on The 7 best air-purifying plants according to NASA
Gone are the days of gray weather, spring is back, and with it a whole festival of color and joy! A breath of fresh air is knocking at your door: the environment is more pleasant and revitalizing. We want to spend time on the terrace, change the interior decor, and bring a touch of freshness with lush, exotic plants that are pleasant to contemplate.
Still unsure which plants to bring into your home? Okay, we’re just going to give you a nice little list of the best spring plants right now. The most popular ones are perfect for purifying the air, oxygenating your living spaces, and providing that much-needed dose of freshness to offset the fast-approaching heat.
What are the benefits of indoor plants?
A few decades ago, in the 1980s to be precise, NASA launched a study and compiled a list of the best air-purifying plants that purify the air and eliminate toxins.
With the expansion of urban buildings and housing, the maintenance and creation of open, natural spaces had to be abandoned. As a result, fresh air in cities was reduced to a minimum, creating respiratory and even circulatory problems for the population.
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For this reason, NASA has proposed not only using other building materials that are safer and less toxic for residents, but also mitigating air pollution by minimizing the use of mechanical ventilation devices. In other words, adding a few indoor plants to homes, whose properties are particularly beneficial for cleaning the environment and promoting better oxygen circulation.
What are the best spring plants to have at home?
The Pothos
pothos
A hanging indoor plant, the Pothos is a favorite for decorating a shelf or climbing a wall. It stands out for its long stems and colorful leaves. Easy to care for, it adapts to many environments and acclimates to various interiors. We particularly like its versatility and hardiness. Although this plant prefers natural light, it is important not to expose it to direct sunlight, as this could irreparably burn its leaves. Regarding watering, the Pothos should only be sprayed when its substrate is completely dry. Otherwise, to clean the leaves, a few jets of lukewarm water from time to time is sufficient. Water it once a week, avoiding puddles in its pot. From time to time, to restore its bushy charm, do not hesitate to prune the young stems. As it is also a climbing plant, it is recommended to place it in high spaces or in hanging pots.
The Phoenix
Also known as the “Canary Island Palm,” this graphic tree is highly ornamental: it adapts very well to growing in pots and adds an exotic touch to the room. If you’ve been dreaming of having a palm tree at home, this will certainly be the ideal choice: this plant can reach a maximum height of 5 meters and become gigantic overnight. The advantage is that it doesn’t need to be repotted often. First of all, choose a sunny spot; this is a species that appreciates direct sunlight, at least half a day. You can also keep this palm tree in a shady spot, but be careful of drafts. Watering should be done twice a week, no more, and in winter, once is enough. Also, be careful not to overwater its roots.
Ivy
An evergreen climbing plant, ivy is very hardy and doesn’t require much maintenance. In nature, it can create vines with its branches that cover high surfaces, whether buildings or gardens. It is therefore practical to place it in a hanging pot. Known for its depolluting properties, it is easy to install in the bathroom. This plant is ideal for people with asthma or allergies. Indeed, it filters the various allergens present in the air. Be careful, however, of its small fruits, which are toxic. It is best to keep it out of reach of pets and children. Otherwise, ivy tolerates all types of light, but not direct sunlight. It must be watered constantly, so that the soil is always moist.
Boston fern
With its highly ornamental green foliage and arched fronds, this plant is particularly popular indoors. Generous and elegant, it enhances the room with a truly tropical character. This fern is also highly valued for its depolluting properties: it purifies the air in enclosed spaces and effectively filters methane, a chemical product that is very harmful to health and contained in various household products, such as glues, adhesives, and insulating materials. This plant needs plenty of light, even indirect light. It thrives in a bright, humid atmosphere, away from drafts. If it is placed in the bathroom, near the sink, it will grow better. The Boston fern is easy to live with: but, as it hates drought, remember to water it regularly,
The cactus
Cactus
All cactus species are perfect for the hot and extreme climates experienced in spring and especially summer. Therefore, the cactus can easily withstand hot temperatures. It is best not to water it more than once every 15 to 20 days, as it is a plant that retains and absorbs a lot of water. If you water it too much, it risks dying. What many people don’t know is that cactus contains certain chemical compounds that can help purify indoor spaces. This makes it the perfect spring plant to have at home! As a bonus, it completely dresses up a windowsill and gives a Mexican atmosphere. Place it in a bright and sunny spot. And remember, let the soil dry out between waterings: overwatering can be fatal and cause it to rot too quickly!
Orchids
Who doesn’t love orchids? Synonymous with beauty and refinement, this plant surprises with its majestic blooms. It reveals stunning butterfly-shaped flowers in a variety of colors and emitting an intoxicating fragrance. In some Eastern and Asian cultures, orchids are considered symbols of luck and prosperity. A true jewel for the home! There are thousands of species, so you can choose the variant you prefer. Remember to water it once every 5 to 7 days, as it retains water for a long time. Lighting should be constant but away from direct sunlight. Chic, colorful, and cheerful, the orchid is the perfect spring plant to have at home!
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Sansevieria
Sansevieria
It is nicknamed “Mother-in-law’s Tongue” because of the leathery texture of its thin leaves, adorned with beautiful stripes edged in golden yellow. However, it remains an undemanding and very malleable plant. It can be installed in any position. It adapts to environments with very high temperatures up to 40°C, or very low temperatures down to minus 5°C. A perennial and rustic plant, it prefers bright spaces, but not direct sunlight. The Sansevieria tolerates humidity well: it should be placed in environments such as the bathroom, where it can purify the air by breaking down various toxins such as benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde. Its special feature: it regulates environmental humidity for the benefit of our skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
You now have an idea of the most beautiful spring plants to install in your home to fully benefit from their benefits.