Clean the air in your home and give the kids a lesson in science by purchasing air-cleaning plants.
Research between NASA and ALCA concluded that houseplants help purify the indoor air quality. However, there are some plants that are more effective at cleaning the air, by releasing moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. Houseplants also have the ability to absorb pollutants.
NASA research has shown that some plants do a better job of transpiring and removing indoor air pollutants. Some of the top recommended plants are listed below. Most are readily available from your local garden center or nursery.
1. Philodendron scandens, Heartleaf Philodendron
2. Philodendron domesticum, Elephant Ear Philodendron
3. Hedera helix, English Ivy
4. Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana’, Cornstalk Dracaena
5. Ficus benjamina, Weeping Fig
6. Chlorophytum comosum, Spider Plant
7. Epipiremnum aureum, Golden Pothos
8. Philodendron selloum, Selloum Philodendron
9. Aglaonema modestum, Chinese Evergreen
10. Chamaedorea sefritzii, Bamboo or Reed Palm
How many plants will you need?
To effectively clean the air, you will need two to three full size plants (12 inch containers) for a 100 to 150 square foot room. If you don’t have much room in your home, strategically place plants in breath zones such as your desk or night table.
Get the kids involved in the process of cleaning the indoor air with plants. Let them help with the plant selection and optimum placement. Teach them proper watering and care of the plants. Your children are sure to enjoy creating their own indoor air garden!