APSCC’s research team was invited to conduct an assessment of indoor air pollution in the Chief Secretariat Office of Puducherry. Several eco-friendly measures to combat indoor air pollution using native plant species were recommended.
Here are some of the best plants to mitigate indoor air pollution:
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Pollutants removed: Formaldehyde, xylene, toluene.
- Care: Low maintenance. Prefers indirect sunlight and moderate watering.
- Why it’s effective: Spider plants are hardy and fast-growing. They are also non-toxic to pets.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Pollutants removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene.
- Care: Extremely low-maintenance. Thrives in low light and needs minimal watering.
- Why it’s effective: It can perform photosynthesis at night, releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide, making it a great addition to the bedroom.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Pollutants removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, ammonia.
- Care: Prefers indirect light and consistently moist soil. It also benefits from regular misting.
- Why it’s effective: Peace lilies not only purify the air but also add humidity to the environment, which can be helpful in dry indoor spaces.
4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Pollutants removed: Benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene.
- Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering. Can grow as a hanging plant or a climbing vine.
- Why it’s effective: Known for its ability to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and its flexibility in different environments.
5. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
- Pollutants removed: Formaldehyde, benzene.
- Care: Needs bright, indirect sunlight and occasional watering (allow the soil to dry out between waterings).
- Why it’s effective: Aloe vera is not only great for improving air quality but also has healing properties, especially for burns and skin irritations.
6. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Pollutants removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene.
- Care: Prefers indirect light and regular watering. Can tolerate lower light conditions.
- Why it’s effective: This plant is an excellent air purifier and also adds a tropical feel to any room.
7. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
- Pollutants removed: Benzene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde.
- Care: Prefers bright light and slightly moist soil. Keep in a sunny spot for the best blooms.
- Why it’s effective: Known for brightening up indoor spaces with its colorful flowers while absorbing harmful chemicals.
8. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Pollutants removed: Formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and other VOCs.
- Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering, but should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings.
- Why it’s effective: Excellent for purifying the air and also adds humidity to dry environments.
9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Pollutants removed: Formaldehyde.
- Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering. It can tolerate some neglect but thrives with regular care.
- Why it’s effective: Known for its large, glossy leaves that trap airborne toxins.
10. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Pollutants removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene.
- Care: Extremely low maintenance. Tolerates low light and irregular watering.
- Why it’s effective: Pothos is not only a great air purifier, but it’s also easy to grow and propagate. It can be placed in hard-to-reach spots.
11. Philodendron
- Pollutants removed: Formaldehyde.
- Care: Prefers indirect light and moist, well-drained soil.
- Why it’s effective: Philodendrons are particularly good at filtering out formaldehyde and are easy to care for.
12. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Pollutants removed: Formaldehyde, xylene, toluene.
- Care: Prefers indirect light and humid conditions, so regular misting can help.
- Why it’s effective: This fern is known for its ability to act as a natural humidifier, improving both air quality and moisture levels.
Tips for Maximizing Air Purification:
- Multiple plants: For more noticeable effects, it’s best to have several plants in a room. The more plants you have, the greater their collective impact on air quality.
- Proper care: Make sure your plants are healthy by providing them with adequate sunlight, water, and occasional fertilization. Dead or dying plants won’t be effective at purifying the air.
- Placement: Place plants in areas with moderate to bright indirect light and avoid placing them in direct sunlight for extended periods.