It seems that everywhere you look at the moment, there’s a house plant.
In recent years, house plants have had a resurgence in popularity. Some people have suggested it’s because we have been stuck at home a lot more due to the pandemic and focusing on improving our living spaces.
And it’s true: a house plant can be a nice way to make a house feel like your own.
But house plants aren’t just decorative: they can have health benefits, too.
Here are five that are known for their ability to purify the air.
Peace lily
Peace lilies are a favourite of many house plant-lovers, because they’re relatively forgiving. They’ll start to droop a bit when they need water, but as long as you respond with a drink, they’ll perk up again pretty quickly. A NASA study found that peace lilies were good at removing benzene, a chemical given off by paint, rubber, detergent and synthetic fibres, and trichloroethylene, which is found in things like glue and varnish. Peace lilies absorb these chemicals through their leaves.
Snake plant
If you need something very hardy, you can’t go past a snake plant. This plant, which is native to Asia and Africa, requires very little water. They can survive for a long time in between watering, and can cope with most levels of light. Snake plants filter air, and can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, which makes them a great addition to a bedroom.
Aloe vera
Not just great for your skin, aloe vera plants can help improve the air quality in your home. This succulent removes harmful pollutants called volatile organic compounds from the air and reuses them into safer chemicals like amino acids. Some studies have shown aloe vera can also remove xylene from the air. Aloe vera likes bright, indirect light and not too much water.
Spider plant
Spider plants are another great option for air purification. They like well-drained soil and bright light – but don’t let your plant get soggy feet. Spider plants like to dry out between waterings. Spider plants have been shown to remove formaldehyde and toluene from the environment.
Rubber plant
Rubber plants, or rubber trees as they are also known, don’t only look great, they can have air purification properties too. Rubber trees can remove mould and bacteria from the air, and pump out large amounts of oxygen. Water your rubber plant every couple of weeks and allow it to dry out in between. The large, glossy leaves make them an attractive addition to any indoor space.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.
Link Financial Group Ltd trading as Mortgage Link and Insurance Link FSP 696731 holds a licence issued by the Financial Markets Authority to provide financial advice. Please visit https://mortgagelink.co.nz/available-disclosure/ for more information and Disclosure information.
