Having plants in the office or at home can help to improve the quality of the air inside the room. Let's see which are the best plants with "anti smog power" easy to maintain and able to guarantee us an air a little less polluted.
Why is indoor air quality important?
We spend 70% of the time we have available during the day indoors. Whether at home or in the office, it doesn't matter, we are generally exposed to indoor air pollution.
But what are the causes of pollution? Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound that is released by some objects indoors. We probably don't think that a piece of furniture can emit gas, but in reality, if it is made of chipboard, it emits it.
The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for interior pollution can be found in all furniture elements, upholstery, synthetic building materials, cleaning products, wall paints. Bacteria, pesticides, dry-cleaned clothing, mould, external pollution that enters the interior simply by keeping the windows open, cooking vapours also contaminate the air indoors.
We are all exposed to a certain amount of indoor air pollution, but not all of us react in the same way. There are those to whom unhealthy air does not cause any problem and those who are more sensitive feel various more or less relevant symptoms.
Plants in closed environments such as the home or office are a valuable aid to counter or reduce the onset of irritation of the ears, throat, nose and eyes, reduce stress, prevent or relieve nasal congestion and coughing and increase concentration.
Here are therefore the best "smog catcher" plants that we recommend you buy. They will help improve air quality, reduce CO2 levels and also act as a natural humidifier.
Chlorophytum comosum
Also known as "phalanx", "ribbon" or "spider plant", it is very easy to cultivate, has a great decorative effect throughout the year and has the ability to purify the air absorbing the carbon monoxide present.
It is a perennial and evergreen plant that likes sunlight and bright environments.
Dracena deremensis
This plant, also known as the "small trunk of happiness", has a woody stem and pointed, arched leaves that are extremely decorative. If well cared for, it can reach 2 metres in height.
The dragon is effective in purifying the air from xylene and trichloroethylene, toxic substances often present in the atmosphere of indoor environments.
Native to the warm-humid areas of Africa and Asia, it does not require special care and is at ease in environments with temperatures of 18-24 degrees that do not fall below 6 degrees. It is therefore ideal for cultivation in domestic environments, always keeping in mind that it is toxic to pets.
Ficus benjamin
It is a plant with a delicate appearance that gives a touch of elegance to the furniture and, if raised at home, can reach 3 meters.
Ficus acts against cigarette smoke, benzene released from traffic and formaldehyde, a substance present in glues, pesticides and household detergents.
The pot should be placed in half shade for most of the year and in full sun in winter, as the ficus needs a warm-humid climate and a bright environment but does not like direct sunlight: it can be placed near a window at full height.
This plant should be moderately wetted and possibly fed with a fertilizer every two weeks. Repotting should be done only if strictly necessary.
Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera)
Belonging to the family of succulents, aloe has green and fleshy leaves slightly dotted with white, from which you can extract the juice, a panacea for our skin.
This plant is an ally against formaldehyde and benzene, loves light and goes 'wet abundantly during the growth period. It likes a mild temperature, never less than 10 degrees and a cool environment.
Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston Fern)
With its gently arched foliage, the Boston Fern sits well on a rather tall stool.
It should be wetted abundantly and if the environment is warm and dry, the level of humidity should be increased by nebulizing the leaves.
The plant grows well at room temperature and is able to remove the formaldehyde produced by plastic bags, cigarette smoke, glazes, and stove gas.
Other plants, besides the recommended ones, which have an effective anti smog purifying effect are the beloved orchid, the sansevieria, the filodendro, the azalea, the pothos and the cactus.