The basic nature of humans is their preference to live close to nature. Till the start of 19th century, people lived very close to nature. With the start of the Industrial revolution, urbanization happened at a rapid phase and people’s affinity towards nature declined to its lowest level. But the urge to live close to nature rose back in another form – growing indoor plants.
Indoor plants not only make the home beautiful or is a part of the interiors, but there is more health benefit associated with it. Plants, in general, purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide in the air and giving out oxygen. Thus, they take away our dullness and make us feel fresh throughout the day. Other benefits are
- They are natural humidifiers and are good for people with respiratory problems.
- They absorb any unwanted chemicals in the air and thus, improves the quality of air.
- They improve our mood.
Now that we know the benefits of growing indoor plants, here are some of the top 10 Indoor plants that keep us healthy and energetic.
-
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Growing a Peace Lily at home is easy as it is a very forgiving plant and indicates us when it is thirsty. Peace Lily is at the top of NASA’s list of beneficial indoor plants to grow.
- It helps in removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from our environment.
- It also protects the surrounding from toluene and xylene.
However please make a note that it is mildly toxic to both pets and humans, so make sure you keep it out of reach of children and pets. Or prefer placing it a little higher up on the window sil or someplace where you are sure that children would not meddle.
2. Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
One of the most beautiful flowers that can beautify the whole room where it is placed, is also helpful in removing Benzene that is found in products like paint, plastic, and detergent.
The best thing about them is that they come in almost every color. Just find a place where the plant gets direct sunlight.
Again you need to make sure your pets don’t ingest it, they may cause allergy to pets.
-
English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English Ivy is a very popular indoor plant. Though it is supposed to be an invader in forest and vegetation areas, there is no problem in growing them as a houseplant. With direct sunlight and right moisture in the soil, English Ivy grows well at houses. It helps in removing fecal matters that are airborne and also filters out formaldehyde from household products.
-
Variegated Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
This also has a funny name – ‘mother-in-law’s’ tongue. It helps in filtering out toxins like formaldehyde that is found in personal care products. Try keeping these plants in the bathroom to help you in filtering out toxins in the air.
These plants can grow in humid conditions and low light and hence you would not need to worry about finding a sunlit place for them. This plant may be toxic for your pets.
-
Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena reflexa)
Though there are different types of Dracaena, this type is unique and can be identified by its purple-red edges on the green leaves.
- These plants, that can grow till the ceiling, are very effective in removing formaldehyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene that are introduced into our environment through products like varnishes and gasoline.
- Again, this is one of the plants that are toxic in nature when ingested by pets.
-
Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis Excelsa)
This fan palm tolerates and survives even in low light and a wide range of temperatures.
It cleanses formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene, and xylene from the environment.
What the plant needs is proper drainage so that its roots do not rot due to too much moisture.
-
Flamingo Lily (Anthurium Andraeanum)
This plant has gorgeous flowers and is a treat to the eyes. In addition, they also remove toxins like formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene, and xylene in the surroundings. The only thing is that the plant needs high humidity environment to thrive.
One more caution is that these plants are poisonous to both humans and pets. Hence, be cautious while selecting this plant.
- Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Also known as Golden Pothos, these are plants used in hanging decoratives. It is very easy to grow these plants as it requires less care.
It cleans pollutants like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. But take care while choosing this plant as it is toxic, especially for the pets when ingested.
-
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
If you have pets at home and you want to grow a plant that is safe for them, then Spider plant is the best choice.
Even in times of neglect, these plants survive. This plant helps in eliminating benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene.
- Aloe (Aloe Vera)
If there is one plant that has so many benefits, then it is the Aloe Vera. It is edible, helps in healing cuts and wounds when applied on the affected area and also helps in eliminating toxins like formaldehyde and Benzene.
A wonderful plant and certainly a ‘plant of immortality’.
Air Quality at our home is very important for our well-being. Each of the plant listed above helps in keeping the air around us clean. So, if you or your dear ones are suffering from allergies, smoke or just want some fresh and clean air, then it is high time you grow any of the above plants at your home!
