Pollution is going at its worst level in metro cities and recent example we had seen as a high alert in Delhi. Humans are suffering for clean air to breath – the only must necessity of the life. Why we are in such a condition? why we are far away from our clean environment? Are there chances again to get “SWATCH PARYAVARAN”- clean atmosphere. No doubt we are in metro cities but we can atleast contribute to grow plant a indoor plant at every home. This would definitely lead to a step for clean air. We have air purifying plants like sansevieria, spathiphyllum or peace lilies, dracaena, aloes, ficus. Among this let us explore Top 5 Air Purifying Plants.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the Air Purifying Plant found in almost all houses. It is from plant species genes Aloe. This plant has major attraction as an indoor plant. This plant grows upto 60 to 100cm tall spreading by offsets. This plant has short stemmed which are very thick and fleshy green or grey-green in color. Flower is seen in summer on this plant on the spike when the plant turns upto 90cm in height. Its leaf is serrated and has thorny margin. It is easy to grow and helps to keep your home free from benzenewhich can be found in paint and certain chemical cleaners.
This plant is mostly used in Ayurvedic skin treatment and its juice is considered good for digestive system. Its sap is also used in cosmetics products like body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, shave lotion, face wash, hair jell, face mask, cold creams, sunscreen. It also has cooling property and so it is used for skin burns.
Peace Lily
Peace Lily is another Air Purifying plant, also known as Spathiphyllum makes a beautiful house plant as well as office plant. These lovely plants brighten your living area with its dark green leaves and white flowers. The NASA Clean Air Study found that Spathiphyllum helps to cleanse the air we breathe of certain environmental contaminants, including benzene and formaldehyde. Peace Lily is an easy to maintain plant, which needs less water and low to medium light. This plant can be toxic to humans and animals when ingested. The peace lily is not a true lily from the Liliaceae family. True lilies are much more toxic to cats and dogs. The peace lily contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause skin irritation, a burning sensation in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and nausea.
Snake plant
Snake plant is an evergreen perennial plant forming dense stands. This plant is also known to be Air Purifying Plants. According to NASA, snake plant absorbs airborne toxins, such as benzene, nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Snake plant has stiff leaves that grow from the basal rosette. Snake plant is also known as mother-in-law’s tongue because of the shape and sharp margins of its leaves. It is also known as the “viper’s bowstring hemp”, because it is one of the sources for plant fibers used to make bowstrings. The plant contains saponins which are mildly toxic to dogs and cats and can lead to upset stomach if consumed. Snake plant requires occasional watering and prefers dry conditions and some sun.
Green spider plant
Green Spider Plant is one of the easiest house plants to grow. These plants can tolerate cooling temperatures down to 2 °C (35 °F), but they grow best at temperatures between 18 °C (65 °F) and 32 °C (90 °F).These plants prefer bright and indirect sunlight. It is a flowering perennial herb and is native to tropical and southern Africa. These plants grow to about 60 cm high and has fleshy and tuberous root. Green spider plant has been shown to reduce indoor air pollution in the form of formaldehyde.
English Ivy
English Ivy or common ivy is flowering plant, native to most of Europe and western Asia. It is another house plant that helps filter toxins inside your house. According to NASA’s study, English Ivy is effective in cleaning formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and toluene from the air. This is an evergreen vine mostly found in gardens, house trunks, tree trunks, and in wild areas. Earlier, the leaves and berries were taken orally as an expectorant to treat cough and bronchitis. English Ivy can easily escape from gardens and occupy nearby parks and other natural areas. English Ivy are easy to maintain and can be kept at constant temperature. This plant needs plenty of sunlight and generous amount of water with well-drained soil.
