Houseplants that Clean the Air

There are many methods that plants employ to clean the air we breathe. They can remove harmful gas through photosynthesis and some can take pollution and absorb them into their soil. They not only can take carbon dioxide out of the air but things like benzene too. Clean air plants could include all houseplants, but some have been tested and proved. The best house plants for indoor air pollution will be the ones already tested and shown to work.

Spider Plant

Chlorophytum comosum 'Vittatum', commonly known as the spider plant, is a perennial well suited for hanging baskets. Leaves are 10 to 12 inches long. It does not flower but has very interesting foliage with its long tendrils with baby plants at the end. Grow a spider plant in low humidity in bright indirect light. Water evenly and use a water soluble fertilizer once a week. Propagate via seeds or plantlets. This has been shown to remove formaldehyde from the air. It is a favorite houseplant of many gardeners.

Marginata

Dracaena marginata, commonly known as the marginata plant, is a shrub. It has narrow leaves with varying color patterns. It does not flower and is grown for its foliage. Plant a marginata in medium humidity in bright indirect light. Keep soil moist and feed with a water soluble fertilizer once every two weeks. Propagate via air layering and stem cuttings. This plant has been shown to remove xylene, benzene, and formaldehyde (along with others) out of the air.

Heart Leaf Philodendron

Philodendron scandens oxycardium, commonly known as the heart leaf philodendron or sweetheart plant, is a climber. It has gray green leaves that will be heart shaped. It will not flower. Grow with medium humidity in bright indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist. Use a water soluble fertilizer once every two weeks. Propagate via air layering or stem cuttings. This is been found to remove chemical vapors from the air around us.

Weeping Fig

Ficus bejamina variegate, commonly known as the weeping fig, is a shrub or tree. It has variegated leaves and no flowers. It should be in medium humidity and bright indirect lighting. Soil should be moist and a water soluble fertilizer should be fed to the plant every two weeks. Propagate via air layering, stem cuttings, and seeds. This has been shown to remove ammonia, xylene, and formaldehyde from the air around it. It is an interesting foliage addition to the household.


Source:

University of Minnesota Extension: Houseplants Help Clean Indoor Air

Plant Care: Plant Lookup



This article originally appeared on Suite 101 on 12-19-2009