Almost all of us in the region spend most of our time in air-conditioned rooms. If you are one of those who lament the fact that that you cannot open windows or doors to let the fresh air in, do not despair say the experts at IKEA. Read on for which plants to get so you can enjoy and clean up the air inside.
In 1989, NASA did a study and released a list of plants that can clean the air in space stations. The results suggested that these plants, in addition to converting carbon dioxide to oxygen, can also provide a natural means of removing toxic materials such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. An average of one plant per room works well, although you can go higher.
What’s more, IKEA has a lovely range of planters, holders and pots that will add some elegant touches to your room as well!
Here are our top 4 favourite indoor plants:
1. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Mill)
This is a top favourite because of its healing properties.
The gel inside the leaves of the aloe vera is great for healing cuts and burns.
This easy-to-grow plant helps remove benzene – commonly found in paints and chemical cleaners – from the air.
2. Money plant (Epipremnum Aureum)
The Golden Pothos is a popular houseplant in the temperate regions, and is known by a multitude of names including Devil’s Ivy or Silver Vine. This plant, which is very hard to kill, works very well at eliminating formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
This visually appealing plant can not only add an aesthetic touch to your home, but can improve the air quality by nearly 60 per cent!
It absorbs mould spores through its leaves and uses them as food.
It would also be a great addition to your bathroom to protect your tiles and curtains from mildew.
It can also absorb harmful vapours from alcohol and acetone.
4. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English Ivy is considered an ideal pot plant as it is quite invasive by nature and spreads fast. It is particularly useful in the elimination of airborne faecal matter, and absorbs carcinogens from second-hand smoke. It is a great plant for houses that have pets or for a family of smokers.
A word of caution: some of these plants can be poisonous if consumed, so if you have pets or kids, please check what’s suitable for you before you start planting.
