder-high plants. In Lucknow, the leaves should be cleaned daily, while in cities with cleaner air, cleaning once a week may be sufficient. The plants need to be fertilized every two weeks and watered every two to three days. Areca Palms thrive in filtered light and require frequent watering. They should be grown in vermicompost using hydroponics or sterile soil, and taken outside every three to four months.
In today’s world, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to rely on the great outdoors for fresh air. If you find yourself unable to leave the house, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy some good oxygen from Mother Nature.
To increase the green cover from 9% to 15% by 2026-2027, the government of Uttar Pradesh has set a target of planting 35 crore saplings and protecting them this year. As part of a statewide campaign that will run from July 1 to 7, the government has set targets for all departments and divisions.
Join us on our journey as G-Sewa the Best NGO in Lucknow takes the green initiative to various cities in Uttar Pradesh! Our dedicated team is committed to enhancing urban landscapes and promoting environmental sustainability. Be part of this remarkable movement that is reshaping the future.
FAQs:
Q1. What are NASA recommended plants for improving indoor air quality?
Ans: NASA recommends several plants known for their air-purifying qualities, such as peace lily, snake plant, spider plant, and aloe vera.
Q2. How do indoor plants improve air quality?
Ans: Indoor plants can improve air quality by absorbing pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene through their leaves and roots, thereby purifying the air.
Q3. Do these plants produce oxygen?
Ans: Yes, indoor plants produce oxygen during the process of photosynthesis, contributing to healthier indoor air quality.
Q4. How many of these plants should I have in my home for noticeable air quality improvements?
Ans: NASA suggests having at least one plant per 100 square feet of indoor space for optimal air purification benefits.
Q5. Are these plants easy to care for?
Ans: Many of the NASA recommended plants are low-maintenance and thrive in indoor environments with minimal care, making them suitable for beginners.