Plants that purify the air

Joana Alves Gomes
Sep 30
3 min read

Between work and home, most Europeans currently spend 90% of their time indoors. This makes it increasingly important to monitor and improve the air quality in our homes and workplaces. Fortunately, there are plants that can help us with this task.

A 1989 study by NASA and the ACA (Associated Contractors of America) highlights some of the best indoor plants for purifying the air.

Here are some examples:

Antthurium andraenum - Antúrio

Absorbs: ammonia, formaldehyde, and xylene.

Climate/light: between 15 and 30°C, indirect light.

Soil: moist, well-drained, spaced fertilization.

Flowering: year-round.

Height: 30-40 cm.

Toxic to dogs and cats.

Chamaedora seifrizii - Palmeira bambu

Absorbs: formaldehyde and xylene,

Climate/Light: Temperature between 15 and 30°C, indirect light,

Soil: Moist, well-drained, Fertilize in spring,

Flowering: Not significant (fall-winter),

Height: 300 cm.

Chrysanthemum morifolium - Crisântemo

Absorbs: ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene,

Climate/Light: Temperature: 15 to 30°C, direct light,

Soil: Moist and well-drained,

Flowering: Fall and winter,

Height: 30 to 100 cm.

Toxic to dogs and cats.

Epiprennum aureum - Jibóia

Absorbs: formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene.

Climate/light: direct, indirect light, shade.

Soil: moist and well-drained.

Flowering: not significant.

Height: climbing or hanging, can reach 300 cm.

Toxic to dogs and cats.

Ficus benjamina - Figueira-benjamim

Absorbs: formaldehyde and xylene,

Climate/Light: Partial shade, full sun,

Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertilized in spring and summer,

Flowering: Not significant,

Height: Up to 4 meters indoors.

Toxic to dogs and cats.

Liriope spicata - Liríope

Absorbs: ammonia, trichloroethylene, and xylene.

Climate/Light: Temperate, full sun or partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained and watered regularly.

Flowering: Late summer and fall.

Height: 10-30 cm.

Nephrolepis exaltata - Feto Americano

Absorbs: formaldehyde and xylene

Climate/light: humid, partial shade, indirect light,

Soil: rich in organic matter, regular fertilization, foliar fertilization,

Flowering: not significant,

Height: 40-60 cm.

Spathiphyllum spp. - Lírio-da-Paz

Absorbs: ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.

Climate/Light: Temp. 20 to 22°C, partial shade.

Soil: Moist and well-drained.

Flowering: Year-round.

Height: 30 to 40 cm.

Toxic to dogs and cats.

NASA recommends having at least one plant per 30m2.

So, what are these substances and where are they found?

Ammonia

- A substance found in cleaning products.

- It is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

Benzene

- Released into the atmosphere through the combustion of gasoline in vehicles, through cigarette smoke, and through the application of some glues, paints, and varnishes.

- It is an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It is toxic to the body and, depending on the amount absorbed, can cause headaches, drowsiness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Chronic exposure to benzene can lead to anemia, bleeding, and other damage to the immune system. It is a carcinogen.

Formaldehyde

- Released into the atmosphere through diesel combustion and welding.

- It is an irritant to the respiratory tract and eyes, skin, and gastrointestinal system. It is a carcinogen.

Trichloroethylene

- Released into the atmosphere by the solvent industry.

- It is irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It is toxic and carcinogenic.

Xylene

- Released into the atmosphere by the solvent industry, gasoline combustion, and tobacco smoke.

- It is irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

See here some examples of spaces developed by JAG landscape architecture with air-purifying plants.

- Hanging garden / indoor greenhouse

- Vertical garden / sunroom