Common indoor plants may provide a valuable weapon in the fight against rising levels of indoor air pollution. NASA scientists are finding them to be surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside homes, indoor public spaces and office buildings.
The indoor pollutants that affect health are formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds (benzene and trichloroethylene or TCE), airborne biological pollutants, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, pesticides and disinfectants (phenols), and radon.
These pollutants contribute to ‘sick building syndrome’, which causes symptoms ranging from allergies, headaches and fatigue through to nervous-system disorders, cancer and death.
Through studies conducted by NASA, scientists have identified 50 houseplants that remove many of the pollutants and gases mentioned above. Dr. B. C. Wolverton rated these plants for removing chemical vapors, ease of growth, resistance to insect problems, and transpiration (the amount of water they expire into the air). NASA, with assistance from the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, conducted a two-year study directed by Dr. B.C. Wolverton, an environmental engineer from Picayune, Mr. Wolverton has worked as a research scientist for NASA for some 20 years. His study, in the late ’80s and early ’90s, of the interaction of plants and air found that houseplants, when placed in sealed chambers in the presence of specific chemicals, removed those chemicals from the chambers.
Dr. B.C. Wolverton, researcher and author of “How to Grow Fresh Air – 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office”, conducted plant studies for NASA that determined that plants can clean pollutants in homes, offices, factories and retail outlets. Later, Wolverton expanded the study and assigned plants a rating from one to 10, based on a plant’s ability to remove chemical vapors or indoor air toxins, ease of growth and maintenance, resistance to insect infestation and the rate at which water evaporates from the leaves.
Top ten plants for removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air.
1. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Also called the “Butterfly Palm”. An upright
houseplant that is somewhat vase shaped. Specimen plants can
reach 10 to 12 foot in height. Prefers a humid area to avoid
tip damage. Requires pruning. When selecting an Areca palm
look for plants with larger caliber trunks at the base of the
plant. Plants that have pencil thin stems tend to topple over
and are quite difficult to maintain.
2. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Also called the “Lady Palm”, this durable palm
species adapts well to most interiors. The Rhapis are some of
the easiest palms to grow, but each species has its own
particular environment and culture requirements. The “Lady
Palm” grows slowly, but can grow to more than 14′ in height with
broad clumps often having a diameter as wide as their
height.
3. Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Also called the “reed palm”, this palm prefers
bright indirect light. New plants will lose of some interior
foliage as they acclimate to indoor settings. This plant likes
to stay uniformly moist, but does not like to be over-watered
or to sit in standing water. Indoor palms may attract spider
mites which can be controlled by spraying with a soapy
solution.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)
Grows very well indoors, preferring semi-sun
lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer. Young
plants may need to be supported by a stake. The Ficus grows to
8’ with a spread of 5’. Wear gloves when pruning, as the milky
sap may irritate the skin. Water thoroughly when in active
growth, then allow the soil to become fairly dry before
watering again. In winter keep slightly moist.
5. Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena deremensis)
The Dracaena grows to 10’ with a spread of 3’.
Easy to grow, these plants do best in bright indirect sunlight
coming from the east/west. They can adapt to lower light
levels if the watering is reduced. Keep the soil evenly moist
and mist frequently with warm water. Remove any dead leaves.
Leaf tips will go brown if the plant is under watered but this
browning may be trimmed.
6. Philodendron (Philodendron sp.)
One of the most durable of all house plants.
Philodendrons prefer medium intensity light but will tolerate
low light. Direct sun will burn the leaves and stunt plant
growth. This plant is available in climbing and non-climbing
varieties. When grown indoors, they need to be misted
regularly and the leaves kept free of dust. Soil should be
evenly moist, but allowed to dry between watering.
7. Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
A hardy, drought-tolerant and long-lived plant,
the Dwarf Date Palm needs a bright spot which is free of
drafts. It grows slowly, reaching heights of 8-10’. The Dwarf
Date Palm should not be placed near children’s play areas
because it has sharp needle-like spines arranged near the base
of the leaf stem. These can easily penetrate skin and even
protective clothing.
8. Ficus Alii (Ficus macleilandii “Alii”)
The Ficus Alii grows easily indoors, and
resists insects. It prefers a humid environment and low to
medium light when grown indoors. The Ficus Aliii should not be
placed near heating or air conditioning vents, or near drafts
because this could cause leaf loss. Soil should be kept moist
but allowed to dry between watering.
9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”)
The Boston fern grows to 4’ in height with a
spread up to 5’. It has feathery ferns which are best
displayed as a hanging plant. It prefers bright indirect
sunlight. Keep the soil barely moist and mist frequently with
warm water. This plant is prone to spider mites and whitefly
which can be controlled using a soapy water spray. Inspect new
plants for bugs before bringing them home.
10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum “Mauna Loa”)
The Peace Lily is a compact plant which grows
to a height of 3’ with a 2’ spread. This hardy plant
tolerates neglect. It prefers indirect sunlight and high
humidity, but needs to be placed out of drafts. For best
results, the Peace Lily should be thoroughly watered, then
allowed to go moderately dry between waterings. The leaves
should be misted frequently with warm water.
