Earlier this summer, Sabine provided some suggestions to the TODAY Show for plants that can can purify your indoor air.
So how do these plants impact your indoor air quality? According to a study by NASA from the 1980’s, plants are able to convert toxins in your home such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and ammonia. The study found that plants were able to neutralize these chemicals effectively removing them from your home.
It is interesting that a study conducted in the 80’s has so much relevance in today’s super-sealed homes. Different types of plants are more effective with various chemicals, so if you are REALLY intrigued, take a look at the study for more details.
So with all that great natural air filtration power, we thought we’d add a few new trendy plants you may have seen in recent design snippets on Pinterest and in design magazines.
Monstera Deliciosa
This is a dramatic plant with a beautiful, big leaf. It needs a lot of room.
Foliage: Large cut leaves. Younger specimens will have full leaves, the cuts begin to appear as the plant gets older, when the conditions are right.
Plant: The plant grows by climbing a tree. Providing something to climb on is necessary inside so the plant can support itself. Indoors the plant will need to be manually fixed to the climbing stake. Aerial roots not sued to support the plant can be cut back.
Light: Good light or shade, keep out of direct sunlight.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
This plant appears to be the decorators’ choice plant these days. Open any design magazine today and you are likely to find many Fiddle Leaf Fig plants.
Foliage: Large, leathery, nearly violin-shaped leaves.
Plant: This stately plant can reach 20 feet tall. To maintain its size and shape, prune branches in early spring. Feed the plant after pruning; rotate it every few weeks to keep it from leaning.
Light: Moderate to bright.
Black Aralia
Black Aralia is a forgiving plant – great for anyone who thinks he/she doesn’t have a green thumb.
Foliage: With ruffled, slightly coarse leaves on slim trunks – definitely an interesting texture for houseplants.
Plant: A tender shrub from the tropics, it grows slowly to 12 feet. Water when soil has dried 2 to 30 inches below the surface.
Light: Moderate to bright.
Chinese Money Plant
A delicate and beautiful table top plant.
Foliage: Shiny and glossy textured
Plant: Can grow as high as 18 inches. Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings.
Light: Light Shade.
Yucca Plant
Yucca Plant has long been a favorite when space is limited and you want that touch of natural in your space. Easy to take care of too!
Foliage: Spiky sword shaped leaves.
Plant: Thick woody steps that can grow to 8 feet tall.
Light: Bright.
