Let’s Get Some Air Purifying Plants in Room and Breathe Fresh

Dr. Ankita Raj

We are aware that pollution is increasing at a rapid pace. Tree plantation is done as they remove toxic gases from the air and provide oxygen (O2) for breathing. If the courtyard of the building is small then trees may not be planted due to a lack of physical space. In such conditions, air purifier plants could be given space in rooms of the building to make the air clean and beautify the interiors.

My personal famous five:

First is the ‘ZZ plant’ that demands the least care. It likes shade and watering once in two weeks. It is evergreen. The leaves are shiny and must be cleaned with a damp cloth. This plant is medium-sized, one is enough for about 100 square feet of room. It dislikes cold rooms and does not need regular fertilization.

‘Monstera Deliciosa’ plant leaves are naturally cut which makes them extraordinary beautiful. It likes a lit-up room and watering every three days.

‘Rubber plant’ needs moisture in the soil to grow and support when it’s tall. It prevents asthma and increases humidity around itself. All these three plants dislike direct sunlight.

‘Fidel-leaf fig’ leaves are broad violin-shaped. It is suitable for house corners with fungal growth as it is capable of removing humidity from the air. The ideal place for it is near the window because it likes bright light; dislikes darkness and cold.

‘Areca Palm’ is tall and beautiful. It likes bright light too, moist soil and water every three days. In the winter season, it is advisable to let the soil dry a little before watering next.

‘Snake plant’, ‘Song of India’, ‘Peace Lilies’, ‘Pothos’, ‘Ferns’, ‘Aloe Vera’ (helps sleep better) and ‘spider plant’ plants are air purifiers too.

Potting
Whenever we bring a plant from the nursery, a bag is placed around the roots. We are tempted to remove it and pot the plant. Instead, the plant must be placed in the pot as it is. If we do so then we keep the roots intact and the plant grows peacefully. Potting must be done when the roots outgrow. The chosen flower pot must have enough room for the roots. It must be filled with soil 3/4. A drainage hole is a must. Dig a hole deep and wide for the sapling. Fill it up with mud which must be patted gently and watered immediately. A little amount of water is good. Then take care of it and see it grow and enjoy.

Just FYI
Yellow leaves indicate that the plant is demanding more water and must be away from direct sunlight. The suggested plants have been taken from the list of air purification plants released by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1989. Dr. Bill Wolverton was the prime investigator behind NASA Clean Air Study. The above five plants have been taken from there. For your information, unclean gases(formaldehyde, benzene(C6H6), carbon dioxide (CO), methane (NH4), carbon dioxide(CO2)) cause irritation (short-term impact) and weakened immunity (long-term impact). They are released in the air from the industry, automobiles, paints, crude oil, detergent, grease, furniture, appliances etc.

Shocking Fact
For any air-conditioned building, an open door relives ~2000 kg. of CO2 in the entire summer. It is equivalent to 8046 km. road journey of a car.
It’s time to start working towards purifying the air.