2. Introduction
• In offices, homes, and other indoor areas,
poor air quality can both cause health
problems and make existing health problems
worse.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) currently ranks indoor air pollution
as one of the top five threats to public health.
4. Introduction
• Indoor air pollution results from the release of
chemical vapors and the suspension in the air of
particulates such as dust and microorganisms.
• In response to increasing Energy costs and the
need to conserve energy resources, buildings and
homes have been designed to be more energy
efficient. Thus, many offices and new homes have
tighter construction, sealing the building from the
outside air. This makes it easier for indoor air
pollutants to accumulate to dangerous levels. With
people spending up to 70–90 percent of their time
indoors, long-term Exposure to indoor air
Pollution can cause various health problems.
6. Introduction
• Air pollution can build up in any confined space, but
gases from synthetic materials used these days to
construct or furnish offices and homes can, among
other factors, result in “sick building syndrome.”
• People who are hypersensitive to the pollutants can
develop serious symptoms including eye, nose, and
throat irritations, allergies, asthma, blurred vision,
dizziness, fatigue, headache, skin irritation, nervous
System disorders, and upper respiratory and sinus
congestion.
8. Sources of emissions of air pollutants
• The major sources of indoor air pollutants are
combustion by products, Building materials,
household products and chemicals, and bio-
effluents.
• Combustion by products include carbon
monoxide, nitrogen and sulfur dioxides,
formaldehyde.
• Combustion by-products Are produced by gas
ranges, cook tops, water heaters, clothes dryers,
smokers, and internal combustion engines turned
on in enclosed spaces.
10. Introduction
• Household products and chemicals that
cause indoor air pollution include furniture
waxes, paint strippers, adhesives, cleaning
products, disinfectants, degreasers, and
cosmetics. Some of these products release
chemicals into the air during use, whereas
others emit chemicals as they age, dry, or cure;
this is known as out-gassing.
12. Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
• There are various ways to reduce indoor air
pollution and improve air quality. Increasing
ventilation and air exchange with the outside
will help prevent the accumulation or
reduce the amount of air pollutants indoors.
• Exhaust fans can be Installed in the kitchen
and bathrooms, and air filters such as high-
efficiency particulate air filters, which have
a carbon filter component, can be used.
14. Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
• Combustion appliances should be vented
directly to the outside and regularly
inspected, cleaned, and maintained.
• A by product of propane gas combustion is
carbon monoxide. The house should be well
ventilated when cooking or heating with
propane.
16. Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
• Use only wood products that are
formaldehyde-free or have low
formaldehyde emissions. Seal the surfaces of
wood products with surface finishes that are
water-based.
• Select low-emission building products and
carpets. Avoid household products that have
hazardous vapors, and do not store
hazardous products in the home.
18. House Plants help Clean Indoor Air
• While developing technologies that allow
humans to live in closed environments such
as the International Space Station, NASA
discovered that plants help reduce volatile
organic chemicals/compounds (VOCs) and can
be an efficient way to filter the air in living
compartments.
20. House Plants help Clean Indoor Air
• The Plants for Clean Air Council and wolverton
Environmental Services have tested different
houseplants for their ability to remove various toxic
gases such as formaldehyde, xylene/toluene, and
ammonia.
• Plants absorb volatile organic compounds from the air
into their leaves and then translocate them to their root
zone, where microbes break them down. Microorganisms
in the soil can use trace amounts of pollutants as a food
source.
• Some organic chemicals absorbed by plants from the air
are destroyed by the plant’s own biological processes.
23. House Plants help Clean Indoor Air
• Plants add aesthetic and biological comfort to
interior paces. When plants are added to
rooms, relative humidity can increase and
particulate matter (dust) accumulation can
decrease. Increasing relative humidity has a
relaxing effect on people, and removing dust aids
by reducing potentially allergy-inducing particles.
• Reducing particulate matter in a room may
also be beneficial to computers and other
electronic equipment by limiting the amount of
dust collecting on circuit boards and clogging.
25. House Plants help Clean Indoor Air
• During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is taken
in through plant foliage, and oxygen is
produced and released by The Plant as a by
product.
• At night or when no photosynthesis is taking
place, plants, like people, respire and Give off
carbon dioxide.
• Volatile photochemical released by plant
leaves appear to be important in controlling
airborne microbes and mold spores in
surrounding air.
27. House Plants help Clean Indoor Air
• Plants release water vapor via transpiration
through the leaves and into the air, raising
humidity.
• High transpiration rates create convection
currents that cause toxin-laden air to be pulled
down into the soil around the roots, where
microbes in the soil break down the gases into
a source of food and energy. Air also moves into
and out of leaf stomata (pore-like openings).
29. NASA List Of Best Air-Cleaning Plants
• NASA did a Clean Air Study, that found which
plants are effective at removing benzene,
formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and
ammonia from the air – chemicals that have
been linked to negative health effects like
headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, and others.
• Dr. B. C. Wolverton led the study about 27
years ago and although this research is quite
old, it is still regarded by many as the most
comprehensive and accurate to date.
37. The Air Cleaning Experiments
• Most people have heard at some point that
house plants are good for your health
because they can clean, filter and purify the
air of various toxins and pollutants.
• A lot of people know that this has been
proved by science, although most people don't
know about the actual studies or which plants
are best for the job.
39. The Air Cleaning Experiments
• The National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) began to think about
future life-support systems so humans could
live on the moon and other planets that the
ability of plants to filter and purify the air
was exposed in full detail.
41. The Air Cleaning Experiments
• NASA proposed that if humans travelled to
inhospitable planets then small biospheres would
need to exist in order to support them, much like a
spacecraft provides a suitable environment for its
passengers as they travel through space.
• The issue however was that at the time spacecrafts
could only be used for short periods due to the quick
build up volatile organic chemicals, coming both from
the people themselves as well as various equipment and
machinery used on the craft.
43. The Air Cleaning Experiments
• Between 1980 and 1984 NASA proved plants in
sealed test chambers that were exposed to
volatile organic chemicals could remove them
from the air. Including formaldehyde which is
found in, or used to produce, a multitude of
everyday products, from fabrics and furniture to
tobacco smoke and gas stoves.
• In 1984 people were very excited by NASA's
findings and as a result they funded significant
research looking at house plants and their air
purifying abilities.
45. The Air Cleaning Experiments
• Dr Bill Wolverton was one of the scientists
brought on board to help research and
study the effects of houseplants on air
quality in contained spaces and produced
some of the most popular and commonly
referenced research papers about the topic.
47. The List of 50 Plants
• The list is ranked in order of plant
effectiveness in a typical home according to
Dr Wolverton. So the 1st plant in the list
(Areca Palm) is the most effective and the 50th
(Kalanchoe) is the least
48. The Areca Palm
The Areca Palm
• The Areca Palm or Butterfly Palm is a
relatively easy care indoor houseplant that has
much going for it. Its attractive nature has been
awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's
Award of Garden Merit, which for a plant
grown more commonly indoors than out, is a
pretty rare feat.
49. The Areca Palm
• The Areca Palm took first place among 50
plants that were tested for their ability to
filter the air around scoring highly in all
categories meaning it was ranked the best
houseplant at cleaning the air in homes and
offices
50. The Areca Palm
• Benefits: It is known for being one of the
better performers in purifying the air.
52. Lady Palm (Rhapis Excelsa)
• The lady palm, or Rhapis excelsa, is a small
fan palm that can do exceedingly well
indoors under the right conditions.
• The lady palm, sometimes called the
bamboo palm or miniature fan palm, is the
best suited of all the fan palms to indoor
cultivation.
53. Lady Palm (Rhapis Excelsa)
• Bamboo Palm is a useful indoor palm
because its adaptability to the environment,
exotic look and anti-pollutant abilities.
• It is very common in malls, offices, homes
and courtyards. The slow-growing, small
palms are ideal for shaded borders and as
indoor potted plants. The bamboo palm
provides attractive foliage for outdoor beds
and borders.
55. Lady Palm (Rhapis Excelsa)
• Benefits: According to NASA, it removes
formaldehyde (carcinogen, cancer-causing
substance associated with most chemicals,
plastics, cigarettes and off-gasing) and is also
said to act as a natural humidifier.
56. The Rubber Tree Plant
• The Rubber Plant could be the houseplant
for you if you want a tough plant which can
reach staggering heights within a few years.
While its size can still be tamed some what,
you have to keep in mind it will eventually
require a certain amount of space.
58. The Rubber Tree Plant
• Rubber Plant as one of the very best
houseplants to clean the air.
• It also scores really well with resistance to
pests and diseases and has a high
transpiration rate which increases the
humidity of the room it lives in.
60. The Rubber Tree Plant
• While rubber plants (Ficus robusta) are grown
as easy-care houseplants, they also improve
indoor air quality, according to studies
conducted by NASA. Their large leaves can
absorb airborne chemicals and break them down,
rendering them harmless.
• They absorb exhaled carbon dioxide and
convert it to breathable oxygen. Rubber plants
also eliminate bacteria and mold spores in the
air.
61. Dracaena Janet Craig
• Janet Craig is one of the most popular
Draceanas used indoors, likely due to it’s
ability to grow in low light and tolerate
considerable dryness.
63. Dracaena Janet Craig
• Dracaenas are one of the plants used in the
NASA Clean Air Study and has shown to
help remove Formaldehyde.
64. Dracaena Janet Craig
• The Dracaena (or Dracaena deremensis)
places fifth on NASA’s ranking. According
to data it can remove Formaldehyde, at a rate
of 1,328 micrograms per hour. It also removes
Xylene.
65. English Ivy
• English Ivy or Hendera Helix (which comes from
Ancient Greek meaning "twist or "turn") is a very easy
house plant to grow indeed, English Ivy is also one of
the top plants to filter the air in your home or office.
• It's likely to be one of the best plants to choose if you
want something which clambers over various surfaces
and can quickly cover bare surroundings without any
help.
• It also looks good in a hanging basket and can be
trained up a moss stick with minimal fuss making it
a versatile plant.
67. English Ivy
• English ivy plant provide a solution for
allergic reactions” sixty percent of air based
mold within the space can be removed after
just six hrs right after English ivy had been
introduced.
• People that have allergies, asthma, or even
the desire to inhale cleaner, more fresh air
might be wise to get English ivy plant.
69. Ficus "Alii" (Ficus macleilandii)
Ficus Alii (Ficus maclellandii “Alii”)
• With its ability to help purify the air, ease of
growth, and resistance to pests, this large,
attractive plant is an excellent choice for the
home or office.
71. Boston Fern
• The Boston Fern is one of many ferns that is
suitable for indoor use as a houseplant.
"Boston Fern" which was introduced in 1894,
are much more popular due to their
adaptability to warmer homes
73. Boston Fern
• It's also one of the top rated plants for
removing air pollutants from the air and
because of its almost insatiable appetite for
water it pumps out large amounts of water
vapor into the nearby air, thereby
increasing humidity.
74. Peace Lily
• The NASA study focuses on common air pollutants that
tend to be given off by manmade materials. These are
chemicals that become trapped in the air in enclosed
spaces and can be bad for your health if breathed in too
much.
• One of these chemicals is Benzene, which can be
naturally given off by gasoline, paint, rubber, tobacco
smoke, detergent, and a variety of synthetic fibers.
• Another is Trichloroethylene, which can be found in
paint, lacquer, glue, and varnish. In other words, it’s
commonly given off by furniture.
75. Peace Lily
• Peace lilies have been found to be very
good at removing these two chemicals
from the air. They absorb the pollutants
from the air through their leaves, then
send them to their roots, where they’re
broken down by microbes in the soil. So
this makes using peace lily plants for air
purification in the home a definite plus.
77. The Yellow Corn Plant
The Yellow Corn Plant
• This very popular houseplant often goes by the
name Corn Plant, or by its official Latin name
of Dracaena fragrans. it may also be known
as Dracaena massangeana.
• Corn Plant shows shiny good looking leaves
and removal various indoor air toxins.
79. Pothos
Pothos
• The pothos plant, or Epipremnum aureum, is
a common hanging, climbing plant that’s
found in many homes today, but two of its
greatest health benefits are relatively
unknown.
• Pothos cleans the air in the room where it’s
growing, and it helps relax the eyes when you’re
feeling congested or if they’re just a little
irritated. It also helps treat and prevent ocular
hypertension, cataracts, and glaucoma.
81. (Kimberley Queen fern)
• This fern originated in Australia, but is
relatively easy to Kimberly Queen Fern
Plant Features Bold and beautiful, Kimberly
queen fern (also called sword fern because the
fronds are straight and narrow) is easy to grow.
Kimberly Queen Fern
83. Kimberly Queen Fern
• Kimberley Queen is better suited to an
indoor environment. This fern is also as
effective at removing toxins as the Boston
fern.
• Highly effective for the removal of
formaldehyde and alcohols.
• High transpiration rate makes it a natural
humidifier.
84. Pot Mum
• The Pot Mum or Florist's Mum is a classic
houseplant often brought as a present at
Christmas, Easter or Mothering Sunday.
• In some parts of the world it's given to a
person as a symbolism of motherhood, for
example shortly after the recipient has given
birth
86. Pot Mum
• This is one of the very best houseplants for
removing formaldehyde, benzene and
ammonia from the atmosphere surrounding
it.
87. Gerbera Jamesonii
• The Gerbera Daisy or Transvaal Daisy is a pot
plant that is related to the familiar white and
yellow daisies that you find growing outside in
the lawn.
• The gerbera daisy was included in the early
NASA studies and is extremely effective in
removing chemical vapours such as benzene
from the air.
• Its colourful display, high transpiration rate
and ability to cleanse the air of toxic gases
make this a highly valued seasonal indoor
plant.
89. Dracaena "Warneckei" (Dracaena dermensis)
Dracaena Plant
• Dracaena (Dracaena spp.) plants provide
exotic, landscape shrubs.
• Dracaenas can grow rather large, which isn't a
problem outdoors, but it is for most owners of
this plant.
91. Dracaena "Warneckei" (Dracaena dermensis)
Dracaena Plant
• Dozens of dracaena (Dracaena spp.) varieties
are found at green public spaces such as
shopping centers, airports and office
landscapes.
• Dracaena remove toxins from the air.
92. Dragon Trees
• Dracaena Marginata or the Madagascar
Dragon Tree is just one of many houseplants
belonging to the Dracaena Group.
• The common name is a combination of its
native origin, "Madagascar" and its more
famous cousin Dracaena Draco (meaning
Dragon) well known for its tendency to ooze
red blood like resin when cut giving it an
"alive" quality.
96. Red Emerald Philodendron
• “Red Emerald”. This is the red variety
of the Philodendron erubescens and is a
climbing, tropical plant.
• The plant is characterised by thin, wine-red
colored stalks and green, glossy leaves.
98. Red Emerald Philodendron
• The Red Emerald Philodendron is one of the
most common vining types of houseplants.
Vining philodendrons are among the easiest
philodendrons to care for and are leaders in
removing toxic gases from indoor
environment.
100. Syngonium Podophyllum
Syngonium podophyllum
• The Syngonium podophyllum also known as
Nephthytis or Arrowhead plant is a hardy
houseplant. Syngonium plants are not just
decorative, they have the ability to cleanse the air
for you, breathe and act as anti-pollutants.
• These plants can reduce components of indoor
air pollution, even volatile organic compounds
such as benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and
xylene. They also reduce airborne microbes
and increase humidity.
101. Syngonium Podophyllum
• Researchers from NASA and other
organizations have approved this plant as an
air purifier, and it tops the list.
• Syngoniums absorb pollutants into their
leaves, and the toxins go to the root zone
where they are transformed into nutrients for
the plant.
103. Deffenbachia
(Dumb Cane / Leopard Lily)
• Dieffenbachia or (to use its common name) Dumb
Cane has a bad reputation The truth is that Dumb
Canes are poisonous, however it rarely kills human or
animal.
• All parts of the plant have lots and lots of microscope
needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals and when some
unfortunate animal (or person) chows down, they end
up with a painful and swollen mouth.
• In some cases the swelling is so bad it causes the
victim to go silent for inability to talk, this is where
the common name of Dumb Cane came from.
104. Deffenbachia
(Dumb Cane / Leopard Lily)
• NASA tests confirm that plants clean
formaldehyde and other toxins from the air.
We have formaldehyde in our homes from
paper towels, garbage bags, tissues, carpet
backing, and floor coverings.
• Dieffenbachia removes not only
formaldehyde, but also xylene and toluene -
two other pollutants.
107. The Parlour Palm
• The Parlour Palm, or Parlor Palm in
America, or by its latin name of Neanthe bella
is one of the most sought after indoor palms
around today. Being effective at cleaning the
air and making it on to NASA's list of 50
Indoor plants that clean the air.
110. Weeping Fig
• The Ficus Benjamina or as it's more
commonly known, the Weeping Fig, is a
common indoor houseplant which comes in
multiple different looks and styles.
• For example it can be grown as a tall bushy
indoor plant, as a tall indoor tree with
leafless braided trunks or even as a short
pot plant. You may also come across this plant
being grown happily as a Bonsai Tree.
112. Weeping Fig
• The leaves on the all green variety are
unremarkable and the Weeping Fig is not a
flowering houseplant, so its main attraction is
the overall shape and elegant appearance
that it creates. With reasonable care, you can
have a tree-like indoor plant which is both
grand and impressive but at the same time
graceful and tranquil.
114. Weeping Fig
• Weeping Figs tend to be reasonably priced
and are frequently stocked anywhere that
houseplants are sold.
• It's also an excellent plant to have around if
you suffer from poor indoor air quality as it
cleans and filters the air of harmful pollutants.
115. Umbrella Plant
(Schefflera / Heptapleurum )
• The Umbrella Plant (Schefflera or Heptapleurum) is
another houseplant which goes by many names
including the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Parasol Plant
and Octopus Tree.
• The Schefflerlla with its attractive, glossy green
leaves will fit nicely in your indoor garden to
complement your home decor.
• It requires little care, and will easily live and grow for
as long as 20 years. In addition to its decorative
qualities, the umbrella plant is beneficial for your
health because it rids your indoor air of toxins.
117. Wax Begonia
(Begonia Semperflorens)
• Begonias are perhaps one of the most
enduring and traditional houseplants you'll
come across. They're easily loved but can
equally be hated for being "old fashioned
plants Grandmother used to grow".
Regardless, for the most part they're easy
going, tolerant and somewhat forgiving of
occasional poor care.
119. Wax Begonia
(Begonia Semperflorens)
The Wax Begonia, (Begonia semperflorens), thrives
in very sunny areas of your home, and produces
attractive clusters of red, white, or pink flowers
during the summer months.
• This plant is believed to be excellent at filtering out
benzene, other chemicals, produced by toluene, a
liquid within some adhesives and waxes.
• For purer air in your home, nothing can beat the natural
air-cleaning attributes of these amazing plants.
• When you use them in conjunction with a whole
house fan to help improve your ventilation, their
effects can be even further intensified.
120. Lacy-Tree Philodendron
• Philodendron bipinnatifidum (common names: lacy
tree philodendron, selloum) is a plant that belongs
to the family Araceae and subgenus Meconostigma,
one of three subgenera within the genus
Philodendron. The commonly used name
Philodendron selloum
122. Heart-Leaf Philodendron
(Philodendron Oxycardium)
Heart leaf Philodendrons are some of the
most popular indoor plants we use in homes
and offices because they thrive on neglect and
are almost impossible to kill. Another great
plus, Philodendron Plants remove air-born
toxins such as formaldehyde from the air.
124. Mother-in-Law's Tongue
or Snake Plant
• Sansevieria, or the Mother-in-Law's Tongue
/ Snake Plant as it's commonly known is a
truly remarkable and striking easy care house
plant.
126. Mother-in-Law's Tongue
or Snake Plant
• A lot of people believe the name comes from
"Sand Snake", with its cacti like properties and
appearance of a rising snake it's not hard to see
why.
127. Mother-in-Law's Tongue
or Snake Plant
• Mother-in-Law's Tongue is known as "the
bedroom plant." While most plants take
away oxygen at night, this one gives off
oxygen at night.
• The plant also filters formaldehyde,
trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and
benzene from the air.
128. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia camilla)
• Dieffenbachia has come a long way since its
origin in the jungles of Brazil. The plant was
originally a tall, bare stalk with a tuft of foliage
at the top.
• This lovely plant lasts eight to 15 years with
proper care and works well with most
decors.
130. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia camilla)
• All Dieffenbachia hybrids contain calcium
oxalate crystals that may irritate mucus
membranes.
• Chewing the stems causes the throat and
tongue to swell making speech impossible,
thus the name “dumb cane.” Suffocation
may result from severe swelling. The sap
from the leaves and stems is poisonous to
cats.
131. Elephant Ear Philodendron
• This vining type of philodendron with long,
arrow-shaped leaves, prefers warmth,
moisture and indirect light.
• Although not a climber, the slow-growing
Elephant ear philodendron needs a support for
proper self-expression.
133. Norfolk Island Pine
(Araucaria heterophylla)
Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
Norfolk Island pine trees (Araucaria
heterophylla) are commonly used as those
cute, little houseplant Christmas trees that
you can buy around the holidays.
135. King of Hearts
(Homalomena wallisii)
• The King of Hearts is as attractive as it is
proficient at removing ammonia from the
atmosphere.
• It is not the easiest plant to maintain, but
enthusiasts hope that one day a cultivar able to
withstand a reasonable amount of neglect will
grace the living rooms of all beginner plant
caretakers all over the place.
137. Prayer Plant
(Maranta leuconeura “Kerchoveana”)
• The endearing Prayer Plant hailing from South America
is a unique specimen to behold with its distinctive rows
of brown to dark-green lines crossing its leaf midribs.
• As dusk approaches, the light-green leaves fold
upwards, giving the plant the appearance of praying.
Actually, the plant is closing its leaves to conserve
moisture. The Prayer Plant is a great addition to your
room or office as a unique conversation piece.
• A small and compact houseplant, the Prayer Plant is
ideal for humid kitchen windowsills without any
draft, or in any spot that does not fluctuate in
temperature too much.
140. The Dwarf Banana
• Dwarf Banana plants are found growing in
parts of Asia for mass cultivation and they are
sometimes grown as tall specimen plants in
gardens at the back of borders to add a touch
of the tropics.
142. The Dwarf Banana
• Although true Banana plants are far too large
for any house, the Dwarf Musa Banana, or
Dwarf Cavendish, fits right in.
• They can of course be grown in other rooms
of the house, but a conservatory is an ideal
situation, often giving humid, bright and
spacious living accommodation which this
plant craves and ultimately needs in order to
do well.
144. Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus - Schlumbergera Buckleyi.
• No wonder almost every one who comes across
this houseplant just calls it the "Christmas
Cactus" or "Thanksgiving Cactus". And if you
have come across this plant, you won't forget
either of them in a hurry. With their attention
grabbing large and vibrant, but elegant, flowers
they leave a lasting impression.
• Unlike most plants, removes carbon dioxide at
night and releases oxygen during the day.
Perfect while your sleeping.
146. Easter Cactus
• The Easter Cactus is similar in appearance to its
Christmas counterpart, but the Easter Cactus
blooms in the spring and its arched branches do
not droop as drastically.
• both varieties of cacti have the unusual
characteristic of removing carbon dioxide and
releasing oxygen into the atmosphere at night
(which is the opposite of most plants, except for
the Snake Plant).
• Next to the Poinsettia, the Christmas Cactus is the
second most popular indoor flowering houseplant
for the holiday season.
148. Ellen Danika
(Cissus rhombifolia “Ellen Danika”)
• This vining plant, particularly the compact cultivar
“Ellen Danika”, is a popular sight in hanging
baskets in public buildings. It is easy to grow and can
withstand a bit of office-level neglect.
• This ivy likes a trellis and is a fast-growing air-
purifying plant. The larger the plant and the more
space the plant has to climb, the greater the surface
area of its leaves and the greater potential for
filtering the air. To maintain the plant’s thickness and
prevent a straggly appearance, pinch off growing tips
every so often.
150. Lily Turf
Lily Turf (Liriope spicata)
• You might recognize Lily Turf from other
popular scenery, such as in outdoor displays
as border grass, as edging for rock gardens,
and in various extensive uses by commercial
interior plant-scapers.
• A good plant to have around if you need to
remove excess ammonia from the air.
152. Dendrobium Orchid
Dendrobium Orchid (Dendrobium sp.)
• Orchids absorb carbon dioxide and release
oxygen at night, the opposite of most plants.
Dendrobiums are moderately effective at
removing alcohols, acetone, formaldehyde
and chloroform from the atmosphere.
154. Spider Plant
(Chlorophytum comosum)
• Spider Plants, or Chlorophytum, are timeless
and easy to look after houseplants that
originate from the tropical and southern
regions of Africa. They are potentially one of
the easiest and rewarding indoor plants you
can grow.
156. Spider Plant
(Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Even if you tend to neglect houseplants, you’ll
have a hard time killing this resilient plant.
With lots of rich foliage and tiny white flowers,
the spider plant battles benzene, formaldehyde,
carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in
the leather, rubber and printing industries. As
an added bonus, this plant is also considered a
safe houseplant if you have pets in the house.
(Find more houseplants that are safe for pets.)
158. Chinese Evergreen
(Aglaonema Crispum)
• Aglaonema is an easy care indoor plant. It
can be maintained at the lower light levels
often found in the typical home or office
environment.
160. Chinese Evergreen
(Aglaonema Crispum)
• Known for thriving in low light conditions, the
Chinese evergreen is not particularly
conducive to temperatures lower than 13
degrees celcius. It helps in removal of chemical
vapours from indoor environments.
161. The Anthurium
• A number of Anthurium species have started to become
quite trendy of late, tending to appear more frequently in
many shops and nurseries.
• They're not the cheapest houseplants you can purchase,
especially if compared with the other indoor plants you
may find situated nearby. However despite the price tag
they're certainly exotic and striking and arguably well worth
the money.
• The flowers are long lasting and it's not unusual for an
Anthurium to be in almost continuous flower. With the
bright waxy tough flowers hovering above the
contrasting dark green leaves for months on end they
certainly have many fans.
163. The Anthurium
• Their large, dark leaves suck up ammonia,
formaldehyde, toluene and xylene, so
they're a thoughtful present for a workplace
(especially around copiers, printers or
adhesive.
165. Crotons, Codiaeum variegatum
• With its magnificent foliage in rich autumn
colors, a garden croton exudes in living
spaces comfort and good mood.
• The wonderful varieties of Codiaeum
variegatum, with the impressively ornamental
leaves, act also as an invigorating air freshener.
No wonder that the tropical, evergreen
ornamental plant is at the top of the list of
the most popular indoor plants.
167. Poinsettia
• Poinsettia is Christmas, or at least for the
majority of people who purchase this seasonal
easy and beautiful houseplant. The red and
green of the plant are perfect traditional
Christmas colours so suit multiple colour
schemes at this time of year.
• Vivid reds and strongly contrasting dark green
leaves are the most popular leaf colours you will
come across, but if you search a bit harder you
can find other named varieties of Poinsettia such
as "Premium Apricot", "Cinnamon Star" and "Ice
Punch".
169. Dwarf Azalea
(Rhododendron simsii "Compacta")
Dwarf Azalea
• The beauty of dwarf azaleas is that they
bloom on and off all year - even in shadier
areas - staying small and manageable.
• Dwarf shrubs like the popular Red Ruffle
azalea work well in almost any kind of light,
and are especially appealing in a formal
landscape.
171. Calathea
(Peacock Plant / Zebra Plant / Rattlesnake Plant)
• When Calathea is grown as a house plant it
sometimes goes by the name Peacock Plant, Zebra
Plant or Rattlesnake Plant because of its leaf
markings, but it's much more common to stick to its
latin name of Calathea.
173. Calathea
(Peacock Plant / Zebra Plant / Rattlesnake Plant)
• Calathea is a special, highly-decorative houseplant with
colourful, variegated foliage.
• Calathea is a houseplant that really purifies the air, so it is a
true eye-catcher in every interior that also makes a
contribution to a better and healthier indoor climate.
• Calathea is also special for another reason: it closes its
leaves at night and opens them again in the morning. This
is the reason why Calathea is also called the ‘living plant’.
174. Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera)
• The Aloe plant is one of the more commonly
known houseplants because of the Aloe Vera
gel you find inside its leaves.
• There are several different types of Aloe
Vera plants you can buy and even more
types of Aloe available.
• The majority make good houseplants, and
grow very fast when compared to other
succulents
176. Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera)
• Aloe Vera is a succulent, perennial plant
that has the ability to filter benzene and
formaldehyde. There are about 250 varieties
you can choose from. It is easy-to-grow and
requires a lot of sunlight.
177. Cyclamen Persicum
(Florist's Cyclamen)
• The indoor Cyclamen otherwise known as the
Florist's Cyclamen is truly a special looking
houseplant, the flowers are not only striking,
pretty and colorful but full of poise and
elegance.
179. Aechmea Fasciata
(Urn Plant / Silver Vase Plant)
• The Aechmeas are traditional Bromeliads,
with the Urn Plant or Silver Vase Plant being
one of the most popular and well known.
• It has leathery tough arched leaves,
blotched silver and sea green that overlap
into a rosette forming a watertight "vase"
or "urn" which gives rise to its common
name.
181. Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid)
The Moth Orchid Rise to Fame
• The Moth Orchid, Phalaenopsis or Phal's
are very well known house plants and easily
recognised today and have arguably done more
to raise the popularity of orchids in general
than any other genus.
183. Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
(Flaming Katy)
• Kalanchoe blossfeldiana often goes by the
shortened name of Kalanchoe or by its more
common names of Flaming Katy, derived
from its colorful and vibrant blooms
185. Conclusion
• In an office or home, plants can have a profound
influence On peoples’ psychological well-being.
• It has been shown that plants in living and work
spaces have a measurable beneficial effect on people.
• Benefits that have been documented where plants
are added to the workplace include improved
employee morale, increased productivity, and
reduced absenteeism. In addition to plants adding
beauty to a room and making it an inviting place,
research has found that when people are near or
tending plants, they feel relaxed and calm.
187. Conclusion
• Health and discomfort symptoms were
found These positive factors also need to be
considered in the selection of appropriate
house plants to be lower when indoor plants
were present..
189. Conclusion
• Not all houseplants have been tested for
their ability to clean indoor air. Of those
tested, not all have proven equally effective.
It cannot be assumed that all harmful
pollutants can be removed by houseplants.
While houseplants are not a “total solution” to
improving indoor air quality, they should not
be overlooked as an aid in creating interior
spaces conducive to the health of those who
occupy them.
190. References
Air Purifying plants-A Global Perspective
• https://www.slideshare.net/PPRCayur/air-purifying-plants
Air Cleaning Plants –NASA
• http://www.boredpanda.com/best-air-filtering-houseplants-nasa/
Improving Indoor Air Quality with Plant-Based Systems
• http://landscapeontario.com/attach/1301596722.Improving_Indoor_Air_Quality_with_Plan
t-Based_Systems.pdf
NASA Guide to Air filtering house plants
• https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19930073077.pdf
Using Houseplants To Clean Indoor Air
• https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/of-39.pdf
50 Plants that Clean the Air in your Home or Office
• http://www.ourhouseplants.com/guides/50-plants-that-clean-the-air