Do indoor plants really have a depolluting effect on indoor air?
You must know about photosynthesis, the principle by which plants and trees convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into oxygen. The advantage of having a plant is that it reduces indoor air pollution by absorbing pollutants such as carbon monoxide or formaldehyde.
But doing so is not simple.
Indeed, it is only under experimental conditions and in space (not the conditions of a conventional house) that indoor plants have shown results in reducing air pollution.
Scientifically, it cannot be said today that indoor plants help to keep the air in the house healthy and clean. The effect, if any, is unproven and minimal. But it does seem to be present.
Better a small effect than nothing! Having a plant at home is also a question of interior decoration and atmosphere. It's nice to have a beautiful plant on the desk or in a pot in the living room! So one thing is for sure, adopting a beautiful potted indoor plant is not something you'll easily regret.
To effectively measure the indoor air quality in your home, the Netatmo Smart Weather Station uses its sensors and provides you with clear data. Receive an immediate alert on your smartphone in case of too much indoor pollution! Having indoor plants is good, but it's not enough.
5 indoor plants for a better air quality in the house
Weeping fig or rubber fig
No doubt you can see which pot plant we are talking about here. The ficus, commonly known as weeping fig, is one of the most popular indoor plants and is also known as the rubber fig. Made up of large leaves only, it is ideal for everyone, even those who do not have a green thumb. It is almost as easy to care for as a cactus!
Indeed, like many indoor plants, it does not require much light and sun. The ficus requires little maintenance, drinks a little water every two weeks, and is also very hardy.
Above all, the ficus is a pot plant that absorbs formaldehyde, a pollutant found in many products, very well. A very common toxic and dangerous substance, it is a harmful VOC (volatile organic compound). To combat this, you can rely on the ficus as a depolluting indoor plant!
Chlorophytum or spider plant
Among the most depolluting plants, it is impossible not to mention the spider plant (which has nothing in common with Marvel's spider-man).
Just as easy to grow as the ficus, this potted indoor plant is said to be effective against air pollution, especially carbon monoxide (and formaldehyde in a second stage). It is a plant that is known for its effectiveness against indoor air pollution! Meaning it improves indoor air quality.
But, it is advisable to expose the spider plant to indirect light so that the plant can develop properly indoors. However, unlike some indoor plants, it requires little water (although more than a cactus).
Boston fern
Let's move on to another plant with the virtues of purifying the air inside the house: the Boston fern, often installed in pots in bathrooms. It is also a plant that is easy to maintain, while it is said to be able to absorb and therefore eliminate various pollutants and VOCs.
The Boston fern is a plant that likes cool, very humid places with indirect light. If you were wondering why this potted plant is often placed in the bathroom, now you know why!
It is a fern, which you can expect to see only dense foliage and not flowers.
Azalea
You may be familiar with this indoor plant for its known ability to absorb ammonia, a harmful pollutant found in some homes due to household products, among other things. Installing a potted Azalea at home helps to clean and purify the air.
More than just leaves, the Azalea brings colour to your home with its pink, orange, red or white flowers. There is nothing like combining this plant with other flowerless indoor plants, such as the ficus or the spider plant! In addition to multiplying the anti-pollution effects, it will transform your interior for the better.
Aglaonema
Let's finish with Aglaonema, a popular potted indoor plant that is said to absorb indoor pollution rather well. No need for sun or even light or maintenance, it is a well-stocked plant that becomes more effective as it thickens. Heating and air conditioning are not a problem for this robust indoor plant either.
You can count on Aglaonema to absorb various pollutants such as formaldehyde (with which you are becoming familiar), benzene, toluene, and other VOCs that pollute the air in your home. It is one of the most popular indoor plants!
Don't know where to place the Aglaonema at home? Ideally in a darkened room or the hallway.
Indoor plants have positive effects on the indoor air quality of the house. Not yet scientifically proven but real, you can benefit from them. Combating indoor pollution (carbon monoxide, VOCs, etc.) is a priority, so in addition to good ventilation, regular cleaning, and monitoring, think about potted indoor plants!