In an earlier blog entry, we discussed the remarkable capacity plants have to act as natural air purifiers. In fact, some plants are so effective at cleansing the air of harmful toxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that NASA has studied them in hopes of employing them as air purifiers in space stations. In today’s entry, we’ll look at five of the best plants for cleaning the air in your office.
Spathiphyllum Species (Peace Lily)
This shade-loving genus of lily is extremely adept at removing VOCs such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air. It also absorbs acetone, which is found in many electronics and adhesives. Best of all, in the proper lighting peace lily blooms all year-round, making it both an aesthetically pleasing and practically sound option for air purification.
Dracaena Species (Corn Plant, Janet Craig, Warneckei )
These low maintenance plants do a fine job of removing benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia from the air. The best feature of these VOC magnets is that they do not require steady, direct sunlight in order to survive. Keep them by a window if you prefer, but an interior conference room works too. Either way you’ll enjoy fresh, clean air courtesy of your dracaena foliage.
Variegated Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Affectionately known to some as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” this tropical plant is a low maintenance, highly effective option for cleansing the air in your office. They don’t require much sunlight, and are fairly tolerant of irregular watering. During the course of their clean air study, NASA scientists demonstrated the snake plant’s ability to scrub the air of toxic compounds such as nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde.
Aglaonema Species (Marias, Emerald By, Silver Queen)
These low light loving evergreen plants effectively cleanse the air of a number of VOCs including trichloroethylene and formaldehyde. These plants don’t grow tall, nor do they require bright light. Plus, they don’t require much watering either.
Aloe (Aloe Vera)
The extract of aloe has long been recognized as an effective topical treatment for burns and sores. What many people don’t know is that aloe also helps to remove harmful byproducts of chemical cleaners such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air. These plants thrive in direct sunlight, and require water only about once a week.
Plants are the original green – way before being green was cool. Want to learn more about the cleansing powers of plants? Give us a call today at 561-784-5040 and ask for Robin for more information!
