5 Plants That Can Add an Extra Dose of O2 to Your Home
Breathe easy. These air-purifying plants will help remove pollutants and add oxygen to your indoor areas.
Every day, we’re exposed to germs, smog, PM 2.5 particles, toxic gases from exhaust pipes, and dangerous fumes. Benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde – these are only a small portion of harmful chemicals that surround us in our daily lives. Theses invisible air pollutants are some of the worst ‘unseen’ enemies to our wellbeing and health.
It’s always better to safe than sorry, so let’s improve our indoor environment in an all-natural way by keeping plants. The ones on this list come packed with perks like air-purifying, toxin absorption, oxygen production, and adding a refreshing splash of green to your home.
Areca Palm
The areca palm, a.k.a. yellow palm, is one of the most popular indoor plants. This decorative palm not only looks great, but it’s also very resilient. The plant is super effective at absorbing CO2, releasing O2, as well as adding humidity to the room.
Areca palm’s unique quality allows it to remove chemicals like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, which are released from photocopy machines, wall paint, and insecticides.
The palm is relatively easy to care for. Remember to water it often, but don’t let the soil get too wet. For maximum air-purifying effects, you should keep four shoulder-high palms for each person in the home. The best placement for the areca palm is in the living room.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is a hardy species that can thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments. It’s capable of removing toxins and harmful vapors such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene – all common pollutants found around factories, roads, and even offices.
What makes the snake plant so special is its ability to produce oxygen during the night, which means that this plant is best placed in the bedroom. Be sure to put the plant in indoor sunlight and water it weekly. For the best air-purifying results, you should keep 6-8 waist-high plants per person.
Money Plant
The money plant is recognized by NASA as capable of removing chemicals and pollutants, like benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, from the air.
At the same time, according to the Chines beliefs, this plant brings great fortune and luck. Its Chinese name, “摇钱树” (yáoqiánshù) refers to a legendary plant that produces valuable coins when it’s shaken.
Although its use in terms of pollutant removal and air purification is undisputed, you still should be careful with this plant. Its leaves can be toxic to cats, dogs, and small children if ingested.
Other than that, the money plant is easy to care for. In general, you should keep the plant in indirect light and water it weekly. If adding oxygen to your home is the goal, you should aim for at least three 18-inch-high plants per person. The plant can fit almost anywhere in the house, but make sure to keep it away from pets and small children.
Gerbera Daisy
Gerbera daisy is a popular decorative plant not only for its bright, beautiful flowers, but also for its ability to efficiently remove harmful chemicals.
Found in offices, houses, and even gardens, these plants can absorb pollutants such as benzene, trichloroethylene, and more. As the plant also produces oxygen at night, it’s also wise to place it in your bedroom.
Gerbera daisy requires a lot of water to survive. So water it often and always keep the soil moist. If the soil becomes dry, the temperature around the plant will rise, causing its flowers, leaves, and stems to wither.
Since gerbera daisy is primarily a decorative plant, you can keep as many as you’d like. Generally speaking, the more you keep, the better effects you’ll get!
Chinese Evergreens
Often considered the king of decorative plants, the Chinese evergreen is a popular indoor plant for homes and offices due to it staying green all year round.
The plant is highly effective in adding oxygen to indoor areas. It also removes harmful chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and other toxins.
Chinese Evergreen is easier to care for than most would think. Just water it from time to time and keep the soil moist. The number of plants depends on the layout and size of the area you intend to place them in. The best placements include the living area, the reception area, or anywhere you want to add a touch and nature.