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Why you need Air Purifying Plants in your Home

You probably heard that plants can improve the air quality in your home but never really dive deep enough into the subject to realize how important this science is. In fact, plants could be the answer to many of our health problems in a way we would not expect.  

As we race toward the years like never before with the most advanced technologies of our time, science always seems to find answers looking into the natural world. Naturally, most of us see indoor plants as a pretty static living element, a way for us to preserve our connection with Mother Nature, but in science plants are highly dynamic, actively creating and emitting a cloud of complex, invisible substances around their leaves and roots that provide for both, themselves and ourselves, protection and well-being. In fact, after reading this article, you won’t look at plants the same way. More than the lungs of Earth or phytochemicals, we like to compare them to superheroes as they protect the environment and also all life on Earth against dangerous pollutants. 

The study

Everything started back in the 80s when NASA scientists were facing the difficulty of creating a life-support system for bases on the moon. They needed to find a way to provide good air quality in space by reducing indoor air pollutants. Obviously, those bad substances were not coming from the outdoors like on Earth (hello carbon emissions from cars) but from the very same fabric that were keeping the astronauts safe, their space station! 

Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) are these harmful gas emissions that come from materials we are all using to build our homes and also products we use inside our homes (glue, cleaning products, paint, furniture, cosmetics…). Consider yourselves also a source of pollution. Yes, humans as well pollute the air we breathe especially when living or working in closed, poorly ventilated areas.  So the question was: how does the Earth produce and sustain clean air?  And just like that they found their answer; through the living process of plants. So it began. Scientists collected plants and put them in chambers, pumped in harmful household chemicals and after 24 hours, tested the air quality. And the results were remarkable; some of the houseplants were able to remove up to 90% of the VOCs. 

At the same time, a number of illnesses began to appear in Europe, Canada and the United States, where buildings had been hermetically sealed for energy-efficiency. Indoor air pollution became a widespread concern and a phenomenon known as “sick building syndrome” was added to our vocabulary. People usually experience allergies, asthma, eye, nose and throat irritations, fatigue, headache, respiratory congestion, sinus congestion to name a few when inside a polluted indoor area. Even today, 40 years later, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the air we breathe in our homes can not only be harmful, but worse, can be dangerous! The NASA research was more needed than previously expected, and to address the general public concerns, they pushed the study to “real world” conditions. One thing we have to admit that was very considerated on behalf of NASA is that they insisted on using very common houseplants to make sure everyone could buy them easily. Again, the results were astonishing, as people no longer were experiencing symptoms and the air quality was cleared in just a few days. 

Here’s how it works

To make it simple, the leaves of plants first absorb carbon dioxide and other volatile organic chemicals such as VOCs, which are transported to the roots and discharged into the soil where they are broken down by microbes. These precious microorganisms not only feed the plant by converting and holding nutrients in the soil but they literally clean up waste materials and detox the environment from poisons, all this to insure the soil stays fertile. And because nature is awesome, some plants can also eliminate chemicals on their own. 

A few of our favorites houseplants

(recommended by NASA’s 1989 study)

Areca Palm also known as yellow palm or butterfly palm is gorgeous and one of the most popular house palms. It thrives near natural light but not direct sunlight. 

Ficus is a very elegant plant, especially the braided ones. It loves natural light, must be kept near a sunny window and will show yellow leaves if overwatered. 

Peace Lily is a long time favorite for its beauty. Thrives near natural light and in moist soil. A happy Lily will bloom frequently. 

Boston Fern is not difficult, it likes natural light but not crazy either, and will ask to be watered when soil is dry. 

Chinese Evergreen is a superstar that tolerates very little light and will show beautiful foliage all year long. 

Rhododendron, the prettiest little tree style plant with pink flowers also found in Bonsai form will demand attention and care but it is so worth it. Place in a bright light room with no direct sunlight and keeping it soil moist, they should flower every year as a sign of contentment. 

Moth Orchid, this gracious plant likes being placed near a window, not in the direct sunlight and will thrive if you soak them in water every time their roots are dry. Use your finger to probe about an inch into the pot to see if the surface is dry. Give them a tiny little bit of fertilizer every other watering and they will bloom often. 

Plants not only add beauty to a room, but also make it a friendly, inviting place to live or work. This perhaps explains why plants play such an important role at key stages of our lives, such as weddings, birthdays, funerals. People feel relaxed when they are near plants. A growing research shows that taking care of plants indoor or outdoor is a great medicine for improving mental and physical wellbeing at any age. 

Now you know as well that they can purify the air we breathe. Just remember, the more plants you have in your home, the more chemicals they will be able to remove. 

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