Plants that purify the air

Whether our home is in the city or in the countryside, there are substances released by furnishing accessories or products present in our daily lives that threaten the quality of the air we breathe.

VOCs are volatile organic compounds that hover undisturbed and invisible in our homes: emitted by varnishes and paints, by the cleaning products we normally use, by construction materials, furniture, glues and adhesives, these substances can be harmful to health and cause irritation to the mucous membranes, allergies, diseases affecting the respiratory system and, in the long run, even cancer.

But what are harmful substances and where are they found?

Never before have we been forced to spend most of our time in confined spaces such as the house. What is often not known is that in closed environments there are a myriad of air polluting sources that can pose a risk to our health.

Indeed, there is talk of " indoor pollution " , a term used by the scientific community to deal with the topic of toxic buildings.
The Italian Ministry of the Environment already gave a definition in 1991 speaking of “ the presence in the air of confined spaces of physical, chemical and biological contaminants not naturally present in the external air of high quality ecological systems ”.

And classifying the most common sources of pollution in homes such as:

• tobacco smoke;
• combustion processes for cooking food or heating;
• household cleaning and maintenance products;
• pesticides;
• use of glues, adhesives, solvents and hobby products.

Finally, the emissions of electromagnetic waves emitted by work tools such as telephones, photocopiers, printers, etc. should not be underestimated.

What can we do to protect ourselves from this "ghost menace"?

Have plants at home! In fact, plants are of great help when it comes to purifying the air. Many scientific studies have shown that plants are capable of absorbing not only carbon dioxide but also some harmful volatile organic compounds through their leaves and roots, transforming them into nutrients or breaking them down and releasing volatile particles that are harmless to health.

Among the first to take an interest in the question were NASA researchers who, after several experiments to test the ability of plants to clean the air in orbiting space shuttles, drew up the list of those most effective in absorbing domestic pollution .

Here, in our Ortisgreen laboratory, we have put them all to the test on the vertical by creating special compositions with the most effective plants for our environments.

We also point out the purifying plants that best suit our HOH!.

Dracaena Janet Craig Compact

Dracaenas are capable of filtering pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and carbon dioxide from the air in your home. In particular, the 'Janet Craig' strain scored high in formaldehyde removal tests .

Boston fern (Nephrolepis exalta)

This is the plant that more than any other manages to remove formaldehyde from the air of closed environments. It also absorbs xylene well and has undeniable ornamental qualities thanks to its compact but wild habit. To grow at its best, it needs a good level of humidity and it also survives in low-light environments: therefore perfect for the bathroom or bedrooms facing north , but also in living rooms full of furniture, therefore formaldehyde.

Variegated Phalanx - Chlorophytum (Chlorophytum comosum “vittatum”)

Evergreen plant with pointed and hanging white-variegated leaves, it absorbs a large number of pollutants (for example 7 micrograms/hour of formaldehyde ). But it also picks up toluene, benzene and xylene well. It is very robust and is often used in bedrooms . Precisely because in our bedrooms we find furnishings made with materials rich in this substance.

Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum)

Beautiful plant with glossy foliage and spectacular waxed red flowers (spathes). It is very useful in removing irritating ammonia fumes from the air (second in NASA classification) and also works against xylene and toluene . It requires intense but indirect luminosity, it does not like draughts and too dry environments: it requires abundant and regular watering. It is recommended for spaces such as the kitchen or bathroom , where the use of ammonia-based products is more common; moreover, in these rooms there is the highest hygrometry, therefore a greater quantity of water vapor in the air, which contributes to the correct development of the plant.

Spathiphyllum (Spathyphyllum wallisii)

Plant that adapts well to even dimly lit environments and mild temperatures, it needs to be watered even once a week and produces beautiful white flowers. It is able to absorb acetone released by electronic devices, enamels, adhesives and some detergents but it also has the ability to eliminate benzene .

It doesn't have a particular indication of placement inside the house but it certainly prefers heat. If placed in front of a light source, without direct sun, it will reward you with a guaranteed bud.

Variegated ivy (Hedera helix variegata)

Classic evergreen and very rustic climber, it also grows well in hanging pots and bowls and in poorly lit rooms. Its leaves absorb formaldehyde , present in paints, resins, pressed wood, wallpaper and cosmetics, and also fight mould, helping to prevent allergy and asthma problems. Its ideal habitat within domestic spaces is the newly repainted kitchen , bathroom or bedroom , where formaldehyde risks being present in large quantities.

Chamaedorea or fortune palm

An easy-care undergrowth palm that tolerates low light, prefers humid environments and generally maintains dimensions that do not exceed one meter in height. In vertical structures it takes a little longer to verticalize as its stem is woody, but once the right "bend" is reached, the aesthetic result is more than satisfactory. This plant has the ability to absorb formaldehyde , xylene and ammonia .

Ideal in spaces fresh from paint jobs , which often give off xylene, in the bathroom or kitchen .

Pothos

Pothos is perhaps the most common plant for black thumbs, very easy to grow it is found in various forms: from the hanging to the brace on a sphagnum support. It needs a semi-shaded environment but it also does well near a window. Its sagging nature creates a fascinating sense of dynamism on the vertical walls.
Its main detox capacity is to absorb toluene , benzene and hexane , but also formaldehyde . It tolerates periods of drought, not too prolonged, which allow the roots to aerate, allowing air to pass more easily and therefore ensuring contact with soil microorganisms: fundamental for the elimination of polluting substances.

It thrives well and performs its purifying function in any bedroom, less recommended for children's bedrooms because the sap can be irritating to the skin.

Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum)

It is a climber with heart-shaped or arrow-shaped foliage and a color ranging from green to pink. It loves light but not direct sun, so better if away from too exposed windows. It is quite robust and does not present any cultivation difficulties. Its purifying capacity is found above all in the action against xylene . It should be a constant in visual arts studios rich in xylene-containing solvents, but also in schools or libraries where felt-tip pens and highlighters are often used.

As we have previously described, plants in the home or office are important allies in terms of indoor pollution. Simple, natural, easy to find and effective. Added to this is their ability to make environments look more elegant, welcoming and relaxing.

An extra touch of originality and elegance if hung with our plant paintings!

Then there are some small daily gestures that can help us improve air quality that are worth remembering:

• ventilate the rooms often, for at least ten minutes;
• use household cleaning products sparingly. Favor the use of water and natural or not particularly aggressive products;
• use the vacuum cleaner. Try to limit the use of the broom which raises and disperses the particles.

Finally, here is a table with the most used purifying plants in the vertical and their purifying capacities:

(Source: Plants that purify the air by Ariane Boixière-Asseray )