Common day household activities release harmful toxins into our indoor environment. But indoor plants may provide a valuable weapon in the fight against rising levels of air pollution in the home. Such plants are not only decorative, but are surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside modern buildings. Studies generated at NASA recommend that you use 15 to 18 good-sized houseplants in 6 to 8 inch diameter containers to improve air quality in an average 1,800 square foot house. The more vigorously they grow the better job they’ll do in improving the air quality in your homes.
Common toxins found indoors
Trichloroethylene or TCE is a chemical product with industrial uses, most commonly found in metal degreasing and dry cleaning. It is also used in painting inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes and adhesives. TCE is a liver carcinogen.
Benzene is a commonly used solvent found in items such as diesel/petrol/kerosene, inks, oils, paints, plastics and rubber. It is also used in detergents, explosives, pharmaceuticals and dyes. Repeated contact with benzene causes drying, blistering, inflammation and dermatitis. It is also considered to be a carcinogen.
Formaldehyde is found in virtually all indoor environments since it is used in the manufacture of paper products and furniture. Sources of formaldehyde also include cooking fuels like kerosene, natural gas and cigarette smoke. Exposure to high levels of this toxin causes irritation in eyes and headaches. The top indoor plants that best remove toxins are listed alongside—their prices sourced from government nurseries in New Delhi. The monsoons are a good time to make a new beginning- so go ahead and detox your home.
Dypsis lutescens, also known as yellow or butterfly palm, the areca is one of the most popular and graceful palms. It is tolerant of the indoor environment, releases copious amounts of moisture into the air and removes chemical toxins effectively. The areca is consistently the best among houseplants for removing indoor air toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.
Potted plant INR 125, Sapling INR 70
Chamaedorea is an easy to care for plant and this popular variety of palm adds much needed moisture into the indoor atmosphere, especially during winter months when heating systems dry the air. This palm is also one of the top-rated plants tested for the removal of benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde.
Potted plant INR 75, Sapling INR 40
Rhapis excelsa is a large palm that fans six to 12-inch-wide with four and 10 thick, shiny leaves. It is highly resistant to attack by most plant insects and is great for improving indoor air quality. It grows slowly and is easy to maintain.
Potted plant INR 200, Sapling INR 90
Spathiphyllum is an outstanding foliage plant that also produces beautiful white spathes. The peace lily should always be included when seeking a variety of indoor plants. This plant has a high transpiration rate and possesses all the qualities of making it one of the best indoor plants. The Peace Lily excels in the removal of alcohols, acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde.
Potted plant INR 30, Seeds INR 40
Ficus elastic is a tough plant, will tolerate dim light and cool temperatures, making it an excellent houseplant. The plant is easy to grow and is great for removing chemical toxins from the indoor environment, particularly formaldehyde. It can survive in moderate sunlight conditions and does not need much care.
Potted plant INR 40
Dracaena marginata is an attractive dark-green popular indoor plant. It is also one of the best plants for removing trichloreoethylene. These plants can tolerate neglect and dimly lit environments but does best in indirect, medium sunlight.
Potted plant INR 50, Sapling INR 25
Gerbera L. is a bright flowering plant that can help you get rid of tricholoroethylene and benzene. Flowers in various colors ranging from mustard yellow to maroon grow all year round in tropical realms.
Potted plant INR 50, Seeds INR 40
Nephrolepis exaltata are ferns that are probably one of the oldest groups of plants. Many have been found as fossils dating back to prehistoric times. The Boston Fern’s stiff fronds arch out, drooping downward as they grow. It is grown strictly for its foliage as it does not produce flowers. As an indoor plant, the Boston Fern seeks a certain amount of attention. It must have frequent misting and watering, or the leaves will quickly turn brown and begin to drop. It is the best for removing air pollutants, especially formaldehyde, and for adding humidity to the indoor environment.
Potted plant INR 100, Sapling INR 70
Ficus Alii is a new variety that is rapidly gaining popularity. Its slender dark green leaves make it an extremely attractive plant. Its ability to help purify the air, ease of growth and resistance to insects make it an excellent choice for your home. Like all species of ficus, expect some leaf drop until the plant adjusts to its new location.
Potted plant INR 60, Sapling INR 35
Epipremnum aureum is an extremely popular plant as it can tolerate low light, low humidity and cool temperatures. Pothos are rated one of the best houseplants for removing all indoor air toxins. The most common variety Golden Pothos gets the most use in the interior business. Two other varieties are Marble Queen with a streaky white on green and Jade which is green. Pothos does not adjust well to the wet soil and could use a good selectively pruning which will promote new growth.
Potted plant INR 100