Plants That Clean the Air: Discover the experiment in which NASA uses the power of plants and soil to purify the air, and these green friends will help you breathe comfortably in your home and be good for your soul. Keep reading below to discover additional plants that clean the air.

Our planet is more crowded than ever, our natural resources are more polluted than ever. As cities grow, industry and technology develop, and density increases in cities, the other side of the coin is the destruction of natural resources, air and water pollution, and our carbon footprint.

Outdoor Air Pollution Data

According to the data on the website of the Right to Clean Air Platform; In 2019, air pollution in 98% of the provinces with sufficient data in the world was above the limit values of the World Health Organization (WHO). Since 2017, air pollution causes more than 6 times more deaths than traffic accidents every year. The number of cities in the world with a high number of deaths due to air pollution since 2017 is quite high. In other words, when we go out with the intention of taking air, we get even more poisoned and we are exposed to these negative conditions. When we look at the distribution of urban and rural population, most of us are knitted with congested reinforced concrete lives.

What about Our Houses?

While this is the case outside, the excess of plastic derivatives in our homes, all kinds of electronics, room odors and many materials pollute our air. For this reason, we use house plants to at least add a little green color to this negative picture and to clean our air. Discover 10 plants that clean the air below.

Based on our basic knowledge of biology, we know that green plants perform photosynthesis, that is, they absorb carbon dioxide in the air and release oxygen into the air. Can plants do more than that and improve our atmosphere? Discover 10 plants that clean the air below.

NASA’s Research on Plants

In this context, we turn our face to a study conducted by NASA in 1989. In fact, the most important reason why this 32-year-old research is a source for us nowadays is because of the feeling of being stuck in our own essence, that is, our distant from nature. While this study is spreading at an avalanche rate in the popular press, it is noteworthy that it was actually shared with a single point of view. At the same time, they have presented this study to us by teaching.

NASA used 3 different chemicals (volatile organic carbons) for testing in this study; benzene, formaldehyde, trichlorethylene. A total of 12 different plants were selected in the experiment. These chemicals were released into the test environment, and it was also measured whether the soil without the plant reduces the chemicals. At the same time, it should not be overlooked that carbon filter was used in addition to the plants in the experimental environment.

According to the results, plants and even pure soil without leaves did indeed absorb these volatile organic compounds. It has even been observed that the microbes in the soil are better than the leaves in this regard. But the point that is overlooked is that; The environment in homes and offices is not the same as the laboratory environment. A large number of plants were used in a small area in the experimental environment. To create this environment in our homes, we need to have 100 house plants in every room, but we agree this would not be very practical.

The second reason for the difference is that all the materials in our homes constantly emit pollutants. These chemicals are unfortunately produced faster than the rate at which plants absorb them. In NASA’s experimental rooms, pollutants were injected once and then the air was monitored to see if there was a reduction in pollutants. This situation; It shows that our homes, which are constantly polluted with the laboratory environment, are two very different environments. In addition, when we look at the summary part of NASA’s experiment, it is noted that in addition to the plants, the activated carbon filter also plays an important role in air pollution.

However, in his TED talk, researcher Kamal Meattle mentioned that there are 1200 plants in an area of 4600 square meters in Paharpur Business Center, which has 300 employees in New Delhi, and this building was chosen by the Indian government as the healthiest building in Delhi. So when we look at this picture from a distance, it is correct to say that the plants give oxygen to our environment thanks to photosynthesis and absorb volatile chemicals according to NASA’s experiment, but the information that we reached this result by just putting 1-2 plants in our room is an exaggeration.

In addition to all these, it is certain that whether plants cleanse the physical environment completely or not, they are very good for our soul. Keeping nature alive in our home, witnessing the growth of a plant, and communicating with them may contribute more positively than removing formaldehyde from the air. You can have this experience by selecting some from the list below. Discover 10 plants that clean the air below.

Plants That Clean The Air

Areca palm (Areka)

The areca palm, which gives a tropical breeze to every environment it enters, will open you up in every sense. In addition to the fresh feeling of its appearance, it is one of our green leafy friends that you must raise in your living space because it really absorbs the chemicals in the air. Keep reading below to discover additional plants that clean the air.

Snake Plants (Dracaena trifasciata)

The most suitable plant for your bedroom is itself. Because it is resistant to shade and also produces oxygen at night. In addition to all these, they are among the easiest plants to care for. It is one of the most ideal starter plants that are resistant to negligence and hold on to life even when not watered for a long time. Click to learn how to care for Dracaena trifasciata. Keep reading below to discover additional plants that clean the air.

Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum Auremun)

If you want both to contribute to air cleaning and to grow fast, you should definitely choose the type of pothos ivy. After a few months, it will enchant you with its branches that grow by meters. But be careful if you have a pet friend like a dog or cat at home, their leaves are toxic to them. Keep reading below to discover additional plants that clean the air.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)

It is among the tropical plants and easy to maintain. While you should avoid direct sunlight, it tolerates irregular irrigation. Keep reading below to discover additional plants that clean the air.

Spider plant (Chloropytum Comosum)

It is one of the most pleasant plants to look after, non-toxic for your pets, easy to care for, compatible with shade and medium intensity light. It adapts to any environment with the elegant appearance of its white thin stripes. Keep reading below to discover additional plants that clean the air.

Chamaedorea Seifrizii

Again, the shamados, which have an appearance similar to the areca palm, are separated from them as more squat. Make a place in your home for the flamethrowers, which are very suitable for moss ball and remind summer! Keep reading below to discover additional plants that clean the air.

Weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina)

If you want the plant you want to prefer to be in tree form; Benjamin is perfect for you. This plant, which is deciduous like the trees outside in autumn but gives plenty of new leaves in March-September, is also available in different sizes in both large and desktop sizes. Keep reading below to discover additional plants that clean the air.

Common ivy (Hedera Helix)

Common ivy, which is a type of ivy and looks very attractive with its star-shaped leaf form, is among the plants that are evergreen. If you want to put stars in your home while your air quality increases, you can choose this beautiful ivy type. Keep reading below to discover additional plants that clean the air.

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lily, which we cannot take your eyes off with the elegant appearance of its white flower, is a living room plant originating from America and South Asia. Again, the plant is ideal for beginners. Keep reading below to discover additional plants that clean the air.

Dragon tree (Dracaena Marginata)

Dracaena is a variety of the reflexa genus. This species, also known as the Madagascar Dragon tree; It is among the varieties that are resistant to negligence with its sharp leaves emerging from its thick woody body.