Plants that are good for the air

A long-time favourite for houseplant lovers, the Peace Lily is one of the top air purifying plants as it can help filter out certain harmful compounds. If you do plan on adding this one to your plant collection, it's worth knowing that it is poisonous to cats and dogs.

Care advice: Peace lilies can tolerate short periods of dry soil, but their leaves will start to brown if neglected for too long. To keep it thriving, place it in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist.

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With leathery leaves and a pop of colour, the Scarlet Star Bromeliad is a beautiful houseplant that is incredibly long-lasting. As well as helping to clean up the air in your home, these flowering plants love humid environments and are great when placed in the bathroom.

Care advice: Ensure this plant is always well watered, but never soggy. Place your plant in a location with moderate to bright light year-round, avoiding direct sunlight.

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21. Philodendron

Famous for large, glossy green leaves, the Philodendron purifies the air by removing formaldehyde — a chemical compound which tends to occur in building materials. As well as looking beautiful placed at home, you can be sure that it will also clean the air for you.

Care advice: Philodendron care is simple, as the plant can readily adapt to any indoor environment. Ensure it has plenty of sunlight, fertiliser and water.

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22. Calathea

Known for the unique leaf movements of patterned foliage, Calathea plants have an exotic feel that will brighten up any room. With their beautiful yet unique colouring, the Calathea plant purifies the surrounding air by filtering out a multitude of compounds that are poisonous.

Care advice: In order to survive, they need to be placed in a consistently warm and bright spot, yet not in direct light.

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23. ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem)

With its wide, attractive, dark green leaves, this eye-catching houseplant is perfect for a home office. Not only are they hard to kill (perfect for beginners), but these plants work hard to remove toxins such as xylene, toluene and benzene from the air.

Care advice: Zanzibar gems need watering every two to three weeks, however expect to water them more often in brighter light.

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24. Croton

These varied plants are incredibly popular houseplants, loved for their colourful foliage and nearly limitless leaf forms. As well as having some of the boldest and brightest leaves around, Crotons also help to filter out airborne toxins.

Care advice: This is a tropical houseplant, so caring for it involves proper watering and humidity. While it needs frequent watering, too much water can cause root rot.

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25. Dieffenbachia (dumb canes)

The Dieffenbachia is a lush and showy plant with oval leaves that are attractively marked with dark green at the edges. Ideal for creating a tropical look, its foliage takes toxins out of the air, so your family can breathe easier.

Care advice: Dieffenbachias like regular moisture and do not want to dry out, however make sure you don't overwater it.

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26.

Grown for their bold strap-shaped, dark green leaves, Clivia houseplants are tough, resilient and thrive when neglected. Not only do they purify the air, but they will also produce the most stunning bright orange blooms.

Care advice: Clivias should be placed in bright, filtered or indirect light. Scorching sunlight may burn the leaves, so place pots away from bright sun and other sources of heat.

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5 large houseplants to buy for your home

Alocasia

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Yucca elephantipes

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Monstera deliciosa

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Howea forsteriana

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Floor bamboo

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Useful indoor flowers that purify the air: scientists have named the best

Now, during the coronavirus epidemic, it is especially important to know how to strengthen immunity and how to disinfect a room in which a person spends a lot of time. However, it is necessary not only to know, but also to translate this knowledge into actions.

But how to make it both simple and not burdensome?

You can combine business with pleasure - for example, to have indoor plants to clean the air. They will become a harmonious part of the decor, they will not cause harm and they are easy to care for.

The indoor air contains from 2,000 to 7,000 pathogenic microorganism species per 1 m². And in order to neutralize them, you can use the easiest way to clean the air in the apartment, namely, grow indoor flowers or trees with high phytoncidal activity.

What is volatile activity?

Living plants release biologically active volatile substances into the environment, which kill bacteria and prevent the development of harmful fungi. The ability of plants to destroy pathogenic microorganisms is called phytoncidal activity.

The famous Soviet botanist Nikolai Vavilov called phytoncides one of the components of the chemical immunity of plants. He singled out two types of protection: physical (scales, thick cuticles, wax coating) and chemical (biologically active substances). That is, plants sterilize themselves and the surrounding space with phytoncides in order to protect themselves from harmful organisms and maintain the homeostasis (integrity) of their internal environment.

What do these biologically active substances consist of? Of course, in different plants their composition is different, but most species are characterized by common elements:

• tannins;
• terpenoids;
• glycosides.

But, if you are concerned about the question “how to purify the air in the room?” Without wasting efforts on growing indoor flowers, we hasten to inform you that a high concentration of phytoncides exists in essential oils, so they are also used in the fight against pathogenic bacteria and viruses. These oils are used to prevent colds, and if an open bottle of one of the oils is left in a room for a while, the number of harmful organisms in the air will quickly decrease.

Is the phytoncidal activity always kept at the same level? Here are examples of what can affect the release of biologically active substances by indoor flowers:

1. Season and time of day . Phytoncidal activity of plants in the morning before 8:00 and in the evening after 19:00 is several times less than during the day. In spring and summer, active volatile substances are produced more often and in greater quantities than in autumn and summer.
2. Humidity and temperature . In hot weather, the amount of emitted phytoncides increases by 1.5 times, and during high humidity, on the contrary, it decreases.
3. Shadow. Houseplants standing in the shade produce less phytoncides. A pot with a flower or a tree should be placed in a place where there is no overabundance of shade and sunlight.
4. Number of leaves and young shoots. Plants spread the maximum amount of phytoncides during growth and budding. Most volatile biologically active substances are released by young shoots (stem, leaves, buds). And the more leaves, the more phytoncides.

How do phytoncides affect a person?

Volatile active substances can enter the human body through the lungs (during inhalation) and through the skin (contacting and entering the epithelial cells). Once there and meeting with pathogens, phytoncides neutralize them, reducing viral and bacterial activity.

1. Protective plant substances increase the bactericidal function of the skin. Once in the cells of the epidermis, they kill pathogenic organisms.
2. Coniferous antibacterial plants (for example, araucaria, juniper, cypress) secrete phytoncides that double the life of erythrocytes and increase their resistance to oxygen deficiency. Thus, they have a positive effect on the functioning of the entire circulatory system.

Phytoncidal activity of plants and its effect on humans was discovered at the beginning of the last century, but the main confirmation that it exists in indoor plants was a NASA experiment conducted in 1989 year.

Which plants disinfect the room: NASA experiment and its results

In the late 80s, NASA researchers brought several types of plants to the space station and placed them in closed chambers. Scientists observed how these living organisms behave, and then began to influence them with formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, xylene and trichlorethylene.

What was the reaction of the plants? They, as usual, released oxygen, absorbed carbon dioxide, but also destroyed the molecules of the above substances.

NASA scientists have selected 5 chemical substances that are most often found in a person's daily life and negatively affect his health. These substances include:

1. Ammonia. Found in household appliances, computer equipment, cleaning products, and vehicle exhaust fumes that are driven under windows. It can provoke sore throat, perspiration and cough, as well as swelling of the larynx.
2. Benzene. This substance is found in soaps, varnishes and rubber products. Benzene can cause leukemia, seizures, and low blood pressure.
3. Xylene. Included in some adhesives, plastics and leather products. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
4. Trichlorethylene. Found in chlorinated water, cleaning products and varnishes. It can affect the kidneys, liver and cause irritation of the skin.
5. Formaldehyde. It is found in carpets, chipboard furniture and plastic dishes. May cause asthma and allergic reactions.

During the experiment, it was found that indoor flowers and trees produce phytoncides that destroy the molecules of ammonia, benzene, xylene, trichlorethylene and formaldehyde. And one plant is able to disinfect 9.29 m² of rooms. Thus, the existence of phytoncidal activity was proved.

But which plants can disinfect a room? According to NASA, the best houseplants for air purification are:

• aloe;
• ficus;
• dracaena;
• chrysanthemum;
• ivy;
• sansevieria;
• dendrobium;
• chlorophytum;
• anthurium.

However, not all scientists agreed with the list of plants and the conclusions of the NASA experiment.

Is it true that plants can purify the air?: The opinion of scientists

Since the time of the American study, the search for answers to the question “can indoor plants disinfect the air?” have not ended. Scientists around the world tried to find out whether plants really have antibacterial activity and how many pots of flowers it takes to disinfect 1 sq.m. premises.

Americans Brian E. Cummings and Michael S. Waring conducted a study in which they tested the ability of plants to reduce the concentration of pathogenic volatile organic compounds in the room.

At the end of the experiment, the researchers stated that the phytoncidal activity in plants is low and its importance is often exaggerated. Brian and Cummings found that it takes between 10 and 100 plants to disinfect a square meter of space, depending on the species.

They explained their discrepancy with data from NASA and other experts by different methodological approaches.

Colleagues of Americans from Russia conducted an experiment with citrus trees and confirmed their phytoncidal activity. The study compared the level of biologically active substances in orange, grapefruit, tangerine and lemon trees.

At the end of the study, it was found that lemon has the highest phytoncidal activity. His bonsai can be placed in a room, and it will not only bear fruit, but also destroy all harmful microorganisms at a distance of 7 m.

Scientists have proven that lemons are immune enhancing plants. Their phytoncides (extracted from leaves and fruits) fight infectious bacteria, harmful fungi and viruses, preventing them from entering the human body.

Of course, besides the lemon, there are other indoor plants for air purification.

Scientists from Belarus conducted an experiment during which 4 plants with high antibacterial activity were isolated. Belarusian botanists claim that these plants reduce the number of harmful microorganisms, and their leaves produce essential oils that release volatile phytoncides.

4 species recommended by scientists for air purification:

• common myrtle;
• boxwood evergreen;
• strawberry guava;
• ochrosia elliptical.

So, if we compare the results of three studies, it turns out that plants do have phytoncidal activity, but its level differs in different species.

It is highest in lemon, myrtle, ficus, aloe, boxwood, ivy, dracaena, chrysanthemum, sansevieria, guava, dendrobium, ochrosia and anthurium.

Therefore, if you decide to have a houseplant that can purify the air, choose from this list.

Do you know why hair gets oily quickly? This problem has many causes, but not all of them are talked about. In a new article about oily hair, apteka24.ua talks about all the reasons and gives tips on proper hair care.

Also read about what happens to the body during the summer heat. It's literally a collapse! It turns out that high temperatures can cause not only heatstroke, but worse. And the unfavorable temperature for the body begins far from 30 degrees. But there are 5 ways to survive the heat easily even away from the air conditioner.

Phytoncidal activity of some members of the citrus family / Agriculture and crop production

Phytoncidal activity of greenhouse plants / Science and innovation

Medicinal plants / BSU

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Top 9 indoor plants that clean the air perfectly

To remove dust from the air, you can buy an expensive air conditioner; and far from always harmless devices and buy flowers. Many indoor plants, familiar from childhood and seemingly well known, it turns out, can not only decorate the interior, but also purify the air well.

1. Azalea, or rhododendron

Household chemicals depress not only microbes: alas, its fumes also have a bad effect on humans. To prevent the bathroom cleaner cabinet from being your enemy, put a pot of azalea on the shelf: it will absorb ammonia and formaldehyde (don't forget about good lighting). You can also place this flower in the kitchen, since various kinds of detergents and solutions have found a place there as well. In addition, the azalea repels bugs and ants, and, therefore, is able to protect products from them.

Azalea

2. Ivy (chedera)

Repairs carried out at home, in addition to the main result - pleasant feelings from the feeling of novelty - can also have a side effect: indisposition from fumes of paints, varnishes and other chemicals used for interior decoration. Moreover, the emission of gases harmful to health can continue for a long time after the applied coatings have dried. To reduce their unpleasant impact, it is advisable to arrange pots of ivy in the room. It absorbs formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide well (the latter quality makes ivy a very valuable plant in city apartments and helps clean the air from the street).

Ivy

In addition, if there is a cat in the house whose life takes place within four walls - again a classic example of urban housing - then the notorious cat litter box can become a source of allergies for the owners. Therefore, it is worth placing ivy next to it, which is a good trap for allergen microparticles. And an additional bonus will be the allocation of phytoncides to them, which is very useful in the "cold" periods of the year.

3. Chlorophytum

Almighty advertising has convinced us that sterile cleanliness in the kitchen can only be achieved by using strong cleaning agents. However, she forgot to warn that some of their species emit formaldehyde, a potential carcinogen. So if the housewives are not yet ready to give up household chemicals, then they should place five or six pots of chlorophytum in the kitchen, which is able to absorb many toxic substances.

Chlorophytum

In addition, chlorophytum has pronounced antimicrobial properties - it is not for nothing that even astronauts on the ISS breed it, where maintaining cleanliness is much more critical than on earth. There is information that this plant is capable of reducing the number of microbes in the air by almost 10 times per day, which means that its presence in the house is a good help in the fight against viruses that enter the air after someone with a cold sneezes heartily .

4. Rubbery ficus

When buying furniture made of chipboard, do not forget to purchase and place a ficus next to a new sofa or wardrobe. Firstly, it will capture from the air and retain such harmful substances as trichlorethylene and formaldehyde (lacquers and paints are “rich” in the first place, synthetic resins used in the production of chipboard are in the second). Secondly, its large leaves are good dust collectors, the main thing is not to forget to wipe them with a damp cloth from time to time. And, thirdly, the ficus actively releases oxygen, which means that it will be easier to breathe in the room.

Ficus

5. Aloe (agave)

Oh, how long ago you tried to throw away this annoying plant with fleshy thick leaves, planted with thorns along the edges! However, before taking the pot to the trash can and shaking the earth out of it, it would be useful to familiarize yourself with the beneficial properties of aloe. And there are many of them: suffice it to mention the ability to capture phenolic and benzene compounds, many of which are pleasant to smell and just as harmful to health. Noteworthy is its ability to fight germs that cause colds.

Aloe

It is best to place the agave pot in the window of the kitchen, as the plant is at its best in bright light. In addition, not only the volatile substances released by aloe are bactericidal, but also its juice: if, for example, you scratched your hand when opening canned food, it is quite capable of replacing brilliant green and disinfecting the cut site with high quality.

6. Dracaena

Like many indoor plants, dracaena has a dual effect - firstly, it releases phytoncides that reduce microbial air pollution. In addition, it absorbs carcinogens: formaldehyde - an integral part of artificial resins that are part of finishing materials, trichlorethylene and xylene - types of solvent for paints and varnishes.

Dracaena

In addition, xylene can also be released from plastic, so a planter next to the TV is a good place for dracaena at home, and a computer desk in the office.

7. Epiprenum golden, or scindapsus

Formaldehydes, which have been mentioned more than once, can be emitted not only by paint and varnish products, but also by exhaust gases. In addition, car mufflers emit carbon monoxide, so if the garage is adjacent directly to the house (or there is a living room above it), epiprenum can be placed in rooms or corridors, which can absorb them well. However, this plant belongs to the vines, so it needs to be given "space for maneuver": it does not like cramped rooms.

Epiprenum

In addition, epiprenum purifies the air from the vapors of benzene compounds (toluene, xylene), which are emitted by many finishing materials, and well heals the house after repair. Another valuable quality of the plant is its active resistance to microbes, as well as fungi, so it prevents the spread of mold.

8. Chrysanthemum

This delicate flower is well known to florists and gardeners, but few people know that along with beauty it has good filtering and antibacterial properties. Meanwhile, the chrysanthemum well cleans the air of benzene - a constant component of paints, plastics and solvents, absorbs ammonia.

In addition, the owners of a house where indoor chrysanthemums grow are much less at risk of catching a cold: the plant releases phytoncides, which means that there is no place for pathogenic microbes next to it.

Chrysanthemum

9. Dieffenbachia

An apartment in the center of a metropolis or a workroom in an office center with parking for several hundred cars next to it is not the healthiest place to live or work.

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