Air Purifying Plants
Air Purifying Plants
Did you know that your houseplants are not just for show? As well as brightening up your interior with some lush foliage, many indoor plants are busy purifying the air you breathe, increasing oxygen levels, removing harmful toxins, and trapping dust.
A renowned study by NASA called the Clean Air Report showed that certain houseplants are extremely efficient at removing indoor air pollution,...
Read More
Here at Bloombox Club, we’ve got an amazing range of the best air purifying plants, ready to help you breathe easy.
Why Do We Need Air Purifying Plants?
So why do we need to purify our air in the first place? Modern indoor spaces like your home or office often suffer from a lack of airflow, while building materials, synthetic home furnishings, cleaning products, and more can all release harmful chemicals into the air.
This means the air inside can become stagnant and indoor air pollution can build up, potentially worsening symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma, exacerbating skin problems, or causing Sick Building Syndrome.
Plug-in air purifiers might be effective, however, they are unsustainable, impractically creating yet more pollution as they guzzle energy to remove pollution.
Luckily for us, there’s an amazing natural alternative: the humble houseplant. Air purifying plants can help to increase oxygen levels, remove toxins, increase humidity, and more, all while transforming your home into a chic urban jungle.
How Do Air Purifying Plants Work - Photosynthesis
Like all green plants, air-purifying indoor plants cleanse the air through photosynthesis. This is the process by which plants convert sunlight into food (and is necessary for life on earth!).
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the air, transforming it into energy to store for themselves and oxygen which they release back into the air. While taking in carbon dioxide, plants also absorb airborne toxins, cleansing the air of harmful chemicals like xylene, ammonia, and benzene.
Plants’ ability to convert sunlight into energy depends on small organelles called chloroplasts. These contain the pigment chlorophyll which gives plants their green color. The more chlorophyll a plant contains (eg. the greener and leafier it is), the more efficient it is at photosynthesizing.
What Are The Benefits of Cleaner Air?
Investing in air purifying plants comes with plenty of wellness benefits. Your indoor oasis may help to...
- Boost your immunity.
- Reduce the occurrence of headaches.
- Relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions.
- Relieve allergy symptoms.
- Reduce fatigue, make you feel more alert, and improve focus.
- Boost your skin health.
The Best Air Purifying Plants
While all green plants offer some level of air-purifying service, there are some that are more efficient than others. Here are some of our favorite outstanding oxygenators which will work wonders for your interior aesthetic, your Instagram feed, and, most importantly, the air you breathe.
Ferns
With their curling green fronds and trailing tendrils, ferns are some of the most popular indoor plants around. They are also some of the best air purifying plants available. From luscious Lemon Button Ferns to wild, spiky Asparagus Ferns, we’ve got a diverse collection of these humidity-loving natural air filters to enhance your interiors and cleanse your air.
Calatheas
Calatheas are the queens of the indoor plant world. Voluptuous, bold, and striking with beautifully patterned leaves, Calatheas will make a stylish statement in any interior. Plus, their abundant foliage and large leaves mean that these botanical beauties are super-efficient photosynthesizers and cleanse the air of toxins. We are proud to offer a uniquely diverse range of Calatheas, from stunning, purple-edged Calathea Peacock and Calathea Medallion, to vivid and verdant Calathea Orbifolia and Calathea Grey Star.
Philodendrons
One of NASA’s top scorers, Philodendron has large leaves that are bursting with that detoxifying expert - chlorophyll. As tropical plants, philodendrons love moisture and will also increase the humidity levels and improve air quality. Take care of them and they will reward you with a fresh, pure, and clean indoor atmosphere that makes you feel clear-headed and calm. Choose Philodendron Ruby for a rosy-tinted showstopper or Silver Sword Philodendron for something calmer and cooler.
Check out our full range of purifying plant pals in our carefully curated Air Purifying Plants section.
FAQ
How many air purifying plants do I need in each room?
NASA recommends having at least two or three plants in 20 to 10-inch pots for every 9 square meters of indoor space. Other studies say 5 or more will deliver even better results. Here at Bloombox Club, we say the more the merrier!
Do I need to dust my air-purifying plants?
Houseplants are great cleaning buddies - trapping the dust that would otherwise remain airborne and helping to relieve allergy symptoms. However, this means the leaves of your air-purifying plant could end up looking pretty dusty. Regularly wiping away the dust with a damp cloth will restore your plant to its former glossy glory, and will allow it to photosynthesize more efficiently.