Harnessing the power of plants to improve your indoor air quality

 

Did you know that your home could actually be significantly unhealthy? And that you likely have a home that’s polluted by candles, combustion appliances, solvent-containing products and more? What’s more, you yourself could be a source of pollution, as you breathe CO2 into the air. And when you spend around 80 to 90% of your life inside, it could have an impact on your health.

The Air Quality Expert Group has spoken about indoor air quality in the UK, indicating that most indoor spaces have a wide range of emissions (you can find the full report here). Some contributors, such as building materials and VOCs, are beyond your control. But there may be ways in which you can reduce the pollution in your home, one of the easiest and most natural being with plants.

Below, I explain how the simple house plant can improve the air quality in your home, as well as which plants to choose (and which plants are easy to look after).

 

Plants and CO2

In case you were wondering why plants can make such a big difference when it comes to reducing toxin levels indoors, the secret lies in their stomata. The stomata is the myriad of tiny openings that sit along a plant’s entire surface. These stomata rely on CO2 to perform photosynthesis. Through this process, they release oxygen, creating cleaner air for all.

There is an exception to this general rule, though.

Some succulents, as well as cacti and bromeliads, rely on an alternative photosynthetic pathway that allows them to keep their leaf stomata closed during the day to reduce moisture loss. However, they still weave their magic, releasing some oxygen at night when their stomata open up and their oxygen can escape!

 

Which plants absorb the most CO2?

When planning your list of household plants, know that not all greenery is as efficient at carbon sequestration.

Some of the best choices include the bird’s nest fern, which can reduce the concentration of CO2 indoors from around 2000 parts per million (ppm) to a decent 800ppm. Ferns are not only efficient air cleaners, but they also have a joyful, dynamic look that fits in with modern as well as more classic interior design styles.

Another great choice are snake plants, whose sturdy, elegant green leaves are easy and cheap to maintain. One study by researchers from the Naresuan University in Thailand found that snake plants absorb CO2 at 0.49ppm/m3 in a closed space, which is considered a very effective rate.

Additional species that make great indoor purifiers are succulents, prayer plants, dumb canes, ZZ plants, pothos, rubber plants, anthuriums, jade plants, and arrowhead plants.

 

Outdoor plants that can grow indoors

Don’t limit yourself to plants that exclusively thrive indoors. Whether you are a homeowner or a landlord, you can create outdoor zones that can help to sequester carbon in the areas that give way to windows, sliding doors, and other openings to homes.

Common spaces can be filled with perennial plants, flowers, and shrubs such as salvia, lupins, agapanthus, and heucheras. Do your share for the environment by opting for plants that butterflies and other wildlife love. For instance, salvia is known to attract butterflies and bees—and bearing in mind the danger of dwindling bee populations, it pays to do your share!

If you are a homeowner, you can kill two birds with one stone by investing in species that can grow indoors and outdoors. These include sago palms, tropical hibiscus, cast iron plants, asparagus ferns, birds of paradise, cordylines, and crowns of thorns.

 

What considerations should you keep in mind when choosing your houseplants?

When making your choices, ensure that they are safe. For instance, some houseplants can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms. These include roses, ferns, spider plants, and ficus. Ferns have spores and can cause rashes similar to those linked to poison ivy. The humble ficus, meanwhile, can exacerbate latex allergies, and their sap can become attached to dust particles and fly through the house.

In this instance, you might want to instead invest in a high-quality air purifier for allergy season can make a huge difference — especially during renovations or DIY projects. They help remove dust, allergens, and pollutants, ensuring your newly designed spaces stay as clean, healthy, and comfortable as they look.

When it comes to pets, the best approach is to find a list of plants that are safe for your cat and dog. Just a few everyday houseplants that are beautiful and popular but harmful and potentially deadly for dogs include aloe vera, dumb canes, sago palms, ZZ plants, birds of paradise, and peace lilies. Cats, meanwhile, should be kept far from lilies, sago palms, jade plants, pathos, philodendrons and calla lillies.

 

Incorporating plants into your indoor living spaces not only enhances air quality but also adds beauty and peace to your home.

The benefits extend beyond their air-purifying capabilities, too. Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall well-being. When creating your verdant oasis, just make sure to choose plants that are champion carbon sequesters, and to prioritise the health and safety of yourself, your loved ones, and your pets.